Converting a pump curve from water to oil
Converting a pump curve from water to oil
(OP)
Hello,
My question is if it is possible to convert a pump curve from water to oil. I am currently running a pump where the supplier provided me with a curve that was tested with water. The problem is that I need to pump oil. The oil has a density of 800kg/m3 and a viscosity of 3.94mPas.
Are there any equations that could help me?
Thanks
My question is if it is possible to convert a pump curve from water to oil. I am currently running a pump where the supplier provided me with a curve that was tested with water. The problem is that I need to pump oil. The oil has a density of 800kg/m3 and a viscosity of 3.94mPas.
Are there any equations that could help me?
Thanks





RE: Converting a pump curve from water to oil
If your fluid is extremely viscous, additional corrections could be required for the performance curve. And, if a very high degree of accuracy was required, corrections could be made for the Net Positive Suction Head Required curve. But, for a typical service, these curves can be used as plotted with no correction necessary.
Johnny Pellin
RE: Converting a pump curve from water to oil
Useful stuff at the links below:
http://www.pumpfundamentals.com/help10.html
http://www.gouldspumps.com/pol_0006.html
Density just affects the power of the pump throughout the following formula:
P = (SG * Q * H) / (3960 * η)
P = power [hp]
SG = fluid specific gravity
Q = flow [gpm]
H = head [ft]
Η = pump efficiency
Note that viscosity also affects power but very slightly (you need very thick fluids to appreciate sensible variations).
For thick fluids PD pumps are the best choice, anyway the fluid you've described is not particularly thick (cinematic viscosity approx 5 cSt).
RE: Converting a pump curve from water to oil
RE: Converting a pump curve from water to oil
I did not have a chance to have a look at the links, but will do so tomorrow.
RE: Converting a pump curve from water to oil
But this means that you have to work everything in terms of gauge pressures. It may be easier to convert the units of Pressure on the curve back to metres head, i.e multiply your Barg units by 10 is close enough, then as JJPellin points out, the curve applies to oil as well.
Cheers,
John
RE: Converting a pump curve from water to oil
Regards
RE: Converting a pump curve from water to oil
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