TUTORIAL

TURBOMACHINE: PUMP
FLUID MECHANICS 2
MEC 442
1. What is the more common term for an energy producing turbomachine? How about
an energy-absorbing turbomachine? Explain this terminology. In particular, from
which frame of reference are these terms definedthat of the fluid or that of the
surroundings?
2. What are the primary differences between fans, blowers, and compressors? Discuss in
terms of pressure rise and volume flow rate.
3. List at least two common examples of fans, of blowers, and of compressors.
4. Discuss the primary difference between a positive displacement turbomachine and a
dynamic turbomachine. Give an example of each for both pumps and turbines.
5. For a pump, discuss the difference between brake horsepower and water horsepower,
and also define pump efficiency in terms of these quantities.
6. For a turbine, discuss the difference between brake horsepower and water
horsepower, and also define turbine efficiency in terms of these quantities.
7. There are three main categories of dynamic pumps. List and define them.
8. Define net positive suction head and required net positive suction head, and explain
how these two quantities are used to ensure that cavitation does not occur in a pump.
9. Explain why it is usually not wise to arrange two (or more) dissimilar pumps in series
or in parallel.
10. Write the equation that defines actual (available) net positive suction head NPSH.
From this definition, discuss at least five ways you can decrease the likelihood of
cavitation in the pump, for the same liquid, temperature, and volume flow rate.
11. In Fig. P11 is shown a plot of the pump net head as a function of the pump volume
flow rate, or capacity. On the figure, label the shutoff head, the free delivery, the
pump performance curve, the system curve, and the operating point.
12. Suppose the pump of Q11 is situated between two large water tanks with their free
surfaces open to the atmosphere. Explain qualitatively what would happen to the
pump performance curve if the free surface of the outlet tank were raised in elevation,
all else being equal. Repeat for the system curve. What would happen to the operating
pointwould the volume flow rate at the operating point decrease, increase, or
remain the same? Indicate the change on a qualitative plot of H versus V . , and
discuss. (Hint: Use
the energy equation between the free surface of the tank upstream of the pump and the
free surface of the tank downstream of the pump.)
13. The performance data for a centrifugal water pump are shown in Table Q13 for water
at 20C (Lpm = liters per minute).
(a) For each row of data, calculate the pump efficiency (percent). Show all units and
unit conversions for full credit.
(b) Estimate the volume flow rate (Lpm) and net head (m) at the BEP of the pump.

14. The performance data of a water pump follow the curve fit Havailable = H0 - aV2, where
the pumps shutoff head H0 = 5.30 m, coefficient a = 0.0453 m/(Lpm)2, the units of
pump head H are meters, and the units of V are liters per minute (Lpm). The pump is
used to pump water from one large reservoir to another large reservoir at a higher
elevation. The free surfaces of both reservoirs are exposed to atmospheric pressure.
The system curve simplifies to Hrequired = (z2 - z1) + bV2, where elevation difference z2
- z1 = 3.52 m, and coefficient b = 0.0261 m(Lpm)2. Calculate the operating point of
the pump (V operating and Hoperating) in appropriate units (Lpm and meters, respectively).
15. A water pump is used to pump water from one large reservoir to another large
reservoir that is at a higher elevation. The free surfaces of both reservoirs are exposed
to atmospheric pressure, as sketched in Fig. Q15. The dimensions and minor loss
coefficients are provided in the

16. Two water pumps are arranged in series. The performance data for both pumps follow
the parabolic curve fit Havailable = H0 - aV2. For pump 1, H0 = 5.30 m and coefficient a
= 0.0438 m/Lpm2; for pump 2, H0 = 7.80 m and coefficient a = 0.0347 m/Lpm2. In
either case, the units of net pump head H are m, and the units of capacity V are Lpm.
Calculate the combined shutoff head and free delivery of the two pumps working
together in series. At what volume flow rate should pump 1 be shut off and bypassed?
Explain.
The same two water pumps are arranged in parallel. Calculate the shutoff head and
free delivery of the two pumps working together in parallel. At what combined net
head should pump 1 be shut off and bypassed? Explain.