Sci-tech Centrifugal Pump Testing Rig for Education

Centrifugal pumps are widely used for pumping liquids in several applications including domestic, industrial, irrigation and drainage. Energy is supplied to the pump by an electric motor and the potential energy of the liquid is increased by the action of the impeller rotating inside a volute casing. It is essential for students to understand the operation and performance characteristics of centrifugal pumps. The Sci-tech CentrifugalPump Test Apparatus Model FM 13 is an experimental set-up necessary for any Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory of an educational institution.

The Sci-tech Centrifugal Pump Test Apparatus Model FM 13 has been designed to enable students to study the operation and performance characteristics of a typical centrifugal pump. The module consists of a variable speed centrifugal pump assembly having an independent discharge manifold interconnected by plastic tubing with quick release connectors. The pump is driven by a AC motor of adjustable speed. The motor is suspended and the driving torque is determined with a torque wrench. The motor speed and power consumption are digitally displayed on the control panel. The pump can be connected to the Sci-tech Hydraulic Bench FM 100 or any other hydraulic bench models to supply and re-circulate water. Bourdon tube pressure gauges are mounted at the inlet and exit of the pump to measure increase of head across the pump. The independent discharge manifold has a pressure gauge and a flow control valve upstream of the discharge pipe and the diffuser. The flow rate through the system is measured using the measuring tank of the hydraulic bench and can be checked independently by the water flow meter fixed in the discharge.

The Sci-tech Centrifugal Pump Test Apparatus is a compact unit and all components and instrumentation are placed in a robust and mobile frame.

List of Experiments:

1. Study of the operation and working of centrifugal pump.

2. Determination of power requirement of the pump.

3. Determination of the hydraulic power output of the pump.

4. Investigation of the performance and characteristics of centrifugal pump :

 The effect of pump speed.

 Head, discharge, speed, power and efficiency curves.

 Non-dimensional performance curves.

 Determination of specific speed.

 Determination of net positive suction head.

Important Features and Specifications:

Important Features and Specifications:

1. Centrifugal pump size- 25.4 mm x 25.4 mm (Approx), Discharge: 15-30 lpm at 30 meter (Approx), Total head: 12 meter (Approx).

2. Driving Motor: ½ HP, AC electric motor

3. Power Measurement

4. RPM Indicator with sensor, Range - 0 to 9999

5. Pressure Gauges: 5 Kg/ Sq. cm.

6. Vacuum Gauge: 760mm (approx)

7. Foot Valve: size: 1” (approx) Plastic

8. Energy meter

9. Stand: M.S. Structure with powder coating or Alumium profile structure.

Additional in case ‘Hydraulic Bench’ not used:

10. Measuring Tank: 40 Liter non Corrosive PVC/Acrylic tank

11. Mechanical level measurement facility with scale.

12. Sump Tank: 100 Liter non Corrosive PVC/FRP tank

13. Stop Watch.

14. Piping & fittings & valves.

15. Flow measurement facility.

Measurements:

 Power input to the motor.

 Torque and power input to pump.

 Pump rotational speed.

 Pump suction and delivery pressures.

 Flow rate.

Options:

1)    ‘Sci-Cal’ Computer based learning software is included to enable students understand and conduct experiments, tabulate results and plot graphs. The Sci-tech Centrifugal Pump Test Apparatus is an important experimental set-up for any Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory of an educational institution.