Water Pumping For Buildings

Article 10.1 General Requirements

10.1.1 Installation of pumping equipment to supply buildings from existing water supply should only be allowed
if there is always water in the mains to prevent contamination of water system when air gains entrance due to
negative pressure created by pumping.

10.1.2 A shut off valve followed by a check valve shall be placed between the suction of pump and water mains
to prevent any return of water to mains when pump is stopped.

10.1.3 To maintain water pressure in all floors of the building the following systems may be used:

10.1.3.1 Overhead Tank Supply A water tank may be installed above the roof of the building
supported by the building or by a separate tower for the purpose. Water from the water
mains is pumped to the tank and the building draws its supply from overhead tank.

(a) Suitable float switch or other devices should be installed with the tank to stop or
start operation of pump depending on water level in the tank.

(b) A check valve should be installed between the pump and tank.

(c) Water tank should be provided with an overflow pipe, leading to storm drain and a
vent properly protected from insects.

(d) Water tank should be fully covered to keep out flying debris and to prevent growth
of moss.

(e) For multi-storey buildings, suitable pressure reducing valves should be supplied to
regulate water pressure for each floor.

10.1.3.2 Pneumatic Tank- The tank is an unfired pressure vessel, initially full of air, into which
water from mains is pumped

(a) A suitable pressure switch should stop pump when pressure required is attained.

(b) An air volume control device should be installed to replenish air absorbed by water
under pressure to maintain correct air volume in tank.

(c) Suitable air valve to take out or replenish air in tank should be installed on top of
tank.

(d) A tank should be designed for maximum total dynamic pressure required multiplied
by two to provide for water hammer. Factor of safety should not be less than five.

(e) For tanks of 3785 liters or more separate air compressor should be installed to
replenish air absorbed by the water.

(f) For figuring equipment, pipes fitting and valves, the right pressure rating should
correspond to total dynamic head multiplied by two to connect water hammer effect.
10.2.1 Clarification:

Pumps

Centrifugal
Mixed Flow

a) Single-stage
b) Multi-stage

Propeller or Axial Flow Peripheral

Rotary
Cam
Screw
Gear
Vane

10.2.2 Centrifugal Pumps. A centrifugal pump is a machine which the pumping action is accomplished
by imparting kinetic energy to the fluid by a high speed revolving impeller with vanes and subsequently
converting this kinetic energy into pressure energy either by passing the fluid thru a volute casing or thru
diffuser vanes. After the conversion is accomplished, the fluid is discharged from the machine.
When the kinetic energy is converted to pressure energy by means of the volute shape of the casing, the
pumps are called volute centrifugal pumps. When the conversion of kinetic energy to pressure energy
occurs in the passage of the fluid thru stationary diffuser vanes, the pumps are called diffuser centrifugal
pumps.
The radial type of impeller is characterized by rather long narrow passages for the water. The ratio of
outside impeller diameter D2 to impeller eye diameter D1 is approximately 2.
The Francis type of impeller is characterized by wider passages for the water and the ratio of D 2 to D1 is
about 1.5.
The mixed flow type of impeller is characterized by a mixed flow velocity vector, which naturally has a
horizontal component along the shaft as well as a vertical component perpendicular to the shaft. The
ratio of D2 to D1 is slightly over unity.

Reciprocating

Piston
Direct-acting
a) Single
b) Duplex

Crank and Flywheel Plunger

Power driven
a) Simplex
b) Duplex
c) Triplex
 Deepwell

Turbine
Ejector Centrifugal
Reciprocating
Airlift

The Axial or propeller type of impeller has a ratio of D 2 to D1 equal to unity. The pumping action is
accomplished by the lifting of the water by the pitch of the blades of propeller as it revolves. As this type of
impeller has no guidance for the flow of water, it cannot operate with suction lift. The impeller or propeller is
generally immersed in the liquid.

10.2.2.1 Basic Parts of a Centrifugal Pump.

Impeller Imparts velocity to the liquid, resulting from centrifugal force as the impeller is
rotated.
Casing Gives direction to the flow from the impeller and converts this velocity energy into
pressure energy which is usually measured in feet of head.
Shaft Transmit power from the driver to the impeller.
Stuffing Box This is a means of throttling the leakage which would otherwise occur at the point
of entry of the shaft into the casing. Usually not a separate part, but rather made up of a group
of small details.
(a) Packing This is the most common means of throttling the leakage between the inside and
outside of the casing.
(b.) Gland To position and adjust this packing pressure.

(c.) Seal Gage (also called water seal or lantern ring) Provides passage distribute the sealing medium uniformly
around the position of the shaft that passes through the stuffing box.

(d.) Mechanical Seal Provides a mechanical sealing arrangement that takes the place of the packing.

Shaft Sleeves Protects the shaft where it passes through the stuffing box.

Wearing Rings Keeps internal recirculation down to a minimum.

Wearing Plates keeps open type impellers or end clearance wearing fits, these perform the same purpose as
wearing rings do with radial clearances.

Bearings Accurately locate shaft and carry radial and thrust loads.

Frame to mount unit rigidly and support bearings.

Coupling Connects the pump to the driver.

10.2.2.2 Specific Speed. Specific speed is a type characteristic of centrifugal pumps and is defined as the speed in
rpm at which a centrifugal pump would run, if reduced proportionately in size, as to deliver a rated capacity of
3,785 liters per minute against a total dynamic head of 0.305 meter.

Affinity Laws for Centrifugal Pumps:

(a) For a constant impeller diameter, rotating at a speed when rotated a new speed.
(b) For a constant speed of the impeller and small changes in the impeller outside diameter, the following
relations hold, the efficiency remaining practically constant.
10.2.2.3 Cavitation. Cavitation is a phenomenon which occurs in a centrifugal pump when the pressure at
any point inside a pump drops below the vapor pressure corresponding to the temperature of the liquid,
resulting in the formation of bubbles. These vapor bubbles are carried along with the flowing liquid, and
collapse with tremendous shock when a region of higher pressure is reached.

The effects of cavitation

(a) Pitting due to chemical reaction between gases and metal:

(b) Noise accompanying the collapse of the vapor bubbles,
(c) Vibration of the unit
(d) Decreased capacity

These effects are all detrimental to smooth pump operation, and hence, the occurrence of cavitation
should be avoided.

In order to avoid cavitation, the net positive suction head (NPSH) of an installation should be at
least equal to or greater than the NPSH of the pump
NPSH = Hb (+,-) Hs Hf
where:

Hs = height in feet of the fluid sureface above ( + sign ) or below ( - sign ) from the pump center
line.

Hb = height in feet corresponding to the absolute pressure on the surface of the fluid from
which the pump draws.

Hvp = head in feet corresponding to the vapor pressure of the liquid at the existing temperature.

Hf = head in feet due to friction from source of supply to pump suction flange.

10.2.3 Rotary Pumps. A rotary pump is a positive displacement pump consisting of a fixed casing
containing gears, cams, screws, vanes, plungers or similar elements actuated by rotation of the drive shaft.

10.2.3.1 Types:

(a) Cam and Piston Pumps. This type consists of an eccentrically bored cam, rotated by a
shaft concentric in a cylindrically bored casing, with an abutment of follower so arranged
that with each rotation of the drive shaft a positive quantity of liquid is displaced from
the space between the cam and follower and the pump casing.

(b) Gear Pumps. This type consists of two or more gear, operating in closely fitted casing
so arranged that when the gear teeth unmesh on one side liquid fills the space to the
opposite side and displaced as the teeth mesh again.

(1) External gear pumps have all the gear rotors cut externally. The gears maybe spur,
single helical or double helical.

(2) Internal gear pump gave one rotor with internally cut gear with teeth meshing with an
externally cut gear idler. Pumps of this type are made with or without a crescent shaped
partition.
 (c) Screw Pumps. This type consists of one, two or three screw rotors so arranged that as
the rotors turn liquid fills the shape between the screw threads and is displaced axially as
the rotor threads mesh.

(d) Vane Pumps. This type consists of one rotor in casing machined eccentrically to the
drive shaft. The rotor is fitted with a series of vanes, blades or buckets which follow the
bore of the casing thereby displacing liquid with each revolution of the drive shaft. Vane
pumps may have swinging vanes or sliding vanes.

The rotary pump combines the constant discharge characteristic of the centrifugal type with the
positive discharge characteristic of the reciprocating pump. The flow from a reciprocating pump is
pulsating whereas the flow from many rotary types of pump is constant. The positive discharge
characteristic including reciprocating pump prevents the operation of these pumps against a closed
discharge unless an automatic unloader is provided to by-pass the discharge with the suction well. Rotary
pumps are capable of handling only a clean solution essentially free of solids and particularly adopted to
handling liquids of high viscosities, such as heavy fuel oil, paint, etc.
Handling liquids of high viscosities such as heavy fuel oil, paint etc.

10.2.4 Reciprocating pumps. A reciprocating pump is a positive displacement unit wherein the pumping action is
accomplished by the forward and backward movement of a piston or plunger inside a cylinder usually provided
with valves. Pistons types are used for low pressure light duty or intermittent service. Less expensive than the
plunger design, but cannot handle gritty liquids. Plunger types are used for high pressure heavy duty or continuous
service. Suitable for gritty and foreign material service, and more expensive than the piston design.

10.2.4.1 Types:

a) Direct Acting Steam pumps. This type has a steam cylinder with no lap on valves, a water cylinder
and common piston rod.
b) Crank and Flywheel Reciprocating Pump. This type is driven by compound, cross-compound or
triple expansion steam engines.
c) Power Driven Pumps. This type receives its forward and backward motion of the piston and
plunger from the rotary motion of a revolving crankshaft by means of a crank and connecting
rod.

10.2.4.2 Accessories of Reciprocating Pumps. The reciprocating pump needs some accessories for better and safe
operation besides the piston and cylinder and various forms of valves used.

a. Air Chamber. Its function is to smoothen the flow due to the nature of flow of the liquid from such
type of pump.
b. Pressure Relief Valve. This should be installed on the discharge side between pump and any other
valve.
c. Foot Valve and Strainer. Theses should also be installed at the end of the suction pipe. The foot valve
should be of a size at least equal to the size of the suction pipe. The clear area of the strainer should
be at least three times the area of the suction pipe in order to minimize head loss at this point.

10.2.4.3 Head, Capacity, Efficiencies. The total head as defined for centrifugal pumps also applies to reciprocating
pumps. It is general practice of manufactures of reciprocating pumps to state capacities in terms of pistons or
plunger displacement without deduction for the piston rod area or slippage.
10.2.5 Deep Well Pumps :

10.2.5.1 Deep Well pumps may be divided into plunger or reciprocating, turbine, ejector centrifugal types and air
lifts.

a. Plunger pump. Modern plunger pumps are a refinement of the old hand pumps that have played suh
an important role in country home and small town water supple from wells. A ball valve, plunger ,and
check

Valves are used in this pump. In operation only the plunger moves. When the plunger is raised a vacuum is created
below it, and water flows in through the check valve to fill the void. When the plunger is lowered the check valve
closes and traps the fluid in the pump, and it is forced up through the valve in the plunger, to be lifted on the next
upward stroke of the plunger.

(b) Turbine Pumps- Theses pumps represent the application of vertical centrifugal pumps to deep well service and
are built for heads up to 305 meter and for capacities up to 26 495 liters per minute.

The turbine pump includes two principal parts; the head; comprising a vertical driving motor; discharge
connection, and step bearing, and the pumping unit. The pump unit is that part installed under the pump head
below the surface of the ground. It comprises the pump column, shafting, and pump stages, the latter consisting of
the bowls and impellers.

A type of turbine pump wherein the motor is below the turbine bowls is called the submersible motor pumps, in
this set-up the propelling shaft is very short and the unusually long small-diameter motor operates submerged at
all times in the well water. However, the liquid pumped does not come in contact with the electrical parts on
motor bearings, as these are enclosed in an oil-filled case with a mercury seal where the shaft passes through at
the top. The turbine and the submersible motor form a compact unit that is attached to and supported by the
discharge pipe.

(c) Ejector-Centrifugal Pump- A type of deep-well pump that has come into wide use for small capacities combines
a single-stage centrifugal pump at the top of the well and an ejector or jet located down in the water. This is best
suited where the lifts is 7.6 meters or over and capacities up to 190 liters per minute net discharge. The amount of
water required to flow down the pressure pipe for jet operation increases as the lift from well-water level to the
pump increases.

(d) Air Lifts Another method of pumping well is by air lifts with compressed air being admitted to the well to lift
water to the surface. For successful operation of the system, the discharge pipe must have its lower end
submerged in this well water. The amount of submergence before air is admitted will vary from 70 per cm for 6.1
meters lifts to 40% for a 214 meter lift.

When air is admitted to a well, the water goes from the level of static head to the bottom of the discharge pipe.
This displaced column of liquid rises up the discharge pipe and as the air flow continues, it enters the pipe across
the water and lowering the specific gravity of the mixture.

10.2.6 Water Horsepower and Brake Horsepower - The theoretical amount of energy necessary to raise a given
volume of fluid (Q) from a lower to a higher elevation is:

E=Q W H = foot pounds

Where:

Q= volume of fluid in gallons

W= weight of fluid in lb. per gallon

H= vertical distance between elevations in feet and the water HP is:

WHP= QWH/33 000 when Q is expressed in gpm.

For liquids other than water or for water at other temperatures than the standard

WHP= QHSp.gr/ 3960

Where sp.gr= sp, gravity of the liquid considered at the corresponding temperature.

When pumping any liquid having a sp. Gr. Against a pressure (P) in psi, the WHP equation becomes;

WHP = Q x Sp. Gr x ( 2.31 P/Sp. Gr)

= Q x 2.31 P/ 3 960 = QP/1 714

Due to the various losses in the flow of water thru pump, the friction in piping both suction and discharge, and due
to turbulence of the water and the energy, to create the velocity of flow, the brake horsepower required by the
pump is much greater than the water horsepower, The relation is;

BHP = WHP/efficiency

Article 10.3 Fluid Power Metrication

10.3.1 If the hydraulic or pneumatic circuitry is designed within metric parameters, equipment and other
components such as valves, cylinders or gages must have mountings that are compatible with metric fasteners,
such as bolts and clevis pins.

There are several metric methods of specifying pressure. The most basic is the newton per square metre (
N/m2). However, it is convenient to use the term pascal (Pa) which represents one newton per square metre; by
doing this pascal is associated with power industry prefer the term bar, which is equal to 100 000 pascals. The
following relationship can be used for converting to metric:

1bar = 100 000 Pa

= 100 000 N/m2

= 14.5 psi

1 inch mercury ( at 600 F) = 0.034 bars

Other manufactures of fluid power equipment prefer to express gauge pressure in units of kg/cm 2. For
basis of comparison

1 psi = 0.07045 kg/cm2

Customarily, fluid flow has been expressed as gallons per minute for liquids and cubic feet per minute for gases.
For liquid in metric units, cubic meter per minute or liters per minute are usable quantities. The following
relationships represent relative magnitudes

1 gpm = 3.785 liters/min. = 0.003785 m3/min

Article 10.4 Metric Pump Formula

Theoretical Power in Kilowatts-

Power, KWt = Q x W x H / 6 130. 25

Where:
 Q = pump capacity in liters/min.

W = weight of fluid in kgs/liter

H = total head in metres

For cold water, W = 1 kg per liter

Hence eq. (1) becomes

KWa = KWt / efficiency

10.4.2 Actual Power required, KWa

KWa = KWt / efficiency

Reference:

Philippine Mechanical Code

Water Pumping For Buildings

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In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements in
NME 417 1ME: Safety Engineering

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Presented to the
College of Engineering
University of the East - Caloocan

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Cruz, Arvin Jansen O.

10.October. 2017