Lecture Notes on Pumps
1. Introduction to Pumps
Definition: A pump is a mechanical device used to move fluids (liquids or gases)
from one place to another by mechanical action.
Applications: Water supply, irrigation, oil and gas industries, chemical processes,
sewage systems, etc.
2. Classification of Pumps
A. Based on Principle of Operation
1. Positive Displacement Pumps:
o Traps a fixed amount of fluid and forces it through the discharge.
o Types:
Reciprocating pumps (Piston, Plunger, Diaphragm)
Rotary pumps (Gear, Screw, Vane)
o Characteristics:
High pressure, low flow
Good for viscous fluids
Pulsating flow
2. Dynamic (Centrifugal) Pumps:
o Adds energy to fluid continuously by imparting velocity, then converts it to
pressure.
o Types:
Centrifugal pumps
Axial flow pumps
Mixed flow pumps
o Characteristics:
High flow, lower pressure
Smooth, continuous flow
3. Centrifugal Pump Components
Impeller: Rotating part that adds energy to the fluid
Casing: Encloses the impeller; typically volute-shaped to convert velocity to pressure
Suction & Discharge Nozzles: For fluid inlet and outlet
Shaft & Bearings: Supports rotation
Seal/Stuffing Box: Prevents leakage along the shaft
4. Pump Performance Parameters
Flow Rate (Q): Volume of fluid moved per unit time (m³/s, L/min)
Head (H): Height to which the pump can raise fluid (m)
Power (P): Energy consumed (kW or HP)
o Water horsepower (WHP): Power imparted to the fluid
o Brake horsepower (BHP): Actual power input to the pump
Efficiency (η): η=WHPBHP×100\eta = \frac{WHP}{BHP} \times 100η=BHPWHP
×100
NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head):
o NPSH_A: Available
o NPSH_R: Required (to avoid cavitation)
5. Pump Characteristics Curves
Head vs. Flow (H-Q curve)
Efficiency vs. Flow
Power vs. Flow
Used for selecting pumps and understanding behavior under varying loads
6. Priming in Pumps
Needed in centrifugal pumps to remove air from casing and suction line
Methods: Manual, vacuum pump, foot valve, self-priming designs
7. Cavitation
Occurs when local pressure falls below vapor pressure, forming vapor bubbles
Causes damage to impeller and reduces efficiency
Prevented by ensuring adequate NPSH_A > NPSH_R
8. Pump Installation & Operation
Proper alignment
Air-tight suction line
Avoiding dry run
Regular maintenance (bearing lubrication, seal inspection)
9. Comparison: Positive Displacement vs. Centrifugal
Pumps
Feature Positive Displacement Centrifugal
Flow rate Constant Varies with pressure
Pressure capability High Lower
Suitable for High viscosity fluids Low viscosity fluids
Flow nature Pulsating Smooth
Priming Self-priming (usually) Needs priming
10. Applications
Reciprocating pumps: High-pressure cleaning, hydraulic systems
Centrifugal pumps: Water supply, cooling systems, chemical transfer
Gear pumps: Oil transfer, lubrication
Diaphragm pumps: Chemical dosing, pharmaceuticals