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P.J. Daly Practical No.

1 S00124662

Producing Pump Characteristic Curves
Aim
The aims of this practical are to observe the operating characteristics of both a centrifugal and axial
flow pump when pumping a fluid, in this instance water. For this experiment we must plot a
characteristic curve from a variety of head and flow rates.
Introduction
Characteristic curves are generally used in industry. These curves can be helpful in selecting
pumps for specific processes. Characteristic curves can be used to aid engineers in the
selection of pumps needed for their process and determine the maximum efficiency of a
pump over a range of operating conditions.
Procedure
Centrifugal Pump
Centrifugal pump was set up
Dial readings were recorded
Amount of time for 10l to be pumped was recorded
Valve was opened to create varied flow rate
This process was repeated
Data was plotted on a graph as shown
Axial Flow Pump
Centrifugal pump was set up
Dial readings were recorded
Amount of time for 10l to be pumped was recorded
Valve was opened to create varied flow rate
This process was repeated
Data was plotted on a graph as shown

Equations &
1.


2. (

) ()()()

()


3.

)()()()


4. ()()()()

P.J. Daly Practical No.1 S00124662

Calculations
Axial pump Flow rate (Q)
(

) ()()( )

()

= 1.493

(m/s)
(kW)
(

) ()()( )

()

= 1.162

(m/s)
(kW)
(

) ()()( )

()

= 0.860

(m/s)
(kW)
(

) ()()( )

()

= 0.590

(m/s)
(kW)
(

) ()()( )

()

= 0.335

(m/s)
(kW)
(

) ()()( )

()

= 0.090

(m/s)
(kW)

Centrifugal pump

Flow Rate (Q)

0.820

(m/s)

0.704

(m/s)

0.513

(m/s)

0.242

(m/s)
Height (H)

)()()( )

= 0.044 (m)
0.101(kW)

)()()( )

= 0.039 (m)
(kW)


P.J. Daly Practical No.1 S00124662


Calculations (contd.)

)()()( )

= 0.032 (m)
(kW)

)()()( )

= 0.019 (m)

(kW)



Results
Centrifugal pump
Vaccum 0.8 1 0.6 0.5
Time (s) 12.2 14.2 19.5 41.4
Volume(l) 10 10 10 10
Flow Rate (m/s) 0.820

0.704

0.513

0.242



Axial Pump
Vaccum 0.6 0.8 1 1.3 1.5 1.8
Height (mm) 65 55 45 35 24 10
Flow Rate (m/s)
1.493


1.162


0.860


0.590


0.335


0.090



P.J. Daly Practical No.1 S00124662





Discussion
From results obtained as flow rate increases hydraulic head decreases in both pumps. Also as
flow increases output power decreases. This would suggest that as flow increases there is an
increase in friction losses.

Conclusion
For this experiment the output power of both the axial and centrifugal pumps were estimated.
The pump flow characteristic curves were plotted.


Q (m/s)
Height (m)

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