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
Ratio of inertial to viscous forces — determines flow regime.
Bernoulli's Equation
Conservation of energy for steady, inviscid, incompressible flow.
Continuity Equation
Conservation of mass for incompressible flow.
Darcy-Weisbach
Pressure drop due to friction in a pipe.
Variables
| Symbol | Description | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Reynolds number | — | |
| Fluid density | kg/m³ | |
| Flow velocity | m/s | |
| Characteristic dimension | m | |
| Dynamic viscosity | Pa·s | |
| Pressure | Pa | |
| Darcy friction factor | — |
4 rows
Drive Type | Description | Control Method |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Drive | Coupling between input & output shaft. | Adjust volume of oil in coupling. Speed ratio up to 5:1. |
| Mechanical Drive | Belt & sheave drive. | Change sheave diameter. |
| Eddy Current Drive/Clutch | Magnetic coupling transfers load torque. | Adjust magnetic field strength. |
| Variable Speed Drive | Inverter / AC / Adjustable Frequency Drive. | Vary frequency & voltage to motor. |
Source: engineeringtoolbox.com
Constant Speed Regulation Methods
4 rows
Method | Description | Energy Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Throttling | Opening/closing a discharge valve. | Inefficient - Energy wasted as increased dynamic loss. |
| Bypassing Flow | Returning part of discharge flow to pump suction. | Inefficient - Energy to pump is not reduced. |
| Changing Impeller Diameter | Permanent trimming of the impeller. | Efficient if motor is also sized correctly. |
| Modifying the Impeller | Changing blade pitch. | Variable - Complicated, seldom used. |
Source: engineeringtoolbox.com
Affinity Laws for Pump Regulation
The change in performance parameters (volume rate , head , power ) with speed or impeller diameter can be estimated using the affinity laws.
For a change in speed (n):
For a change in impeller diameter (D):