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Pumps Discharge Regulation

Reference data and engineering information about pumps discharge regulation for fluid mechanics applications.

pumpsdischargeregulation

Overview

Engineering reference data for Pumps Discharge Regulation in fluid mechanics.

Key Formulas

Reynolds Number

Re=ρvDμRe = \frac{\rho v D}{\mu}

Ratio of inertial to viscous forces — determines flow regime.

Bernoulli's Equation

P+12ρv2+ρgh=constP + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{const}

Conservation of energy for steady, inviscid, incompressible flow.

Continuity Equation

A1v1=A2v2A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2

Conservation of mass for incompressible flow.

Darcy-Weisbach

ΔP=fLDρv22\Delta P = f \frac{L}{D} \frac{\rho v^2}{2}

Pressure drop due to friction in a pipe.

Variables

SymbolDescriptionUnit
ReReReynolds number
ρ\rhoFluid densitykg/m³
vvFlow velocitym/s
DDCharacteristic dimensionm
μ\muDynamic viscosityPa·s
PPPressurePa
ffDarcy friction factor
4 rows
Methods for Varying Pump Speed
Drive Type
Description
Control Method
Hydraulic/Hydrostatic DriveCoupling between input & output shaft.Adjust volume of oil in coupling. Speed ratio up to 5:1.
Mechanical DriveBelt & sheave drive.Change sheave diameter.
Eddy Current Drive/ClutchMagnetic coupling transfers load torque.Adjust magnetic field strength.
Variable Speed DriveInverter / AC / Adjustable Frequency Drive.Vary frequency & voltage to motor.

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

Constant Speed Regulation Methods

4 rows
Methods for Regulating Capacity at Constant Speed
Method
Description
Energy Efficiency
ThrottlingOpening/closing a discharge valve.Inefficient - Energy wasted as increased dynamic loss.
Bypassing FlowReturning part of discharge flow to pump suction.Inefficient - Energy to pump is not reduced.
Changing Impeller DiameterPermanent trimming of the impeller.Efficient if motor is also sized correctly.
Modifying the ImpellerChanging blade pitch.Variable - Complicated, seldom used.

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

Affinity Laws for Pump Regulation

The change in performance parameters (volume rate QQ, head HH, power PP) with speed nn or impeller diameter DD can be estimated using the affinity laws.

For a change in speed (n): Q1Q2=n1n2\frac{Q_1}{Q_2} = \frac{n_1}{n_2} H1H2=(n1n2)2\frac{H_1}{H_2} = \left( \frac{n_1}{n_2} \right)^2 P1P2=(n1n2)3\frac{P_1}{P_2} = \left( \frac{n_1}{n_2} \right)^3

For a change in impeller diameter (D): Q1Q2=D1D2\frac{Q_1}{Q_2} = \frac{D_1}{D_2} H1H2=(D1D2)2\frac{H_1}{H_2} = \left( \frac{D_1}{D_2} \right)^2 P1P2=(D1D2)3\frac{P_1}{P_2} = \left( \frac{D_1}{D_2} \right)^3

References