Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump: Hydraulic Institute Guideline For
Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump: Hydraulic Institute Guideline For
3-2010
Rotodynamic (Centrifugal
and Vertical) Pump
Efficiency Prediction
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Efficiency Prediction
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Guideline Approval is established when, in the judgement of the Hydraulic Institute Standards
Committee, substantial agreement has been reached by the authoring committee, HI
Standards Voting Representatives, and by peer reviewers, where applicable. Substan-
tial agreement signifies that much more than a simple majority was achieved, but does
not necessarily indicate unanimity. Approval requires that all views and objections be
considered, and that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.
The use of Hydraulic Institute Guidelines is completely voluntary; their existence does
not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved the guidelines or not,
from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or proce-
dures not conforming to the guidelines.
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Published By
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Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
20.3 Rotodynamic (centrifugal and vertical) pump efficiency prediction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Appendix A Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Figures
20.3a — Optimum normally attainable efficiency chart (metric units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
20.3b — Efficiency reduction due to specific speed (metric units). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
20.3c — Optimum normally attainable efficiency chart (US customary units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
20.3d — Efficiency reduction due to specific speed (US customary units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
20.3e — Deviation from normally attainable efficiency (metric units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
20.3f — Deviation from normally attainable efficiency (US customary units). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
20.3g — Estimated efficiency increase due to improved surface finish (metric units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
20.3h — Estimated efficiency increase due to improved surface finish (US customary units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
20.3i — Estimated efficiency decrease due to increased wear ring clearance (metric units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
20.3j — Estimated efficiency decrease due to increased wear ring clearance (US customary units) . . . . . . . . . . 13
Tables
20.3 — Pump types and factors that influence efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
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Foreword (Not part of Guideline)
Purpose of Guidelines
1) Hydraulic Institute Guidelines are adopted in the public interest and are designed to help eliminate misun-
derstandings between the manufacturer, the purchaser, and/or the user and to assist the purchaser in
selecting and obtaining the proper product for a particular need.
2) Use of Hydraulic Institute Guidelines is completely voluntary. Existence of Hydraulic Institute Guidelines
does not in any respect preclude a member from manufacturing or selling products not conforming to the
guidelines.
Revisions
The Guidelines of the Hydraulic Institute are subject to constant review, and revisions are undertaken whenever it is
found necessary because of new developments and progress in the art. If no revisions are deemed necessary after
five years, the guidelines shall be reaffirmed using the HI balloting procedure.
Units of measurement
Metric units of measurement are used, and corresponding US customary units appear in brackets. Charts, graphs,
and sample calculations are also shown in both metric and US customary units. Since values given in metric units
are not exact equivalents to values given in US customary units, it is important that the selected units of measure to
be applied be stated in reference to this guideline. If no such statement is provided, metric units shall govern.
Committee list
This Hydraulic Institute Guideline was produced and approved by a working committee that met many times to
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facilitate its development. At the time the guideline was approved, the committee had the following members:
Chair – Arnie Sdano, Pentair Water - Engineered Flow
Vice-chair – Bill Beekman, Consultant
Committee Members Company
Graeme Addie GIW Industries, Inc.
Ed Allis Peerless Pump Company
Tom Angle Weir Specialty Pumps
Fred Buse Consultant
Jack Claxton Patterson Pump Company
Mick Cropper Sulzer Pumps (US) Inc.
Randy Ferman ekwestrel corp
Al Iseppon Pentair Water, Residential Flow/Ag-Ind
Jim Roberts ITT - Residential & Commercial Water
Aleks Roudnev Weir Minerals North America
Greg Towsley Grundfos Pumps USA
Fred Walker Weir Floway, Inc.
The major influences on rotodynamic pump efficiency are pump size, specific speed ns (Ns), and the type of pump
selected to meet the service conditions.
The efficiency prediction charts (see Figures 20.3a, b, c, and d) relate to industrial-class pumps designed, manu-
factured, and tested in accordance with recognized industry standards.
a) Types of pumps: There are many different types of rotodynamic pumps with unique configurations and fea-
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tures to meet specific service conditions, e.g., stock, sewage, slurries, etc., all of which by virtue of their spe-
cific speed and design have less than optimum attainable efficiency. Table 20.3 provides some details on how
pump features influence efficiency.
b) Surface roughness: Efficiency increase due to improvements in waterway surface finish is dependent on
pump specific speed and size. Typically, surface finish improvements are economically justifiable for small and
low specific speed pumps. Shown in Figures 20.3g and h is the efficiency improvement that can be expected
when the water passages are upgraded. This would be added to the general predicted efficiency.
• Casting quality
c) Internal clearances: Pump wear ring clearances can have a major influence on efficiency, particularly for low
specific speed pumps [ns < 29 (Ns < 1500)]. See Figures 20.3i and j. Internal clearances are determined by:
d) Mechanical losses: Bearings, lip seals, mechanical shaft seals, packing, etc., all consume power and reduce
the pump efficiency. Small pumps (less than 11 kW [15 hp]) are particularly sensitive to these mechanical
losses.
e) Pumpage:
• Viscosity: Liquids with a viscosity higher than water have a detrimental effect on efficiency. Refer to ANSI/HI
9.6.7 Effects of Liquid Viscosity on Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Performance for viscosity
correction.
• Solids size: Low concentrations (below 10% by weight) of random-sized solids and tramp material in the liq-
uid will not have a detrimental effect on efficiency. However, if the pump configuration has to be compromised
such that the impeller and casing passageways will be large enough to improve the solids-handling charac-
teristics, then the efficiency will be reduced. For example, sewage pump impellers that handle solids and
rags often have only one, two, or three vanes of unique shape, causing the efficiency to be lower.
• Slurries: Larger concentrations (above 10% by weight) of solids in liquids cause reductions in pump effi-
ciency. The pump supplier should be consulted when making efficiency corrections for slurries (refer to ANSI/
HI 12.1-12.6 Rotodynamic (Centrifugal) Slurry Pumps for Nomenclature, Definitions, Applications, and Oper-
ation).
• High suction specific speed, S (Nss) > 215 (11,000), could reduce the attainable efficiency by upwards of 3
points (the effect is lessened as specific speed is reduced)
• Desired curve shape, such as head rise to shutoff or steepness of head curve, can reduce the attainable effi-
ciency
g) Impeller diameter trim: Reduction in efficiency due to impeller diameter trim must be expected. Efficiency
reductions can range from 1 to 6 points by trimming to the minimum diameter. High specific speed pumps usu-
ally have greater reductions in efficiency due to trim than low specific speed pumps.
h) Thrust balance: Pumps often use varying methods of hydraulic thrust balance, which may reduce the pump
efficiency.
i) For multistage vertical turbine (diffuser) type pumps, there will be a difference between attainable bowl effi-
ciency and attainable pump efficiency.
• Staging effect: Due to hydraulic losses at the inlet and discharge of the pump, single-stage attainable effi-
ciency could be as much as 6 points below the bowl efficiency. This difference decreases as the number of
stages increases. Typically this correction applies to four stages and less.
• Pump efficiency: Overall pump efficiency will be less than attainable bowl efficiency due to hydraulic losses
in the column piping, discharge elbow losses, and bearing losses. Because of the variability in this style
pump, this correction needs to be analyzed for each application.
Pump description ns (Ns) range Pump type Factors that influence efficiency
B Solids-handling, end 13 – 105 OH0, OH2, Efficiency is compromised in order to pass large
suction (700 – 5500) & OH5A solids
C Submersible sewage, end 13 – 105 OH8A Efficiency is compromised to pass large solids;
suction (700 – 5500) & OH8B submersible motor losses are not included, but
usually the efficiency of a submersible motor is
several points lower than that of a conventional
motor
D Stock, end suction 13 – 77 OH1 Open impeller designed for pumping fibrous air-
(700 – 4000) entrained mixtures compromises efficiency
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Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Efficiency Prediction — 2010
Table 20.3 — Pump types and factors that influence efficiency (continued)
Pump description ns (Ns) range Pump type Factors that influence efficiency
G End suction – large 5.8 – 115 OH0, Clearances and surface finish
>0.3 m3/s (5000 gpm) (300 – 6000) OH1,
& OH2
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H API double suction 13 – 38 BB1 Surface finish, large shaft diameter through
(700 – 2000) impeller eye, large impeller ring clearances and
suction inlets
J Double suction 8.7 – 87 BB1 Surface finish, large shaft diameter through
(450 – 4500) BB2 impeller eye, large impeller ring clearances and
suction inlets
V Vertical turbine, mixed-flow 29 – 387 VS0 Clearances, surface finish, and number of
and propeller, single and (1500 – through stages. Pump (field) efficiency is dependent on
multistage diffuser type 20,000) VS3, length of pump, discharge velocity, and
(Note: attainable bowl & VS6 discharge head design.
efficiency is shown on the
charts)
95
90
G
85
80
J
75 V
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70
H
65
D
60
F
Note:
55 1. Charts depict the generally attainable
E
efficiency levels of centrifugal pumps at BEP
with maximum diameter impellers when
pumping clear water at 29 °C.
50
2. Charts relate to industrial class pumps,
manufactured and tested in accordance with
recognized industry standards.
45
40 C
B
A
35
30
0.001 0.010 0.100 1.000 10.000
Rate of Flow, in m3/s
5.0
Note:
4.5 1. Values for n for double suction pumps are based on one half of flow rate.
2. Values for n for multistage pumps are based on head per stage.
4.0
Hydraulic Institute Standards, Copyright © 1997-2010, All Rights Reserved
3.5
3.0
2.5
Not for Resale
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
10 100 10 0 0
Specific Speed - Metric units (calculated with flow rate in m3/s)
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Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Efficiency Prediction — 2010
95
90
G
85
80
75 V
70
Efficiency at Optimum Specific Speed
H
65
D
Note:
1. Charts depict the generally attainable
F efficiency levels of centrifugal pumps at BEP
60
with maximum diameter impellers when
pumping clear water at 85 °F.
E 2. Charts relate to industrial class pumps,
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55 manufactured and tested in accordance with
recognized industry standards.
50
45
C
B
40
A
35
30
100 1000 10,000 100,000
Rate of Flow, in gpm
Figure 20.3c — Optimum normally attainable efficiency chart (US customary units)
5.0
4.5
Note:
1. Values for n for double suction pumps are based on one half of flow rate.
4.0 2. Values for n for multistage pumps are based on head per stage.
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3.5
Efficiency Correction - Points
2.5
Not for Resale
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
100 1000 10,000 100,000
Specific Speed, in US units
Figure 20.3d — Efficiency reduction due to specific speed (US customary units)
7
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Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Efficiency Prediction — 2010
10.000
1.000
MINIMUM
m3/s
GENERALLY ATTAINABLE EFFICIENCY
Rate of Flow, in
0.100
0.010
NEGATIVE
POSITIVE
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-2
-4
-6
-8
14
12
10
-10
-12
-14
Deviation as a percentage of generally attainable efficiency
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Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Efficiency Prediction — 2010
1 0 0, 0 0 0
Figure 20.3f — Deviation from normally attainable efficiency (US customary units)
1 0, 0 0 0
Rate of Flow, in US gpm
MAXIMUM
MINIMUM
GENERALLY ATTAINABLE EFFICIENCY
1000
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100
NEGATIVE
POSITIVE
10
8
-2
-4
-6
-8
14
12
10
-10
-12
-14
Deviation as a percentage of generally attainable efficiency
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10
5.1 Ra
micrometer
finish
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1.0
Not for Resale
12.7 Ra
micrometer
finish
0.1
1 10 100
Specific speed - Metric
(Calculated with flow rate in m3/s)
Figure 20.3g — Estimated efficiency increase due to improved surface finish (metric units)
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Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Efficiency Prediction — 2010
10,000
Figure 20.3h — Estimated efficiency increase due to improved surface finish (US customary units)
microinch
500 Ra
finish
finish
100
1.0
0.1
10.0
Points of efficiency change
Hydraulic Institute Standards, Copyright © 1997-2010, All Rights Reserved
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11
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Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Efficiency Prediction — 2010
100
2.0 X standard
clearance
Figure 20.3i — Estimated efficiency decrease due to increased wear ring clearance (metric units)
(calculated with flow rate in m3/s)
Specific speed - Metric
1.5 X standard
clearance
1 10
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1.0
10.0
Points of efficiency decrease
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Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Efficiency Prediction — 2010
10,000
Figure 20.3j — Estimated efficiency decrease due to increased wear ring clearance (US customary units)
2.0 X standard
clearance
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100
due to increased ring clearance
1.0
10.0
Points of efficiency decrease
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Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Efficiency Prediction — 2010
Not included in this efficiency prediction process are the detrimental effects when handling viscous mixtures,
entrained air, and slurries.
Presented here is a method for predicting normally attainable efficiency levels at the best efficiency point for
selected types of rotodynamic pumps when the rate of flow (Q), total head per stage (H), net positive suction head
available (NPSHA), and the service conditions are known.
The specific speed at which optimum efficiency occurs varies with the type of pump. For example, the specific
speed ns (Ns) for optimum efficiency for a volute-type pump is in the vicinity of 50 (2500). With a vertical turbine dif-
fuser type pump, the specific speed ns (Ns) for optimum efficiency is about 100 (5000). Volute pumps selected for
services with ns (Ns) values that are not in the vicinity of 50 (2500) will probably have lower efficiencies. The rela-
tionship between the arithmetic efficiency correction and ns (Ns) is shown on Figures 2.30b and d.
The normally attainable efficiency of various types of rotodynamic pumps at best efficiency point with maximum
diameter impeller when pumping clear water at 30 °C (85 °F) can be predicted as shown below.
Determine the normally attainable efficiency of an API-type, single-stage, end suction process pump driven by a
50-Hz motor when pumping clear water at 30 °C given Q equals 700 m3/h or 0.19 m3/s, H equals 130 m,
NPSHA equals 7.5 m, and the customer has specified a maximum pump rotational speed of 1500 rpm.
Enter Table 20.3. Find the correct pump type and the appropriate curve designation, in this case, curve F.
Enter the chart (Figure 20.3a) with 700 m3/h (0.19 m3/s) and read off efficiency corresponding to the optimum
specific speed for API end suction process type pumps = 85.1%.
Enter the chart (Figure 20.3b) with the calculated ns = 17 and read off efficiency correction of 3 points.
From chart (Figure 20.3e) at 0.19 m3/s, the normal deviation is ± 3%; therefore, the predicted efficiency lies
between 79.1 and 85.1%.
Determine the normally attainable efficiency of a single-stage, end suction, solids-handling submersible sewage
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type pump. Pumpage will be municipal sewage at 85 °F, given Q equals 5000 gpm, H equals 50 ft, and NPSHA
equals 24 ft. Pump is to be driven by a 60-Hz induction submersible motor.
Most sewage pumps are manufactured with cast-iron impellers, which have poor cavitation resistance, thus it is
usually assumed that the application suction specific speed (Nss based on NPSHA) should be kept below 8500.
Calculate the maximum recommended pump speed (nmax ) given a suction specific speed limitation of 8500:
5000 0.5 × n max
- = 6.52 × n max
N ss = 8500 = ---------------------------------------
24 0.75
8500
Therefore: n max = ------------- = 1303 , choose n = 1170 rpm, the next lowest 60-Hz induction motor speed.
6.52
Enter Table 20.3. Find the correct pump type and the appropriate curve designation. In this case, curve C.
Enter the chart (Figure 20.3c) with 5000 gpm and read off efficiency corresponding to the optimum specific
speed for a solids-handling submersible sewage type pump = 83%.
Enter the chart (Figure 20.3d) with the calculated Ns = 4400 and read off efficiency correction of 1 point.
From chart (Figure 20.3f) at 5000 gpm, the normal deviation is ± 2.5%; therefore, the predicted efficiency lies
between 79.5 and 84.5%.
NOTE: The above example sewage pump application uses a suction specific speed of 8500. Pumps of typical
suction inlet design have suction specific speeds ranging up to 13,000. Special designs may have values in
excess of 15,000.
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Appendix A
Index
This appendix is included for informative purposes only and is not part of this guideline. It is intended to help the
user gain a better understanding of the factors referenced in the body of the guideline.
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and difference between attainable bowl and Mechanical losses, 1
attainable pump efficiencies, 2 Multistage vertical turbine (diffuser) type pumps, 2
and high suction specific speed, 2
and impeller diameter trim, 2 Pump types
influences on, 1 and factors influencing efficiency, 1, 2t.
and internal wear ring clearances, 1, 12f., 13f. specific speed (variance of) and optimum
and mechanical losses, 1 efficiency, 14
metric units, 8f.
for multistage vertical turbine (diffuser) type Slurries, 1
pumps, 2 Solids size, 1
and slurries, 1 Specific speed
and solids size, 1 efficiency reduction due to (metric units), 5f.
and special impeller designs, 2 efficiency reduction due to (US units), 7f.
and surface roughness, 1, 10f., 11f. high suction, 2
and thrust balance, 2 variance of, and optimum efficiency, 14
and types of pumps, 1, 2t. Surface roughness, 1, 10f., 11f.
US units, 9f.
and viscosity, 1 Thrust balance, 2
Efficiency prediction
charts, 1, 4f.–7f. Viscosity, 1
efficiency reduction due to specific speed (metric
units), 5f.
efficiency reduction due to specific speed (US
units), 7f.
of normally attainable efficiency levels at best
efficiency point (example; metric units), 2t.,
4f., 5f., 8f., 14
of normally attainable efficiency levels at best
efficiency point (example; US units), 2t., 6f.,
7f., 9f., 14
optimum normally attainable efficiency (metric
units), 4f.
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A135
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