CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

1. What is the primary function of a centrifugal pump in a hydraulic system?

Solution: The primary function of a centrifugal pump is to transport fluids by converting

mechanical energy, typically from a motor, into hydrodynamic energy of the fluid flow.

2. Why is priming necessary for the operation of a centrifugal pump?

Solution: Priming is necessary to remove air from the pump and fill it with the fluid to be
pumped. Centrifugal pumps cannot generate the necessary suction to draw fluid into the
pump if air is present, as they rely on a continuous fluid flow to operate effectively.

3. How does the volute casing in a centrifugal pump help in converting kinetic energy
into pressure energy?

Solution: The volute casing is a spiral-shaped casing that surrounds the impeller. As fluid
exits the impeller at high velocity, the volute gradually widens, reducing the flow velocity
and converting the kinetic energy into pressure energy, which increases the fluid pressure.

4. Why are centrifugal pumps classified as non-positive displacement pumps?

Solution: Centrifugal pumps are classified as non-positive displacement pumps because

they do not displace a fixed volume of fluid per revolution. The flow rate depends on the
pump's speed and Head making it variable rather than fixed.

5. What is the significance of the Best Efficiency Point (BEP) in centrifugal pumps?

Solution: The Best Efficiency Point (BEP) is the point on the pump's performance curve
where the pump operates most efficiently, with the highest efficiency and lowest energy
consumption. Operating at or near the BEP maximizes the pump's lifespan and minimizes
operational costs.

6. Explain how the Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) is critical to the operation of a
centrifugal pump.

Solution: NPSH is the measure of the pressure available at the pump suction to prevent
cavitation. If the available NPSH (NPSHa) is less than the required NPSH (NPSHr),
cavitation can occur, leading to damage and reduced performance. Ensuring NPSHa is
higher than NPSHr is crucial for safe operation.

7. What factors determine the head developed by a centrifugal pump?

Solution: The head developed by a centrifugal pump depends on the impeller diameter,
the rotational speed of the impeller, the number of impeller blades, and the fluid
 properties (density, viscosity). The head is also influenced by the design of the pump
casing and the system’s resistance.

8. How does cavitation occur in a centrifugal pump, and what are its effects on pump
performance?

Solution: Cavitation occurs when the pressure at the pump's suction drops below the
fluid's vapor pressure, causing vapor bubbles to form. These bubbles collapse violently as
they move to higher pressure areas, causing noise, vibration, and damage to the impeller
and casing, reducing pump efficiency and lifespan.

9. What happens if a centrifugal pump runs without being primed? Can it still
function?

Solution: If a centrifugal pump runs without being primed, it cannot function properly
because it will not be able to draw fluid into the pump. The pump will run dry, potentially
causing overheating and damage to the mechanical seals and impeller.

10. How would you diagnose a centrifugal pump that is running but not delivering any
fluid?

Solution: If a pump runs but delivers no fluid, possible issues include a loss of prime,
blocked suction line, closed discharge valve, air leakage in the suction line, impeller
damage, or cavitation. Checking each of these areas can help diagnose the problem.

11. What could cause a centrifugal pump to experience excessive vibration during
operation?

Solution: Excessive vibration can be caused by misalignment of the pump and motor,
unbalanced impeller, worn bearings, cavitation, or a loose foundation. Identifying and
correcting the root cause, such as realigning the pump or balancing the impeller, can
reduce vibration.

12. How does changing the diameter of the impeller affect the performance of a
centrifugal pump?

Solution: Reducing the impeller diameter decreases the head and flow rate, while
increasing the diameter raises both head and flow rate. This is because the impeller’s size
directly influences the velocity imparted to the fluid.
13. How can you determine if a centrifugal pump is suffering from cavitation?

Solution: Signs of cavitation include unusual noise ,excessive vibration, fluctuating

discharge pressure, decreased flow rate, and damage to the impeller. Observing these
symptoms can indicate cavitation.

14. Why might a centrifugal pump operate more efficiently at partial load than at full
load?

Solution: A centrifugal pump might operate more efficiently at partial load because it is
closer to its Best Efficiency Point (BEP). At full load, the pump may operate away from
the BEP, leading to higher losses and lower efficiency.

15. How does the viscosity of the fluid being pumped affect the performance of a
centrifugal pump?

Solution: Higher fluid viscosity increases friction losses within the pump and piping,
leading to a reduction in flow rate and head. The pump also requires more power to
handle viscous fluids, decreasing overall efficiency.

16. What could cause a centrifugal pump to overheat, and how would you address it?

Solution: Overheating can be caused by running the pump dry, excessive friction due to
high viscosity fluid, clogged impeller, or insufficient cooling. Addressing these issues by
ensuring proper lubrication, cooling, and preventing dry running can prevent overheating.

17. What could cause a centrifugal pump to trip on overload protection frequently?

Solution: Frequent overload tripping can be caused by overloading the pump, running at
too high a speed, excessive fluid viscosity, or electrical issues. Identifying and correcting
the overload condition, such as adjusting the flow rate or reducing the fluid’s viscosity,
can prevent tripping.

18. How does specific speed relate to the design and selection of a centrifugal pump?

Solution: Specific speed (Ns) helps in selecting the appropriate pump type and design for
a given application. Low specific speed pumps are suitable for high head, low flow
applications, while high specific speed pumps are better for low head, high flow
applications.

19. How does the affinity law apply to centrifugal pumps, and how can it be used to
predict pump performance?

Solution: The affinity laws describe how changes in impeller speed or diameter affect
flow rate, head, and power consumption. Specifically, flow rate is proportional to speed
(Q ∝ N), head is proportional to the square of speed (H ∝ N²), and power is proportional
 to the cube of speed (P ∝ N³). These laws help predict performance when operating
conditions change.

20. Why is the shape of the pump casing important in determining the pump's
efficiency?

Solution: The shape of the pump casing, especially the volute or diffuser design, affects
how efficiently kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy. A well-designed casing
minimizes energy losses due to turbulence and flow separation, enhancing overall pump
efficiency.

21. How does multi-stage centrifugal pump operation differ from that of a single-stage
pump?

Solution: In a multi-stage centrifugal pump, multiple impellers are arranged in series to

increase the head produced by the pump, making it suitable for high head applications. A
single-stage pump has one impeller and is typically used for lower head requirements.

22. What is the effect of operating a centrifugal pump in parallel with another pump?

Solution: Operating pumps in parallel increases the flow rate while maintaining the same
head.

23. How would you troubleshoot a centrifugal pump that is making unusual noises
during operation?

Solution: Unusual noises may indicate cavitation, bearing wear, misalignment, or debris
in the impeller. Troubleshooting should involve checking for cavitation signs, inspecting
bearings and alignment, and ensuring the impeller is free of obstructions.

24. What steps would you take if a centrifugal pump fails to start despite the motor
running?

Solution: If the motor runs but the pump does not start, check for a disengaged coupling,
impeller blockage, broken shaft, or improper priming. Ensuring the coupling is engaged,

25. What might cause a centrifugal pump to lose its prime during operation?

Solution: Loss of prime can occur due to air leakage in the suction line, low fluid levels,
improper priming, or vapor formation in the suction line. Ensuring airtight connections,
adequate fluid levels, and proper priming can prevent loss of prime.