CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS HANDBOOK

Table of Contents
Nomenclature and Definitions....................................................................................1
Centrifugal and Positive Displacement Pumps
in the Operating System ..............................................................................................4
Cavitation and NPSH in Centrifugal Pumps..............................................................6
Pump Suction Conditions .........................................................................................10
Elements of Minimum Flow .....................................................................................13
Effects of Oversizing ..................................................................................................17
Fluid Viscosity Effects on Centrifugal Pumps .........................................................20
Pump Balancing Criteria...........................................................................................24
Bearing Basics ............................................................................................................26
Centrifugal Pump Efficiency.....................................................................................30
Motor Size Selection for Centrifugal Pumps ............................................................32
Setting the Minimum Flows for Centrifugal Pumps ...............................................34
Estimating Maximum Head in Single-
and Multi-Stage Pump Systems.................................................................................37
Tips on Pump Efficiency ...........................................................................................39
Examining Pump Capacity Problems.......................................................................42
Venting Pump Systems ..............................................................................................44
Installation and Start-Up Troubleshooting ...............................................................46
Upgrading Utility and Process Pumps......................................................................50
Variable Speed Pumping ...........................................................................................55
Self-Priming Centrifugal Pumps ...............................................................................60
Centrifugal Pump Testing..........................................................................................64
The Canned Motor vs. Mag Drive Debate ................................................................68
National Electric Code Impact on Sealless Centrifugal Pumps ..............................70
Pumping Hydrofluoric Acid ......................................................................................75
User Perspective: When to Apply Mag Drive Pumps...............................................79
Interpreting Sealless Pump Failures .........................................................................81
Magnetic Couplings for Sealless Pumps ...................................................................83
Suction Side Problems – Gas Entrainment ..............................................................87
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS HANDBOOK

Table of Contents
Nozzle Loading – Who Sets the Standards?..............................................................91
Low Flow Options......................................................................................................94
Pump Design Changes Improve Lubrication............................................................98
CPI Pumping............................................................................................................101
Pump Buying Strategies ..........................................................................................107
A Common Sense Approach to
Combatting Corrosion and Abrasion ......................................................................111
Recommendations For Vertical Pump Intakes.......................................................115
Hydraulic Instabilities and Cavitation ....................................................................118
High Speed/Low Flow Pumps: Top 10 Issues.........................................................125
Pump Ratings Vital When Pressure's On...............................................................131
Communicating Your Pump Needs ........................................................................136
Impellers and Volutes: Power with Control............................................................139
Fully Lined Slurry Pump for FCCU Bottoms Use .................................................142
Options for Sealless Centrifugals ............................................................................146
Tips for Selecting ANSI Process Pumps..................................................................148
ANSI Upgrades Require More Than Technology....................................................153
Selecting Mag-Drive Pumps.....................................................................................160
Operation Protection for Mag-Drive Pumps...........................................................166
Sealless Options Optimize Solutions.......................................................................170
Vertical Turbine Pumps Power Petrochemical .......................................................175
Chopper Pumps Digest the Solids ..........................................................................180
So You Need Pumps for a Revamp .........................................................................184
Pumping Hot Stuff— Another Perspective ...................................................190
The Power of Speed and Staging ..................................................................193
A Guide to ANSI Centrifugal Pump Design and Material Choices ..............198
Self-Priming Pumps: It’s in the System!.......................................................205
Know the Inside Story of Your Mag Drive Pumps .......................................209
Pump Rebuilding at Avon ............................................................................213
Evaluating Sealless Centrifugal Pump Design & Performance .....................222
 CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS HANDBOOK

Table of Contents
Vertical Motor-Under Pumps Expand Their Range......................................227
Centrifugal Pump Suction ............................................................................231
Pumping Options for Low Flow/High Head Applications ............................234
Anti-Friction Bearings in Centrifugal Pumps ..............................................237
Centrifugal Pumps Operating in Parallel......................................................248
Fire Pump Systems- Design and Specifications ............................................251
Well Pump Applications for Mine Dewatering ............................................256

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