How to choose the right pump speed (RPM):

Motor speed is effective in the following cases. Therefore, in order to choose the right pump speed,
we must examine the effect of increasing and decreasing the speed on the performance of the pump.

500 < NS < 4200 Centrifugal or Radial Flow

4200 < NS < 9000 Mixed Flow

NS > 9000 Axial Flow

Influence of motor speed on pump performance:

1. Specific speed NS
NS = N Q0.5 / H 0.75

Due to the above figure and the specific speed formula, if we need low flow and high head in some
conditions, the following conditions will occur.

a) Due to the fact that we have a high head and head is in the denominator
of the specific speed formula, the specific speed decreases sharply and
subsequently the pump efficiency decreases (Figure above). Therefore, there
are three ways to prevent excessive specific speed reduction. (Note that the
specific speed and suction specific speed are calculated at the maximum
diameter of the pump impeller)

– Increasing the number of pump stages: As the number of pump stages increases, the head in the
denominator is divided by the number of stages. Therefore, the specific speed increases.

– Increasing the pump speed: Due to the fact that the pump speed is in numerator, with the increase
of the pump speed, the special speed increases. (Eg 3000 rpm)

– Another way is to consider the pump flow higher than the required flow and to consider a bypass
line for the pump. For example, if we need 50 cubic meters per hour flow, we choose the pump flow
with 70 cubic meters per hour and the amount of 20 cubic meters per hour is returned through the
bypass line. With the increase pump flow, we were able to increase the specific speed .

b) If low head and high flow are required in certain conditions, then according
to the formula, the specific speed will increase sharply. Therefore, the following
two methods can be used to prevent excessive increase in specific speed and
control it:

– Double suction pump: By selecting the double suction pump, flow is divided into two in numerator
of the fraction and therefore the specific speed is reduced.

– Reduction of pump speed: According to the specific speed formula, by reducing the speed, the
specific speed will also decrease. (for example 1500 rpm)

2. The effect of pump speed on suction specific speed, Nss

According to the suction specific speed formula, if we increase the speed, the suction specific speed
as well as NPSHr will increase. Increasing these two causes cavitation in the pump. Therefore, we do
not increase the pump speed as much as possible.

NSS= N Q0.5 / NPSHr 0.75

3. The effect of increasing the speed on Absorb Power
As the speed of the pump increases, the specific speed increases and, consequently, the efficiency
increases. Given that increasing efficiency reduces the absorption power, so increasing the speed in
this case is also positive.

W absorb = W/η

4. The effect of speed on the volume and value of goods

In the previous cases, we mentioned that the two most important ways for increasing the specific
speed are to increase the speed and the number of stages. If we achieve it by increasing the speed,
the number of impellers, parts and volume of goods will be significantly reduced and will reduce the
cost of the device, which the manufacturers are willing to do.

Examples for selecting speed.

1.Specify pump speed for below condition:

Q = 200 m3/hr = 200 / 3600 = 0.055 m3/s

H = 1100 m

N = 1500 rpm

NS = N Q0.5 / H0.75 Ns = 1500 x 0.0550.5 / 1100 0.75

= 1.85 out of range 9 < Ns < 155

Therefore speed shall be increased to 3000:

Ns = 3000 x 0.0550.5 / 11000.75 = 3.7 out of range 9 < Ns < 155

Since pump shall have two or more stages: 4 stages

Ns = 3000 x 0.0550.5 / (1100/4) 0.75

= 10.47 Good

The best choice is Between Bearing type with 4 stages and speed 3000 rpm.

2. Specify pump speed for below condition:

Q = 1100 m3/hr = 1100 / 3600 = 0.3055 m3/s

H = 200 m

N = 3000 rpm

NS = N Q0.5 / H0.75 Ns = 3000 x 0.30550.5 / 200 0.75

= 31.178 Good
New assumption: N = 1500

NS = N Q0.5 / H0.75 Ns = 1500 x 0.30550.5 / 200 0.75

= 15.58 Good

The best choice is Over Hung type with speed 1500 rpm

Comments:
1. Specific speed shall be within range of 9 < Ns < 155.
2. Suction specific speed shall be less than Nss < 213.
3. Preferred speed for motors is 1500 RPM.

System Characteristic Curve

In the pumping system, there are two characteristic curves that determine the operating point of the
pump. One is related to the pump itself, which is called the pump characteristic curve, and the other
is related to the system and components before and after the pump, which is called the system
characteristic curve.

System definition:
Everything that is installed on the pumping line before and after the pump, from the pumping source,
which can be a tank or the valves and fittings on the line, are all parts of the system.

System curve drawing method:

To draw the system curve, the drops in the system must first be known and then they can be
calculated.

Pumping system losses:

System losses are divided into two categories: static losses and dynamic losses.
Static drop in the system can appear in two ways. This drop persists when the pump is off.

• Differential Pressure between input and output of sources:

Any pressure on the fluid, whether in the inlet and outlet tank. Reservoirs can be atmospheric or they
can be pressurized. The pressure on the inlet tank is considered negative and on the outlet tank is
considered positive.

• Differential Head between output and input of sources (Pump is base)

The height of the inlet and outlet tanks’ fluid relative to the pump position. The height of the inlet
fluid is considered negative on the H-Q diagram and the height of the outlet fluid is considered positive
on the diagram.
Example: Calculate the static drop of the following pumping system.

The height or head of the inlet tank is 7 meters.

The height or head of the outlet tank from the pump is 10 meters.

H1 = 7 m

H2 = 10 m

∆H = 10 – 7 = 3 m

The inlet tank pressure is 1 bar.

The outlet tank pressure is 4 bar.

P1 = 1 bar

P2 = 4 bar

∆P = 4 – 1 = 3 bar

Convert the pressure to the equivalent head of the fluid:

P = ρ x g x h = 3 bar x 105 = 1000 x 9.81 x h h = 30.58 m

H total = 3 + 30.58 = 33.58 m

The static drop is shown as a straight line on the H axis. In fact, the rate of static drop is the starting
point of the dynamic drop curve.

Dynamic drop is also in two forms

– Pipeline route drop

– Loss of fittings
The above drops can be obtained in two ways: using a graph and using a formula.
In the graph method, first we get the equivalent of the pipe length of all connections and then
according to the graph we get the dynamic drop of the whole system. The second method uses the
formula for dynamic drop, which is a more accurate method.

• Connection loss calculation formula

K in the above formula is the drop coefficient of connections, which is specified for each type of
connection in a table.

Pipe drop calculation formula

Since in the above two functions, velocity appears with the exponent of square, the curve is generated
as a semi-parabolic.
The point of intersection of the system curve with the pump curve is the operating point of the pump.
For example, if there is a valve control on the pump output line, the system curve changes as the
valve control closes, so that the flow decreases and the head increases.

SUCTION SPECIFIC SPEED LIMIT

6.1.9 The pump suction-specific speed shall be calculated in accordance with Annex A and, if
specified, limited as stated on the data sheet. {API 610}

Suction-specific speed, S or Nss, an index number relating to a pump’s suction performance, is

calculated at best efficiency point flowrate with the maximum diameter impeller at a given rotative
speed and provides an assessment of a pump’s susceptibility to internal recirculation. It is defined by
Equation (A.2): {API 610}

NSS or S = N Q0.5/ NPSH30.75

N is the rotational speed, expressed in revolutions per minute;

Q is the flowrate per impeller eye, expressed in cubic metres per second (US gallons per
minute), equal to one of the following:

• total flowrate for single-suction impellers,

• one-half the total flowrate for double-suction impellers;

(NPSH3) is the net positive suction head required, expressed in metres (feet).

Suction-specific speed derived using SI units multiplied by a factor of 51.64 is equal to suction-
specific speed in
USC units. The USC symbol Nss is sometimes used to designate suction-
specific speed.

Double-suction impellers require less NPSH than do single suction impellers and the NSS is
calculated using one-half the GPM.

• NSS shall be 1900 (rpm,m3/m,m) or smaller for impplers with no inducer or 3000 or smaller
for the impller with an inducer. {VDR Sazeh}
• Nss (for hydro carbon services) is preferably less than 12770 (metric) for single suction or
10640 (metric) for double suction. {VDR Sazeh}
• Suction specific Speed shall preferably be less than 11610 metric (9675 for double suction
pumps) and shall not exceed 12770 metric (10640 for double suction pumps) on water
services. {Kermanshah Spec.}
• GP 10-1-1 limits SSS to 12000. Values of SSS range from 7000 to approximately 13000 for
commercially available pumps. Higher specific speed pumps have large inlet eye areas and
are generally prone to internal recirculation when operated at flows away from the
BEP. (Exxon Mobil}

Comments:
• The impeller identification number, specific speed and suction-specific speed shall be shown
on the curves.
• The Vendor shall indicate, in the proposal, the value of the suction specific speed for the
pumps proposed. Suction specific speeds, without inducer, shall be limited as indicated in
the table below. {Total}

SUCTION SPECIFIC SPEED LIMIT

• Vendor shall specify Q at BEP for maximum impeller.

• All proposals shall clearly indicate the use of an inducer, if necessary. The use of an inducer
shall be subject to Purchaser approval. {Total}
Rated Power
To calculate the rated power of the motor, you must first calculate the hydraulic power of the pump:
Note that in the first formula, flow is usually in cubic meters per second and the pressure is in Pascal,
and in second formula the flow is in cubic meters per hour and the pressure is in bar.

Ph (kw) = Q (m3/s) x ρ (kg/m3) x ∆h (m) x g (m/s2) = Q (m3/s) x ∆P (Pascal)

or

Ph (kw) = Q (m3/hr) x ∆P (bar) / 36

Ph = Hydraulic Power

• Q = Flow
• ρ = Density
• ∆h = Differential Pressure
• g = 9.81

Then the pump efficiency must be obtained from the pump performance curve (taken from the
manufacturer) and if this curve is not available, this efficiency must be estimated experimentally.
Through dividing the hydraulic power of the pump by the efficiency of the pump, the BHP power or
the brake horse power of the motor (pump absorption power) can be obtained.

BHP (Brake Hoarse Power) (kw) = Ph (kw) / ηp

However, to accurately calculate the motor’s braking horse power (pump absorption power), it can be
divided into gearbox efficiency and coupling efficiency (mechanical efficiency) or multiplied by the
ambient temperature effect factor and the sea level impact factor.

In the next stage, we divide the obtained BHP by the motor efficiency to get the Rated Power.

Rated Power (kw) = BHP (kw) / ηm

Finally, according to the API 610 standard, Rated Power must be multiplied by the safety factor. This
factor can be found in Table 12 of the API 610 standard.

Power rating for motor drivers = Rated Power x Percentage of rated pump power (Table 12 API 610)
RATED CURVE BEP FLOW (at rated impeller dia):
BEP is a flowrate at which a pump achieves its highest efficiency at rated impeller diameter.

At the BEP, flow enters and leaves the pump with a minimum amount of flow separation,

The best efficiency point (BEP) for most single stage centrifugal pumps is somewhere between 80%
and 85% of the shut off head. You are going to have to look at your individual pump curve to get
the exact number.

• Too far to the right and you can run out of Net positive suction head available (NPSHA)
• Too far to the left and you can get internal recirculation, heat and vibration
• Begins at 80% – 60% flow
• Severe below 40% – 20%
• API 610 states a minimum 60% standard, 70% preferred and 120% allowable,
110% preferred
• Operating on either side of the BEP will produce undesirable radial forces on the impeller

Unfortunately high efficiency also means higher maintenance costs because:

you are required to maintain tighter tolerances and keep the flow passages smooth and free from
obstructions. The demise of the double volute pump design in smaller size pumps is a perfect
example of the increase in mechanical seal problems as the efficiency of the volute pump was
increased to satisfy consumer demand.

• The normal operating point for the pump shall be between 0 and 10% to the left of the best
efficiency point. {Total Spec.}
• 1.13 The best efficiency point flowrate for the pump as furnished should preferably be
between the rated point and the normal point. {API 610}
Comments:
• The best efficiency point flowrate for the pump as furnished should preferably be between
the rated point and the normal point. {API 610}
• Vendor shall specify Q at BEP for maximum impeller.
Pump Curve
BEP:
A point on pump curve that flowrate at which a pump achieves its highest efficiency at rated impeller
diameter.

The best efficiency point flowrate at maximum impeller diameter is used to determine pump specific
speed and suction specific speed. The best efficiency point flowrate at reduced impeller diameters is
similarly reduced from the value at maximum impeller diameter.

Rated Flow Point:

Normal Flow x 110% = Rated Flow Point

Rated Flow Region:

Rated flow point shall be within the region of 80 % to 110 % of best efficiency flowrate of the pump.
Preferred operating region:
Portion of a pump’s hydraulic coverage over which the pump’s vibration is within the base limit of this
International Standard. Pumps shall have a preferred operating region of 70 % to 120 % of best
efficiency flowrate of the pump.

Allowable operating region:

Portion of a pump’s hydraulic coverage over which the pump is allowed to operate, based on vibration
within the upper limit of this International Standard or temperature rise or other limitation, specified
by the manufacturer.

Minimum continuous stable flow:

lowest flow at which the pump can operate without exceeding the vibration limits imposed by this
International Standard. The lowest flow point of allowable operating region shows min. stable flow.

Minimum continuous thermal flow:

lowest flow at which the pump can operate without its operation being impaired by the temperature
rise of the pumped liquid.

Shut-off Head:
When pump works at no flow and has the highest head (normally at the first of curve), this means,
close the valve on pipe line which exists next to the pump. Shutoff point shows the highest point on
the pump curve (if pump has stable curve). The shutoff pressure of a typical centrifugal pump is
approximately equal to the sum of the maximum suction pressure and 120% of the net differential
pressure generated by the pump, based on the maximum anticipated fluid density.

Run out:
When pump works with the highest flow and also the lowest head. Normally it is called end curve.

Stable curve:
Pumps that are continues head rise to shutoff, have stable curve.

Unstable Curve:
If a pump with a drooping head-capacity curve is operated near the maximum head/flow point,
unstable operation may result. The system may experience fluctuations in head and capacity as the
pump tries to match the system flow rate and head requirements. Fluctuations in head and capacity
are followed by fluctuations in the power and the speed of the unit, which under certain conditions,
can induce mechanical vibrations in the piping system.
 Preferred Operating Region (6.1.11)
Pumps shall have a preferred operating region of 70 % to 120 % of best efficiency flowrate of the
pump as furnished.

• Rated flow shall be within the region of 80 % to 110 % of best efficiency flowrate of the pump
as furnished.
• BEP to be between normal flow and rated flow. This means that rated flow is greater than BEP
and normal flow is less than BEP.
• The normal operating point for the pump shall be between 0 and 10% to the left of the best
efficiency point. {Total}
• 1.13 The best efficiency point flowrate for the pump as furnished should preferably be between
the rated point and the normal point. {API 610}
Comments:
• Pumps shall have a preferred operating region of 70 % to 120 % of best efficiency flowrate
of the pump.
• Rated flow shall be within the region of 80 % to 110 % of best efficiency flowrate of the pump.
• The normal operating point for the pump shall be between 0 and 10% to the left of the best
efficiency point. {Total}
Flat curve:
The rate of increase of head from BEP to Shutoff Head is introduced as Head Rise. If the head rate is
less than 10%, we call it a low slope or Flat curve.

Steep curve:
If the head rise is more than 10%, we call these curves steep.
In some cases, it is not recommended to use a low slope curve. For example, in fire water pumps, the
pump curve should not have a steep slope.
Also, according to the above two figures, the first figure, if the static head changes, a high head
change occurs in the steep curve and a high flow change occurs in the flat curve. In cases where the
static head of the system is variable, it is better to use the steep curve for regular delivery flow.
Over time, as the sedimentation of the pipes increases, the dynamic head of the system curve changes
and can be seen in the second figure, or by closing the valve after the pump, changes are made in
the working point of the pump, which can be seen in Figure 2.
Comments:
1. Minimum acceptable diameter shall be at least 80% of the maximum impeller diameter.
2. Shut-off head shall be minimum 5% above rated head at rated speed.
3. Confirm that the pump subject to parallel operation have 110 to 120% of rated head at shutoff.
4. Pumps shall be capable of at least a 5% head increase are rated conditions by replacement of
the impeller(s) with one(s) of larger diameter or different hydraulic design, variable-speed
capability or use of a blank stage.
5. Pumps shall have stable head/flowrate curves (continuous head rise to shutoff). In parallel
operation, the head rise from rated point to shutoff shall be at least 10 %. If a discharge
orifice is used as a means of providing a continuous rise to shutoff, this use shall be stated in
the proposal.
6. The pump head at shutoff shall not exceed 120% of the head at the rated capacity point.
7. Pumps shall have a preferred operating region of 70 % to 120 % of best efficiency flowrate
of the pump.
8. Rated flow point shall be within the region of 80 % to 110 % of best efficiency flowrate of the
pump.
9. Minimum Continuous Stable Flow shall be equal to the lowest point of allowable operating
region.
10. The best efficiency point for the furnished impeller shall preferably be between the rated point
and normal point.

SPECIFIC SPEED (6.1.9)

Specific speed is an index that represent and specify the shape of impeller, number of pump stage
and optimum efficiency of pump.

Index relating flow, total head and rotational speed for pumps of similar geometry. {API 610}

• The pump Ns shall be calculated in accordance with Annex A. {API 610}

• It is recognized that very low-Ns pumps might not be able to reach flowrates beyond 105 % to
110 % of BEP. In such cases, the expected flow limitations shall be indicated on the proposal
curves (see 10.2.4). {API 610}

Specific speed, ns, is an index number relating to a pump’s performance at best efficiency point
flowrate with the maximum diameter impeller and at a given rotative speed. Ns is defined by Equation
(A.1): {API 610}

NS= N Q0.5 / H 0.75

N is the rotational speed, expressed in revolutions per minute;

Q is the total pump flowrate, expressed in cubic metres per second (US gallons per minute);
use Q/2 for double suction pumps

H is the head per stage, expressed in metres (feet).

 • Higher Ns means pump with low head and high capacity plus lower rotational speed.
• Lower Ns means pump with high head and low capacity plus higher rotational speed.

Centrifugal pumps are generally divided into three classes depending on the Ns. The classes are as
follows: Centrifugal or Radial-Vane, Mixed-flow, and Axial-flow. {Exxon Mobil}

Ns derived using SI units multiplied by a factor of 51,64 is equal to Ns in USC units.

Comments:
• The pump Ns shall be calculated in accordance with Annex A. {API 610}
• The impeller identification number, Ns and Nss shall be shown on the curves. {API 610}
• Vendor shall specify Q at BEP for maximum impeller.
• Ns shall be within 9 < Ns < 150 or 500 < Ns < 8000.

Pump as part of the process

Pumps are always part of the pumping system when used. (Pump flow control)

A pumping system is always a network of pipes, tanks, valves and other parts of the system. The
receiver is always at a higher geographical level than the system supply. These parts can be on the
same level as each other, like a closed circuit heat transfer system.

Pumping systems almost always require a change in flow rate or a

change in flow. Pumping applications provide us with the most diverse
methods of energy storage.
Examples include the daily drinking water cycle, the variable liquid demand process, or the seasonal
heating demand. Of course, these changes can be in the pump head, such as periodic changes in
process pressure or in pumping into tanks with a variable fluid level.
Despite these changes, the pump capacity is selected based on the
maximum flow and pump head, or it may even be based on future
needs with a safety margin.
The average pumping capacity may be just a fraction of the maximum capacity, and this requires
some kind of control, and it must be controlled.

Pump flow control methods

There are several different ways to adapt the flow to the requirements of the system. The four most
common methods of controlling the flow of pumps are the use of control valves, the use of a bypass,
the on-off control and the variable frequency drive (VFD). These methods are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Demonstration of pump flow control methods – A – control through control valves, B – use
of bypass, C – control on – off and D – control of variable speed drive.

The relative power consumption of these different control methods can be obtained from the area
between the x and y axes and the working point.

This relationship is used:

P=Q×H
In the example below (see Figure 2), the relative power consumption of the average flow rate of 70%
is calculated by various control methods. A detailed description of power consumption and energy
savings for different pumping applications will be described in future articles.

Power consumption of four flow control methods

Control method Energy consumption

Control through control valves 89
Use bypass valves 82
On-off control 70
Variable speed drive control 45
Control through control valves
Throttling
Control through control valves is the most common method used. The current created by the constant
speed pump is reduced by increasing the losses in the system by closing the valve. In the example,
Figure 2 the working point is displaced from (Q = 10, H = 10) to (Q = 7, H = 12.7).

Relative power consumption can be calculated from the following equation:

P = 7 × 12.7 = 89

Use a bypass
Bypassing
Although not very common, the bypass is basically applied to rotary pumps. The discharge flow to the
system is reduced by bypassing part of the pump discharge flow to the pump suction, meaning that
the total flow increases (from 10 to 12.4) but the head decreases (from 10 to 6.6).

Relative power consumption is equal to:

P = 12.4 × 6.6 = 82

On-off control
On-off control is used when no non-step control is required, such as maintaining the pressure in the
tank between pre-set limits. This pump is either running or stopping.

Relative power consumption can be easily obtained as follows:

P = 0.7 × 100 = 70

Variable speed drive control

VFD control
In order to understand the benefits of VFD, consider the curves in Figure 2. With low static head
systems, the optimal efficiency of the pump follows the system curve. Using variable speed drive
control, the pump operating point follows from the curve without changing the system.
Changing the pump speed shifts the pump curves according to the continuity rules. If the pump
impeller speed is reduced, the pump curve will move downward. If the speed increases, it moves
upwards. This means that the pumping capacity is matched exactly to the requirements of the process.
Based on our previous example, both the flow rate (from 10 to 7) and the head (from 10 to 4.6) are
reduced.

Relative power consumption can be calculated as follows:

P = 7 × 6.4 = 45
This example shows that the variable speed control method is the most effective energy method in
pumping applications. The examples discussed were calculated for only one flow rate (70%), while
the relative power consumption with different control methods depends on the flow rate. This
relationship is shown in Figure 3 (Figure below).

In these curves, the efficiency of the pump, motor and drive are also
considered, and for this reason, the results are somewhat different from
what is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3. Power consumption for different pumping control methods as a function of flow rate.
Percentage values of flow and power are related to nominal pump values.

When the operating system is running at a reduced flow rate, control based on the use of the control
valve results high losses in pump and valve. These losses in motor remain almost constant throughout
the entire flow range. In variable speed drive control, the operating point follows the system curve
which has been optimized for pump efficiency. In general, according to the rules of continuity, energy
consumption drops significantly when speed is reduced.

Energy saving with variable speed drive control or VFD is remarkable.

Efficiency
Efficiency is one of the major characteristics of a pump. The performance of a centrifugal pump is
normally described in terms of the following characteristics:

• Rate of flow or capacity Q, expressed in units of volume per unit of time, most frequently gpm
US or cfs (1 cfs = 440 gpm);
• Increase of energy content in the fluid pumped or head H, expressed in units of energy per
unit mass usually ft per lb, or more simply, ft of liquid pumped;
• Input power BHP expressed in units of work per unit of time, horsepower;
• Efficiency E, the ratio of useful work performed to power input;
• Rotative speed N in rpm.

Because the parameters indicated are all mutually interdependent, performance of a centrifugal pump
is represented by characteristic curves.

Efficiency-capacity curve
Head-capacity curve and brake horsepower-capacity curve are determined by testing an actual pump
for efficiency.

The efficiency cannot be measured directly, but must be calculated from the measured information.

The formula for efficiency is as follows:

Using the above formula, the efficiency at which the pump is operating at any given capacity can be
determined. The efficiency points are then plotted on the graph and the curve is generated (below
figure).
Many centrifugal pumps are not high efficiency energy transfer devices. In other words, only part of
the energy used by the driver is actually transferred by the pump into pressure. The pump efficiency
is the percentage of energy that transfers from the driver to the liquid in the form of pressure.

For the pumps with high pumping flowrate, the efficiency intend to increase up.

The energy supplied by the driver which does not transfer into pressure energy inside the pump has
to go somewhere. Part of it goes to friction; part of it makes up for internal leakage; the remainder
enters the liquid in the pump in the form of heat. As long as the pump is operating at an efficiency of
30% or more, the heat energy that transfers from the driver to the liquid in the pump will cause only
a degree or two rise in the liquid temperature.

However, at low pumping rates, the efficiency may drop as low as 10-20%, which means that a larger
percentage of the driver energy is entering liquid in the pump in the form of heat. In this situation,
temperature rise may be several degrees, which may vaporize part of the internal parts of the pump
to the point that damage may occur.

A pump having several impellers will have a temperature in rise across each impeller. In
some instances, this limits the number of impellers that can be installed in a pump case.
Comments:
1. Vendor’s performance curves and quoted efficiency, however, must be based on API
clearances.
2. For pumps with variable speed drives, the impeller diameter giving the maximum effic. shall
be selected. If this results in the selected impeller diameter being the maximum for the chosen
casing, then the driver and pump shall be capable of the speed increase necessary to give a
5% increase in head (per API Std 610 clause 5.1.6 Note) and to correct any head shortfall
during testing, including the -2% tolerance per table 14.
3. NPSH and efficiency curve for max. impeller diameter shall be submitted.
4. Corrected effic. curve with respect to viscosity correction factors shall be submitted.

Reference:

API 610

Pumps Reference Guide {Gordon S. Bolegoh}

IMPELLER DIA. Rated Max. Min.

You will probably never use equation (1) in pump calculations, but the relationship of head to pump
speed and impeller diameter is very important. The pump head increases with the square of the
pump speed and impeller diameter.

• Flow is proportional to speed and impeller diameter.

• Head is proportional to (speed)2 and (impeller diameter)2
• Power is proportional to (speed)3 and (impeller diameter)3

The applicable formula for the change in capacity, head, and

horsepower looks the same as those for change in speed.
The relationships are expressed as follows:

-For a given pump and speed:

or expressed in a different way:

The above formulas are acceptable for small changes of impeller diameter, but should not be used
when the impeller diameter changes more than 10%. Because when the impeller dia in a pump is
changed, the basic relationship between the impeller and the casing is altered. Thus the design
configuration is also changed.

Note: The answers obtained from the calculations are not accurate enough to select an actual
impeller dia without first checking the rating curves to determine if the pump has been tested with
that particular impeller dia.

Comments:
1. Single stage pump with an impeller 500 mm or more running at speeds over 1500 rpm shall
be mounted between bearings. (Kermanshah Spec.)
2. Impeller diameters shall be 410 mm (16 in) or less for single stage, overhung pumps operating
above 1500 rpm. (Kermanshah Spec.)
3. The proposed rated impeller dia for pumps with constant speed drivers shall not be greater
than 95% or less than 80% of the maximum impeller dia that can be installed in the pump
casing. (Total Spec.) (Minimum acceptable diameter shall not be less than 80% of the
maximum impeller dia.)
 4. For pumps with variable speed drives, the impeller dia giving the maximum efficiency shall be
selected. If this results in the selected impeller dia being the maximum for the chosen casing,
then the driver and pump shall be capable of the speed increase necessary to give a 5%
increase in head (per API Std 610 clause 5.1.6 Note) and to correct any head shortfall during
testing, including the -2% tolerance per table 14. (Total Spec.)
5. For overhung impellers the tip speed of the selected impeller, at the rated operating point,
shall not exceed 62 m/s. (Total Spec.)

TBE – Technical bid evaluation is a document for evaluating vendors or

manufacturers. When client or purchaser get some offers from pump’s
manufacturer, they need to review vendor’s offer.

How to check and evaluate an offer:

1. At the first stage we should check number of pumps and tag number of each
pumps in the offer.
2. Then some major documents which must be submitted by vendor should be
checked. These documents are data sheet and curve, general arrangement,
deviation list, and etc.
3. Some main items of the pumps must be checked. These items shall be
compatible with API 610 requirements. We show some of them below:
•
 • Pump type: OH type, BB type, VS type.
• NPSH required or NPSH3
• Preffered and alloable operating region.
• Minimum flow rate.
• Rated power
• etc

4. When we check all the offer then issue a technical clarification sheet
or letter (TCS or TCL). Purchaser send this document to vendor and the
vendor edits his offer based on our comments and opinions.

5. After several steps of clarification, we can issue a document for final

evaluating of the vendor’s offer. This document is called TBE – Technical bid
evaluation.

How prepare a TBE:

When we want to buy a pump, first we should know this pump where to
work.

If you apply the pump in a process plant such as oil and gas processing, it is
required to design as per API 610 and if it works in general services such as
drinking water of plant you may design the pump as per ISO 5199 otherwise
you can design it as per API 610.

Every company has a TBE format for itself but a TBE normally contains the
main technical points related to pump standard.

These technical points are the same items that have been checked and
reviewed during technical clarification stage.
TBE – Technical bid evaluation

final evaluating is too important stage. because we must select the best
offer.

We put some TBE – Technical bid evaluation sample format for you at the
below.

We have many experiences in TBE and we can help you to select the best
vendor.

Please send us your vendor’s offers, then we can check your work.

The stages of our cooperation with you regarding TBE and TCL are as
follows:

• You send us your revised offers from vendors.

• We provide a TCL for each of the offers and send it you.
• After closing all the main items of TCL, we issue a TBE.

VDR is abbreviation of “Vendor Document Review”.

What is the VDR and how to do that?

Actually when we contract with a vendor to provide or construct an equipment, we must

receive vendor’s documents related to the equipment.

We should check those documents to ensure the accuracy of the work.

So we should have the knowledge for this work.

For centrifugal pumps which have been designed as per API 610, we must to be fluent
the standard.

Moreover some specifications help you to check vendor documents. Some of these
specifications are Exxon Mobile, Total, Chevron, Foster Wheeler, Shell, and like them.

You should check all the agreed criteria and requirements that you closed with
manufacturer during technical clarification before PO (Purchase Order).
We are ready to get your work (Vendor document review) and perform
it perfectly.

first of all please send us you work and if you have any question don’t hesitate to
contact us.

One of the other terms of this job is VPIS.

VPIS is vendor printed index schedule. This is the first document that vendor shall send to the client.

VPIS shows all the documents that will be handed over while the VDR.

Further more documents delivery time have been specified by the vendor in the VPIS.
Impeller Classification and Specific Speed:
In general, centrifugal pumps are divided into three categories according to
their specific speed. (Impeller Classification)
1. Radial-Vane
2. Mixed-flow
3. Axial-flow

Specific speed (Ns) is calculated using the following formula:

N: Rotational speed of the pump in RPM unit

Q: Volumetric flow rate at the best point of operation of the pump (BEP) per unit m3 / hour. In
double suction pumps, the flow rate must be divided by 2.

H: The pump head (at each stage a impeller) at the point of best pump operation (BEP) per unit m.
In multi-stage pumps, the pump head is divided by the number of stages.

Pump impeller classification according to specific speed

Example: Get the specific speed of a pump with a head of 30.5 m
and a flow rate of 1135.7 m3 / hr at 500 rpm.

• Depending on the specific speed obtained, the pump impeller is selected from the radial flow
type.
• In constant head and flow, higher specific speeds lead to higher rotational speeds, resulting
in smaller impeller diameters.
• At constant head and rotational speeds, higher specific speeds lead to increased pump flow
rate.

Reference: Exxon Mobil