Theoretical study and measurement of the characteristic curves of a centrifugal pump

Abstract

In this study, experimental and analytical investigations are carried out in order to determine the steady state performance curves of a centrifugal pump. The pump rotor of the hydraulic facility (TE-83), available at the fluid laboratory of the National Engineering School of Sfax (ENIS), is used for the steady state calculations. The characteristic curves (flow-head) of the pump were determined by measuring the difference between the outlet and the inlet pressures for different steady flow rates. The curves were plotted for various values of the rotating speed. For each speed the head is recorded then plotted at different discharge openings. Results are further processed to determine the head and flow coefficients. These coefficients are obtained by applying the theory of dimensional analysis and similitude. The head coefficient is plotted versus the flow coefficient to form a curve of these two dimensionless numbers using only one machine. This curve can then be used to give information for any machines geometrically similar to the test machine.