FM571 · Centrifugal Pump

Experimental Apparatus for the Study of Centrifugal Pump Characteristics

Experiments

Principle of operation of a centrifugal pump
Determination of pump head as a function of flow rate (H–Q characteristic)
Determination of absorbed electrical power as a function of flow rate (P–Q characteristic)
Determination of hydraulic power as a function of flow rate
Determination of overall pump–motor efficiency as a function of flow rate (η–Q characteristic)
Analysis of the effect of rotational speed on pump characteristic curves
Construction of the similarity parabola for different operating speeds
Determination of the pipe network characteristic for various operating conditions

Description

The apparatus is designed for the systematic investigation of the operating behaviour and characteristic curves of a centrifugal pump within a piping network. The multi-stage pump is driven by a variable-speed motor controlled via a frequency converter, enabling the acquisition of complete characteristic families across a range of rotational speeds.

The unit operates as a closed water circuit with a transparent acrylic suction reservoir. Pressure sensors at the pump inlet and outlet, combined with flow rate, rotational speed and electrical power transducers, provide a complete set of measurements for the derivation of all relevant energetic parameters. All measured values are acquired in real time and transmitted to a PC, where they are displayed and analysed using the dedicated data acquisition software.

Simulated version of the equipment's Human Machine Interface

Specifications

Centrifugal pump multi-stage, stainless steel impeller, variable speed via frequency converter

Max. flow rate 1.5 m³/h

Max. head 15 m

Water tank transparent acrylic, 15 L

Pressure measurement −1…3 bar (inlet and outlet)

Additional sensors flow rate, rotational speed, absorbed electrical power

Valves ball valve, gate valve, pipe system

Data acquisition real-time system with dedicated software

220V

Required for operation

Electrical supply 220V, 50Hz, single phase

Computer PC with Windows

Scope of delivery

1 experimental unit
1 data acquisition software + cable
1 set of instructional material