Centrifugal Pump Test System
The Centrifugal Pump Test System, manufactured and supplied by Atto Labware India, is a fundamental hydraulic machine designed for studying the performance, efficiency, and characteristic curves of a rotodynamic pump. It demonstrates key principles of energy transfer from a motor to a fluid, enabling students to analyze how flow rate, head, speed, and power interact. This system is essential for Civil, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering laboratories.
Educational Objectives
Students and researchers will be able to:
- Determine the Total Developed Head (H) generated by the pump at various flow rates.
- Construct the Pump Characteristic Curves (H vs. Q and Power vs. Q) at constant speed.
- Calculate the Hydraulic Efficiency and Overall Efficiency of the pump.
- Determine the Best Efficiency Point (BEP) for the pump under test.
- Study the effect of varying speed or changing impeller diameter on pump performance (Affinity Laws).
Performance Measurement
- Measurement of Discharge Pressure and Suction Pressure using pressure gauges or transducers.
- Determination of Volume Flow Rate (Q) using an orifice plate, Venturi meter, or volumetric tank method.
- Calculation of Water Power (output) and Brake Power (input, measured via motor instruments or a dynamometer).
- Plotting the NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) curve to analyze cavitation limits.
Panel and Instruments / Components
- Centrifugal Pump Unit: Equipped with an impeller, casing, suction, and discharge flanges.
- Integrated SS Sump Tank: Stainless steel reservoir for recirculating the working fluid (water).
- Variable Speed Drive (VSD): Allows the speed (N) to be precisely varied for generating multiple characteristic curves.
- Instrumentation Panel: Digital displays for RPM, Motor Power Input (V & I), and mounting for pressure gauges.
- Flow Measurement Device: Flow meter (e.g., Venturi or Orifice) or a volumetric tank.
- Control Valves: Regulating valves on the suction and discharge lines to control the flow rate and system head.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
| Machine Type | Centrifugal Pump (Single Stage) |
| Working Fluid | Water (Closed Loop) |
| Max Head | Typically 5 to 20 meters (Educational Scale) |
| Flow Measurement | Volumetric Tank / Orifice Meter |
| Pressure Measurement | Suction and Discharge Pressure Gauges |
| Drive System | Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Motor |
| Construction | Blue Powder-Coated Frame, Stainless Steel (SS) Sump Tank |
Note: Customized specifications, accessories, panel instruments, and LabVIEW software available on request.
