FAQ

Question:

What are the various methods for controlling the rate of flow in centrifugal pumping systems? Is there an impact on efficiency?

Answer:

There are three basic ways of controlling flow rate from centrifugal pumps. These are

  • throttling the discharge by closing a valve in the discharge line
  • controlled bypassing of liquid from the pump discharge back to the suction vessel
  • varying the speed of the pump

Discharge Throttling
A basic principle of pumping is that a pump operates at the intersection of the pump performance curve and the system resistance curve.

Throttling on the pump discharge by closing a valve (manual or automatic) has the effect of changing the system resistance curve. This changes the point of intersection with the pump performance curve with resultant change in flow. This is illustrated in the graph above.

Power consumption in a centrifugal pump is calculated from the formula

Power (kw) = Q x H x SG
102.2 x E

where:

Q = flow rate in litres/sec
H = total head in metres
SG= specific gravity of the liquid
E = pump efficiency at duty point

Throttling wastes energy as pressure is broken down across the valve.

Bypassing

This is simply installing a line with a control valve (manual or automatic) which allows for return of some of the discharge flow to the suction tank. Opening the valve will increase flow to the suction tank and at the same time reducing flow down the discharge line. This also has the result of wasting energy.

Speed Variation

Changing the speed of a pump changes the pump performance curve. This changes the point of intersection with the system resistance curve with resultant change in flow. This is illustrated in the graph below.

This is the most energy efficient method of controlling flow and becomes economically very attractive for larger power consumption installations.

Sign up for the latest news

Local call Australia-wide 1300 789 466

Branches

Kelair Pumps Australia

VIC

228 Atlantic Dr
Keysborough VIC 3173

TAS

Unit 1, 12 South St
Invermay TAS 7248

QLD

50 Nestor Dr
Meadowbrook QLD 4131

SA / NT

Satellite office servicing all of SA and NT
Adelaide SA 5000

WA

Unit 1, 14 Crocker Dr
Malaga WA 6090