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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

Level Two (Advanced FAQs)<br />

Part II: Pumps and Pumping Station<br />

1. What is the difference in arranging pumps in series and in<br />

parallel?(p1)<br />

For identical pumps with similar functions, if the pumps arranged in series,<br />

the total head is increased without a change to maximum discharge. On<br />

the other hand, for pumps arranged in parallel to one another, the<br />

discharge is increased without any changes to maximum head.<br />

2. Why are radial flow pumps suitable for small flows and high heads?<br />

(P2)<br />

In radial flow pumps, a diffuser/volute is normally designed at it outlet to<br />

convert the kinetic energy gained during the pumping process to pressure<br />

head. The diffuser is characterized by widening <strong>of</strong> outlet pipes, resulting in<br />

the decrease <strong>of</strong> velocity (by continuity equation) and an increase in<br />

pressure head (by Bernoulli’s equation). In case <strong>of</strong> large flows to be<br />

handled by the pumps, the large velocity results in formation <strong>of</strong> significant<br />

Coriolis force which tends to deviate the outlet flow from design conditions.<br />

At the inlet part <strong>of</strong> the pumps, the inlet size is smaller than the diameter <strong>of</strong><br />

the impeller. Consequently, the velocity <strong>of</strong> flow associated with a small area<br />

is relatively large and there is less problem <strong>of</strong> separation in low flow<br />

condition. All in all, the efficiency <strong>of</strong> radial flow pumps is high when<br />

handling small flows.<br />

3. Why are axial flow pumps suitable for large flows and low heads?<br />

(P3)<br />

It is well known that axial flow pumps are most suitable for providing large<br />

flows and low heads. The reason behind this is closely related to the<br />

configuration and design <strong>of</strong> the pumps. In axial flow pumps, the size <strong>of</strong> inlet<br />

diameter is greater than that <strong>of</strong> impeller diameter. For low flow condition<br />

the velocity is relatively small and this increases the chances <strong>of</strong> occurrence<br />

<strong>of</strong> separation which brings about additional head losses and vibration. On<br />

the contrary, if the discharge is large enough the problem <strong>of</strong> separation is<br />

minimized.<br />

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