Experiment 6: To Create Pump Characteristic Curves for Series
and Parallel Combinations & be Able to Interpret it
Student Name: __________________________ Reg. No. _____________ Section: __________
Theory
Centrifugal pumps are often used together to enhance either the flow rate or the delivery pressure
beyond that available from the single pump. For some piping system designs, it may be desirable
to consider a multiple pump system to meet the design requirements.
In serial operation the heads of the pumps are added and in parallel operation the flow rates
(capacities) of the pumps are added.
The equipment HM 284 series and parallel connected pumps demonstrator is part of the range of
devices that allow experiments on hydraulic engines and machines such as pumps, compressors
and water turbines. All models in this range are equipped with electronic sensors for computer-
based data acquisition. Using the software provided measurements can be represented
graphically and characteristics can be recorded.
Experimental Setup
The HM284 pump demonstrator can be used to determine the characteristic behavior of a pump
and the interaction of two pumps in particular.
● Characteristics of the system
● Characteristics of a pump
● Characteristics of pumps operating in series
● Characteristics of pumps operating in parallel
Fig 6.1 HM 284 series and parallel pump
Fig 6.2 circuit for parallel operation Fig 6.3 circuit for series operation
The pump demonstrator consists of a controllable pump (p1) and an optionally switchable
constant speed pump (p2). Water is sucked in from the supply tank and pumped through the
piping in the circuit. Using valves 1 and 2, the pump demonstrator can be operated in a variety of
operating modes. Valve 3 is used to adjust the system's flow resistance. In this way it is possible
to analysis the behavior of the system and pumps.
To set the pump demonstrator to series operation, valve 1 (v1) must connect the pressure side of
pump 1 (p1) to the suction side of pump 2 (p2).
To achieve this, the manual valve of valve 1 must be rotated until the symbol assumes the position
as shown in Fig.7.3
Pump 2 (p2) is only supplied with water from pump 1 (p1). To avoid flows into or out of the tank,
valve 2 (v2) must be closed.
Pump 1 sucks in water from the tank. The pressure is increased, and the water fed to pump 2,
where a further pressure increase takes place.
Before the water is pumped back to the tank, the volume flow can be throttled with valve 3. The
pumps then work against an increased resistance.
To set the pump demonstrator to parallel operation, valve 1 (v1) must connect the pressure side of
pump 1 (p1) directly to valve 3 (v3).
To achieve this, the manual valve of valve 1 must be rotated until the symbol assumes the position.
In this way the connection between pressure side p1 and suction side p2 is overridden.
Pump 2 (p2) provides additional volume flow to pump 1 (p1). Pump 2 requires a separate water
supply for this purpose. This is done by opening valve 2 (v2) on the suction side.
Pump 1 and pump 2 suck in the water out of the tank and compress it together via valve 3 back
into the tank. By throttling the volume flow with valve 3, the resistance against which the pumps
work can be varied.
Procedure
To record the system characteristic curve, we shall proceed according to the following points:
1. Vent the pump demonstrator
2. Set the pump demonstrator for standalone operation of pump 1 (p1).
3. Open valve 3 (v3) fully
4. Carry out a zero calibration
5. Leave pump 1 to run to 3300 1/min
6. Measurements for the suction pressure p1, the pump outlet pressure p2 and the volume flow
should now be recorded
7. Reduce the volume flow bit by bit by gradually slowing the pump speed and take the
measurements according to point 6
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the volume flow is completely throttled.
By using valve 3 we can influence the system characteristic curve. In doing so, it is possible to
operate the pump at different system resistances and to plot the relationship between pressure
and volume flow.
To record the pump characteristic curve, we shall proceed according to the following points:
1. Vent the pump demonstrator.
2. Set the pump demonstrator for standalone operation of pump 1.
3. Open valve 3 (v3) fully.
4. Carry out a zero calibration.
5. Leave pump 1 to run to 2760 1/min (Speeds up to 3300 1/min are possible, but comparison
with pump 2 is only possible in this way)
6. Measurements for the suction pressure p1, the pump outlet pressure p2 and the volume flow
should now be recorded
7. Reduce the volume flow bit by bit by gradually closing valve 3 (v3) and take the
measurements according to point 6
8. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the volume flow is completely throttled.
Experimental Data
For Parallel
n Q P1 P2 P3 Phydraulic Pelectrical η
Pump 1 Volume Pressure Pressure Pressure Hydraulic Electrical Efficiency
speed Flow rate Power Power
(bar) (bar) (bar) %
(rpm) (lit/min) (Watt) (Watt)
For Series
n Q P1 P2 P3 Phydraulic Pelectrical 𝜼
Pump 1 Volume Pressure Pressure Pressure Hydraulic Electrical Efficiency
speed Flow rate Power Power
(bar) (bar) (bar) %
(rpm) (lit/min) (Watt) (Watt)
Calculations
ΔPp1 = P2 - P1
Phydraulic = ΔPp1. 𝑄
𝑃ℎ𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑐
𝜂= .100
𝑃𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
Here:
ΔPp1: Difference of pressure across pump 1 in (bar)
P1: Suction Pressure of pump 1 in (bar)
P2: Discharge Pressure of pump 1 in (bar)
P3: Discharge Pressure of pump 2 in (bar)
𝑄: Volume Flowrate in (lit/min)
Phydraulic: Hydraulic Power in (Watt)
Pelectrical: Electrical Power in (Watt)
𝜂: Efficiency in %
Lab Assignment
1. Plot Pump characteristic curves for series and parallel combinations and comment on
the result.
2. What are submersible pumps.
3. For higher head and low flowrates, which combination is used series or parallel?
