CENTRIFUGAL PUMP TEST RIG
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL, CHEMICAL, AND MATERIAL ENGINEERING
ADAMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
SINTAYHU SHIFRAW DESTA (MSc)
ADAMA, ETHIOPIA
Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
Abstract
In this laboratory manuals of FM50 centrifugal pump test rig experiments that aim to explore pump
characteristics curve, system characteristics curve, and determining the optimum operating point.
The laboratory manuals provide detailed instructions on conducting experiments and data analysis
to gain insights into the performance of the FM50 centrifugal pump under various operating
conditions. The experiments include measuring pump flow rate, head, and power consumption at
different pump speeds and system pressures, plotting pump characteristics curve, system
characteristics curve, and identifying the optimum operating point. The laboratory manuals aim to
equip students with practical skills and knowledge of pump performance and its interaction with
the system. Such knowledge can be applied in the design and optimization of pumping systems for
various industrial and commercial applications.
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Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
Mapping Course Learning Outcomes
The turbomachinery course mapping studies the design, analysis, and performance of rotating
machines used in energy conversion, fluid transportation, and mechanical power generation. This
course covers the fundamental principles of turbomachinery, including fluid dynamics,
thermodynamics, and structural mechanics. It also includes the study of various types of
turbomachines such as axial and radial turbines, compressors, and pumps.
On the other hand, centrifugal pump test rig experimentation is a practical aspect of the study of
turbomachinery. In this experiment, a test rig is set up to measure the performance of a centrifugal
pump, which is a type of turbomachine used for fluid transportation. The test rig consists of a
pump, a motor, and various measuring instruments such as pressure gauges and flow meters.
The purpose of this experiment is to measure the pump performance parameters, including the
pump head, flow rate, and efficiency. These parameters are crucial in the design and analysis of
centrifugal pumps and other turbomachines. By conducting this experimentation, students can gain
a deeper understanding of the theoretical concepts learned in the mapping of turbomachinery
course and apply them to real-world applications.
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Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
1. Centrifugal Pump Test Rig Experiment
Introduction
Centrifugal pumps are widely used in various industries to transfer fluids from one place to
another. These pumps are used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, food and beverage, and
water treatment plants. The centrifugal pump operates by converting mechanical energy into fluid
energy. The pump uses a rotating impeller to create a flow of fluid within the pump casing. This
flow of fluid then exits the pump through the discharge port.
The purpose of the Centrifugal Pump Test Rig Experiment is to study the performance
characteristics of the centrifugal pump. In this experiment, we will measure the pump's head, flow
rate, efficiency, and power consumption at different operating conditions. By analyzing the data
collected during the experiment, we can determine the pump's performance curve, which can help
us understand the pump's behavior under different operating conditions. These curves are
important for selecting the appropriate pump for a particular application and for understanding
how a pump will behave under different conditions.
Description of Experimental Apparatus
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Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
A centrifugal pump test rig is a setup used to evaluate the performance of centrifugal pumps. It
consists of the following components:
1. Pump: The centrifugal pump is the main component of the test rig, which is used to pump
fluid from the inlet to the outlet.
2. Electric Motor: An electric motor is used to drive the centrifugal pump.
3. Inlet valve: Controls the inlet (suction) head supplied to the pump.
4. Suction line: A section of piping where the pressure is low.
5. Water tank: Used to store water.
6. Discharge line: A section of piping where the pressure high.
7. Outlet valve (gate valve): A manual gate-type outlet valve controls the flow rate through
the pump.
8. Flow Meter: A flow meter used to measure the flow rate of the fluid.
2. General procedures for conducting the experiments on FM50 Test Rig
The following is a general procedure that students may use to conduct an experiment on the FM50
centrifugal pump:
1. Set up the experimental apparatus: The first step is to set up the experimental apparatus,
which includes the FM50 centrifugal pump, a flowmeter, pressure gauges, and a water
tank. The pump is typically connected to the water tank through a pipeline, and the
flowmeter and pressure gauges are installed in the pipeline.
2. Measure the initial conditions: Before starting the experiment, measure the initial
conditions of the water in the tank, such as the temperature and the initial water level.
3. Start the pump: Turn on the pump and measure the flow rate and the pressure at various
points in the pipeline. These measurements can be taken using the flowmeter and pressure
gauges, respectively.
4. Record data: Record the data obtained from the flowmeter and pressure gauges in a table.
This data should include the flow rate, pressure, and power consumption of the pump.
5. Vary the pump speed: The speed of the FM50 centrifugal pump can be varied by adjusting
the frequency of the electrical supply to the motor. Vary the pump speed and measure the
flow rate, pressure, and power consumption at each speed.
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Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
6. Analyze the data: Once all the data has been collected, analyze it to determine the
relationship between the pump speed, flow rate, pressure, and power consumption. This
analysis can be done using statistical methods or by plotting graphs of the data.
7. Draw conclusions: Based on the data analysis, draw conclusions about the performance of
the FM50 centrifugal pump, such as its efficiency, maximum flow rate, and maximum
pressure.
8. Write a report: Finally, write a report summarizing the experimental procedure, the data
collected, the data analysis, and the conclusions drawn. The report should also include any
recommendations for improving the performance of the pump or for future experiments.
3. Safety Precautions:
➢ Ensure that the pump is installed correctly and all connections are tightened.
➢ Always wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats.
➢ Keep the pump area clean and free of clutter.
➢ Ensure that the electric motor and the control panel are properly grounded.
➢ Never touch the pump or any of its components while it is running.
Using this centrifugal pump test rig experiment (FM50) we can analyze the pump performance
characteristics curve, System characteristics curve, and duty points or operating point of the pump.
4. Data Analysis
To determine the pump characteristic curve, system characteristic curve, and operating point of
the FM50 centrifugal pump test rig experiment, you will need to plot the data collected during the
experiment on a graph. The pump characteristic curve is a graph that shows the relationship
between the pump's flow rate, head (pressure), and power.
The following parameters are important and should be calculated:
Change in total head
Ht = Hs + Hv + He ……………………………………………………… (1)
Change in static head:
Hs =
Pout −Pin
ρg
……………………………………………………………. (2)
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Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
Change in velocity head:
Hv =
(Vout −Vin )2
2g
……………………………………………………….. (3)
Change in elevation head:
He = 0.075m
Volume flow rate:
Q = Vout Aout ………………………………………………………….. (4)
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = Outlet velocity
𝐴𝑜𝑢𝑡 = Outlet area,
Aout = π
(Dout )2
4
……………………………………………………… (5)
Dout = 0.0175m
Hydraulic power:
Phyd = Ht Qρg ………………………………………………………… (6)
𝐻𝑡 : - Change in total head
𝑄: - Volume flow rate
ρ: - Density of water
g: - Gravitational acceleration
Mechanical power:
Pm =
2πNT
60
…………………………………………………………… (7)
T: - The shaft torque in Nm
N: - Rotational speed of pump in rev/minute
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Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
Pump efficiency: ηp =
Phyd
Pm
× 100 …………………………………………………….. (8)
5. Experiment on testing a centrifugal pump performance curve
Objectives of the experiment
The main objectives of an experiment on the centrifugal pump performance curve are as follows:
➢ To determine the pump's flow rate and head at different rotational speeds and to plot the
data on a graph to obtain the performance curve.
➢ To determine the maximum flow rate and head that the pump can achieve.
➢ To determine the point of operation where the pump operates most efficiently and to
optimize its performance.
➢ To identify any opportunities for improvement in the pump's design, operation, or
maintenance.
determining pump performance curve: at a motor speed of N = 1500 rpm and
1200 rpm.
Before starting the experiment you should follow the following procedure:
➢ Ensure the drain valve is fully closed.
➢ If necessary, fill the reservoir to within 20cm of the top rim.
➢ Ensure the inlet valve and outlet gate valve are both fully open.
➢ Ensure the equipment connected to the interface device and the interface device connected
to a suitable PC.
➢ Ensure the interface device connected to an appropriate mains supply, and switch on the
supply.
➢ Run the software. Check there are values displayed in all the sensor display boxes on the
mimic diagram.
Using the above formulas (see section 4) and calculate the necessary parameters to fill the
table below
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Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
Flow rate Q[l/s]
Change in total head Ht[m]
Pout[W]
Pin[W]
𝜂[%]
Discussion
Conclusion
6. Experiment on testing a centrifugal pump system characteristics curve
Objectives of the experiment
The main objectives of an experiment on the centrifugal pump system characteristics curve are as
follows:
➢ To determine the relationship between flow rate and head loss: The experiment aims to
determine how the head loss in the system varies with changes in flow rate. This
relationship is critical to understanding the resistance to flow in the system and is
represented by the system characteristic curve.
➢ To determine the relationship between flow rate and pump performance: The experiment
aims to determine how the pump's performance varies with changes in flow rate. This
relationship is critical to understanding how the pump will perform under different
operating conditions and is represented by the pump characteristic curve.
➢ To determine the operating point of the pump in the system: The experiment aims to
determine the flow rate and head at which the pump operates in the system. This operating
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Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
point is where the pump characteristic curve intersects the system characteristic curve and
is critical to understanding the pump's performance in the system.
On determining pump system characteristic curve:
Before starting the experiment, you should follow the following procedure:
➢ Ensure the drain valves are fully closed.
➢ If necessary, fill the reservoir to within 10cm of the top rim.
➢ Ensure the equipment is connected to the interface device and the interface device is
connected to a suitable PC. The red and green indicator lights on the IFD7 should be both
illuminated.
➢ Ensure the interface device is connected to an appropriate mains supply, and switch on the
supply.
➢ Run the software. Check there are values displayed in all the sensor display boxes on the
mimic diagram.
➢ Ensure that the inlet valve is fully open.
➢ Switch on the pump in the software, set pump speed to 100% then fully open the outlet
flow control valve to allow the pump and pipework to prime.
Valve setting position: Fully open, Half opening and near to close
Q[l/s]
Ht[m]
g[m/s2] [kg/m³] Pout[W]
Discussion
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Pin[W]
𝜂[%]
Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
Conclusion
7. Experiment on testing a centrifugal pump duty points or operating
point of the pump.
Objectives of the experiment
The main objectives of determining the operating point of the centrifugal pump FM50 test rig are:
➢ To identify the best operating point for the pump: By determining the operating
point of the pump, we can identify the combination of flow rate and pressure that
result in the pump operating most efficiently. This helps to optimize the
performance of the pump.
On determining optimum operating point of a pump
The operating point of a pump is an intersection of pump performance and pump system
(piping) curves. The pump will always operate where the pump and the system curves intersect.
At that point, there is a balance between what the pump delivers and what the system demands.
Q[l/s]
Ht[m] 1500rpm
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Ht[m] Fully open
Centrifugal Pump Lab Guide
Discussion
Conclusion
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