[Chemical Engineering Laboratory 2]

EXPERIMENT 5: SERIES AND PARALLEL PUMP

Candidate’s Name: GONG WEE JIE

Student ID: SCM-023815
1. Group Member’s Name: 1) Marie Rachel Chan Chee Mei
2) Sabrina Najwa bt Termizi

3) Steffi Untin Reginald Iggan

4) Shahrukh Ahmed

5) Mohammad Hussain

Lecturer/ Supervisor: Dr Yap Pow Seng

Date of Submission: 25/02/2014
1.0 Objective

The main objective of this experiment is to show the basic operation and characteristic
of centrifugal pump and to differentiate the flow rate and pressure head of a single
pump and of two identical pumps that is running in series or parallel. The graphs of
pressure different vs. flow rate for single, series and parallel pump operation is to be
obtained from the experiment. The pump head and volumetric flow rate of single pump
with series and parallel pump operation are compared from the results obtained from
the experiment.
2.0 Introduction

Centrifugal pump converts mechanical energy from a motor to energy of a moving fluid
and is one the commonly used pumps for transferring liquids. In this experiment, flow
rates and pressure head of a single pump and two identical pump that are running in
series and parallel are observed and recorded. Two pumps connected through a pipe
work that allows them to be operated individually either in series or in parallel. When
identical pumps are in series the pressure head is doubled but the flow rate remains
constant. This is useful when high pressure is required but the same flow rate of a single
pump is sufficient. On the other hand, when pumps are running in parallel the flow is
increased and the pressure head generated is about the same as a single pump.

There are two general classifications of pump: positive displacement and

dynamic. Only Horizontal Single Stage Centrifugal pump ( P1) and (P2) in different
arrangement-single, parallel and serial are operated in this experiment.
2.1 Horizontal Single Stage Centrifugal Pump

Centrifugal pumps have two major components: housing (also called casing) and
impeller that consist of a number of curved blades that is connected to the rotating
driveshaft.

The prime mover rotates the driveshaft and it creates very low pressure in the
centre opening hence the fluid in drawn into the centre opening( called the eye) of
housing. The fluid is pushed radially along the impeller to the casing. As energy is added to
the fluid by rotating blades, the pressure and the velocity increase until the fluid reaches
the outer tip of the impeller. The fluid then enters the volute-shaped housing where the

increase in flow area causes the velocity to decrease. This is followed by decrease in
kinetic energy and subsequently increase in pressure.

The volute-shaped housing also provides a continuous increase in flow area in the
direction of flow to produce a uniform velocity as the fluid moves around the outer
portion of housing and discharge opening.

Although centrifugal pumps provide smooth, continuous flow, their flow rate
output (also called discharge) is reducing as the external resistance is increase. In fact,
by closing a system valve (thereby creating theoretically infinite external system
resistance) even while the pump is running at design speed, it is possible to stop pump
output flow completely. In such a case, no harm occurs to the pump unless this no-flow
condition occurs over extended period with resulting excessive fluid temperature build
up. Thus pressure relief valves are not needed. The tips of the impeller blade merely
shear to through the liquid, and the rotational speed maintains a fluid pressure
corresponding to the centrifugal force established. Figure 2 shows the cutaway of a
centrifugal pump.
2.2 Pump Head versus Flow rate Curves for Centrifugal Pumps

Figure 3 shows pump head versus flow rate curves for a centrifugal pump. The solid
curve shows the rate for water, whereas the dashed curve is for a more viscous fluid
such as oil. From Figure 3, using a fluid having a higher viscosity than water results in a
smaller flow rate at a fixed pump head.

Figure 3 Pump Head versus Flow rate Curves for Centrifugal Pump for water and for a
more viscous liquid

The maximum head produced by a centrifugal pump is called pump shutoff head
because an external system valve is closed and there is no flow. As the external system
resistance decrease, the flow rate increases at the expense of reduced pump head.
2.2.2 Performance Characteristic Curves for Centrifugal Pumps

Figure 5 shows these three curves plotted on the same graph. As the flow rate
increases from zero, the efficiency increases from zero until it reaches maximum, and
then it decreases as the maximum flow rate is approached. The point where the
maximum efficiency occurs is the best efficiency point (BEP), and the corresponding
flow rate is the design flow rate. Maximum efficiency values for centrifugal pump
typically range from 60% to 80%.

2.3 Centrifugal pump connected in Parallel

Connecting two pumps in parallel as shown in Figure 4 can provide higher flow rates.
The effective two-pump performance curve is obtained by adding the flow rates of each
pump at the same head. When two pumps are connected in parallel, the operating
points shift from A to B, providing not only increased flow rate as required but also
slightly greater head. Figure 6 shows identical pumps, but the pumps do not have to be
the same.

Figure 4 Two centrifugal pumps connected in parallel

2.4 Centrifugal pump connected in series

Two pumps connected in series can provide higher head than a single pump , as shown
in Figure 5. The effective two-pump performance curve is obtained by adding the head
of each pump at the same flow rate. As, shown, the operating point shifts from A to B,
thereby providing not only increased head as required but also greater flow. Figure 5
shows identical pumps, but the pumps do not have to be the same.

Figure 5 Two centrifugal pumps connected in series

3.0 Apparatus

Figure 6 Equipment Assembly

3.1Specifications

The unit consists of the followings:

a) Pumps v
2 units of Horizontal Single Stage Centrifugal Pump (PI) and (P2) Flow rate : 20-
90 LPM Head : 20.7-15 m Max. Head: 22 m

b) Circulation Tank
Transparent acrylic water tank is provided to supply water to PI and P2.

c) Flow rate and pump head

All gauges and meters are provided in a way for easy viewing and data
collection.

d) Process piping
The process piping is made of industrial PVC pipes. Valves used are non-ferrous
to minimize rust and corrosion.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 700 mm Width:
650 mm Depth: 1100
mm

General Requirements
Electrical: 240 VAC, 1-phase, 50Hz Water :
Clean tap water.

Figure 7 Process Diagram for Serial / Parallel Pump Test Unit

3.2 Commissioning Procedures
1. Equipment is installed according to Section 3.1.
2. Check that all valves are initially closed.
3. The sump tank is filled with clean water until the water level is sufficient to
cover the return flow pipe.
4. The pumps are tested according to Section 5.1.
5. Pumps, flow meter and the gauges are checked to ensure they are working
properly.
6. pumps are turned off after the commissioning.

4.0 PROCEDURES

4.1 General Start-up Procedures

Before the experiment is conducted, it is necessary to inspect to avoid any malfunction

of the equipment.

1. The circulation tank is filled with water up to at least the end of the pipe output
is submerged with water.
2. The V5 is in partial opened position.
3. The main power supply is switched on.
4. The appropriate pump is selected by referring to table 1 and the valve position is
checked.
 Table 1 Valve Position for General Start

Pump Operation Running Pump Open Valve Close Valve

Single Pump 1, PI 1,4 2,3

Serial Both Pump, PI &P2 1,3 2,4

Parallel Both Pump, PI &P2 1,2,4 3

5. Turn on pump and slowly open V5 until maximum flow rate is achieved as shown
in Table 2.

Table 2 Flow Rates of Pump

Orientation Minimum Flow Rate(LPM) Maximum Flow Rate(LPM)

Single 20 90

Series 20 90

Parallel 40 180

4.2 General Shut-down Procedures

1. Pump is turned off.
2. Valve V5 is in fully closed position.
3. Main power supply is switched off.

4.3 Experiment 1: Single Pump Operation

Objective: Single pump operation with variable flow rate
 Table 3 Equipment Set Up of Experiment 1

Fully Close valve Fully Open Valve Variable parameter Pump ON

2&3 1& 4 Valve 5 Pump 1

Procedures:

1. The equipment is set up following the settings.

2. Valve V5 is slowly opened until the flow rate reaches 20 LPM.
3. Pressure reading on the pressure indicator is observed. Flow rate and
pressure value is recorded when stable condition is achieved.
4. Observation is repeated by increasing the flow rate with increment by 10 LPM
until the flow rate reaches 90 LPM.
4.4 Experiment 2: Series Pump Operation
Objective: Series pump operation with variable flow rate

Table 4 Equipment Set Up of Experiment 2

Fully Close valve Fully Open Valve Variable parameter Pump ON

2,4 1,3 Valve 5 Both Pump

Procedures:

1. The equipment is set up following the settings.

2. Valve V5 is slowly opened until the flow rate reaches 20 LPM.
3. Pressure reading on the pressure indicator is observed. Flow rate and
pressure value is recorded when stable condition is achieved.
4. Observation is repeated by increasing the flow rate with increment by 10 LPM
until the flow rate reaches 90 LPM.
4.5 Experiment 3: Parallel Pump Operation
Objective: Parallel pump operation with variable flow rate

Table 5Equipment Set Up of Experiment 2

Fully Close valve Fully Open Valve Variable parameter Pump ON

3 1,2 & 4 Valve 5 Both Pump

Procedures:

1. The equipment is set up following the settings.

2. Valve V5 is slowly opened until the flow rate reaches 40 LPM.
3. Pressure reading on the pressure indicator is observed. Flow rate and
pressure value is recorded when stable condition is achieved.
4. Observation is repeated by increasing the flow rate with an increment of 20
LPM until the flow rate reaches 180 LPM.
5.0 Results

Table 6 result of experiment 1

Rotameter Digital Digital Digital Digital Analog Analog
(FL1)LPM pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure
Gauge 1 Gauge 2 Gauge 1 Gauge 2 Gauge 1 Gauge 2
(DPL 1) Bar (DPL 2) (DPL 1) (DPL 2) (APL 1) (APL 2)
Bar kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2
20 1.05 3.08 1.07 3.14 0.00 2.1
30 1.05 3.02 1.07 3.08 0.00 2.1
40 1.05 2.97 1.07 3.03 0.00 2.0
50 1.04 2.91 1.06 2.97 0.00 2.0
60 1.03 2.82 1.05 2.88 0.00 1.8
70 1.03 2.74 1.05 2.79 0.00 1.8
80 1.02 2.65 1.04 2.70 0.00 1.7
90 1.01 2.55 1.03 2.60 0.00 1.6

Rotameter Digital pressure difference Analog pressure

(FL1)LPM (Gauge 2-gauge 1) difference (Gauge 2-
kgf/cm2 gauge 1) kgf/cm2

20 2.07 2.10
30 2.01 2.10
40 1.96 2.00
50 1.91 2.00
60 1.83 1.80
70 1.74 1.80
80 1.66 1.70
90 1.57 1.60
 Graph of pressure difference
(gauge 2- gauge1) vs flowrate
2.5
pressure difference (kgf/cm^2)

1.5
Digital pressure difference (
1 gauge 4 - gauge 1)
Analog pressure difference
0.5 (gauge 4- gauge 1)
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Florate (LPM)

Graph experiment 1
 Table 7 result of experiment 2

Rotameter Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Analog Analog Analog
(FM 1) LPM pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure
Gauge 1 Gauge 3 Gauge 4 Gauge 1 Gauge 3 Gauge4 gauge 1 gauge 3 gauge 4
(DPL 1) (DPL 3) (DPL 4) (DPL 1) (DPL 3) (DPL4) (APL 1) (APL 3) (APL 4)
Bar Bar Bar kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2

20 1.05 3.06 5.00 1.07 3.12 5.10 0.00 2.10 4.20

30 1.05 3.01 4.91 1.07 3.07 5.01 0.00 2.10 4.18
40 1.04 2.94 4.78 1.06 3.00 4.87 0.00 2.00 4.00
50 1.04 2.88 4.67 1.06 2.94 4.76 0.00 1.90 3.90
60 1.03 2.80 4.50 1.05 2.86 4.59 0.00 1.90 3.80
70 1.02 2.71 4.35 1.04 2.76 4.44 0.00 1.80 3.60
80 1.01 2.65 4.23 1.03 2.70 4.31 0.00 1.70 3.40
90 1.00 2.51 3.99 1.02 2.56 4.07 0.00 1.55 3.20

Rotameter (FM Digital pressure Digital pressure Analog pressure Analog pressure
1) LPM difference Difference difference difference
(gauge 4-gauge 1) (gauge 3-gauge 1) (gauge 4-gauge 1) ( gauge 3-gauge 1)
kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2
20 4.03 2.05 4.20 2.10
30 3.94 2.00 4.18 2.10
40 3.81 1.94 4.00 2.00
50 3.70 1.88 3.90 1.90
60 3.54 1.81 3.80 1.90
70 3.40 1.72 3.60 1.80
80 3.28 1.67 3.40 1.70
90 3.05 1.54 3.20 1.55
 Graph of pressure difference (gauge 4-
gauge 1) vs flowrate
4.5
4
Pressure difference (kgf/cm^2)

3.5
3
Digital pressure
2.5
difference ( gauge 4 -
2 gauge 1)
1.5 Analog pressure
difference (gauge 4-
1
gauge 1)
0.5
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flowrate (LPM)

Experiment 2

Graph of pressure difference (gauge

3-gauge 1) vs flowrate
2.5
Pressure difference (kgf/cm^2)

1.5 Digital pressure

difference ( gauge 3 -
1 gauge 1)
Analog pressure
0.5 difference (gauge 3-
gauge 1)
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
flowrate (LPM)

Experiment 2
 Table 8 results of experiment 3
Rotameter Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Analog Analog Analog
(FM 1) LPM pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure
Gauge 1 Gauge2 Gauge 4 Gauge 1 Gauge 2 Gauge 4 gauge 1 gauge 2 gauge 4
(DPL 1) (DPL 3) (DPL 4) (DPL 1) (DPL 3) (DPL4) (APL 1) (APL 3) (APL 4)
Bar Bar Bar kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2

40 1.05 3.05 3.00 1.07 3.11 3.06 0.00 2.18 2.18

60 1.04 3.00 2.95 1.06 3.06 3.01 0.00 2.15 2.15
80 1.04 2.94 2.89 1.06 3.00 2.95 0.00 2.00 2.10
100 1.03 2.87 2.82 1.05 2.93 2.87 0.00 1.90 2.00
120 1.02 2.80 2.76 1.04 2.85 2.81 0.00 1.85 1.85
140 1.01 2.72 2.68 1.03 2.77 2.73 0.00 1.80 1.80
160 1.01 2.62 2.58 1.03 2.67 2.63 0.00 1.75 1.70
180 1.00 2.52 2.48 1.02 2.57 2.53 0.00 1.60 1.60

Rotameter (FM 1) Digital pressure Digital pressure Analog pressure Analog pressure
LPM difference (gauge difference (gauge difference (gauge difference, (gauge
4-gauge 1) 2-gauge 1) 4-gauge 1) 2-gauge 1)
kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2 kgf/cm2
40 1.99 2.04 2.18 2.18
60 1.95 2.00 2.15 2.15
80 1.89 1.94 2.10 2.00
100 1.82 1.88 2.00 1.90
120 1.77 1.81 1.85 1.85
140 1.70 1.74 1.80 1.80
160 1.60 1.64 1.70 1.75
180 1.51 1.55 1.60 1.60
 Graph of pressure difference
(gauge 4 -gauge 1) VS Flowrate
2.5
Pressure difference (kgf/cm^2)
2

1.5 Digital pressure

difference ( gauge 4 -
1 gauge 1)
Analog pressure
0.5 difference (gauge 4-
gauge 1)
0
0 50 100 150 200
Flowrate (LPM)

Experiment 3

Graph of pressure difference (gauge 2-

gauge 1) vs flowrate
2.5
Rressure difference (kgf/cm^2)

1.5 Digital pressure

difference ( gauge 4 -
1 gauge 1)
Analog pressure
0.5 difference (gauge 4-
gauge 1)
0
0 50 100 150 200
Flowrate (LPM)

Experiment 3
 5.1 Calculation

𝑘𝑔 𝑓
Sample calculation: Convert bar to 𝑐𝑚²

𝑘𝑔 𝑓
1 bar = 1.0197 𝑐𝑚²

For experiment 1,When LPM=20,

digital pressure gauge 1 = 1.05Bar

𝑘𝑔 𝑓
1.05 Bar x 1.0197= 1.07
𝑐𝑚²

Digital pressure difference (gauge 2 –gauge 1)

𝑘𝑔 𝑓 𝑘𝑔 𝑓 𝑘𝑔 𝑓
3.14 - 1.07 = 2.07
𝑐𝑚² 𝑐𝑚² 𝑐𝑚²