CE NT RIFU GAL

PU MP TER MS
ABSOL UTE PR ESSUR E
VACUUM
SPEC IF IC GR AVIT Y
PRES SUR E AND LIQUID HE IGH T
RELATION SHIP S(H EA D)
VAPOU R PRES SUR E
SUC TION HEA D
SUC TION LIF T
TOT AL D YNA MIC HE AD
 ABSO LU TE
PRE SS URE
Absolute Pressure is the sum of the
available atmospheric pressure and
the gage pressure in the pumping
system

Absolute Pressure(PSIA) = Gauge

Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure
ATM OSP HERI C
PRES SURE
 VAC UUM

The ful l or part ial

el imi nation of Atmospheric
Pressure

Atmospheri c Pre ssu re on

the Moon = 0 = Ful l V ac uum

1 Inch Hg Vacuum = 1. 13 Ft
of Water
SP ECI FIC GRAVI TY
The ratio of the weigh t of
anythi ng to the wei ght of
water.

Exampl e Speci fic G ravi ty of

HCl = Wei ght of H Cl ( /)
Weight of Wate r = 10. 0 (/)
8. 34 = 1. 2
SPECI FIC GRA VIT Y
PRES SUR E AN D LIQ UID
HEI GHT RELATI PON
SH IPS (HEAD)
1 PSI = 2.31 Ft of Water

Pressure, Liquid Height and

Specific Gravity Relationship
Gravity(SG) / 2.31
Pressure(PSI) = Head(FT) x
Specific
VAPO UR PRES SUR E
The pressure pushing
agai nst atmospheric
pressure on l iqui ds at
el evated te mperat ures .
 SUC TI ON HEA D
A Suction Head exists when the
liquid is taken from an open to
atmosphere tank where the liquid
level is above the centerline of the
pump suction, commonly known as a
Flooded Suction.
HEAD
FLOODED SUCTION HEAD
 SUCTION LIFT
A Suction Lift exists when the liquid
is taken from an open to atmosphere
tank where the liquid level is below
the centerline of the pump suction
SUCTION LIFT
 TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD
Total Dynamic Head (TDH) =
Elevation(ft)
+
Friction(ft)
TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD
Classification of pumps

Reciprocating Type of casing

Single acting
Volute Vortex Diffuser ring
Double acting
Type of impellor
Single cylinder
Double cylinder Closed Semi closed Opened
Triple cylinder Working head
low medium high
Centrifugal
Direction of flow

Axial Radial mixed

 Problems
Pump does not deliver
Pump deliver at reduced capacity
Delivery performance reduced
Pump delivers too much
Delivery is interrupted
Pumps runs in reverse direction
Very noisy
 Problems
Unsteady running of the pump
Pumping casing not leak proof
Mechanical Seal leaking

Excessive leakage from stuffing

box
Fumes from stuffing box
Mechanical Seal leaking
Pump rotor blocked in stand still
position
 Problems
Pump is heating up and seizing
Bearing temperature increase
Motor will not start
Motor is difficult to start
Motor is running hot burning out
 No delivery
Incorrect layout of suction line (Formation of air
pockets)
Valve(s) in the suction and/or feed line not fully
open.
Screwed joints or flanges in the suction line not
leak-proof.
Ingress of air via leaking valves and fittings in the
suction line (Stuffing box etc).
Suction lift too great.
Available NPSH too low (difference between
pressure at suction branch and vapour pressure
too low).
Suction filter, foot valve clogged
 No delivery
1. Delivery liquid too viscous.
2. Insufficient venting.
3. Speed too high (number of revolutions of driver
higher than nominal number of revolutions of
pump).
4. Speed too low (number or revolutions of driver
lower than nominal number of revolutions of
pump).
5. Incorrect direction of rotation (electric motor,
incorrectly connected, leads on the terminal
board interchanged).
6. Impeller clogged.
 No delivery
Seating liquid tine/circulation line
clogged
Lantern Ring in the stuffing box is not
positioned below the sealing liquid inlet.
Sealing liquid omitted,
Mechanical seal blocked; 0-ring-rotating
seal ring or stationary seal ring damaged.
Pump unsuitable for parallel operation.
Type of pump unsuitable.
Incorrect designing of pump for existing
operating conditions.
 Pump deliver at reduced
capacity
• Speed too low (number or revolutions of
driver lower than nominal number of
revolutions of pump).
• Incorrect direction of rotation (electric
motor, incorrectly connected, leads on
the terminal board interchanged).
• Impeller clogged.
Pump deliver at reduced
capacity
68. Pump unsuitable for parallel
operation.
69. Type of pump unsuitable.
70. Incorrect designing of pump for
existing operating conditions.
21. Impeller damaged.
74. Temperature of the liquid too high.
_______
 Reduced delivery
performance
Suction filter, foot valve clogged
Suction does not reach down far enough into
the delivery liquid
Incorrect layout of suction line (Formation of
air pockets)
Screwed joints or flanges in the suction line
not teak-proof.
Ingress of air via leaking valves and fittings in
the suction line (Stuffing box etc).
Suction lift too great.
 Reduced delivery
performance
Available NPSH too low (difference
between pressure at suction branch
and vapour pressure too low).
14.Delivery liquid containing too much
gas and/or air.
15.Delivery liquid too viscous.
20. Impeller clogged.
21. Impeller damaged.
 Reduced delivery
performance
23. Separation of crystals from the delivery
liquid (falling below the temperature
limit/equilibrium temperature).
24. Seating liquid tine/circulation line clogged.
59. Unsuitable casing seal.
65. Contaminated delivery liquid,
69. Type of pump unsuitable.
74. Temperature of the liquid too high.
_______
Pump delivers too much
17.Speed too high (number of
revolutions of driver higher than nominal
number of revolutions of pump).
68. Pump unsuitable for parallel
operation.
69. Type of pump unsuitable.
70. Incorrect designing of pump for
existing operating conditions.
 Interrupted delivery
1. Suction filter, foot valve clogged.
3. Suction does not reach down far enough
into the delivery liquid,
6. Shut-off valve in the feed line in
unfavourable position.
7. Incorrect layout of suction line (Formation
of air pockets)
8. Valve(s) in the suction and/or feed line not
fully open.
11. Suction lift too great.
 Interrupted delivery
12. Available NPSH too low (difference
between pressure at suction branch and
vapour pressure too low).
13. Cut-out level for starter too low (In
automatic plants).
14. Delivery liquid containing too much gas
and/or air.
15. Delivery liquid too viscous.
16. Insufficient venting.
 Interrupted delivery
17. Speed too high (number of revolutions of
driver higher than nominal number of
revolutions of pump).
20. Impeller clogged.
23. Separation of crystals from the delivery
liquid (falling below the temperature
limit/equilibrium temperature).
24. Seating liquid tine/circulation line clogged.
 Interrupted delivery

26. Lantern Ring in the stuffing box is not

positioned below the sealing liquid inlet.
31. -Mechanical seal blocked; 0-ring-rotating
seal ring or stationary seal ring damaged.
68. Pump unsuitable for parallel operation.
69. Type of pump unsuitable.
 Interrupted delivery
70. Incorrect designing of pump for
existing operating conditions.
74. Temperature of the liquid too high.
_______
 Pump runs in reverse
direction
64. Non return valve gets stuck.
 Pump noisy
1. Suction filter, foot valve clogged.
2. Nominal diameter of suction line too
small.
6. Shut-off valve in the feed line in
unfavourable position.
7. Incorrect layout of suction line (Formation
of air pockets)
8. Valve(s) in the suction and/or feed line not
fully open.
 Pump noisy
11.Suction lift too great.
12.Available NPSH too low (difference
between pressure at suction branch
and vapour pressure too low).
14.Delivery liquid containing too much
gas and/or air.
16.Insufficient venting.
20. Impeller clogged.
 Pump noisy
21. Impeller damaged.
23. Separation of crystals from the delivery
liquid (falling below the temperature
limit/equilibrium temperature).
66. Delivery ftow too small.
67. Delivery flow too great.
68. Pump unsuitable for parallel operation.
69. Type of pump unsuitable.
 Pump noisy
70. Incorrect designing of pump for
existing operating conditions.
74. Temperature of the liquid too high.
_______
Unsteady running of the
pump
20. Impeller clogged.
21. Impeller damaged.
23. Separation of crystals from the
delivery liquid (falling below the
temperature limit/equilibrium
temperature).
33. Bearing worn out.
Unsteady running of the
pump
34. Insufficient lubrication of bearings (also in
case of automatic lubrication). 36. Specified
oil level not maintained
. 67. Delivery flow too great.
70. Incorrect designing of pump for existing
operating conditions.
38. Oil quality unsuitable.
39. Rolling contact bearings incorrectly fitted.
40. Axial stress on rolling contact bearings
(no axial clearance for rotor)
Unsteady running of the
pump
41. Bearings dirty.
42. Bearings rusty (corroded).
43. Axial thrust too great because of
worn wearings, obstructed relief holes.
47. Alignment of coupling faulty or
coupling loose.
48. Elastic element of coupling worn.
49. Foundation incorrectly performed.
Unsteady running of the
pump
54. Pipe line under stress
55. Shaft runs untrue,
56. Shaft bent.
57. Rotor insufficiently balanced.
58. Rotor parts touching the casing.
63. Vibration of pipe work.
66. Delivery ftow too small.
 Casing not leak proof
52 pump casing under stress
54. Pipe line under stress
59. Unsuitable casing seal.
60. Casing screws not light enough,
 Leak from stuffing box
21. Impeller damaged.
25. Sealing liquid tine contaminated.
28. Packing incorrectly fitted.
29. Gland tightened too much/slanted.
30. Packing material not suitable for
operating conditions.
32. Shaft sleeve/shaft worn in the region of
the packing.
33. Bearing worn out.
 Leak from stuffing box
55. Shaft runs untrue,
56. Shaft bent.
57. Rotor insufficiently balanced.
63. Vibration of pipe work.
66. Delivery flow too small.
67. Delivery flow too great.
70. Incorrect designing of pump for existing
operating conditions.
Fumes from the stuffing
box
23. Separation of crystals from the delivery
liquid (falling below the temperature
limit/equilibrium temperature).
24. Seating liquid tine/circulation line clogged.
25. Sealing liquid tine contaminated.
26. Lantern Ring in the stuffing box is not
positioned below the sealing liquid inlet.
27. Sealing liquid omitted,
28. Packing incorrectly fitted.
29. Gland tightened too much/slanted.
32. Shaft sleeve/shaft worn in the
region of the packing.
45. Insufficient cooling water supply.
46. Sediment in the cooling water
chambers,
65. Contaminated delivery liquid,
 Mechanical seal leak
21. Impeller damaged.
23. Separation of crystals from the delivery
liquid (falling below the temperature
limit/equilibrium temperature).
24. Seating liquid tine/circulation line clogged.
31. -Mechanical seal blocked; 0-ring-rotating
seal ring or stationary seal ring damaged.
 Mechanical seal leak
45. Insufficient cooling water supply.
46. Sediment in the cooling water
chambers,
55. Shaft runs untrue,
57. Rotor insufficiently balanced.
65. Contaminated delivery liquid,
75. Spring of the mechanical seal
damaged.
 Pump rotor in stuck
position
23. Separation of crystals from the delivery
liquid (falling below the temperature
limit/equilibrium temperature).
49. Foundation incorrectly performed.
50. Baseplate not rigid enough in the event of
erection without foundation.
52. Pump casing under stress,
54. Pipe line under stress
58. Rotor parts touching the casing.
Pump is heating up and
seizing
23. Separation of crystals from the delivery
liquid (falling below the temperature
limit/equilibrium temperature).
24. Seating liquid tine/circulation line clogged.
25. Sealing liquid tine contaminated.
26. Lantern Ring in the stuffing box is not
positioned below the sealing liquid inlet.
27. Sealing liquid omitted,
Pump is heating up and
seizing
28. Packing incorrectly fitted.
30. Packing material not suitable for
operating conditions.
32. Shaft sleeve/shaft worn in the
region of the packing.
43. Axial thrust too great because of
worn wearings, obstructed relief holes.
Pump is heating up and
seizing
45. Insufficient cooling water supply.
46. Sediment in the cooling water
chambers,
49. Foundation incorrectly performed.
50. Baseplate not rigid enough in the
event of erection without foundation.
54. Pipe line under stress
55. Shaft runs untrue,
Pump is heating up and
seizing
56. Shaft bent.
57. Rotor insufficiently balanced.
58. Rotor parts touching the casing.
 Bearing temperature
increases
20. Impeller clogged.
21. Impeller damaged.
23. Separation of crystals from the
delivery liquid (falling below the
temperature limit/equilibrium
temperature).
33. Bearing worn out.
Insufficient lubrication
 Bearing temperature
increases
Specified oil level not maintained
39. Rolling contact bearings incorrectly fitted.
40. Axial stress on rolling contact bearings
(no axial clearance for rotor)
41. Bearings dirty.
42. Bearings rusty (corroded).
43. Axial thrust too great because of worn
wearings, obstructed relief holes.
 Bearing temperature
increases
44. Radial shaft seal ring has not much
tension (local heating-up of shaft)
45. Insufficient cooling water supply.
47. Alignment of coupling faulty or coupling
loose.
48. Elastic element of coupling worn.
49. Foundation incorrectly performed.
50. Baseplate not rigid enough in the event of
erection without foundation.
 Bearing temperature
increases
52. Pump casing under stress,
67. Delivery flow too great.
70. Incorrect designing of pump for existing
operating conditions.
54. Pipe line under stress
55. Shaft runs untrue,
57. Rotor insufficiently balanced.
63. Vibration of pipe work.
66. Delivery ftow too small.
 Motor will not start
15.Delivery liquid too viscous.
72. Short circuit-in the motor.
23. Separation of crystals from the
delivery liquid (falling below the
temperature limit/equilibrium
temperature).
 Motor difficult to start
15.Delivery liquid too viscous
17.Speed too high (number of
revolutions of driver higher than nominal
number of revolutions of pump).
23. Separation of crystals from the
delivery liquid (falling below the
temperature limit/equilibrium
temperature).
 Motor difficult to start
28. Packing incorrectly fitted.
29. Gland tightened too much/slanted.
49. Foundation incorrectly performed.
50. Baseplate not rigid enough in the
event of erection without foundation.
54. Pipe line under stress
 Motor difficult to start
58. Rotor parts touching the casing.
70. Incorrect designing of pump for
existing operating conditions.
71. Voltage too low/power supply
overloaded.
72. Short circuit-in the motor.
 Motor running hot and
burning out
15. Delivery liquid too viscous
17. Speed too high (number of revolutions of
driver higher than nominal number of
revolutions of pump).
23. Separation of crystals from the delivery
liquid (falling below the temperature
limit/equilibrium temperature).
28. Packing incorrectly fitted.
 Motor running hot and
burning out
29. Gland tightened too much/slanted.
43. Axial thrust too great because of
worn wearings, obstructed relief holes.
58. Rotor parts touching the casing.
68. Pump unsuitable for parallel
operation.
69. Type of pump unsuitable.
 Motor running hot and
burning out
70. Incorrect designing of pump for
existing operating conditions.
71. Voltage too low/power supply
overloaded.
72. Short circuit-in the motor.
73. Setting of circuit-breaker for motor
handled too high.
Centrifugal Pump
Operation
 Centrifugal Pump
Components
The two main components of a centrifugal pump
are the impeller and the volute.
The impeller produces liquid velocity and the
volute forces the liquid to discharge from the
pump converting velocity to pressure.
This is accomplished by offsetting the impeller in
the volute and by maintaining a close clearance
between the impeller and the volute at the cut-
water.
Please note the impeller rotation. A centrifugal
pump impeller slings the liquid out of the volute.
It does not cup the liquid.
PUMP OPERATION
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP TERMS
Suction Cavitations
Discharge Cavitations
 Suction Cavitation
Suction Cavitation occurs when the pump
suction is under a low pressure/high vacuum
condition where the liquid turns into a vapor
at the eye of the pump impeller. This vapor
is carried over to the discharge side of the
pump where it no longer sees vacuum and is
compressed back into a liquid by the
discharge pressure. This imploding action
occurs violently and attacks the face of the
impeller. An impeller that has been operating
under a suction cavitation condition has
large chunks of material removed from its
face causing premature failure of the pump
SUCTION CAVITATION
Discharge Cavitation
Discharge Cavitation occurs when the
pump discharge is extremely high. It
normally occurs in a pump that is
running at less than 10% of its best
efficiency point. The high discharge
pressure causes the majority of the
fluid to circulate inside the pump
instead of being allowed to flow out
the discharge.
•As the liquid flows around the impeller
it must pass through the small clearance
between the impeller and the pump
cutwater at extremely high velocity. This
velocity causes a vacuum to develop at
the cutwater similar to what occurs in a
venturi and turns the liquid into a
vapor. A pump that has been operating
under these conditions shows premature
wear of the impeller vane tips and the
pump cutwater. In addition due to the
high pressure condition premature failure
of the pump mechanical seal and bearings
can be expected and under extreme
conditions will break the impeller shaft.
DISCHARGE CAVITATION