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Pump-Flo Method of Solution

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
109 views21 pages

Pump-Flo Method of Solution

Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PUMP-FLO

PUMP-FLO® METHOD OF SOLUTION

PUMP-FLO is a pump selection and analysis program. It can select both


centrifugal and air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps. Centrifugal is a
broad classification of pumps which use kinetic energy to move the fluid. They
use the centrifugal force of a rotating impeller to impart kinetic energy to the
fluid (as opposed to jet pumps and eductors). AODD pumps are positive
displacement pumps which use compressed air to move a diaphragm back and
forth, pumping the fluid on the other side of the diaphragm.
For centrifugal pumps, the Hydraulic Institute Standards (Reference 1) is the
basis for the PUMP-FLO program. The Hydraulic Institute is composed of
organizations and individuals who manufacture and sell pumps in the open
market. When there is a discrepancy between the PUMP-FLO program and
the current revision of the Hydraulic Institute Standards, the Standards take
precedence.
PUMP-FLO selects pumps from a pump catalog and evaluates their operation
in an application. Within the range of the manufacturer’s recommendations,
the program allows you to adjust the pump parameters and see the effect it
has on the pump operation.
In general, the majority of this method of solution document applies to
centrifugal pump selection. Please see the Air Operated Double Diaphragm
Pumps section at the end of this document for a specific discussion of these
pumps.

Definitions
The definitions that follow are found in Reference 1 and are used in this section
for the discussion of PUMP-FLO’s solution method.
Head The quantity used to express a form (or combination of forms) of the
energy content of the liquid, per unit weight of the liquid, referred to any
arbitrary datum. All head quantities are in terms of foot-pounds of energy per
pound of liquid, or feet of liquid.
Flow The unit of flow rate in the United States is expressed in units of gallons
per minute (gpm). The standard fluid for all pump curves is water at 60 °F.

Method of Solution 1
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PUMP-FLO

NPSH The net positive suction head is the total suction head in feet of liquid
(absolute) determined at the suction nozzle and the referred datum less the
vapor pressure of the liquid in feet (absolute). NPSHa is the net positive
suction head available in the pumping system. NPSHr is the net positive
suction head required by the pump.
Pump Input The horsepower delivered to the pump shaft (designated as brake
horsepower).
Pump Efficiency The ratio of the energy delivered by the pump to the energy
supplied to the pump shaft (the ratio of the liquid horsepower to the brake
horsepower).

Pump Head Curve


Pump vendors perform pump tests to determine the operating characteristics of
the pumps they manufacture. The pumps are tested as outlined in Reference
1. All pump data used by the PUMP-FLO program is supplied by the pump
manufacturers who are solely responsible for the content.

Catalog Search Criteria


PUMP-FLO compiles a list of pumps that meet the criteria specified by the
user. This criteria includes the manufacturer’s catalog, the types and speeds,
and the design point (head and flow rate). The catalog search can be further
limited by specifying that the design point must be to the left of a pump’s best
efficiency point (BEP). Users can also specify a head tolerance, which is
expressed as a percentage of the design point head. Specifying a tolerance
places pumps on the selection list that do not meet the design point, or are
outside of the selection window. This allows the consideration of pumps that
are “near misses.”

Advanced Search Criteria


Advanced criteria can be used to further refine the catalog search. Pumps that
do not meet one or more of the specified criteria are listed in red on the
selection list. A detailed warnings list is also provided for each pump. The
available criteria is listed below:

2 Method of Solution
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Preferred Operating Region


The preferred operating region has a lower and upper limit and is expressed as
a percentage of the best efficiency point (BEP) flow rate. If the design point is
outside of the preferred operating region, a warning flag is issued.

Secondary Operating Point


The secondary operating point is a flow rate and head specified by the user. If
the secondary operating point is outside of the selection window, a warning flag
is issued.

Pump Limits
Max temperature: The maximum operating temperature is compared to the
maximum temperature specified in the catalog by the manufacturer. If the
maximum temperature value exceeds the catalog value, a warning flag is
issued.
Max suction pressure: The maximum pressure at the pump suction is added
to the shutoff dP and then this sum is compared to the maximum pressure
specified in the catalog by the manufacturer. If the maximum suction pressure
plus the shutoff dP is greater than the catalog maximum pressure, a warning
flag is issued.
Max sphere size: The largest particle size in the fluid is compared to the
maximum sphere size specified in the catalog by the manufacturer. If the
maximum sphere size exceeds the catalog value, a warning flag is issued.
Max power: The maximum power for the pump assembly or magnetic drive is
compared to the power limit specified in the catalog by the manufacturer. If the
maximum power exceeds the catalog value, a warning flag is issued.
Max suction specific speed (Nss): The maximum suction specific speed is
compared to the suction specific speed specified in the catalog by the
manufacturer. If the catalog value exceeds the maximum suction specific
speed, a warning flag is issued.

Method of Solution 3
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Curve Limits
Minimum trim: The design curve diameter, expressed as a percentage of the
pump’s maximum impeller diameter. If the selected design curve diameter is
greater than this value, a warning flag is issued.
Min head rise: The minimum head rise from the design point to shutoff,
expressed as a percentage from the design point head to the shutoff head. If a
pump’s head rise from design point to shutoff is less than this value, a warning
flag is issued.

Pump Sizing
Each pump in the catalog can have up to ten impeller diameters or speed
curves. Each curve can have up to twenty data points describing the pump
operation. The data points for the curve consist of the flow rate and head, and
optionally the pump’s efficiency (or power) and NPSHr.
When the design point of the pump falls between a set of known curves, the
program interpolates between them to arrive at a calculated curve. Often
manufacturers allow impeller diameters to be adjusted only in fixed increments
of their choosing. For example, a manufacturer can force the program to limit
the impeller diameter increments to 0.125 inch. Or, they may not allow any
trimming of the impellers.

4 Method of Solution
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The Affinity Laws


In hydraulically similar pumps, the head and capacity of a pump vary with the
rotational speed of the impeller in such a way that the pump head curves retain
their characteristic features. The variation of head, capacity, and brake
horsepower follow a set of ratios that are known as the Affinity Laws. These
laws are expressed in equations 1a, 1b and 1c
(Q1/Q0) = (N1/N0)(D1/D0)
equation 1a

(H1/H0) = (N1/N0)2(D1/D0)2
equation 1b

(P1/P0) = (N1/N0)3(D1/D0)3
equation 1c
Q = Capacity in gpm
N = Impeller speed in rpm
D = Impeller diameter
H = Pump head in feet
P = Pump power in hp
Subscripts
0 = Pump test speed or diameter
1 = New pump speed or diameter

Multi-stage Pumps
Pumps which have multiple impeller stages are designated as multi-stage
pumps. For these pump types, the single stage base impeller curves and the
impeller trim increment are specified in the manufacturer’s catalog along with
the range of allowed impeller combinations.
During the pump selection process, PUMP-FLO determines the number of full
diameter impeller stages necessary to achieve the design point. Once the
number of stages has been determined, the program calculates the impeller
diameter needed to go through the design point.

Method of Solution 5
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Adjustable Speed Pumps


Some pump manufacturers have pumps available in an Adjustable speed class.
These pumps can be stored in a catalog under two different formats. Pumps
that use the first format have one speed curve specified along with a maximum
speed and a minimum speed. When adjustable speed pumps with this format
are selected, PUMP-FLO uses the affinity laws to calculate the speed needed
to pass through the specified design point. Pumps that use the second format
have up to ten speed curves stored per pump. When the design point of the
pump falls between a set of known speed curves, the program interpolates
between them to arrive at a calculated curve.

Multiple Pump Configurations


PUMP-FLO can analyze multiple pumps for both parallel and series
configurations. To plot the performance curve for multiple pumps in series,
PUMP-FLO multiplies the head values of the single pump curve by the number
of pumps in series. The flow values for series configurations are the same as
those for a single pump.
To plot the performance curve for multiple pumps in parallel, PUMP-FLO
multiplies the flow rate values for a single pump by the number of pumps in
parallel. The head values for parallel configurations are the same as those for a
single pump.

Net Positive Suction Head


The Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) is the value of the minimum suction
head required to prevent cavitation in a pump. Cavitation is the rapid formation
and collapse of vapor pockets in regions of very low pressure.
In a centrifugal pump, cavitation causes a decrease in a pump’s efficiency and
is capable of causing physical damage to the pump and impeller. Since
cavitation has such a detrimental affect on a pump, it must be avoided at all
costs. Cavitation can be avoided by keeping the NPSH available (NPSHa)
greater than the NPSH required (NPSHr).

6 Method of Solution
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The NPSH available can be entered directly or calculated using the NPSHa
Calculator.

Pt

Suction Piping
Z

Figure 1
The formula used to calculate the NPSHa is as follows (refer to Figure 1
above):
NPSHa = ((Pt - Pvp)/ρ) + Z – HL
equation 2
Pt = absolute pressure on the free
surface of the liquid in the tank
connected to the pump suction
Pvp = pumping fluid vapor pressure in
absolute pressure units at the
operating temperature
ρ = fluid density
Z = static suction head (this value is
negative if a suction lift condition
exists)
HL = head loss due to friction in the
pipeline between the tank and the
pump suction.
The units of NPSH are in feet of fluid absolute.

Method of Solution 7
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PUMP-FLO

An NPSH margin ratio can also be specified. This factor is applied to the
pump’s NPSHr value. PUMP-FLO checks that the NPSHa is greater than the
pump’s NPSHr multiplied by the margin ratio. If it is not, a warning flag is
issued.
The NPSHr for a pump is determined by the pump manufacturer and is listed in
their catalog. The NPSHr values are arrived at through actual tests as outlined
in Reference 1.
If the fluid is a hydrocarbon, or high temperature water, then the required NPSH
of the pump may be reduced as outlined in Reference 1. Using the NPSH
Reductions for Pumps Handling Hydrocarbon Liquids and High Temperature
Water chart found in Reference 1, it is possible to reduce the NPSHr values
specified by the vendor without causing cavitation.
The PUMP-FLO program does not perform the NPSH reduction calculations. If
based on your experience you can reduce the NPSH requirements of the
pump, the reduction value should be subtracted from the value presented by
PUMP-FLO. Always check with your pump supplier when adjusting the NPSH
requirements.

Total Head Calculator


Total Head Calculator feature in PUMP-FLO can be used to calculate the total
head for simple systems like the ones shown below:
Suction Lift
Flooded Suction

Submersible

Recirculating

Figure 2

8 Method of Solution
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PUMP-FLO

The formulas used to calculate the total head are listed below.
Flooded Suction and Suction Lift
Total head = ((Pd - Ps)/ρ) + (Zd - Zs) + HLs + HLd
Equation 3a
Pd = discharge tank surface pressure
Ps = suction tank surface pressure
Zd = static discharge head
Zs = static suction head (this value is
negative if a suction lift condition
exists)
HLs = head loss in the suction piping,
including valve/fitting losses
HLd = head loss in the discharge piping,
including valve/fitting losses
ρ = fluid density
Submersible
Total head = ((Pd - Ps)/ρ) + (Zd - Zs) + HLd
Equation 3b
Pd = discharge tank surface pressure
Ps = suction tank surface pressure
Zd = static discharge head
Zs = suction tank liquid level
HLd = head loss in the discharge piping,
including valve/fitting losses
ρ = fluid density
Submersible
Total head = HLr + HLs + Load1 + Load2
Equation 3c
HLr = head loss in the return piping,
including valve/fitting losses
HLs = head loss in the supply piping,
including valve/fitting losses
Load1 = return side load
Load2 = supply side load

Method of Solution 9
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PUMP-FLO

A list of typical valves/fittings is provided for both the suction and discharge
piping. The table below lists the valve/fitting coefficients (obtained from
Reference 4):
Valve/Fitting L/D coefficient or K value
Entrance K = 0.78
Exit K=1
90° Elbow L/D = 30
Ball valve L/D = 3
Butterfly valve 2" (50 mm) to 8" (400 mm), L/D = 45
10" (250 mm) to 14" (350 mm), L/D = 35
16" (400 mm) to 24" (600 mm), L/D = 25
Gate valve L/D = 8
Globe valve L/D = 340

Plug valve L/D = 18


Lift check valve L/D = 600
Stop check valve L/D = 400

Swing check valve L/D = 100


NOTE: The Total Head Calculator uses the Darcy-Weisbach method to
calculate the piping head loss. This method takes into account fluid viscosity
and pipe roughness, providing valid results for incompressible Newtonian fluids
flowing in any round fully charged pipe. If you are pumping a non-Newtonian
fluid, you should not use the Total Head Calculator to determine the required
head for your pumping application.

10 Method of Solution
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PUMP-FLO

Temperature Variations
Variations in the temperature of the fluid being pumped cause changes in the
fluid density. Any reduction in the fluid density results in a reduction of the
liquid horsepower, along with a proportional reduction to the input power. As a
result, there is little or no change in the pump’s efficiency.

Viscosity Variations with Hot Water


The viscosity of a fluid has the greatest impact on the pump curves. Variations
in fluid viscosity also have an influence on the pump’s efficiency. The changes
in efficiency are due to:
• Internal leakage losses within the pump
• Disc friction losses
• Hydraulic skin friction losses
When pumping hot water in circulating pumps, Reference 1 allows vendors to
adjust the performance data of their pump using an empirical formula. The
PUMP-FLO program, however, does not perform the efficiency variation
corrections for circulating hot water.

Viscosity Variations with Viscous Fluids


The viscosity of oils and other viscous fluids (as compared to water) has a
more pronounced impact on the operating conditions of the pump. Pumps that
are tested with water but are used to transport viscous fluids must have their
head, flow, and efficiency values corrected to approximate their performance
with the viscous fluid.
Figures 71 and 72 from Reference 1 contain Performance Correction Charts for
Viscous Liquids that were developed by utilizing data from a series of tests
using conventional, single stage pumps. The tests were performed with a wide
range of pumps and petroleum oils. The curves are based on empirical data
from the tests.

Method of Solution 11
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PUMP-FLO

The correction values shown in Figure 71 are averaged from tests that utilized
pumps with impeller sizes of 1 inch and below. This chart is used when the
flow rate at best efficiency is less than 100 gpm. The correction values shown
in Figure 72 are averaged from tests that utilized pumps with impeller sizes
ranging from 2 to 8 inches. This chart is used when the flow rate at best
efficiency is greater than 100 gpm. Reference 1 cautions the user not to
extrapolate outside the range of the published curves. The correction factors
are based on purely empirical data and if it is important to have accurate pump
data for the working fluid, the pump should be tested under the expected
operating conditions.
The reason PUMP-FLO employs correction factors for pumping viscous fluids
is that they are universally accepted by both pump vendors and users alike.
When the fluid being pumped has a viscosity of 4.3 centistokes or greater,
PUMP-FLO automatically performs the corrections to the pump performance
data found in the pump catalog. PUMP-FLO determines which correction
factors to use for each pump from the flow rate at the best efficiency point
(BEP) of the highest impeller diameter curve. If the BEP flow rate is less than
100 gpm, the correction factors corresponding to Figure 71 are used. If the
BEP flow rate is greater than 100 gpm, the correction factors corresponding to
Figure 72 are used.
Since there are no formulas available for the viscosity correction factors
presented in Reference 1, the PUMP-FLO program uses a set of equations
that are derived from the nomographs (Figures 71 and 72) to calculate the
factors. These correction factors are a function of the pump capacity, the head
of the first stage impeller, and the viscosity of the pumping fluid. Using the
basic equation shown below (Equation 4), a correction coefficient designated
as CC is produced. The slopes of the lines in the nomograph provide the
exponents for the variables in this equation. This correction coefficient is used
in equations 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 9a through 9d for the capacity, efficiency, and
head correction factors. A CC correction coefficient is calculated for each
impeller trim using its BEP flow rate and head. For example, a pump with ten
impeller trims would have ten different CC correction coefficients and thus 10
sets of correction factors, one for each impeller trim.

12 Method of Solution
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The equations are bounded in the program to ensure that they are not
extended outside the viscosity, head, and flow rate ranges specified in
Reference 1. The equation bounds are shown below. If a pump has impeller
trims which are outside of the equation bounds, the performance data for the
pump is still corrected using the equations, but it is noted in the Graph
Window and on the data sheet report that the pump is out of range.

Viscosity Correction Formulas


Correction Coefficient
CC = 8 * ν1/2 /(H1/8 * Q1/4)
equation 4

ν = µ * 62.424 /ρ
equation 4a
ν = viscosity in centistokes
H = head in feet of fluid
Q = flow rate in gal/min
µ = viscosity in centipoise
ρ = fluid density

Formula for Pumps with BEP < 100 gpm


The range of operation for the formula for pumps with best efficiency points less
than 100 gpm is as follows:
4.3 < ν < 2200
6 < H < 400
10 < Q < 100
Flow
CQ = 1.016147 - 4.256395E-03*CC - 8.609936E-04*CC2
+ 1.866053E-05*CC3 -1.174946E-07*CC4
equation 5
Bounds of CQ 0.10 < CQ < 1

Method of Solution 13
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Efficiency
CE = 1.079527 - 3.413289E-02*CC - 2.747891E-04*CC2 +
1.927002E-05*CC3 - 1.649636E-07*CC4
equation 6
Bounds of CE 0.03 < CE < 1
Head
CH = 0.9724525 + 8.957773E-03*CC
- 6.784939E-04*CC2 + 1.085695E-05*CC3
- 5.587139E-08*CC4
equation 7
Bounds of CH 0.67 < CH < 1

Formula for Pumps with BEP > 100 gpm


The range of operation for the formula for pumps with best efficiency points
greater than or equal to 100 gpm is as follows:
4.3 < ν < 3300
15 < H < 600
100 < Q < 10,000
Flow
CQ = 0.9949888 + 4.000308E-03*CC
- 7.056285E-04*CC2 + 8.27823E-06*CC3
equation 8
Bounds of CQ 0.53 < CQ < 1
Efficiency
CE = 1.03884 - 3.450184E-02*CC + 2.726508E-04*CC2 +
5.229687E-07*CC3
equation 9
Bounds of CE 0.19 < CE < 1

14 Method of Solution
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Head
Head corrections factors are calculated at 60, 80, 100, and 120 percent of the
best efficiency point flow rate. For flow rates at other percentages, PUMP-FLO
interpolates between these calculated correction factors.
CH.6 = 1.003993 - 1.927655E-03*CC
- 9.839067E-05*CC2 - 1.012695E-06*CC3
equation 10a
Bounds of CH.6 0.78 < CH.6 < 1
CH.8 = 1.004737 - 2.562881E-03*CC - 2.03951E-04*CC2 +
2.132138E-06*CC3
equation 10b
Bounds of CH.8 0.72 < CH.8 < 1
CH1.0 = 1.011042 - 5.992841E-03*CC
- 1.053868E-04*CC2 + 9.923402E-07*CC3
equation 10c
Bounds of CH1.0 0.68 < CH1.0 < 1
CH1.2 = 1.010846 - 9.467801E-03*CC
+ 1.715598E-05*CC2 - 7.677713E-07*CC3
equation 10d
Bounds of CH1.2 0.63 < CH1.2 < 1
If, during the calculations, any of the coefficients are outside of the bounded
values, the limits are used for the correction factors.
The coefficients for the correction curves were calculated using 33 data points
from Figure 71 and 30 data points from Figure 72. These data points were
used in a regression analysis to develop the formulas. All coefficients were
calculated using the nth order regression program outlined in Reference 3.

Method of Solution 15
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Curve Corrections & Losses


In some cases, it may be necessary to apply hydraulic correction factors to a
pump’s performance data. For example, with vertical turbine pumps, the
performance can vary depending on the material used for the impeller. Solids
in suspension also affect the operation of a pump, depending on the both the
percentage and nature of the solids. Reference 1 does not offer a
recommendation for the modification of the pump data in these cases.
However, through the use of hydraulic correction factors, PUMP-FLO allows for
the modification of the pump data for specific pumping applications.
To adjust the pump data, the program multiplies the appropriate water pump
data (head, flow rate, NPSHr and efficiency) by the corresponding correction
factors specified by the user. Users also have the option of specifying
additional power losses to account for mechanical seal losses.
The correction factors and losses are values that a user should have obtained
from his or her own experience or preferably from the pump manufacturer. In
the case of slurries, pump vendors should be consulted regarding the impact of
solids in suspension on the operation of specific pumps.
NOTE: Speed adjustments on a pump are done prior to applying the hydraulic
curve corrections. If viscous conditions exist (viscosity of 4.3 centistokes or
greater), hydraulic curve corrections are first applied to the pump performance
data, then the viscosity corrections. Power losses are applied after both the
curve corrections and viscosity corrections are performed.

Motor Sizing
Motor size tables used by PUMP-FLO can contain up to four different
standards. Each standard can have a maximum of four enclosure types. For
each standard and enclosure type, the table contains speed, frame, and motor
efficiency data.
When specifying the standard and enclosure type to use, the user also
specifies the sizing criteria. There are three different criteria available: the
power required at the design point flow rate, the maximum power required on
the design curve, and the maximum power required for the maximum impeller
diameter. The user can also specify an uncertainty factor. PUMP-FLO
multiplies the pump’s horsepower by the uncertainty factor and uses this value
when selecting the motor size.

16 Method of Solution
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Based on the sizing criteria specified by the user, PUMP-FLO automatically


sizes the motor for each pump that is put on the selection list. The smallest
motor that meets the sizing criteria is selected. When performing operating
cost analyses, the program uses the efficiency data stored in the motor size
table.

Operating Cost
The operating cost is the cost of the power required to run a pump for one year.
PUMP-FLO can calculate the annual operating cost for pumps running under
both fixed and variable speed conditions. This cost information provides
another parameter for consideration when comparing the advantages of using
one pump over another. It also provides useful information for determining if the
cost savings associated with operating a variable speed pump justifies the cost
of the variable speed drive.
PUMP-FLO uses information from the operating load profile and the
manufacturer’s pump curve to calculate the operating cost. If the cost is being
calculated for a variable speed drive pump, the resistance curve information is
used as well. The pump and motor efficiencies are also factored into the
calculation.
For a fixed speed pump, the sequence outlined below is followed for each load
specified in the operating load profile.
The brake horsepower is calculated:
bhp = Q*TH* ρ /(247,000 * effp)
equation 11
bhp = brake horsepower
Q = flow rate in gallons per minute
TH = total head in feet
ρ = fluid density in lb/ft3
effp = pump efficiency
The electrical horsepower is calculated:
ehp = bhp / effm
equation 12
ehp = motor electrical horsepower
effm = motor efficiency

Method of Solution 17
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The cost for the load is calculated:


Cost/Load = ehp * T * COST
equation 13
T = duration of load, hrs/yr
COST = power cost, $/kWh or $/hp hr
Once this process is completed, the total annual operating cost is determined
by summing up the costs calculated for each specified load in the profile.
Calculating the cost for a variable speed pump requires two more steps for
each load specified in the operating load profile. First, the speed of the pump
is determined so that the pump curve intersects the primary resistance curve
at the required flow rate. Next, the operating condition of the pump is
determined for the required speed using the affinity laws. The procedure then
follows that for the fixed speed drive as outlined above. Note that for both fixed
and variable speed pumps, PUMP-FLO allows the user to adjust the motor
efficiency for each load in the load profile.

Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps


AODD pumps are positive displacement pumps which use compressed air to
move a diaphragm back and forth, pumping the fluid on the other side of the
diaphragm. Figure 3 below shows a cutaway diagram of an AODD pump.

Figure 3

18 Method of Solution
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PUMP-FLO

Performance Curves
A typical AODD pump performance curve is shown below in Figure 4.

Figure 4
The pump performance (head vs. flow) is plotted for a series of air supply
pressures. Air consumption curves are overlaid on the head curves in either an
iso or line format. These curves indicate the air supply volume needed to
provide the required flow rate at a given discharge head.

Method of Solution 19
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PUMP-FLO

Fluid Compatibility
Each AODD catalog must have a corresponding Fluids Compatibility Table
(FCT file). The FCT file contains a list of fluids and fluid properties, along with
casing and diaphragm material compatibility ratings for the fluid.
For each fluid and material combination, the manufacturer can assign a code
which indicates the fluid/material compatibility. PUMP-FLO appends this code
to the front of the material name. If a code has not been specified for a
particular fluid/material combination, a “?” is appended to the material name,
indicating that the compatibility is unknown.

Viscosity Corrections
For high viscosity fluids, a flow capacity correction factor is applied to the
pump performance.
A graph of available pump capacity (expressed as a percentage) vs. fluid
viscosity (cP) is provided in Reference 5. Figure 5 below is a plot of data
obtained from that graph.

Figure 5

20 Method of Solution
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PUMP-FLO

PUMP-FLO uses an equation that is derived from Figure 5 to calculate the


capacity correction factor. The program automatically applies the correction
factor to the pump data found in the pump catalog to determine the reduced
capacity.
CQ = (A + B*μ + C*μ2 + D*μ3)/100
equation 14

CQ = capacity correction factor


μ = viscosity in centipoise
A = 100.81
B = -0.00918886
C = 3.800408E-07
D = -6.13588E-12
The range of application for the capacity reduction formula is as follows:
93 cP < μ < 30000 cP

References
1 Hydraulic Institute Standards for Centrifugal, Rotary & Reciprocating
Pumps, 14th edition, Hydraulic Institute, 1983.
2 Pump Handbook, Igor J. Karassik, William C. Krutzsch, Warren H. Fraser,
and Joseph P. Messina, editors; McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1976.
3 Science and Engineering Programs, edited by John Heilborn, McGraw-Hill,
Inc., 1981.
4 Crane, Crane Technical Paper 410, “Flow of Fluids through Valves, Fittings,
and Pipe” twenty fourth printing, Crane Company 1988.
5 Engineering Handbook AODD Pumps, Yamada America, Inc.

Method of Solution 21
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