Pump Test Lab

Determining the performance of different types of pumps at the constant speed by producing a set of characteristic curves

For roto-dynamic pumps:

1. Pressure head vs flow
2. Power absorbed vs flow
3. Pump efficiency vs flow

For positive displacement pumps:

1. Flow vs pressure head
2. Power absorbed vs pressure head
3. Volumetric efficiency vs pressure head

• Determining the effect of speed on the performance of pumps
• Understanding the difference between roto-dynamic pumps and positive displacement pumps
• Understanding the effect of system resistance
• Investigating the effect of suction losses on a centrifugal pump
• Demonstration of the effect of running two centrifugal pumps in series and parallel (requires C3-MkII-20SP)
• Understanding the characteristics of a reciprocating pump (requires C3-MkII-25 or C3-MkII-26 and C3-MKII-40)

The equipment comprises a water reservoir and five pump positions (four active).
Each pump position uses pipework and sensors optimized to the type of pumps it is intended for Positions 1, 2a and 2b are optimized for high flows at low heads, such as the rotodynamic pumps, whereas positions 3 and 4 are suitable for lower flows but
higher pressures, as obtained from the positive displacement pumps. Positions 2a and 2b are mutually exclusive as they share the same motor drive.

Switching between any of the four installed active pumps, (or series/parallel configuration) is simple, requiring only isolating valve changes and control panel selection. Changing over an installed pump for one of the other options are still straightforward, but requires plumbing changes (easy-release fastenings), topping up the tank with water (to replace any lost) and reprogramming some inverter settings. Additional pumps and options can be purchased at any time, and fitted by the user. A PC (not supplied) is used to set the required speed of the pump(s) on the test. A separate mimic diagram for the selected pump(s) on test displays the important measured and calculated variables.