Series & Parallel Pump Test Apparatus Model FM 12

Pumps are connected in series and parallel to obtain the required flow rate and head in several applications including domestic, industrial, irrigation and drainage. Energy is supplied to the pumps by electric motors 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 operating in both series and parallel connection. The is an experimental set-up necessary for any Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory of an educational institution. The Sci-tech Series & Parallel Pump Test Apparatus Model FM 12 has been designed to enable students to study the operation and performance characteristics of typical centrifugal pumps connected by flexible tubing and valves to operate in both series and parallel mode. The apparatus can also be used to conduct experiments on a single centrifugal pump independently. The apparatus consists of two similar variable speed centrifugal pumps having independent discharge manifold connected by plastic tubing with connectors to enable quick change of operation to series or parallel modes. Shut-off valves in the pipe system enable the pumps to be connected in series or in parallel. Pumps are driven by a AC motors of adjustable speed. Motors are suspended and the driving torque is measured using torque wrench. Motor speeds and power consumption are digitally displayed on the control panel. The apparatus can be connected to the Sci-tech FM 100 Hydraulic Bench 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 pumps to measure increase of head across the pumps. The independent discharge manifolds have pressure gauges and flow control valves upstream of the discharge pipe and the diffuser. The flow rate through the pump system is measured using the measuring tank of the hydraulic bench and can be checked independently by water flow meters fixed at the delivery side of both pumps. The Sci-tech Series & Parallel Pump Test Apparatus is a compact unit and all components and instrumentation are placed in a robust and mobile frame. OPTIONS: ‘Sci-Cal’ Computer based learning software is included to enable students understand and conduct experiments, tabulate results and plot graphs. The Sci-tech Series & Parallel Pump Test Apparatus  is an important experimental set-up for any Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory of an educational institution. The manual describing the theoretical and practical aspects of the apparatus, operation and maintenance, analysis of results and sample of results will be supplied with the equipment.   List of Experiments Series or Parallel Centrifugal Pump Operation:  1. Study of operation and working of centrifugal pumps connected in series and parallel. 2. Study of matching of pumps, starting and stopping of pumps in series and parallel connection. 3. Determination of power requirement for series and parallel operation. 4. Determination of hydraulic power output in series and parallel operation. 5. Investigation of performance and characteristics in series and parallel operation. * Effect of pump speeds – pumps to be operated at same and different speeds. * Head, discharge, speed, power and efficiency curves.   Single Centrifugal Pump Operation:  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: 1. Pumps: 2 Nos, centrifugal type, max. head: 21 m water, max. Flow rate: 90 Lpm. 2. Motors: 2 Nos, AC