ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

Ermita, Manila

College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering Department

Experiment No. 1

Performance and Benefits of Pumps in Series/ Parallel Operations

Submitted by:

Gabion, Erica Vien L.

Mena, Jean Antonette B.

Villacorte, J’za V.

Yamson, Lianne Loise

C. Zabala, Kelsey Anne

L.

Submitted to:

Engr. Rugi

Rubi

September 16, 2019

I. ABSTRACT

Pumps are used to transfer fluid in a system, either at the same elevation or to
a new height. The obejectives of the experiment is to compare the performance of
series and parallel pumps. Pressures, flow rates, power and efficiency are the mainly
needed readings and calculations. The needed flowrate depends on the height to
which the fluid is pumped. Each pump has a head discharge relationship that is
inversely proportional. Pressure reading is observed by changing the pumps either in
series or parallel. The findings of the experiment were a direct proportionality
between the total head and the discharge as well as the power input and the discharge.
Then an inverse relationship is observed between the discharge and the efficiency
where the parallel arrangement got the highest efficiency while the series arrangement
received the lowest efficiency.

II. THEORY

A hydraulic pump is a machine whose function is to convert mechanical

energy into fluid energy, principally the pressure energy component, thus facilitating
the raising of fluids through pipelines and for boosting the flow in long pipelines.
Hydraulic pumps have a wide range of application, e.g. in small heating systems,
chemical process plant, sewage disposal, water supply and ground water abstraction,
drainage, construction site and mine drainage.

There are three main types of pump: reciprocating, rotary, and rotodynamic. The
reciprocating type consists of a piston moving in a cylinder and, although now largely
superseded by the rotodynamic type, is still used for small quantity, high pressure
duties where their efficiency of as much as 85% exceeds that of centrifugal pumps. In
the rotary pump, pressure is generated by means of intermeshing gears; this type is
widely used for oil lubricating duties.

In rotodynamic pumps, the pressure rise is created by an impeller, consisting of a

number of curve blades, which rotate in a housing shaped to give maximum
efficiency. Rotodynamic pumps may further be sub-classified into radial flow, mixed
flow and axial flow types according to the predominant direction in which the liquid
flows across the impeller blades from inlet to outlet. For a given power input the
radial flow pump
would produce a relatively high pressure with a small discharge compared with the
axial flow pump which would deliver a large flow but with a small pressure rise.

The centrifugal pump is the most widely used type of rotodynamic pump and
is an example of a radial flow type. The impeller consists of a number of curved
blades mounted on a disc or discs. The liquid enters at the center of the rotators
impeller which imparts a centrifugal action thus forcing the liquid radially outwards
into the spirally-shaped volute casing which converts a large portion of the velocity
energy into pressure energy.

There is a wide range of centrifugal pumps commercially available to cover the

range of possible practical duties. In some pumping stations it may desirable to install
several pumps each of which may be brought into operation by liquid level sensors
and appropriate electrical switchgear. Such an arrangement, called parallel operation,
would be able to deliver variable flow such as encountered in sewage schemes. The
alternative would be to have a single variable speed pump which may be prove to be a
more expensive arrangement. Connecting pumps or pump stages, such that the
discharge from one stage is directed to the inlet of the next, produces series of
pressure rises while the same discharge passes through each stage. In this way high
pressure heads are produced for use in boreholes, e.g. this arrangement is called series
operation and is the basis of the multi-stage pump. Since the same discharge passes
through each stage the combined characteristic is obtained by summing the individual
total heads at a number of discharges.

III. OBJECTIVE/S

1. To examine the performance and benefits of single pump and pumps connected
in series and in parallel operations.

IV. MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

1. Series/Parallel Pump Test Rig

2. Water
 3. Adjustable Counterweight

V. EQUIPMENT SETUP

Figure 1. Experimental Setup

 Figure 2. Pumps in Series & in Parallel Operation

VI. PROCEDURE

1. Prime the system by opening all valves except the flow regulating valve
and filling with water through the filling plug. It is particularly important to
ensure that the lines connecting the pressure tapping to the pressure gauges are
filled with water, since an air column will result in false indication of pressure
head at the tapping due to the height of the gauge above the tapping point.

2. Balance the motor stator using the adjustable counter weight.

3. Adjust the water level in the approach channel to the “V” notch so that
it is exactly level with the apex, taking account of the surface tension effect.
 4. Zero the point gauge in the stilling well.

5. Set the speed controller to zero.

6. With the regulating valve closed, select the suction and delivery valves
appropriate to the test under consideration, i.e. single pump operation, parallel or
series pump operation.

7. Note the initial readings on the two relevant pressure gauges.

8. Run up the motor to the chosen speed (e.g. 2900 rev/min).

9. With the regulating valve closed, again, note the pressure gauge
readings. Open this valve in intervals such that regulator increments of discharge
are attained; the calibrated manometer connected to the orifice plate may be used
to establish the valve positions.

10. At each interval, after adjusting the speed controller as necessary to

maintain the chosen speed, note the pressure gauge readings and the head over the
crest of the “V” notch in the stilling well. Since the “V” notch responds slowly to
changes in discharge, allow sufficient time for the level in the stilling well to
become steady before a reading is taken.

11. Apply weights to the torque arm until this is again balanced and note
the total weight applied.

12. Repeat the procedure for two other rotational speeds (2000 and
1000 rev/min) and for each of the other pump arrangements.

VII. EXPERIMENT DATA

• Test at 1000 rev/min

Suction Delivery
“V” Notch Discharge Torque
Pump Head (m Head (m
Head (mm) (L/s) Mass (g)
∙
H2O) ∙
H2O)
51 1.42 0.4 1 750
51 1.43 0.4 1 750
Pump No. 1 51 1.42 0.3 1 750
51 1.43 0.4 1 750
56 1.78 -1 0 800
56 1.67 -0.9 0 800
Pump No. 2 56 1.67 -0.9 0 800
56 1.78 -1 0 800
 “V” Suction
Delivery Head (m
Notch Discharge Head (m Torque
Arrangement ∙
H2O)
Head (L/s) ∙
H2O) Mass (g)
(mm) P1 P2 P1 P2
58 1.83 0.5 - 0.5 0 800
0.9
58 1.85 0.5 - 0.5 0 800
Series 0.9
58 1.83 0.5 -1 0.5 0 800
58 1.87 0.4 - 0.5 0 800
0.9
68.5 1.92 0.3 - 1.25 0 550
0.5
68.5 1.92 0.3 - 1.24 0 550
0.5
Parallel
68.5 1.93 0.4 - 1.25 0 550
0.5
68.5 1.95 0.3 - 1.24 0 550
0.4

• Test at 1450 rev/min

Suction Delivery
“V” Notch Discharge Torque Mass
Pump Head (m ∙ Head (m ∙
Head (mm) (L/s) (g)
H2O) H2O)
62.5 2.0125 0.85 2.13 950
62.5 2 0.8 2.10 950
Pump No. 1
62.5 2 0.85 2.12 950
62.5 2.0125 0.85 2.13 950
Pump No. 2 65.75 2.3 -1.75 0 1060
65.75 2.3 -1.80 0 1060
65.75 2.3 - De0liver 1060
“V”
2. D3 ischar 1S.8u0cti y He0ad To1r0q6u0e
Notch ge
65.75 on (m
-
1H.7e5ad
(m
Arrangement Head
(L/s) ∙
H2O) ∙
H2O) Mass (g)
(mm
P1 P2 P1 P2
)
67.75
67.75 2.52 1.06 -1.1 0.9 0.20 1600
Series 2.52 1.06 -1.1 0.9 0.20 1600
67.75 2.52 1.06 -1.1 0.8 0.19 1600
67.75 2.52 1.10 -1.2 0.8 0.20 1600
75.60
75.60 2.67 0.4 -0.9 2.90 1.70 1000
 • Test at 1900 rev/min

“V” Notch Suction Delivery

Discharge Torque
Pump Head Head (m Head (m
(L/s) Mass (g)
(mm) ∙
H2O) ∙
H2O)
70.5 2.58 1.40 3.55 1500
Pump No. 70.5 2.50 1.45 3.50 1500
1 70.5 2.67 1.40 3.55 1500
70.5 2.58 1.40 3.50 1500
74.25 2.875 -2.50 0.80 1530
Pump No. 74.25 2.83 -2.75 0.80 1530
2 74.25 2.83 -2.75 0.75 1530
74.25 2.83 -2.75 0.75 1530

“V” Suction Delivery

Arrangemen Notch Discharge Head (m Head (m Torque
t Head (L/s) ∙
H2O) ∙
H2O) Mass (g)
(mm) P1 P2 P1 P2
77.75 3.06 1.8 -1.8 1.4 1.75 2525
77.75 3 1.8 -1.8 1.35 1.8 2525
Series 77.75 3.06 1.8 -1.8 1.4 1.8 2525
77.75 3.06 1.7 -1.8 1.4 1.8 2525
84.75 3.73 0.7 -1.4 6 3.6 1600
Parallel 84.75 3.67 0.7 -1.3 6 3.6 1600
84.75 3.67 0.7 -1.4 6 3.5 1600
84.75 3.75 0.7 -1.4 6 3.6 1600

• Additional Data:
Impeller Diameter = 120 mm; Pump Type = open Impeller
Centrifugal Transmission losses = 0.1 kW (assumption)
Suction Pipe Diameter = 31.75 mm
Delivery Pipe Diameter = 25.4 mm
Motor Rating = 2.2 kW at 2900
rev/min Torque Arm Radius = 0.25 m
Flow Over 90 ° “V” Notch Weir, Q in m3/s = (8/15)*(2g)0.5Ce(h +
kh)5/3 Where: g = Gravitational Acceleration
Ce = 0.5765
h = measured head in meters
kh = 0.00085 m

• Test at 1000 rev/min

 Pump/ Power
Discharge Total Power Efficiency
Arrangemen Output
(L/s) Head (m) Input (Wi) (%)
t (W)
1.42 0.6 15.5713 115.5713 46.42
1.43 0.6 15.5713 115.5713 46.04
Pump No. 1 1.42 0.7 15.5713 115.5713 37.49
1.43 0.6 15.5713 115.5713 46.04
1.78 1 23.2761 123.2761 25.11
1.67 0.9 23.2761 123.2761 36.77
Pump No.2 1.67 0.9 23.2761 123.2761 36.77
1.78 1 23.2761 123.2761 25.11
1.83 0.95 23.2761 123.2761 26.86
1.85 0.95 23.2761 123.2761 26.06
Series 1.83 1 23.2761 123.2761 23.01
1.87 0.9 23.2761 123.2761 29.19
1.92 1.025 4.7523 104.7523 75.34
1.92 1.02 4.7523 104.7523 75.22
Parallel 1.93 1.075 4.7523 104.7523 76.61
1.95 0.97 4.7523 104.7523 74.34

• Test at 1450 rev/min

Pump/ Power
Discharge Total Power Efficiency
Arrangemen Output
(L/s) Head (m) Input (W) (%)
t (W)
2.0125 1.28 112.2660 212.2660 22.47
2 1.3 112.2660 212.2660 22.68
Pump No. 1 2 1.27 112.2660 212.2660 22.16
2.0125 1.28 112.2660 212.2660 22.47
2.3 1.75 136.8442 236.8442 28.80
2.3 1.8 136.8442 236.8442 29.63
Pump No.2 2.3 1.8 136.8442 236.8442 29.63
2.3 1.75 136.8442 236.8442 28.80
2.52 1.63 257.5007 357.5007 15.62
Series
2.52 1.63 257.5007 357.5007 15.62
 2.52 1.575 257.5007 357.5007 15.09
2.52 1.65 257.5007 357.5007 15.81
2.67 2.95 123.4379 223.4379 62.49
2.67 2.875 123.4379 223.4379 60.90
Parallel 2.965 123.4379 223.4379 62.80
2.67
2.75 2.89 123.4379 223.4379 63.05

• Test at 1900 rev/min

Pump/ Power
Discharge Total Power Efficiency
Arrangemen Output
(L/s) Head (m) Input (W) (%)
t (W)
2.58 2.15 339.1711 439.1711 16.02
2.50 2.05 339.1711 439.1711 14.80
Pump No. 1 2.67 2.15 339.1711 439.1711 16.57
2.58 2.1 339.1711 439.1711 15.64
2.875 3.3 347.9545 447.9545 26.70
2.83 3.55 347.9545 447.9545 28.27
Pump No.2 2.83 3.5 347.9545 447.9545 27.88
2.83 3.5 347.9545 447.9545 27.88
3.06 3.35 639.2713 739.2713 15.70
3 3.375 639.2713 739.2713 15.51
Series 3.06 3.4 639.2713 739.2713 15.94
3.06 3.35 639.2713 739.2713 15.70
 3.73 5.85 368.4492 468.4492 57.99
3.67 5.8 368.4492 468.4492 56.57
Parallel 3.67 5.8 368.4492 468.4492 56.57
3.75 5.85 368.4492 468.4492 58.30

VIII. RESULTS & DISCUSSION

From the calculated values for the discharge, total head, output power, input
power and efficiency, a significant trend can be observed with relation to certain speeds;
where in discharge and in total head, an increasing trend can be observed as the pumps
and arrangements change from pump 1 to pump 2 to series and lastly to parallel. While,
the power input and output and efficiency varies.

IX. CONCLUSION

In this experiment, it was observe that the pumps with the highest
efficiency were the parallel pumps while the series pumps have the lowest
efficiency as shown in the data. Each pump has a head discharge relationship that
is inversely proportional. Pressure reading is observed by changing the pumps
either in series or parallel. The findings of the experiment were a direct
proportionality between the total head and the discharge as well as the power
input and the discharge.

X. REFERENCES

https://www.engineersedge.com/fluid_flow/pump_laws.html

https://blog.craneengineering.net/benefits-of-pumping-in-series-with-centrifugal-
pumps
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pumps-parallel-serial-d_636.html
 APPENDIX A: EXPERIMENTAL DATA

• Test at 1000 rev/min

Suction Delivery
“V” Notch Discharge Torque
Pump Head (m Head (m
Head (mm) (L/s) Mass (g)
∙
H2O) ∙
H2O)
51 1.42 0.4 1 750
51 1.43 0.4 1 750
Pump No. 1 51 1.42 0.3 1 750
51 1.43 0.4 1 750
56 1.78 -1 0 800
56 1.67 -0.9 0 800
Pump No. 2 56 1.67 -0.9 0 800
56 1.78 -1 0 800

“V” Suction
Delivery Head (m
Notch Discharge Head (m Torque
Arrangement ∙
H2O)
Head (L/s) ∙
H2O) Mass (g)
(mm) P1 P2 P1 P2
58 1.83 0.5 - 0.5 0 800
0.9
58 1.85 0.5 - 0.5 0 800
Series 0.9
58 1.83 0.5 -1 0.5 0 800
58 1.87 0.4 - 0.5 0 800
0.9
68.5 1.92 0.3 - 1.25 0 550
0.5
68.5 1.92 0.3 - 1.24 0 550
0.5
Parallel
68.5 1.93 0.4 - 1.25 0 550
0.5
68.5 1.95 0.3 - 1.24 0 550
0.4

• Test at 1450 rev/min

Pump “V” Notch Discharge Suction Delivery Torque

 Head (m Head (m
Head (mm) (L/s) Mass (g)
∙
H2O) ∙
H2O)
62.5 2.0125 0.85 2.13 950
62.5 2 0.8 2.10 950
Pump No. 1 62.5 2 0.85 2.12 950
62.5 2.0125 0.85 2.13 950
65.75 2.3 -1.75 0 1060
65.75 2.3 -1.80 0 1060
Pump No. 2 65.75 2.3 -1.80 0 1060
65.75 2.3 -1.75 0 1060

Suction Delivery
“V” Notch
Discharge Head (m Head (m Torque
Arrangement Head
(L/s) ∙
H2O) ∙
H2O) Mass (g)
(mm) P1 P2 P1 P2
67.75 2.52 1.06 -1.1 0.9 0.20 1600
67.75 2.52 1.06 -1.1 0.9 0.20 1600
Series 67.75 2.52 1.06 -1.1 0.8 0.19 1600
67.75 2.52 1.10 -1.2 0.8 0.20 1600
75.60 2.67 0.4 -0.9 2.90 1.70 1000
75.60 2.67 0.4 -0.8 2.95 1.60 1000
Parallel 75.60 2.67 0.39 -0.9 2.94 1.70 1000
75.60 2.75 0.38 -0.8 2.90 1.70 1000

• Test at 1900 rev/min

“V” Notch Suction Delivery

Discharge Torque
Pump Head Head (m Head (m
(L/s) Mass (g)
(mm) ∙
H2O) ∙
H2O)
Pump No. 70.5 2.58 1.40 3.55 1500
 70.5 2.50 1.45 3.50 1500
1 70.5 2.67 1.40 3.55 1500
70.5 2.58 1.40 3.50 1500
74.25 2.875 -2.50 0.80 1530
Pump No. 74.25 2.83 -2.75 0.80 1530
2 74.25 2.83 -2.75 0.75 1530
74.25 2.83 -2.75 0.75 1530

“V” Suction Delivery

Arrangemen Notch Discharge Head (m Head (m Torque
t Head (L/s) ∙
H2O) ∙
H2O) Mass (g)
(mm) P1 P2 P1 P2
77.75 3.06 1.8 -1.8 1.4 1.75 2525
77.75 3 1.8 -1.8 1.35 1.8 2525
Series 77.75 3.06 1.8 -1.8 1.4 1.8 2525
77.75 3.06 1.7 -1.8 1.4 1.8 2525
84.75 3.73 0.7 -1.4 6 3.6 1600
84.75 3.67 0.7 -1.3 6 3.6 1600
Parallel 84.75 3.67 0.7 -1.4 6 3.5 1600
84.75 3.75 0.7 -1.4 6 3.6 1600

• Additional Data:
Impeller Diameter = 120 mm; Pump Type = open Impeller
Centrifugal Transmission losses = 0.1 kW (assumption)
Suction Pipe Diameter = 31.75 mm
Delivery Pipe Diameter = 25.4 mm
Motor Rating = 2.2 kW at 2900
rev/min Torque Arm Radius = 0.25 m
Flow Over 90 ° “V” Notch Weir, Q in m3/s = (8/15)*(2g)0.5Ce(h + kh)5/3
 Where: g = Gravitational Acceleration
Ce = 0.5765
h = measured head in meters
kh = 0.00085 m

• Test at 1000 rev/min

Pump/ Power
Discharge Total Power Efficiency
Arrangemen Output
(L/s) Head (m) Input (Wi) (%)
t (W)
1.42 0.6 15.5713 115.5713 46.42
1.43 0.6 15.5713 115.5713 46.04
Pump No. 1 1.42 0.7 15.5713 115.5713 37.49
1.43 0.6 15.5713 115.5713 46.04
1.78 1 23.2761 123.2761 25.11
1.67 0.9 23.2761 123.2761 36.77
Pump No.2 1.67 0.9 23.2761 123.2761 36.77
1.78 1 23.2761 123.2761 25.11
1.83 0.95 23.2761 123.2761 26.86
1.85 0.95 23.2761 123.2761 26.06
Series 1.83 1 23.2761 123.2761 23.01
1.87 0.9 23.2761 123.2761 29.19
1.92 1.025 4.7523 104.7523 75.34
1.92 1.02 4.7523 104.7523 75.22
Parallel 1.93 1.075 4.7523 104.7523 76.61
1.95 0.97 4.7523 104.7523 74.34

• Test at 1450 rev/min

Pump/ Power
Discharge Total Power Efficiency
Arrangemen Output
(L/s) Head (m) Input (W) (%)
t (W)
2.0125 1.28 112.2660 212.2660 22.47
Pump No. 1 1.3 112.2660 212.2660 22.68
2
 2 1.27 112.2660 212.2660 22.16
2.0125 1.28 112.2660 212.2660 22.47
2.3 1.75 136.8442 236.8442 28.80
2.3 1.8 136.8442 236.8442 29.63
Pump No.2 2.3 1.8 136.8442 236.8442 29.63
2.3 1.75 136.8442 236.8442 28.80
2.52 1.63 257.5007 357.5007 15.62
2.52 1.63 257.5007 357.5007 15.62
Series 2.52 1.575 257.5007 357.5007 15.09
2.52 1.65 257.5007 357.5007 15.81
2.67 2.95 123.4379 223.4379 62.49
2.67 2.875 123.4379 223.4379 60.90
Parallel 2.965 123.4379 223.4379 62.80
2.67
2.75 2.89 123.4379 223.4379 63.05

• Test at 1900 rev/min

Pump/ Power
Discharge Total Power Efficiency
Arrangemen Output
(L/s) Head (m) Input (W) (%)
t (W)
2.58 2.15 339.1711 439.1711 16.02
Pump No. 1 2.50 2.05 339.1711 439.1711 14.80
2.67 2.15 339.1711 439.1711 16.57
 2.58 2.1 339.1711 439.1711 15.64
2.875 3.3 347.9545 447.9545 26.70
2.83 3.55 347.9545 447.9545 28.27
Pump No.2 2.83 3.5 347.9545 447.9545 27.88
2.83 3.5 347.9545 447.9545 27.88
3.06 3.35 639.2713 739.2713 15.70
3 3.375 639.2713 739.2713 15.51
Series 3.06 3.4 639.2713 739.2713 15.94
3.06 3.35 639.2713 739.2713 15.70
3.73 5.85 368.4492 468.4492 57.99
3.67 5.8 368.4492 468.4492 56.57
Parallel 3.67 5.8 368.4492 468.4492 56.57
3.75 5.85 368.4492 468.4492 58.30

APPENDIX B: SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS

Sample Computations

Total Head= Delivery Head −Suction Head

Total Head=3.55 m−1.40 m=2.15 m

 2 πN
Power Output =MgL
( 60
min
Power Output =(1.5
( 9.81
) (0.15 m)
60 rev

[ ( )
]
m 2 2 π 1900
kg)

Power Output =439.1711 W

Power Input =Power Output −Transmission Loss

Power Input =439.1711 W −100 W

Power Input =339.1711 W

Input Power
¿
ƞ=100∗¿ the Pump
Hydraulic Power of the Pump

H
( ¿¿ m)( s . g
Q
.)
3960
Hydraulic Power of the Pump ,W
a=¿

L 1 gal 1 ft
W =
2.58 s
( 3.785412
L ) (2.15 m )
(
0.3048
m )(1) 745.7W =54.3188 W
a
3960 1 hp )
54.3188W
ƞ= 339.1711
W
(
∗100 %=16.02 %

APPENDIX C: ATTENDANCE SHEET

Date Performed: September 2,2019
Member Signature
Gabion, Erica Vien L.

Mena, Jean Antonette B.

Villacorte, J’za V.

Yamson, Lianne Loise C.

Zabala, Kelsey Anne L.