Selecting the Proper Centrifugal Pump Circuit Flow Control

Beyond the wheel, the most important mechanical equipment serving humanity is the centrifugal pump.

Centrifugal pumps make modern quality of life possible.

Turn on a faucet and a centrifugal turbine ...

Engineered Systems NEWS HVAC Engineering Technology HVAC Engineering Sectors HVAC Design/Construction Process Pumps & Flow Controls Commercial HVAC Selecting the Proper Centrifugal Pump Circuit Flow Control The appropriate pump control will provide a properly operating, energy-efficient, reliable pumping system.

Sakraida, P.E., LEED AP September 23, 2019 Beyond the wheel, the most important mechanical equipment serving humanity is the centrifugal pump.

Centrifugal pumps make modern quality of life possible.

Turn on a faucet and a centrifugal turbine pump provides the water.

Do you have a dishwasher, clothes washer, or sump pump at home?

It’s important to select the best pump control method to provide a properly operating, energy-efficient, and reliable pumping system.

Centrifugal pumps have two modes of operation: constant flow and variable flow; however, there are several control methods to achieve these two modes of operations, each with specific advantages and disadvantages.

The specific technical information needed to evaluate different pump control methods for specific applications will be discussed, followed by several pump application examples.

The analysis to select a pump control method for a particular application requires knowing the anticipated pump operating parameters, being familiar with the different pump control methods with their advantages/disadvantages, knowing how pumps perform under each control method, and understanding the applicable codes and standards that may dictate a specific pump control method.

Engineered Systems NEWS HVAC Engineering Technology HVAC Engineering Sectors HVAC Design/Construction Process Pumps & Flow Controls Commercial HVAC Selecting the Proper Centrifugal Pump Circuit Flow Control The appropriate pump control will provide a properly operating, energy-efficient, reliable pumping system.

Sakraida, P.E., LEED AP September 23, 2019 Beyond the wheel, the most important mechanical equipment serving humanity is the centrifugal pump.

Centrifugal pumps make modern quality of life possible.

Turn on a faucet and a centrifugal turbine pump provides the water.

Do you have a dishwasher, clothes washer, or sump pump at home?

It’s important to select the best pump control method to provide a properly operating, energy-efficient, and reliable pumping system.

Centrifugal pumps have two modes of operation: constant flow and variable flow; however, there are several control methods to achieve these two modes of operations, each with specific advantages and disadvantages.

The specific technical information needed to evaluate different pump control methods for specific applications will be discussed, followed by several pump application examples.

The analysis to select a pump control method for a particular application requires knowing the anticipated pump operating parameters, being familiar with the different pump control methods with their advantages/disadvantages, knowing how pumps perform under each control method, and understanding the applicable codes and standards that may dictate a specific pump control method.

What type of mechanical system is the pump serving?

Common system types include circulating water within a closed system for heat exchange, removing or adding water to a tank/process, or pressurizing water for distribution (fire pump, domestic water distribution).

What variable is the pump operation trying to control?

Typical controlled variables are system pressure differential, system supply pressure, system flow rate, fluid level maintenance, and/or fluid level reduction.

What is the system’s anticipated operating pressure?

This is a combination of static head and friction head.

If it’s an open system, what is the static head the pump has to overcome?

If it’s an open system, what is the net positive suction head (NPSH) for the pump?