Parallel Pumps and efficiency
Parallel Pumps and efficiency
(OP)
Ok, here is my dilema.
Recently I was placed on a six sigma project, which is tackling an efficiency issue at a pumping station that is running 6 electric motors. All are 2300V running 1800RPM and have 500HP. The current efficiency for the station is 40% and i would like to know what should i expect. Ideally i would like to understand how bad this number is.
I know that putting pumps in parallel decreses the efficiency by a lot. But if there is anyone out there who knows how to get an approximate efficiency coefficient. The would help a lot in identifying success of the project.
blester@dow.com or boguslav99@yahoo.com
Recently I was placed on a six sigma project, which is tackling an efficiency issue at a pumping station that is running 6 electric motors. All are 2300V running 1800RPM and have 500HP. The current efficiency for the station is 40% and i would like to know what should i expect. Ideally i would like to understand how bad this number is.
I know that putting pumps in parallel decreses the efficiency by a lot. But if there is anyone out there who knows how to get an approximate efficiency coefficient. The would help a lot in identifying success of the project.
blester@dow.com or boguslav99@yahoo.com





RE: Parallel Pumps and efficiency
RE: Parallel Pumps and efficiency
RE: Parallel Pumps and efficiency
25362 could be pointing you in the right direction, adding pumps in parallel does not necessarily add much to the overall output of a pumping system if the total head on the system is excessive due to inadequate pipeline sizing for the required thru'put. To take this argument to the extreme, you can reach a point at which it doesn't matter how many additional pumps you add to the system, the flow rate will not increase.
It seems that a full hydraulic study is required to:
1. Establish individual pump performance in terms of flow / head/ and overall pump/motor efficiency.
2. Measure or calculate the actual total head at various flow rates for the station which you can readily undertake as you have a multi-pump installation.
3. Once you have this information, some meaningful study can be made and recommendations made to assist you.
Naresuan University
Phitsanulok
Thailand
RE: Parallel Pumps and efficiency
Can I suggest to have the pump manufacturer involved in the exercise? At this kind off efficiency we are talking about mega$ that can be saved by increaseing the efficiency and both the pumps and the system should be looked into.
What type of pumps are we talking about?
What are the flows and heads.
Can any improvements be made on the Electrical supply that would gain a percentage point?
Best regards.
scalleke
RE: Parallel Pumps and efficiency
I don't see where the pump is broken from what I read in the posts, I wouldn't run to the manufacturer right away. I would think it to be a system type problem and no pump vendor should be helping you there anyway. We really dont know anything about the pumping system, so 40% may be a good number?? Artisi hit the nail on the head though, performing an in depth engineering study would be cheap and may have great$$$ benefit.
let us know how you make out....
RE: Parallel Pumps and efficiency