Editor's Note: This is the second in a six-part series on centrifugal pump efficiency. For other articles in this series, click here.
Early centrifugal pump design was heavily influenced by turbine...
Editor's Note: This is the first in a six-part series on centrifugal pump efficiency. For other articles in this series, click here.In this multi-part series, we will investigate several aspects of...
Keeping a close eye on pump efficiency can lead to energy savings.Last month, I discussed the Draw Down calculator and its role in determining the actual operating point of wastewater pumps. Like...
As a follow up on my AC Motors series, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a short overview of work, power and torque as it applies to the AC motor. I will provide a reference to a more in...
As a follow up on my AC Motors series, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a short overview of work, power and torque as it applies to the AC motor. I will provide a reference to a more in...
The frame sizes (physical dimensions) of AC motors have changed substantially through the years. Originally, they were considerably larger than those in use today. This increased size was the result...
The frame sizes (physical dimensions) of AC motors have changed substantially through the years. Originally, they were considerably larger than those in use today. This increased size was the result...
One of the major impacts on motor life is common sense—or maybe the lack thereof!It always amazes me how many open drip proof (ODP) motors are used in agricultural irrigation applications where...
Last of four partsLast month, we studied the properties and effects of resistive, inductive and capacitive loads in an AC circuit. This month, we will take self induction a step further and apply it...
AC Circuit LoadsLast month we discussed the relationship between voltage and frequency and tried to make that somewhat complex three phase sine wave a bit more understandable. This month we will...
Energy efficiency and reduced consumption are important issues in the pump and motor marketplace. Over the long term, electricity costs will continue to increase regardless of our actions. This will...
Starting can have a significant effect on the life of the winding insulation of an AC motor. For this reason, motor manufacturers often limit the number of starts per hour and may also require a...
The radial forces that form about the periphery of a single volute pump's impeller are proportional to total pump head, impeller diameter and vane width. They are seldom balanced, but they reach their...
About 900 years before Newton formulated his universal gravitational theory, the Greek philosopher Aristotle espoused something different. He believed that all things had a natural place in the...
A number of choices are available when connecting pumps, fans and other rotating equipment to an electric motor. There are numerous mechanical and fluid coupling designs and, in some cases, a...
There are several ways to control two identical, parallel pumps operating under variable frequency control in pumping applications. One method is to size a single drive to handle both pumps and vary...
When selecting a pump for variable speed operation, a number of conditions must be evaluated. For example, will the performance curve allow the range of operation required by the application? Will the...
Based on several of my previous Pumps & Systems articles, you probably know that I have major concerns about the off best efficiency point (BEP) operation of wastewater pumps. Last month, I...
Rotary pumps are positive displacement pumps that use rotational, rather than reciprocating, motion during their pumping cycle. They can be designed to pump liquids, solids, gases or mixtures of all...
My September tutorial took a look at the affinity laws and showed why each is able to predict changes in flow, head, and power when there is a change in pump speed or impeller diameter.One thing I did...
Why do those three affinity laws do such a good job of predicting the performance of a centrifugal pump when its rotational speed or impeller diameter is changed? Well, it turns out that they are not...
