Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
Experimental investigation on the performance of different arrangements of pumps involving two single pumps operating at different fixed speeds was undertaken. The pressure and flow rate were measured using pressure gauges and calibrated flow meters at strategic locations in various arrangements of piping network. The pump or head drop and system curves were then generated, accounting for the different components of the piping network. The advantages and disadvantages associated with parallel and series combination of pumps of different capacity operating at different specific speeds were established. Furthermore the study did not support the assumption of the same system curve often used in the determination of best efficient point (BEP) for parallel and series combination of pumps in piping networks. This investigation offers the opportunity to establish the optimum solution to operate the pump/pumps in any flow network at or closest to the BEP as well as ascertain the implication of operating away from the BEP. More so, the study will aid in proper selection of pump combinations in any flow network for optimal performance

Keywords: pumps, parallel, series, connection, fittings, piping network, best efficient point.

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