ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

Chemical Engineering Department

Unit Operations Laboratory 1

Experiment No. 1

Performance and Benefits of Pumps in Series/Parallel Operations

Submitted by:

Fuentes, Raymond C.

Hatud, Jewls M.

Ignacio, Jasmine A.

Lazaro, Janielle Xandra U.

Sy, Stephannie L.

Submitted to:

Engr. Rugi D.C. Rubi

I. Abstract

A pump is a device that expands energy in order to raise, transport, or compress

fluids. Pumps are used to transfer fluid in a system, either at the same elevation or to a

new height. The needed flow rate depends on the height to which the fluid is pumped.

Each pump has a head discharge relationship that is inversely proportional. The

objective of this experiment is to examine the performance and benefits of single

pump and pumps connected in series and parallel connections. Through this

experiment, the concept of the pumps can also be well understood.

The procedure for this experiment is to observe the pressure reading on the

indicator by changing the pumps either in series or parallel connections and the

flowrate was recorded from varying discharge values. In this experiment, the pumps

were tested in serial and parallel connection in order to determine the importance of

each operation. When the pump is connected in series, it determines the certain height

the fluid can be pumped to. On the other hand, in parallel arrangement, the flowrate of

the pump increases.

In conclusion, as the discharge of water in the pump increases, the suction head

increases while the delivery head decreases. After arranging the pumps in serial

connection, the output achieved for the suction head was lower than the single pump

while the delivery head gained higher value. The experimental values acquired were

not accurate due to certain difficulties encountered during the testing and the actual

experiment
II. Theory

A pump is a device to move fluid through mechanical action. Pumps consume energy to

perform mechanical work in order to move the fluid the frictional force and gravitational

force. Pumps are often used together to enhance either the flow rate or the delivery

pressure beyond that available from the single pump. Two typical options include parallel

and series of pumps which require specific performance criteria. In serial operation the

heads of the pumps are added and in parallel operation the flow rates of the pumps are

added. The apparatus consists of a tank and pipework which delivers water to and from

two identical pumps. The required fluid flow rate is dependent on the height to which the

fluid is pumped. The relationship is inversely proportional between flow rate of the fluid

and the head produced by the pump. In other words, if high discharge is required, the

pump will supply lower head and vice versa.

Pumps generally obey the pump laws. These laws state that the flow rate or capacity

is directly proportional to the pump speed; the discharge head is directly proportional to

the square of the pump speed; and the power required by the pump motor is directly

proportional to the cube of the pump speed. These laws are summarized in the following

equations:

Vαn

H α n2

p α n3

where:

n = speed of pump impeller (rpm)

V = volumetric flow rate of pump (gpm or cfh)

H = head developed by pump (m or ft)

p = pump power (kW)

III. Objectives

1. To examine the performance and benefits of single pump and pumps connected in

series and in parallel operations.

IV. Materials/Equipment Used

 Series/Parallel Pump Test Rig

 Water

 Adjustable Counterweight

V. Equipment Set-up/Diagram

VI. Procedure

1. Prime the system by opening all valves except the flow-regulating valve and filling

with water through the filling plug. It is particularly important to ensure that the lines

connecting the pressure tapping to the pressure gauges are filled with water, since an

air column will result in false indication of pressure head at the tapping due to the

height of the gauge above the tapping point.

2. Balance the motor stator using the adjustable counter weight.

3. Adjust the water level in the approach channel to the “V” notch so that it is exactly

level with the apex, taking account of the surface tension effect.

4. Zero the point gauge in the stilling well.

5. Set the speed controller to zero.

6. With the regulating valve closed, select the suction and delivery valves appropriate to

the test under consideration, i.e. single pump operation, parallel or series pump

operation.

7. Note the initial readings on the two relevant pressure gauges.

8. Run up the motor to the chosen speed (e.g. 2900 rev/min).

9. With the regulating valve closed, again, note the pressure gauge readings. Open this

valve in intervals such that regulator increments of discharge are attained; the

calibrated manometer connected to the orifice plate may be used to establish the valve

positions.

10. At each interval, after adjusting the speed controller as necessary to maintain the

chosen speed, note the pressure gauge readings and the head over the crest of the “V”

notch, in the stilling well. Since the “V” notch responds slowly to changes in

discharge, allow sufficient time for the level in the stilling well to become steady

before a reading is taken.

11. Apply weights to the torque arm until this is again balanced and note the total weight

applied.
 VII. Experiment Data

A. Test at 2900 rev/min

Pump “V” Notch Discharge Suction Head Delivery Torque Mass

Head (mm) (L/s) (m) Head (kg)
(m)
PUMP 1 62.5 120 5.0 1.8 1.37
63 140 4.0 2.3 1.47
63.5 160 3.2 2.5 1.57
PUMP 2 61 120 -2.0 4.0 1.42
64 140 -2.5 3.0 1.51
68 160 -3.0 2.5 1.56

Arrangement “V” Discharge Suction Head Delivery Head Torque

Notch (L/s) P1 P2 P1 P2 Mass
Head (m) (m) (m) (m) (kg)
(mm)
Series 74 190 1.3 -1.5 2.7 2.9 2.50
77 197 1.0 -2.0 2.9 2.8 2.60
79 202 0.8 -2.8 3.1 2.0 2.60
Parallel 69 160 5.6 -1.5 1.0 5.2 1.40
73.7 180 5.4 -1.7 1.1 5.0 1.50
76 200 5.4 -1.9 1.3 4.8 1.61

Pump/ Discharge Total Head Power Input Power Efficiency

Arrangement (L/s) (m) (W) Output (%)
(W)
Pump no. 1 120 5.8 921.33 1021.33 0.5430
140 5.3 994.10 1094.10 0.5212
160 5.0 1068.58 1168.58 0.5135
Pump no. 2 120 5.8 955.67 1055.67 0.4262
140 5.3 1021.58 1121.58 0.3764
160 5.0 1062.85 1162.85 0.3002
Series 190 5.6 1761.99 1861.99 38.9305
197 5.7 1836.47 1936.47 33.3833
202 5.1 1836.47 1936.47 29.6119
Parallel 160 6.2 868.23 968.23 30.6218
180 6.1 1054.43 1154.43 23.9461
200 6.1 1277.87 1377.87 22.2508
 Total Head vs. Discharge of Single Pump
at 2900 rev/min
5.9
5.8
5.7
Total Head (m)

5.6
5.5
5.4
5.3
5.2
5.1
5
4.9
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Discharge (L/s)

Total Head vs. Discharge (Series)

at 2900 rev/min
5.8
5.7
5.6
Total Head (m)

5.5
5.4
5.3
5.2
5.1
5
188 190 192 194 196 198 200 202 204
Discharge (L/s)

Total Head vs. Discharge (Parallel)

at 2900 rev/min
6.22
6.2
Total Head (m)

6.18
6.16
6.14
6.12
6.1
6.08
0 50 100 150 200 250
Discharge (L/s)
 Efficiency vs. Discharge Pump 1
at 2900 rev/min
0.545
0.54
0.535
Efficiency (%)

0.53
0.525
0.52
0.515
0.51
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Discharge (L/s)

Efficiency vs. Discharge Pump 2

at 2900 rev/min
0.45
0.4
0.35
Efficiency (%)

0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Discharge (L/s)

Efficiency vs. Discharge (Series) at 2900 rpm

0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
efficiency

0.25
Pump 1
0.2
Pump 2
0.15
0.1 Pumps 1 & 2 in Series

0.05
0
188 190 192 194 196 198 200 202 204
Discharge, L/s
 Efficiency vs. Discharge (Parallel) at 2900 rpm
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
efficiency

0.2 Pump 1
0.15 Pump 2
0.1 Pumps 1 & 2 in Parallel
0.05
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
Discharge, L/s

VIII. Results and Discussion

In this experiment, the pumps were tested in serial and parallel connection in order

to determine the importance of each operation. The procedure for this experiment is to

observe the pressure reading on the indicator by changing the pumps either in series or

parallel connections and the flowrate was recorded from varying discharge values.

After arranging the pumps in serial connection, the output achieved for the suction

head was lower than the single pump while the delivery head gained higher value. This

proved that in order to increase the head to be produced, connecting the pump in series

was an effective way to do it. Also, the total head gained by pumps in series was greater

than the measured total head of a single pump. This indicated that serial arrangement of

pumps is fit for processes that require a pump with higher capability.

Meanwhile, the pumps were also arranged in parallel connection wherein two pumps

took suction from a common manifold and discharged into a common header. From the

measured data, as the discharge increased the total head produced also increased. In

parallel installation, the total head produced was greater than the total head of single
pump. The purpose of the parallel connection was to increase the flowrate of the pump.

From the acquired values, the power input of the parallel connection was lower than the

series connection.

IX. Conclusion

Pumps could be arranged in different orientations depending on the necessary

output of the processor. In this experiment, the pumps were tested in serial and

parallel connection in order to determine the importance of each operation. Two

pumps were being utilized for the experiment and for comparison; single pumps were

being tested first before the series and parallel connection. From the measured data, it

was shown that as the discharge of water in the pump increased, the suction head

increased while the delivery head decreased. After arranging the pumps in serial

connection, the output achieved for the suction head was lower than the single pump

while the delivery head gained higher value. This proved that in order to increase the

head to be produced, connecting the pump in series was an effective way to achieve it.

Moreover, the risk of cavitation was decreased upon using serial arrangement due to

the lowering of the suction head. Additionally, the total head gained by pumps in

series was greater than the measured total head of a single pump. This indicated that

serial arrangement of pumps is fit for processes that require a pump with higher

capability.

After the experiment, it can be concluded that series connection increased the total

head produced while the parallel connection increased the flowrate of the pump.

The experimental values acquired were not accurate due to certain difficulties

encountered during the testing and the actual experiment. The use of improper

materials as well as the equipment could be accountable for the errors committed.
 However, if the procedure was being strictly followed theses errors may be lessened,

thus providing more accurate and precise results.

X. References

https://www.britannica.com/technology/pump

https://www.coursehero.com/file/21893549/Lab-Report-Fluid-pumps-series-and-

parallel/

https://www.engineersedge.com/fluid_flow/pump_laws.htm

APPENDIX A: EXPERIMENTAL DATA

Test at 2900 rev/min

Pump “V” Notch Discharge Suction Head Delivery Torque Mass

Head (mm) (L/s) (m) Head (kg)
(m)
PUMP 1 62.5 120 5.0 1.8 1.37
63 140 4.0 2.3 1.47
63.5 160 3.2 2.5 1.57
PUMP 2 61 120 -2.0 4.0 1.42
64 140 -2.5 3.0 1.51
68 160 -3.0 2.5 1.56

Arrangement “V” Discharge Suction Head Delivery Head Torque

Notch (L/s) P1 P2 P1 P2 Mass
Head (m) (m) (m) (m) (kg)
(mm)
Series 74 190 1.3 -1.5 2.7 2.9 2.50
77 197 1.0 -2.0 2.9 2.8 2.60
79 202 0.8 -2.8 3.1 2.0 2.60
Parallel 69 160 5.6 -1.5 1.0 5.2 1.40
73.7 180 5.4 -1.7 1.1 5.0 1.50
76 200 5.4 -1.9 1.3 4.8 1.61
 APPENDIX B: TABULATED RESULTS

Pump/ Discharge Total Head Power Input Power Efficiency

Arrangement (L/s) (m) (W) Output (%)
(W)
Pump no. 1 120 5.8 921.33 1021.33 0.5430
140 5.3 994.10 1094.10 0.5212
160 5.0 1068.58 1168.58 0.5135
Pump no. 2 120 5.8 955.67 1055.67 0.4262
140 5.3 1021.58 1121.58 0.3764
160 5.0 1062.85 1162.85 0.3002
Series 190 5.6 1761.99 1861.99 38.9305
197 5.7 1836.47 1936.47 33.3833
202 5.1 1836.47 1936.47 29.6119
Parallel 160 6.2 868.23 968.23 30.6218
180 6.1 1054.43 1154.43 23.9461
200 6.1 1277.87 1377.87 22.2508

APPENDIX C: SAMPLE COMPUTATION

HDT=Total Head AS=cross-sectional are of suction pipe

Wi=Power Input AD=cross-sectional area of delivery pipe

Wo=Power Output Hm=total dynamic head

Q=Capacity n=efficiency

h=”V” notch M=Torque

g=acceleration due to gravity L=lever arm radius

Pumps 1&2:

HDT= HD1+HD2; [m]

HDT1= 1.8 + 4.0 = 5.8m

HDT2= 2.3 + 3.0 = 5.3m

HDT3= 2.5 + 2.5 = 5.0m

Wi= (MgL)((2πN)/60) – 100; [W]

Wi11= (1.3713)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 921.3347

Wi12= (1.469)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 994.1010

Wi13= (1.569)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 1068.5803

Wi21= (1.4174)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 955.6697

Wi22= (1.5059)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 1021.5839

Wi23= (1.5613)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 1062.8454

Wo= (MgL)((2πN)/60) ; [W]

Wo11= (1.3713)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1021.3347

Wo12= (1.469)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1094.1010

Wo13= (1.569)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1168.5803

Wo21= (1.4174)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1055.6697

Wo22= (1.5059)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1121.5839

Wo23= (1.5613)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1162.8454

Q= (8/15)((2g)^0.5)(Ce)(h + kh)^(5/3); [m^3/s]

Q11= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(0.0625 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0137

Q12= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(0.063 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0139

Q13= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(0.0635 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0141

Q21= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(0.061 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0132

Q22= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(0.064 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0143

Q23= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(0.068 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0158

Q= Q [m^3/s] * 15850.3; [gal/min]

Q11= 0.0137(15850.3) = 217.1491

Q12= 0.0139(15850.3) = 220.3192

Q13= 0.0141(15850.3) = 223.4892

Q21= 0.0132(15850.3) = 209.2240

Q22= 0.0143(15850.3) = 226.6593

Q23= 0.0158(15850.3) = 250.4347

Hm= (HD1 + ((Q/AD)^2/2g)+z) – (HS1 + (Q/AD)^2/2g)); [m]

Hm11= (1.8 + ((0.0137/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (5 + (0.0137/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =
20.2702

Hm12= (2.3 + ((0.0139/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (4 + (0.0139/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

22.4559

Hm13= (2.5 + ((0.0141/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (3.2 + (0.0141/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

24.1517

Hm21= (4 + ((0.0132/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (-2 + (0.0132/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

27.7992

Hm22= (3 + ((0.0143/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (-2.5 + (0.0143/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

31.0573

Hm23= (2.5 + ((0.0158/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (-3 + (0.0158/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

36.6665

Hm= Hm [m] *3.28084; [ft]

Hm11= 20.2702(3.28084) = 66.5033

Hm12= 22.4559(3.28084) =73.6742

Hm13= 24.1517(3.28084) =79.2379

Hm21= 27.7992(3.28084) =91.2047

Hm22= 31.0573(3.28084) =101.8940

Hm23= 36.6665 (3.28084) =120.2965

Wa= ((Q*Hm*S.G.)/3960)(745.7); [W]

Wa11= ((217.1491*66.5033*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 169689.404

Wa12= ((220.3192*73.6742*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 190731.0447

Wa13= ((223.4892*79.2379*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 208086.0936

Wa21= ((209.2240*91.2047*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 224224.0856

Wa22= ((226.6593*101.8940*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 271378.6488

Wa23= ((250.4347*120.2969*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 353999.3751

n= (Wi/Wa)*100; [%]

n11= (921.3347/169689.404)*100 = 0.5430

n12= (994.1010/190731.0447)*100 = 0.5212

n13= (1068.5802/208086.0936)*100 = 0.5135

n21= (955.6697/224224.0856)*100 = 0.4262

n22= (1021.5839/271378.6488)*100 = 0.3764

n23= (1062.8454/353999.3751)*100 = 0.3002

Series & Parallel:

HDT1S= 2.7 + 2.9 = 5.6m

HDT2S= 2.9 + 2.8 = 5.7m

HDT= HD1+HD2; [m]

HDT3S= 3.1 + 2.0 = 5.1m

HDT1P= 1.0 + 5.2 = 6.2m

HDT2P= 1.1 + 5.0 = 6.1m

HDT3P= 1.3 + 4.8 = 6.1m

Wi= (MgL)((2πN)/60) – 100; [W]

Wi1S= (2.5000052)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 1761.9909

Wi2S= (2.6000016)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 1836.4677

Wi3S= (2.6000044)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 1836.4698

Wi1P= (1.4000025)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 868.2333

Wi2P= (1.5000008)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 1054.4320

Wi3P= (1.6100038)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) – 100 = 1277.8704

Wo= (MgL)((2πN)/60); [W]

Wo1S= (2.5000052)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1861.9909

Wo2S= (2.6000016)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1936.4677

Wo3S= (2.6000044)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1936.4698

Wo1P= (1.4000025)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 968.2333

Wo2P= (1.5000008)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1154.4320

Wo3P= (1.6100038)(9.81)(0.25)((2π(2900))/60) = 1377.8704

Q= (8/15)((2g)^0.5)(Ce)(h + kh)^(5/3); [m^3/s]

Q1S= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(74 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0181

Q2S= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(77 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0193

Q3S= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(79 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0202

Q1P= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(69 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0161

Q2P= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(73.7 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0180

Q3P= (8/15)((2*9.81)^0.5)(0.5765)(76 + 0.00085)^(5/3) = 0.0189

Q= Q [m^3/s] * 15850.3; [gal/min]

Q1S= 0.0181(15850.3) = 286.9714

Q2S= 0.0193(15850.3) = 306.3962

Q3S= 0.0202(15850.3) = 319.6273

Q1P= 0.0161(15850.3) = 255.7386

Q2P= 0.0180(15850.3) = 285.0570

Q3P= 0.0189(15850.3) = 299.8648

Hm= (HD1 + ((Q/AD)^2/2g)+z) – (HS1 + (Q/AD)^2/2g)); [m]

Hm1S= (2.7 + ((0.0181/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (1.3 + (0.0181/0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

39.3571

Hm2S= (2.9 + ((0.0193/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (1 + (0.0193/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

45.1482

Hm3S= (3.1 + ((0.0202/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (0.8 + (0.0202/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

49.3506

Hm1P= (1 + ((0.0161/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (5.6 + (0.0161/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

25.5759

Hm2P= (1.1 + ((0.0180/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (5.4 + (0.0180/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

33.1543

Hm3P= (1.3 + ((0.0189/0.0005)^2/2(9.81) + 0.1524) – (5.4 + (0.0189/0.0008)^2/2(9.81)) =

37.3304

*the same calculation is done for pump 2

Hm= Hm [m] *3.28084; [ft]

Hm1S= 39.3571(3.28084) = 0.404673

Hm2S= 45.1482(3.28084) =0.344367

Hm3S= 49.3506(3.28084) =0.302002

Hm1P= 25.5759(3.28084) =0.344327

Hm2P= 33.1543(3.28084) =0.289406

Hm3P= 37.3304(3.28084) = 0.296115

*the same calculation is done for pump 2

Wa= ((Q*Hm*S.G.)/3960)(745.7); [W]

Wa1S= ((286.9714*129.1242*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 435411.5

Wa2S= ((306.3962*148.1239*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 533288.4

Wa3S= ((319.6273*161.9113*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 608099.2

Wa1P= ((255.7386*83.9102*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 252153.5

Wa2P= ((285.0570*108.7741*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 364343.3

Wa3P= ((299.8648*122.4751*62.4)/3960)(745.7) = 431545.8

*the same calculation is done for pump 2

n= (Wi/Wa)*100; [%]

n1S= (1761.9909/435411.5)*100 = 0.4047

n2S= (1836.4677/533288.4)*100 = 0.3444

n3S= (1836.4698*608099.2)*100 = 0.3020

n1P= (868.2333*252153.5)*100 = 0.3443

n2P= (1054.4320/364343.3)*100 = 0.2894

n3P= (1277.8704*431545.8)*100 = 0.2961

nSERIES= (HDT/(HD1/n1 + HD2/n2))*100; [%]

n1= (5.6/(2.7/0.4047 + 2.9/0.3760) = 38.9305

n2= (5.7/(2.9/0.3444 + 2.8/0.3236) = 33.3833

n3= (5.1/(3.1/0.3020 +2.0/0.2874)*100 = 29.6119

*the same calculation is done for pump 2

nPARALLEL= (QT/(Q1/n1 + Q2/n2))*100; [%]

n1= (2*0.0161/(0.0161/0.3739 + 0.0161/0.2593)*100 = 30.6218

n2= (2*0.0180/(0.0180/0.2792 + 0.0180/0.2096)*100 = 23.9461

n3= (2*0.0189/(0.0189/0.2547 + 0.0189/0.1975)*100 = 22.2508