Pump Report

Types of Pumps used in Thermal Power Plants:

-Boiler Feed Pump (BFP):

A boiler feedwater pump is a specific type of pump used to pump feedwater into a
steam boiler. The water may be freshly supplied or returning condensate produced
as a result of the condensation of the steam produced by the boiler. These pumps
are normally high pressure units that use suction from a condensate return system
and can be of the centrifugal pump type or positive displacement type.

Cross section of boiler feedwater pump

Construction and operation:

Feedwater pumps range in size up to many horsepower and the electric motor is
usually separated from the pump body by some form of mechanical coupling.
Large industrial condensate pumps may also serve as the feedwater pump. In
either case, to force the water into the boiler, the pump must generate sufficient
pressure to overcome the steam pressure developed by the boiler. This is usually
accomplished through the use of a centrifugal pump.

Feedwater pumps sometimes run intermittently and are controlled by a float

switch or other similar level-sensing device energizing the pump when it detects a
lowered liquid level in the boiler. The pump then runs until the level of liquid in
the boiler is substantially increased. Some pumps contain a two-stage switch. As
liquid lowers to the trigger point of the first stage, the pump is activated. If the
 liquid continues to drop (perhaps because the pump has failed, its supply has been
cut off or exhausted, or its discharge is blocked), the second stage will be
triggered. This stage may switch off the boiler equipment (preventing the boiler
from running dry and overheating), trigger an alarm, or both.

-Condensate Pumps:
A condensate pump is a specific type of pump used to pump the condensate
(water) produced in an HVAC (heating or cooling), refrigeration, condensing
boiler furnace or steam system.

Construction and operation:

Condensate pumps as used in hydronic systems are usually electrically powered

centrifugal pumps. As used in homes and individual heat exchangers, they are
often small and rated at a fraction of a horsepower, but in commercial applications
they range in size up to many horsepower and the electric motor is usually
separated from the pump body by some form of mechanical coupling. Large
industrial pumps may also serve as the feedwater pump for returning the
condensate under pressure to a boiler.

Condensate pumps usually run

intermittently and have a tank in
which condensate can
accumulate. Eventually, the
accumulating liquid raises a
float switch energizing the
pump. The pump then runs until
the level of liquid in the tank is
substantially lowered. Some
pumps contain a two-stage
switch. As liquid rises to the
trigger point of the first stage,
the pump is activated. If the
liquid continues to rise (perhaps
because the pump has failed or its discharge is blocked), the second stage will be
triggered. This stage may switch off the HVAC equipment (preventing the
production of further condensate), trigger an alarm, or both.
Some systems may include two pumps to service the tank. In this case, the two
pumps often alternate operation, and a two-stage switch serves to energize the on-
duty pump at the first stage and then energize the remaining pump at the second
stage. This second stage action is in addition to any triggering of other system
changes as noted for a single pump installation. In this way pump runtime is
shared between the two, and a backup pump is provided in case one pump fails to
function as designed.

Steam condensate pump

Small pumps have tanks that range from 2 to 4 litres (0.5 to 1 gallon) and are
usually supported using the flanges on their tanks or simply placed upon the floor.
A plastic impeller in a molded volute at the bottom of the pump provides the
pumping action; this impeller is connected to the motor via a metal shaft that
extends downwards from the motor mounted above the tank's top. Large pumps
are usually pad-mounted drawing liquid from a tank (sump) below the floor. The
smallest pumps may have no tank at all and are simply placed within a container
such as the drip pan of a dehumidifier appliance.

In industrial steam systems the condensate pump is used to collect and return
condensate from remote areas of the plant. The steam produced in the boiler can
heat equipment and processes a considerable distance away. Once steam is used it
turns to hot water or condensate. This pump and possibly many more around the
plant returns this hot water back to a make-up tank closer to the boiler, where it
 can be reclaimed, chemically treated, and reused, in the boiler, consequently it can
sometimes be referred to as a condensate return pump.

In a steam power plant, particularly shipboard ones, the condensate pump is

normally located adjacent to the main condenser hotwell often directly below it.
This pump sends the water to a make-up tank closer to the steam generator or
boiler. If the tank is also designed to remove dissolved oxygen from the
condensate, it is known as a Deareating feed tank (DFT). The output of the DFT
supplies the feed booster pump which, in turn, supplies the feed pump (feedwater
pump) which returns the feedwater to the boiler so the cycle can start over. Two
pumps in succession are used to provide sufficient Net Positive Suction Head to
prevent cavitation and the subsequent damage associated with it.

This pump is usually associated with a much larger tank, float switch, and an
electric motor than the example above. Some systems are so remote that steam
power is used to return the condensate where electricity is impractical to provide.

-Circulating Pumps:
A circulator pump is a specific type of pump used to circulate gases, liquids, or
slurries in a closed circuit. They are commonly found circulating water in a
hydronic heating or cooling system. Because they only circulate liquid within a
closed circuit, they only need to overcome the friction of a piping system (as
opposed to lifting a fluid from a point of lower potential energy to a point of
higher potential energy).

Circulator pumps as used in hydronic systems are usually electrically powered

centrifugal pumps. As used in homes, they are often small, sealed, and rated at a
fraction of a horsepower, but in commercial applications they range in size up to
many horsepower and the electric motor is usually separated from the pump body
by some form of mechanical coupling. The sealed units used in home applications
often have the motor rotor, pump impeller, and support bearings combined and
sealed within the water circuit. This avoids one of the principal challenges faced
by the larger, two-part pumps: maintaining a water-tight seal at the point where the
pump drive shaft enters the pump body.
 Small- to medium-sized circulator pumps are
usually supported entirely by the pipe flanges
that join them to the rest of the hydronic
plumbing. Large pumps are usually pad-
mounted.

Pumps that are used solely for closed hydronic

systems can be made with cast iron
components as the water in the loop will either
become de-oxygenated or be treated with
chemicals to inhibit corrosion. But pumps that
have a steady stream of oxygenated, potable
water flowing through them must be made of
more expensive materials such as bronze.

Use with domestic hot water:

Bronze pumps are often used to circulate domestic hot water so that a faucet will
provide hot water instantly upon demand. In regions where water conservation
issues are rising in importance with a rapidly expanding and urbanizing
population, and with more consumers seeking comfort, but since water and energy
resources are finite, so-called Energy-saving Hot Water Recirculation (HWR)
pumps can aid in water conservation at a relatively small expense in added energy
use. In typical one-way plumbing without a circulation pump, water is simply
piped from the water heater through the pipes to the tap. Once the tap is shut off,
the water remaining in the pipes cools producing the familiar wait for hot water
the next time the tap is opened. By adding a circulator pump and constantly
circulating a small amount of hot water through the pipes from the heater to the
furthest fixture and back to the heater, the water in the pipes is always hot, and no
water is wasted during the wait. The tradeoff is the energy wasted in operating the
pump and the heat lost from the constantly-hot pipes. While the majority of these
pumps mount nearest to the hot water heater and have no adjustable temperature
capabilities, a significant reduction in energy can be achieved by utilizing a
temperature adjustable thermostatically controlled circulation pump mounted just
after the last fixture on the loop. Thermostatically controlled circulation pumps
allow owners to choose the desired temperature of hot water to be maintained
within the hot water pipes since most homes do not require 120 °F (49 °C) degree
water instantly out of their taps. Thermostatically controlled circulation pumps
cycle on and off to maintain a user's chosen temperature and consume less energy
than a continuously operating pump. By installing a thermostatically controlled
pump just after the farthest fixture on the loop, cyclic pumping maintains ready
hot water up to the last fixture on the loop instead of wasting energy heating the
piping from the last fixture to the water heater. Often installing a circulation pump
at the farthest fixture on hot water circulation loop due to limited available space,
cosmetics, noise restrictions or lack of available power. Recent advancements in
hot water circulation technology allow for benefiting from temperature controlled
pumping without having to install the pump at the last fixture on the hot water
loop. These advanced hot water circulation systems utilize a water contacting
temperature probe strategically installed at the last fixture on the loop to minimize
the energy wasted heating lengthy return pipes. Thermal insulation applied to the
pipes helps mitigate this second loss and minimize the amount of water that must
be pumped to keep hot water constantly available.

The traditional hot water

recirculation system uses a
dedicated return line from the
point of use located farthest from
the hot water tank back to the hot
water tank. In homes where this
return line was not installed the
cold water line is used as a return
line. The first of two system types
has a pump mounted at the hot
water heater while a "normally-
open" thermostatic control valve
gets installed at the furthest fixture
from the water heater and closes
once hot water contacts the valve
to control crossover flow between the hot and cold lines. A second type of system
utilizes a thermostatically controlled pump which gets installed at the furthest
fixture from the water heater. These thermostatically controlled pumps often have
a built-in "normally closed" check-valve which prevents water in the cold water
line from entering into the hot water line. Compared to a dedicated return line,
using the cold water line as a return has the disadvantage of heating the cold water
pipe (and the contained water). Accurate temperature monitoring and active flow
control can minimize loss of cold water within the cold water line. Technological
advancements within the industry allowed for incorporating timers to limit the
operations during specific hours of the day to reduce energy waste by only
operating when occupants were likely to use hot water. Additional advancements
in technology include pumps which cycle on and off to maintain hot water
temperature versus a continuously operating pump which consumes more
electrical energy. Reduced energy waste and discomfort is possible by preventing
 occurrences of hot water line siphoning in open-loop hot water circulation systems
which utilize the cold water line to return water back to the water heater. Hot
Water Line Siphoning occurs when water from within the hot water line siphons
or is forced into the cold water line due to differences in water pressure between
the hot and cold water lines. Utilizing "normally closed" solenoid valve
significantly reduces energy consumption by preventing siphoning of non-hot
water out of hot water lines during cold water use. Using cold water instantly
lowers the water pressure in the cold water lines, the higher water pressure in the
hot water lines force water through "normally open" thermostatic crossover valves
and backflow check valves (which only prevent cold water from flowing into hot
water line), increasing the energy demand on the water heater.

-Ash Handling Pumps:

Boilers that use solid fossil fuels produce refuse that is generally classified as ash
and includes bottom ash or slag, fly ash, and mill rejects such as pyrites and so on.
This refuse must be removed and disposed of, either by hydraulic or pneumatic
conveying. The latter, of course, does not involve the use of pumps and need not
be discussed here. Fly ash and bottom ash is removed from the boiler system
through a series of water ejectors. Centrifugal pumps provide the water, taken
from either the circulating water pump header or ash-settling pond. These pumps
are subjected to severe duty as pump flows vary significantly and the pumpage is
often contaminated with suspended silt or fly ash.

Hydraulic conveying is generally restricted to bottom ash and mill rejects. There
are a great number of different systems in use today, and the reader should consult
boiler design and operation literature to become acquainted with this subject. What
is common to most hydraulic conveying systems is that they use centrifugal pumps
to handle concentrated ash slurries that may contain considerable amounts of
coarse, heavy pieces of stone, slate, and iron pyrites.

It‟s noticed that the most common pumps used in these types are the positive
displacement and the centrifugal pumps:
Positive Displacement pumps:

A positive displacement pump causes a fluid to move by trapping a fixed amount

of it then forcing (displacing) that trapped volume into the discharge pipe. A
positive displacement pump can be further classified according to the mechanism
used to move the fluid:

 Rotary-type, for example, the lobe, external gear, internal gear, screw,
shuttle block, flexible vane or sliding vane, helical twisted roots (e.g. the
Wendelkolben pump) or liquid ring vacuum pumps.

Positive displacement rotary pumps are pumps that move fluid using the principles
of rotation. The vacuum created by the rotation of the pump captures and draws in
the liquid. Rotary pumps are very efficient because they naturally remove air from
the lines, eliminating the need to bleed the air from the lines manually. Positive
displacement rotary pumps also have their weaknesses. Because of the nature of
the pump, the clearance between the rotating pump and the outer edge must be
very close, requiring that the pumps rotate at a slow, steady speed. If rotary pumps
are operated at high speeds, the fluids will cause erosion, much as ocean waves
polish stones or erode rock into sand. Rotary pumps that experience such erosion
eventually show signs of enlarged clearances, which allow liquid to slip through
and detract from the efficiency of the pump. Positive displacement rotary pumps
can be grouped into three main types. Gear pumps are the simplest type of rotary
pumps, consisting of two gears laid out side-by-side with their teeth enmeshed.
The gears turn away from each other, creating a current that traps fluid between
the teeth on the gears and the outer casing, eventually releasing the fluid on the
discharge side of the pump as the teeth mesh and go around again. Many small
teeth maintain a constant flow of fluid, while fewer, larger teeth create a tendency
for the pump to discharge fluids in short, pulsing gushes. Screw pumps are a more
complicated type of rotary pumps, featuring two screws with opposing thread —-
that is, one screw turns clockwise, and the other counterclockwise. The screws are
each mounted on shafts that run parallel to each other; the shafts also have gears
on them that mesh with each other in order to turn the shafts together and keep
everything in place. The turning of the screws, and consequently the shafts to
which they are mounted, draws the fluid through the pump. As with other forms of
rotary pumps, the clearance between moving parts and the pump's casing is
minimal. Moving vane pumps are the third type of rotary pumps, consisting of a
cylindrical rotor encased in a similarly shaped housing. As the rotor turns, the
vanes trap fluid between the rotor and the casing, drawing the fluid through the
pump.

 Reciprocating-type, for example, piston or diaphragm pumps.

Positive Displacement Pumps has an expanding cavity on the suction side and a
decreasing cavity on the discharge side. Liquid flows into the pumps as the cavity
on the suction side expands and the liquid flows out of the discharge as the cavity
collapses. The volume is constant given each cycle of operation.

A Positive Displacement Pump must not be operated against a closed valve on the
discharge side of the pump because it has no shut-off head like Centrifugal Pumps.
A Positive Displacement Pump operating against a closed discharge valve, will
continue to produce flow until the pressure in the discharge line are increased until
the line bursts or the pump is severely damaged - or both.

A relief or safety valve on the discharge side of the Positive Displacement Pump is
therefore absolutely necessary. The relief valve can be internal or external. The
pump manufacturer normally has the option to supply internal relief or safety
valves. The internal valve should in general only be used as a safety precaution, an
external relief valve installed in the discharge line with a return line back to the
suction line or supply tank is recommended.

Centrifugal Pump:

A centrifugal pump is a rotodynamic pump that uses a rotating impeller to increase

the pressure and flow rate of a fluid. Centrifugal pumps are the most common type
of pump used to move liquids through a piping system. The fluid enters the pump
impeller along or near to the rotating axis and is accelerated by the impeller,
flowing radially outward or axially into a diffuser or volute chamber, from where
it exits into the downstream piping system. Centrifugal pumps are typically used
for large discharge through smaller heads.

The screw centrifugal impeller was

invented in 1960 by the late Martin
Stähle, the founder of Hidrostal AG. He
had received an order from the Amial
S.A. fish processing factory in
Chimbote (Peru) for the development of
a system for transporting fish from the
nets into a boat, and from the boat into
the fish processing plant. The pump was
to work reliably without damaging the
fish. The result was the pump with the
characteristic screw centrifugal
impeller. This invention was a great
success. It has since been used in many
ways throughout the world in countless
other fluid handling systems.

The screw centrifugal pump is a popular choice for handling delicate products
such as food and crystals. Its low shear characteristic reduces emulsification when
pumping mixtures making it ideal for pumping oily water and Return Activated
Sludge [RAS] as it does not damage the floc. The pump's ability to pass long
fibrous materials such as rope without clogging makes it a frequent choice for
municipal waste water applications. A screw centrifugal pump typically has an
operating efficiency of 70% to 85%. It has a relatively steeply rising head/capacity
curve shape giving it good flow control capability over its allowable operating
range

The impeller has a single blade, axially extended at the inlet and developed around
its axis much like a corkscrew. Linking this to a centrifugal outlet allows pumping
with the minimum of agitation and shear, essential factors when product bruising,
liquid emulsification or clogging is to be avoided.
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal Pump – Working
 Components of Centrifugal pump

 A rotating component comprising of an impeller and a shaft.

 A stationery component comprising a volute (casing), suction and delivery
pipe.

Working Principle of Centrifugal pump

Principle:

When a certain mass of fluid is rotated by an external source, it is thrown

away from the central axis of rotation and a centrifugal head is impressed
which enables it to rise to a higher level.

Working:

 The delivery valve is closed and the pump is primed, so that no air pocket
is left.
 Keeping the delivery valve still closed the electric motor is started to rotate
the impeller.
 The rotation of the impeller is gradually increased till the impeller rotates
at its normal speed.
 After the impeller attains the normal speed the delivery valve is opened
when the liquid is sucked continuously up to the suction pipe.
 Working Principle of Centrifugal pump

 It passes through the eye of the casing and enters the impeller at its centre.
 The liquid is impelled out by the rotating vanes and it comes out at the
outlet tips of the vanes into the casing.
 Due to the impeller action the pressure head as well as the velocity heads
are increased.
 From the casing the liquid passes into the pipe and lifted to the required
height.
 When pump is to be stopped the delivery valve is to be first closed,
otherwise there may be some backflow of water into the reservoir.

Volute and Vortex Casing

Volute Casing Vortex Casing

 Volute and Diffuser casing

Volute Casing:

In this type of casing the area of flow gradually increases from the impeller
outlet to the delivery pipe.

Vortex Casing:

If a circular chamber is provided between the impeller and volute chamber the
casing is known as Vortex Chamber.

Diffuser C:
 The impeller is surrounded by a diffuser.
 The guide vanes are designed in such a way that the water from the
impeller enters the guide vanes without shock.
  It reduces the vibration of the pump.
 Diffuser casing, the diffuser and the outer casing are stationery parts.

Priming of a centrifugal Pump

 The operation of filling the suction pipe, casing and a portion of delivery
pipe with the liquid to be raised, before starting the pump is known as
Priming.
 It is done to remove any air, gas or vapour from these parts of pump.
 If a Centrifugal pump is not primed before starting air pockets inside
impeller may give rise to vortices and causes discontinuity of flow.

Losses in Centrifugal pump

Hydraulic Losses:
 Shock or eddy losses at the entrance to and exit from the impeller
 Losses due to friction in the impeller
 Friction and eddy losses in the guide vanes/diffuser and casing

Mechanical Losses:
 Losses due to disc friction between the impeller and the liquid which fills
the clearance spaces between the impeller and casing
 Losses pertaining to friction of the main bearing and glands.
Sizing a centrifugal pump:
In order to correctly size a pump for a particular application it is necessary to
understand the system in which it is installed. One selects a pump based on its
ability to supply the required flow rate for the system. The operating point of a
pump is set by the intersection of the PUMP curve (specific to the pump) with
the SYSTEM curve (defined by the piping system, tank elevation, and over-
pressures .etc)

Steps involved in selecting and sizing a pump:

1. Determine flow rate

2. Obtain fluid property information

3. Design piping system

4. Determine the System Head Curve

5. Decide on duty point

6. Calculate Power required and Specific speed values

7. Calculate Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHA)

8. Develop pump specification sheet

9. Select a pump

10. Evaluate pump selection

Step 1: Determine flow rate/pump:

• Determined by process the flow rate.

• Determine number of pumps required (function of criticality and

reliability)

• Define realistic maximum and minimum flow rates

Step 2: Determine Fluid property information:

• Density, specific gravity, Dynamic or Absolute viscosity, Kinematics viscosity.

3
• Water density at 20 deg C = 1000 kg/m

• Specific weight γ = ρ g , Weight of fluid per unit volume.

• Specific gravity S= ρ/ ρH20.

Why is viscosity important?

• Increase viscosity - increase losses - less head generated - lower efficiency

• Effect is greater on smaller pumps due to smaller internal passage dimensions

• Used to calculate the Reynolds Number which determines the set of pump
equations to use

Step 3: Design piping system

Select pipe sizes

• This is a compromise between installation costs and running costs.

• Small diameter pipes lead to high line velocities and friction losses.

• Elbows and fittings also result in friction losses

• Suction piping design is critical to avoid creating swirl/uneven flow at the

pump suction
Friction losses in pipes:

Resistance to flow as liquid moves through pipe results in loss of head. This
friction loss hL is measured in m. Resistance is due to viscous shear stresses within
the liquid and friction losses at contact of moving fluid and pipe wall

Step 4: Determine System Head Curve

For a new pump installation you will need

• P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Drawing) Symbols needed

• GA (General arrangement) plan and elevation,

• Flow sheet,

• Isometric drawings

This is often done by considering the suction and discharge sides separately as

Total Head (Hp)

Hp = h(d) - h(s)

Total Suction Head

2
h(s)= p(s)/ρ g z(s)+V s/2g - hL(s) - h(i)

z(s) = static suction head, hL(s) = total friction loss in suction line, h(i) = entrance
loss, p(s) = pressure other than atmospheric in suction tank in m, h(s) = total
suction head.

Total Discharge Head

2
h(d)= p(d)/ρ g + z(s) +V d/2g+ z(d) + hL(d) + h(e)
z(d) = static discharge head, hL(d) = friction loss in discharge line, h(e) = exit loss,
hP(d) = overpressure in discharge tank in m, h(d) = total discharge head

Calculation of the friction loss terms (hL)

There are TWO separate friction calculations, one for the pipes and one for the
fittings.
1. Darcy’s Formula for friction loss in pipes
For turbulent flow

hL = pressure drop or friction loss in m, f=friction factor, L=length of pipe (m),

V=line velocity (m/s), D= pipe ID (m), Darcy‟s formula is valid for turbulent and
laminar flow only if line pressure >> vapor pressure of the liquid. I.e. no
cavitations.

For laminar flow

Friction Factor f:
The friction factor is determined experimentally. For laminar flow f=64/Re.
For turbulent flow f depends on Re also the relative roughness ε/d. ε = roughness
of pipe wall, d = pipe diameter

2. Darcy’s Formula for friction loss valves and fittings

Summary for Friction Loss calculation

The pressure P on a gauge located close to the flange of the suction of the pump
will measure
The conversion to „head‟ and addition of the suction velocity head will give a value
for the total suction head.

A pressure gauge placed on the discharge of the pump will read the following terms.

It can be seen that the Total Head HP on the pump

The values VD and VS are the velocity in the pipe at the pump suction and
discharge. This is a function of the flow rate Q and the line diameter D. V = Q/A =
2 3
4Q/(πD ), V = line velocity m/s, Q = flow rate m /s, A =
2
Inside pipe area m , D = inside diameter m. If the line size is the same for suction
and discharge, this term can be ignored.

Draw System Curve

System curve determined by Total Head (m) at different flow rates (below, design
and above design)

Total Head (m) Flow (m3/hr)

18 0 (Static head)

25 60

48 100

56 110

Superimpose System Curve on a „suitable‟ Pump Curve

 Pump Curve

Step 5: Decide on a Duty Point

Duty Point is expressed as the calculated Head for the desired Flow rate
Determine high and low operating flow points.

Step 6: Calculate Power required, Efficiency and Specific Speed

Power : Hydraulic power is work done by a pump in moving the liquid.

Pump Efficiency:

ηP = Hydraulic Power (W) / Power input to the pump shaft from the motor (W)

Pump Efficiency depends on energy loss due to:

• leakage (recirculation around the impeller outlet to inlet, internal to the pump)

• hydraulic losses (viscosity and non-uniform flow)

• mechanical losses (friction losses in the bearings and seals)

Motor Efficiency: ηM

WM is the power from the motor to the shaft = Power supplied to the motor x
motor efficiency

Calculation of the motor power requires

1. Measurement of the power delivered to the motor from the MCC (Motor
Control Centre). This is available as a kW reading.

2. Knowledge of the efficiency of the motor. This information is often available on

the motor nameplate or from the manufacturer. The motor efficiency is dependent
on the load on the motor and the speed, if it is a variable speed drive.

Step 7: Calculate NPSH available

An acceptable margin of NPSHA - NPSHR must be maintained over the entire
operating range to prevent CAVITATION. Cavitation is caused by the local
vaporisation of a fluid when the static pressure drops below the vapour pressure.
The small bubbles filled with vapour that form in the low pressure region (suction
eye of the pump) will collapse on moving into high pressure regions (inside the
impeller). This "implosion" causes pitting on the metal surface, vibration and a
drop in efficiency.

NPSH available

• Net positive suction head is the absolute suction head at suction nozzle corrected
to datum less the vapor pressure of the liquid at operating temperature. Determines
at what point liquid will vaporize at the lowest pressure point of the pump
(cavitations) and is characteristic of the system. NPSHA varies with capacity and
is always positive.
• hvp(abs) = head in m corresponding to the ABSOLUTE vapour pressure of the
liquid at the temperature being pumped. This is determined from Tables of vapour
pressure (usually given in bar)

NPSH required
The NPSHR is characteristic of pump design and represents the minimum margin
required between suction head and vapour pressure. NPSHR varies with capacity.
It is determined by manufacturer and verified by NPSH pump test. NPSHR
depends on impeller design, flow rate, rpm, liquid and other factors. As a rule of
thumb there should be a margin of at least 1m, though depends on application
between NPSHA and NPSHR)

Step 8: Develop Pump Specification

Step 9: Select a short-list of suitable Pumps from different manufacturers

Step 10: Evaluate Pump Selection

• Match Pump and System curve

• Determine Efficiency and NPSH margin

• Compare efficiency, NPSH margin, and off design performance of different

pumps

• Determine materials to be used based on fluid properties

• Consider vendor technical support and spare parts issues

• Consider preferred vendor supply contracts

system curve
The capacity and pressure needs of any system can be defined with the help of a
graph called a system curve. Similarly the capacity vs. pressure variation graph for
a particular pump defines its characteristic pump performance curve.

The pump suppliers try to match the system curve supplied by the user with a
pump curve that satisfies these needs as closely as possible. A pumping system
operates where the pump curve and the system resistance curve intersect. The
intersection of the two curves defines the operating point of both pump and
process. However, it is impossible for one operating point to meet all desired
operating conditions. For example, when the discharge valve is throttled, the
system resistance curve shift left and so does the operating point.

Typical system and pump performance curves

Nuclear Power Plants:
The primary difference between the pumps for nuclear service and conventional steam
generation is the stringent requirements for reliability and safety. The continuous functioning
of nuclear pumps is critical to the safe operation of the plant. In addition, many of these units
maintain the responsibility of ensuring safe shutdown of the facility during emergency
conditions. Because the release of radioactive fluids could result in potential personnel and
environmental hazards along with associated costly cleanup, nuclear pumps must be self-
contained. The rules and regulatory standards for nuclear pumps are dedicated to the
promotion of public safety through reliable operation.

PWR Plants:

PWR plants employ two separate main systems to generate steam. In the primary system, the
water is circulated by reactor coolant pumps through the nuclear reactor and large steam
generators. Overpressure is provided to prevent vapor formation. The secondary side of the
steam generator provides nonradioactive steam to the turbogenerator, Typical primary water
conditions are 2250 lb/ina gauge (15.51 MPa) and 550°F (288°C).

The figure shown below is a simplified flow diagram of a PWR reactor coolant system. Only
one primary loop is shown, but in practice, plants use two, three, or four loops in parallel,
each loop consisting of its own reactor coolant pump, steam generator, and optional stop
valves. A single reactor and pressurizer supply all loops. The pressurizer provides the
overpressure referred to by maintaining a body of water at an elevated temperature such that
its vapor pressure satisfies the primary loop pressure requirements.

Flow diagram of pressurized water reactor coolant system

In the PWR plant, high-pressure water circulates through the reactor core to remove the heat
generated by the nuclear chain reaction. The heated water exits from the reactor vessel and
passes via the coolant loop piping to the primary side of the steam generators. Here it gives up
its heat to the feedwater to produce steam for the turbogenerator. The primary-side cycle is
completed when the reactor water is pumped back to the reactor by the reactor coolant pumps.
The secondary-side cycle, isolated from the primary loops, is completed when the feedwater
pumps return water to the secondary side of the steam generator.

Because a reactor, after it has been critical, continues to generate heat even when shutdown,
residual heat removal (RHR) pumps are provided to circulate reactor water through coolers
any time the reactor is inoperable and at low pressure, even during refueling.

When the system is hot, the pumps are used to maintain the water level in the pressurizer and
to replenish any fluid drawn from the primary loops by other systems. Additionally, the
pumps supply clean water to the reactor coolant pump seals and are used to adjust the boric
acid concentration in the reactor coolant water, which provides an auxiliary means of reactor
power regulation. If positive displacement pumps are included in the chemical and volume
control system, they are also used to hydrostatically test the reactor primary coolant system.
Where all the charging pumps are centrifugal, it is customary to provide a small positive
displacement pump exclusively for this hydrostatic testing.
For cooling essential components and for supplying a variety of heat exchangers, a
component cooling water system is provided. Component cooling water pumps circulate
clean water at low system pressures for the purpose of cooling: (1) primary water, which is
continuously bled for purification, (2) main and auxiliary pump bearings and seals, (3)
primary pump thermal barriers, (4) large motors, (5) the containment vessel, and (6) the spent
fuel pit water.

When the primary pressure boundary is breached, elements of the emergency core cooling
system (ECCS) are immediately activated. The primary function of the ECCS following a
loss-of-coolant accident is to remove the stored and fission product decay heat from the
reactor core. The safety injection system does most of this. Upon actuation of the safety
injection signal, the charging pumps inject boric acid solution, which is stored in special tanks
and continuously circulated by the boron injection recirculation pumps, into the reactor
coolant system. At the same time, the residual heat removal pumps are started. These pumps
take suction from a large refueling water storage tank and inject cold water into the reactor
coolant circuit. To provide additional capacity, the safety injection pumps are started, taking
suction from the cold water in the refueling water storage tank and pumping this water into
the reactor coolant system. If the large storage tank should run dry, these pumps will take
suction from the containment sump.
Operated by a pressure signal, containment spray pumps condense any steam in the
containment in order to lower the temperature and pressure in that environment. By taking
suction from the containment sump, these pumps continue to circulate water though spray
nozzles located near the top of the containment until the pressure has been reduced to an
acceptable level.

All of the pumps and vital equipment associated with pipe rupture (that is, the emergency
core cooling system) is supplied with diesel generator electrical power backup. If needed, the
diesel generators will accept the various pump loads sequentially at intervals of a few seconds
until all needed equipment is on line.

Other pumps serve other systems. Spent fuel pit pumps provide the necessary cooling of the
fuel elements that have been removed from the reactor. Resin beds, which are a part of the
water purification system, are flushed to a storage tank by spent resin sluicing pumps. An
evaporator package, partly for removing boron from the primary water, is supplied by recycle
evaporator feed pumps. Chilled water pumps supply the boron thermal regeneration system.

BWR Plants:

In BWR plants, active boiling takes place in the nuclear core and steam is piped to the
turbogenerator (Figure 5). Typical reactor water conditions are 1000 lb/in2 gauge (6.895
MPa) and 550°F (288°C). In the United States, the plant is usually arranged with a low-
leakage containment vessel completely surrounding a dry well and a pressure suppression
pool (Figure 6). The containment vessel is a cylindrical steel or concrete structure with an
ellipsoidal dome and a flat bottom supported by a reinforced concrete mat. The containment
forms a security barrier and prevents the escape of radioactive products to the atmosphere if
an accident should occur.

To assure a high reactor flow rate and to avoid local areas of core overheating, internal jet
pumps have been used in all but the earliest US. BWR plants. These jet pumps are driven by
large-volume, medium-head recirculation pumps. Variable flow rate is achieved either by
flow-control valves or by variable-speed motors driven by motor generator sets. The latest
designs employ a flow-control valve. The use ofjet pumps decreases the size of the external
loop piping and pumps and provides a core reflood capability in the event of pipe rupture.
The main recirculation pumps are not required for emergency cooling. In normal operation,
the recirculation pumps operate in conjunction with the jet pumps, which are wholly
contained in the reactor vessel. The purpose of the jet pumps is to increase the flow from the
recirculation pumps at reduced head for reactor cooling. The jet pumps have no moving parts.
In addition to their normal service, they also play a role in the natural circulation of the
reactor water during emergency cooling.
 Reactor cooling pump for BWR

Several subsystems operate in support of the recirculation system, and each contains one or
more pumps. Reactor water cleanup pumps are used in a filter-demineralizer system to
remove particulate and dissolved impurities from the reactor coolant. “his system also
removes excess water from the reactor. The control rods are operated hydraulically with water
pressure provided by the control rod drive pumps. The pumps are located in an auxiliary
building, and the fluid is piped to the control rod drive units, which are positioned directly
under the reactor vessel. For those components that require constant cooling, such as the
recirculation pump motors and other equipment located in the containment, auxiliary, fuel, or
radwaste buildings, closed cooling waterpumps furnish the necessary flow. These pumps are
located in an auxiliary building to permit ready access for servicing if needed. The system is
closed so it can be isolated from ultimate, usually raw water, heat sink, such as a river, lake,
or ocean.

To cool the fuel stored under water in the fuel building and the water in the upper
containment, separate fuel pool cooling pumps are provided in an independent system.

The emergency core cooling system is in reality an array of subsystems providing the
necessary features, including redundancy, to protect the core in case of a significant
malfunction. The high-pressure core spray system uses a vertical high-pressure core spray
pump, motor-driven but backed by a diesel generator in event of loss of electric power. This
pump, a single unit, provides the initial response when a small pipe breaks or an equivalent
malfunction occurs. Should this system be inadequate to maintain reactor water level, the
reactor vessel is automatically depressurized and the low-pressure core spray pumps supply
additional capacity. As an added safeguard, the RHR pumps are used in a secondary-mode
operation to inject cooling water directly into the reactor vessel. If steam should enter the
containment region, the RHR pumps operate in another mode-as containment spray pumps-
and are manually operated to condense the steam and thus reduce any potential pressure build
up in the containment. The RHR pumps function when needed to limit the temperature of the
water in the suppression pool. The turbinedriven reactor core isolation coolingpumps, in a
redundant and independent system, inject cool water into the reactor vessel. The standby
liquid control system pumps inject boron solution into the reactor for alternative shutdown.

Principle Types of Pumps:

Most of the pumps in nuclear service are one- or two-stage centrifugal motor-driven pumps.
Both vertical and horizontal types are used. Charging, safety injection, feedwater, and other
high-head pumps are usually multistage motor-driven centrifugal units. Some requiring high
power are turbine driven. Double-suction designs are frequently used for RHR pumps, where
service requires operation at low available NPSH. Reciprocating pumps find limited service
in nuclear plants for makeup flow, seal injection flow, or chemical mixing service. Canned
pumps are frequently used in subsystems where their zero-leakage capabilities can be
exploited.

.
References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condensate_pump
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circulation_pump
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump#Centrifugal_pump
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiler_feedwater_pump
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mechanical/articles/20241.aspx?p=2
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/483365/pump/5993/Kinetic-
pumps#ref=ref17067
P.L.Ballaney, “Thermal Engineering”, Dhanpat Rai & sons, 2008
R.K. Bansal, “Fluid Mechanics”, Dhanpat Rai & Sons, 2003
Rangasamy & Sundaramoorthy, “ Thermal Engineering”.
http://www.liquid-dynamics.com/animations