GUIDELINES FOR PUMP SYSTEM DESIGNERS

Jacques Chaurette p. eng.

www.lightmypump.com
August 2005
Synopsis
The following is a list of potential problems areas or simply just good design practice
that the author has applied and encountered over the years. They deal mainly with
piping issues that affect pump performance.
1. Flow and pressure relationship of a pump
When the flow increases, the discharge pressure of the pump decreases, and when the
flow decreases the discharge pressure increases
(ref. http://www.lightmypump.com/tutorial2.htm).
2. Do not let a pump run at zero flow
Do not let a centrifugal pump operate for long periods of time at zero flow. In residential
systems, the pressure switch shuts the pump down when the pressure is high which
means there is low or no flow.
3. Use pressure gauges
Make sure your pump has a pressure gauge on the discharge side close to the outlet of
the pump this will help you diagnose pump system problems. It is also useful to have a
pressure gauge on the suction side, the difference in pressure is proportional to the total
head. The pressure gauge reading will have to be corrected for elevation since the
reference plane for total head calculation is the suction flange of the pump.
4. Do not let a pump run dry, use a check valve
Most centrifugal pumps cannot run dry, ensure that the pump is always full of liquid. In
residential systems, to ensure that the pump stays full of the liquid use a check valve
(also called a foot valve) at the water source end of the suction line. Certain types of
centrifugal pumps do not require a check valve as they can generate suction at the
pump inlet to lift the fluid into the pump, see http://www.watertanks.com/category/43/.
These pumps are called jet pumps and are fabricated by many manufacturers Goulds
being one of them.
Make use of check valves to isolate pumps installed in parallel.

Guidelines for pump system designers 2

5. Suction valves
Gate valves at the pump suction and discharge should be used as these offer no
resistance to flow and can provide a tight shut-off. Butterfly valves are often used but
they do provide some resistance and their presence in the flow stream can potentially
be a source of hang-ups which would be critical at the suction. They do close faster
than gate valves but are not as leak proof.
6. Eccentric reducer
Always use an eccentric reducer at the pump suction when a pipe size transition is
required. Put the flat on top when the fluid is coming from below or straight (see next
Figure) and the flat on the bottom when the fluid is coming from the top. This will avoid
an air pocket at the pump suction and allow air to be evacuated.

Guidelines for pump system designers 3

Figure 1 Eccentric reducers at the pump suction (source: the Pump handbook published by
McGraw-Hill)
7. Use a multi-stage turbine pump for deep wells
For deep wells (200-300 feet) a submersible multi-stage pump is required. They come
in different sizes (4" and 6") and fit inside your bore hole pipe. Pumps with different
ratings are available, see http://www.webtrol.com/domestic_pumps/8in_turbine.htm
8. Flow control
If you need to control the flow, use a valve on the discharge side of the pump, never use
a valve on the suction side for this purpose.

Guidelines for pump system designers 4

9. Plan ahead for flow meters

For new systems that do not have a flow meter, install flanges that are designed for an
orifice plate in a straight part of the pipe (see next Figure) and do not install the orifice
plate. In the future, whoever trouble-shoots the pump will have a way to measure flow
without the owner having to incur major downtime or expense. Note: orifice plates are
not suitable for slurries.

Guidelines for pump system designers 5

Figure 2 Orifice plate (source: www.orificeplates.com)

10. Avoid pockets and high points
Avoid pockets or high point where air can accumulate in the discharge piping. An ideal
pipe run is one where the piping gradually slopes up from the pump to the outlet. This
will ensure that any air in the discharge side of the pump can be evacuated to the outlet.
11. Location of control valves
Position control valves closer to the pump discharge outlet than the system outlet. This
will ensure positive pressure at the valve inlet and therefore reduce the risk of
cavitation.
12. Water hammer
Be aware of potential water hammer problems. This is particularly serious for large
piping systems such as are installed in municipal water supply distribution systems.
These systems are characterized by long gradually upward sloping and then downward
sloping pipes. Solutions to this can involve special pressure/vacuum reducing valves at
the high and low points or additional tanks which provide a buffer for pressure surges
(see http://www.ventomat.com/default.asp).
see also the pump glossary http://www.lightmypump.com/pump_glossary.htm#gl65
For pumps 500 gals/min or larger use semi-automatic manual valves at the discharge
that are controlled to open gradually when starting the pump. This will avoid water
hammer during the initial start and damage to the piping system.

Guidelines for pump system designers 6

13. The right pipe size

The right pipe size is a compromise between cost (bigger pipes are more expensive)
and excessive friction loss (small pipes cause high friction loss and will affect the pump
performance). Generally speaking, the discharge pipe size can be the same size as the
pump discharge connection, you can see if this is reasonable by calculating the friction
loss of the whole system. For the suction side, you can also use the same size pipe as
the pump suction connection, often one size bigger is used (ref. tutorial3.htm). A typical
velocity range used for sizing pipes on the discharge side of the pump is 9-12 ft/s and
for the suction side 3-6 ft/s.
14. Pressure at high point of system
Calculate the level of pressure of the high point in your system. The pressure may be
low enough for the fluid to vaporize and create a vapor pocket which will be detrimental
to the performance of the system. The pressure at this point can be increased by
installing a valve at some point past the high point and by closing this valve you can
adjust the pressure at the high point. Of course, you will need to take that into account
in the total head calculations of the pump.

Figure 3 Location of low pressure at a high point in

the system.
15. Pump pressure rating and series operation
For series pump installations make sure that the pressure rating of the pumps is
adequate. This is particularly critical in the case where the system could become

Guidelines for pump system designers 7

plugged due to an obstruction. All the pumps will reach their shut-of head and the
pressure produced will be cumulative. The same applies for the pressure rating of the
pipes and flanges.

Figure 4 Danger of increased pressure due to

a plug in a series pump system.
16. Inadequate pump suction submersion
There is a minimum height to be respected between the free surface of the pump
suction tank and the pump suction. If this height is not maintained a vortex will form at
the surface and cause air to be entrained in the pump reducing the pump capacity.
see also the pump glossary http://www.lightmypump.com/pump_glossary.htm#gl47
17. Pump selection
Select your pump based on total head (not discharge pressure) and flow rate. The flow
rate will depend on your maximum requirement. Total head is the amount of energy that
the pump needs to deliver to account for the elevation difference and friction loss in your
system (ref. http://www.lightmypump.com/tutorial3.htm).
Pump selection starts with acquiring detail knowledge of the system. If you are just
replacing an existing pump then of course there is no problem. If you are replacing an
existing pump with problems or looking for a pump for a new application then you will
need to know exactly how the systems is intended to work. You should have the P&ID

Guidelines for pump system designers 8

diagram and understand the reasons for all the devices included in your system. You
should make your own sketch of the system that includes all the information on the
P&ID plus elevations (max., min., in, out, equipment), path of highest total head, fluid
properties, max. and min. flow rates and anything pertinent to total head calculations.

Guidelines for pump system designers 9

Figure 5 Typical example of flow schematic used for total head calculations.
Depending on the industry or plant that you work in, you will be forced to either select a
certain type of pump or manufacturer or both. Manufacturers are normally a very good
source of information for final pump selection and you should always consult with them,
do your own selection first and confirm it with the manufacturer. They can help you
select the right type, model, and speed if you have all the operating conditions and if not
they will rarely be able to help you. This form will help you gather all the information
pertinent to operation and selection of your pump.
Aside from the normal end suction pump, vertical turbine and submersible pumps, there
is a wide variety of specialized pumps- that you should consider for your application if
you have unusual conditions.
In the selection process, you will be trying to match your flow rate with the B.E.P. of the
pump. It is not always possible to match the flow rate with the B.E.P. (best efficiency
point), if this is
not possible, try
to remain in the
range of 80% to
110% of the
B.E.P..

Figure 6 Desirable selection area for impeller size

for centrifugal pumps.

Guidelines for pump system designers 10

Operating outside this range will lead to excessive vibration, see the next two figures.
Figure 7 is from the Pump Handbook from McGraw-Hill which shows how the axial force
increases with the distance in terms of percent flow from the B.E.P. Figure 8 from
Goulds essentially shows the same information but in terms of vibration.

Figure 7 Radial force vs. % flow of BEP

Figure 8 Vibration level vs. flow.

Guidelines for pump system designers 11

Electronic pump curves have been created for many (over 50) manufacturers, see a list
of them here. They have all been developed by Engineered Software located in Lacey
Washington USA of which I am a representative ( see http://www.eng-software.htm).
Their pump sizing software PUMP-FLO can help find the best pump for the application,
it can select the closest one to the B.E.P. for you and do all kinds of searches based on
NPSHR, efficiency, size, etc.
When you order your pump make sure that the motor is installed with spacer blocks so
that the next largest motor frame can be installed.
19. Effect of viscosity on pump performance
Viscosity is the main criteria which determines whether the application requires a
centrifugal pump or a positive displacement pump. Centrifugal pumps can pump viscous
fluids however the performance is adversely affected. If your fluid is over 400 cSt
(centiStokes) in viscosity consider using a positive displacement pump.
see also the pump glossary http://www.lightmypump.com/pump_glossary.htm#gl63
20. Avoid running pump in reverse direction
Avoid running a pump in reverse direction, pump shafts have been broken this way
especially if the pump is started while running backwards. The simplest solution is to
install a check valve on the discharge line.

Guidelines for pump system designers 12

21. Minimum flow rate

Most centrifugal pumps should not be used at a flow rate less than 50% of the B.E.P.
(best efficiency point) flow rate without a recirculation line. (What is the B.E.P.?) If your
system requires a flow rate of 50% or less then use a recirculation line to increase the
flow through the pump keeping the flow low in the system, or install a variable speed
drive.
How is the minimum flow of a centrifugal pump established (answer from the Hydraulic
Institute http://www.pumps.org/public/pump_resources/faq.htm)
The factors which determine minimum allowable rate of flow include the following:
* Temperature rise of the liquid -- This is usually established as 15F and results in a
very low limit. However, if a pump operates at shut off, it could overheat badly.
* Radial hydraulic thrust on impellers -- This is most serious with single volute pumps
and, even at flow rates as high as 50% of BEP could cause reduced bearing life,
excessive shaft deflection, seal failures, impeller rubbing and shaft breakage.
* Flow re-circulation in the pump impeller -- This can also occur below 50% of BEP
causing noise, vibration, cavitation and mechanical damage.
* Total head characteristic curve - Some pump curves droop toward shut off, and some
VTP curves show a dip in the curve. Operation in such regions should be avoided.
There is no standard which establishes precise limits for minimum flow in pumps, but
"ANSI/HI 9.6.3-1997 Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps - Allowable Operating Region"
discusses all of the factors involved and provides recommendations for the "Preferred
Operating Region".
22. Three important point on the pump characteristic curve
The performance or characteristic curve of the pump provides information on the
relationship between total head and flow rate. There are three important points on this
curve.

Figure 9 Location of three important points on the

pump characteristic curve.

Guidelines for pump system designers 13

1. The shut-off head, this is the maximum head that the pump can achieve and occurs
at zero flow. The pump will be noisy and vibrate excessively at this point. The pump will
consume the least amount of power at this point.
2. The best efficiency point B.E.P. this is the point at which the pump is the most
efficient and operates with the least vibration and noise. This is often the point for which
pumpxs are rated and which is indicated on the nameplate. The pump will consume the
power corresponding to its B.E.P. rating at this point.
3. The maximum flow point, the pump may not operate past this point. The pump will be
noisy and vibrate excessively at this point. The pump will consume the maximum
amount of power at this point.
Sometimes the characteristic curve will include a power consumption curve. This curve
is only valid for water, if the fluid has a different density than water you cannot use this
curve. However you can use the total head vs. flow rate curve since this is independent
of density.

Figure 10 Typical centrifugal pump characteristic curve.

If your fluid has a different viscosity than water you cannot use the characteristic curve
without correction. Any fluid with a viscosity higher than 10 cSt will require a correction.
Water at 60F has a viscosity of 1 cSt.

Guidelines for pump system designers 14

23. Normal, flat and drooping characteristic curves

There are three different characteristic curve profiles for radial flow pumps. Figure 11
shows the various vane profiles that exist and the relationship between them. This tip is
related to the radial vane profile which is the profile of the typical centrifugal pump.

Figure 11 Pump vane profiles vs. specific speed.

There are three different curve profiles shown in Figure 12:
1. Normal, head decreases rapidly as flow increases
2. Flat, head decreases very slowly as flow increases
3. Drooping, similar to the normal profile except at the low flow end where the head
rises then drops as it gets to the shut-off head point.

Figure 12 Different types of radial pump characteristic

curve profiles.

Guidelines for pump system designers 15

The drooping curve shape is to be avoided because it is possible for the pump to hunt
between two operating points which both satisfy the head requirement of the system.
This is known to happen when two pumps are in parallel, when the second pump is
started it may fail to get to the operating point or hunt between two points that are at
equal head. Thankfully not to many pumps have this characteristic, here are a few:

Figure 13 Drooping curve (Goulds).

Figure 14 Drooping curve (Sundyne).

Guidelines for pump system designers 16

A flat curve is sometimes desirable since a change in flow only causes a small change
in head, for example as in a sprinkler system. As more sprinklers are turned on the head
will tend to decrease but because the curve is flat the head will decrease only a small
amount which means that the pressure at the sprinkler will drop only a small amount,
thereby keeping the water velocity high at the sprinkler outlet.
24. Suction piping
Many people are way to CONSERVATIVE about suction piping design. The usual
advice you get is make the piping as straight, as big and short as possible.
I have seen a suction line 300 ft long, now that's not short.
I believe the important considerations are:
-

by all means make the pipe as short and straight as possible, particularly if the
fluid has suspended solids which may cause plugging or hang-ups;

- make sure there is sufficient pressure at the pump suction (this means check the
NPSHA against the NPSHR);
- make sure that the stream flow lines are coming in nice and straight at the pump
suction. This generally means having 5 to 10D straight pipe ahead of the pump inlet.
Avoid the use of filters at the pump inlet if at all possible. Their maintenance will often be
neglected and the pump will suffer from poor performance and perhaps cavitation.
Use a 90 or 45 elbow at the pumpxs inlet pipe end. This will allow almost complete
drainage of the tank and is especially useful in the case of fluids that can not be readily
dumped to the sewers. It also provides additional submergence reducing the risk of
vortex formation.

Figure 15 Elbow on suction intake piping.

Guidelines for pump system designers 17

25. The meaning of specific speed

If you are having trouble with a pump or want to check whether the new pump to be
installed is appropriate, check the specific speed and the suction specific speed of the
pump. The specific speed provides a number which can help identify the type of pump
(for example radial or axial flow) that is best suited for your application. The specific
speed of the pump type selected (see Figure 11) should be close to the specific speed
calculated for your application. The suction specific speed will tell you if the suction of
the pump is likely to cause problems in your application.
see also the pump glossary http://www.lightmypump.com/pump_glossary.htm#gl441
26. Different types of centrifugal pumps
There are many different types of pumps available other than the standard end suction,
submersible or vertical multi-stage pump. In this article, you will see a number of pumps
that are specialized- and may suit a particular need.
27. Unusual aspects of pump systems
This article discusses unusual aspects of pump systems-: variation in pressure
throughout the system and effect of fluid properties.
28. Predict pump efficiency
Save time in the initial phase of the project and calculate power requirement prior to the
final pump selection using a chart that predicts the efficiency of standard end suction
centrifugal pumps.- Alternatively, compare the efficiency of the final pump selection with
the industry average.

Figure 16 Chart for predicting pump efficiency.

Guidelines for pump system designers 18

Guidelines for pump system designers 19

29. Predict pump N.P.S.H.R.

Predict the pump N.P.S.H.R. with this chart. If you have an old centrifugal pump and no
data from the manufacturer this chart can help you predict the NPSH required and avoid
cavitation. You will need to know the suction eye velocity which depends on the eye
diameter.

Figure 17 Location of the eye velocity

area.
The following two figures come from this web site:
http://www.tpub.com/content/fc/14104/css/14104_128.htm

Figure 18 Location of the pump eye.