Pump Curve, System Curve, Pumps in Combination, and Pump Efficiency Testing

Part A. Pump Curve

Part A.  Pump Curve

1. Set up the pipe network so that the flow passes through the butterfly valve network branch.  Use the valve half open.  Set the ball valves so that only Pump A is supplying the system.  Turn on the pump.\

2. Adjust the flow to a convenient (but high) value using the upper diaphragm valves.

3. Read the pressures on the pipes leading into and out of the pump (Taps 1 and 2).

4. Repeat steps 2-3 for 4-5 more flowrates.

5. Close the valve completely and read the pressure on the outlet side of the pump.  Then turn off the pump.  DO THIS QUICKLY.  Prolonged operation with no flow will damage the pump.

Part B.  System Curves

1. Set up the pipe network so that the flow passes through the butterfly valve network branch.  Use the valve half open.  Set the ball valves so that only Pump A is supplying the system.  Turn on the pump.

2. Adjust the flow to a convenient (but high) value using the upper diaphragm valves.

3. Read the flow from the rotameter.  Read the pressure at tap 4 just upstream of the valve and at tap 2 just downstream of the pump.

4. Repeat step 2-3 for 5-6 more flows, recording both pressures each time.

Part C.  Pumps in Combination

1. Fully open all of the valves again.  Reset the upstream valves so that pumps A and B are operating in series.  Turn on both pumps.  

2. Adjust the flow to a convenient (but high) value using the upper diaphragm valves.

3. Read the pressures on the pipes leading into and out of the pump (Taps 1 and 2).

4. Repeat step 2 for 4-5 more flows, recording both pressures each time.

5. Turn off all the pumps and fully open the diaphragm valve.

6. Reset the upstream valves so that pumps A and B are operating in parallel.  Turn on both pumps.

7. Adjust the flow to a convenient (but high) value using the upper diaphragm valves.

8. Read the pressures on the pipes leading into and out of the pump (Taps 1 and 2).

9. Repeat step 7 for 8-9 more flows, recording both pressures each time.

10. Turn off all the pumps and fully open the diaphragm valve.

Part D.  Pump Efficiency

Start the variable speed pump (pump C).  After you establish steady state flow conditions, take the following measurements.

Record the pressure at the discharge (tap 5) side of the pump.

Record the voltage (Volts) of the variable speed motor from the terminal above the pump.  Get the voltage by moving the arrows so that the parameter shown on the display is P00007.  Voltage is then displayed.  

Record the current (Amps) of the variable speed motor from the terminal above the pump.  Get the current by moving the arrows so that the parameter shown on the display is P00003.  Amps are then displayed.  

Record the flowrate from the rotameter (gpm)

Change the motor speed.  Change the motor speed by pressing the arrows so that the parameter shown on the display is P00002, then pressing the “Back/Esc” button twice so that the display shows the pump speed.  Adjust the speed up or down with the up and down buttons. Press enter twice then repeat steps 1-4 for several more pump motor speeds.