AFFINITY LAWS

Affinity Laws

When the pump RPM is changed, new duties may be calculated by using
factors called "Affinity Laws" or "Laws of Similarity"

Capacity changes directly with diameter change

Head changes directly with the square of a diameter change

2

Brake horsepower changes directly with the cube of diameter change

3

or in equation form:
New Capacity = Old Capacity

2
New Head = Old Head

3
New Brake Horsepower = Old Brake Horsepower

If the pump RPM were cut in half:

• the pump capacity would be divided by 2
• the head would be divided by 4
• the horsepower would be divided by 8

For small speed changes, the efficiency of the pump would not change, but
for a speed change of say - 2 to 1 - you should expect the efficiency to drop
off by 2 to 3 points.

The affinity law for a speed change is sometimes shown in the following form:

where N = RPM; Q = Capacity in gpm; H = head in feet, hp = Horsepower

Affinity Laws

Calculations for a Diameter Change

In a similar manner, if the speed remains fixed, the capacity, head and
horsepower will change as we cut the impeller diameter.

For an impeller diameter change (impeller trim) the affinity law states:

Capacity changes directly with diameter change

Head changes directly with the square of a diameter change

2

Brake horsepower changes directly with the cube of diameter change

3

or in equation form:
New Capacity = Old Capacity

2
New Head = Old Head

3
New Brake Horsepower = Old Brake Horsepower

The affinity law for a diameter change is sometimes shown in the following form:

where D = Diameter of impeller; Q = Capacity in gpm; H = head in feet,

hp = Horsepower
AFFINITY LAWS - PROBLEMS
AFFINITY LAWS PROBLEM #01
E xample:

Step our S8LA S

ubmer sble
i Pump from 1750 to 1150 RPM

Gi ven Value s Fi nd New V

alues

1750 RPM 1150 RPM

2000 GPM GPM

185 FT FT

120 BH P HP
 AFFINITY LAWS PROBLEM #02

Step our 15" impeller dia. in Problem #01 to 13" What is the
pump's performance at 1150 RPM with a 13" impeller

Q = X Q Q = GPM
1 2 1

2
H =( ) X H H = FT
1 2 1

3
HP =( ) X HP2 HP1 = HP
1
SYSTEM HEAD CURVES
Example of System Head Curve Calculation

Design Point = 1000 gpm @ 100 FT TDH

40 FT of the 100 FT TDH is static head required

This leaves 60 FT of frictional head loss at 1000 gpm

1. What is the frictional loss at 500 gpm?

500 2
[ 1000 ] X 60 = 15FT

2. What is the total system head loss at 500 gpm?

15 FT (Frictional) + 40 FT (Static) = 55FT

3.What is the frictional loss at 1200 gpm?

4.What is the total system head loss at 1200 gpm?

5.What is the system head loss at 1500 gpm?

 Hydraulics 101

HYDRAULICS - STUDY OF FLUIDS IN

REST OR IN MOTION

Hydromatic Hydraulic Review

Prior to our discussion on pump hydraulics, we should

reflect briefly on simple centrifugal pump theory and
centrifugal pump classification.
Theory
The classic example of the action of centrifugal force is the
boy swinging a pail of water in a circle. Centrifugal force
holds the water against the bottom of the bucket and keeps
it from spilling. If a hole is made in the bottom of the bucket
the water is thrown out. The distance the stream carries
depends entirely upon the velocity of the revolving bucket.
If the boys arm were a pipe through which water could flow,
a continuous stream would flow from the bottom of the
bucket. The faster the bucket rotates, the greater the
volume of the water and the farther the stream will carry in
all directions (due to the greater pressure of centrifugal
force). Also the larger the hole, the greater the volume of
flow. If a case is built to collect the water and guide it to the
discharge opening, we have a crude centrifugal pump.
Classification
Centrifugal pumps are built in a wide variety of types.
They are primarily classified according to: (A) Type of
Casing, (B) Type of Impeller, (C) Number of Stages, (D)
Method of Driving. T here are other names applied to
centrifugal pumps, which depend upon other construction
features. Still other names come from the specific service
or application for which the pumps are designed.

The major classifications are defined in the following list:

VOLUTE PUMP - A pump having a casing made in the
form of a spiral or volute curve. The volute casing starts
with a small cross sectional area near the impeller periphery
and increases gradually to the pump discharge -- All
Hydromatic Pumps.

DIFFUSION VANE OR TURBINE PUMPS - A pump

construction with a series of guide vanes or blades around
the impeller. The diffusion vanes have small openings near
the impeller and enlarge gradually to their outer diameter
where the liquid flows into a chamber and around to the
pump discharge.
SINGLE SUCTION PUMP - A pump in which the liquid
enters the impeller inlet from one side

DOUBLE SUCTION PUMP - A pump in which the liquid

enters the impeller from both sides. The impeller is similar
to two single suction impellers cast back to back.

CLOSED IMPELLER - An impeller having shrouds or side-

walls extending from the impeller periphery inward to the
suction opening or impeller hub. Designed primarily for
handling clear liquids.

OPEN IMPELLER - An impeller without side-walls,

consisting essentially of a series of vanes attached to a
central hub. SP40 - SP50.
SEMI-OPEN OR SEMI-ENCLOSED IMPELLER - An
impeller having a shroud for sidewall on one side only,
usually on the back. Used mainly for handling liquids
containing solids. SP40 - SP50.

MULTI-STAGE PUMP - A pump having two or more

impellers on a common shaft, acting in series in a single
casing. The liquid is conducted from the discharge of the
proceeding impeller or stage to the suction of the following
impeller passing a pressure or head increase as it passes
through each stage.

CLOSE COUPLED OR MOTOR MOUNTED PUMP - A

pump built with a common shaft and bearings for the pump
and driver to form a single compact unit. 30 and 40 MPC.
DIRECT CONNECTED PUMP - A pump mounted on a
base-plate and direct connected to its driver through a
flexible coupling. 30, 40, 60 MP.

BELT DRIVEN PUMP - A pump equipped with a pulley.

When supplied less pulley it is generally known as a bare
pump. 30, 40 MPVL.

Density
Density or specific weight is the weight per unit volume.
Density of water is 62.4 pounds per cubic foot.
Specific gravity
Specific gravity is the ratio of a liquids density to that of
water. Density of molasses is 93.6 pounds per cubic feet.
Specific gravity of molasses is 93.6/62.4 = 1.5.
This is a dimensionless number.
Pressures
In pump applications there are three basic pressure terms.

They are:

Gauge Pressure - this is that pressure that is recorded on

a pressure gauge or the actual pressure of a system. It is
this value we use in pump hydraulics.

Atmospheric Pressure - this is that pressure that is

forced on an area by the atmosphere. At sea level, this
pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch.

Absolute Pressure - This is gauge pressure plus

atmospheric pressure.
To convert pounds per square inch (PSI) to feet, we need a
relationship between PSI and feet of water. We know that
one atmosphere is equal to 14.7 PSI and this is equal to 34
feet of water.

34/14.7 = 2.31
PSI X 2.31
specific gravity = head in feet
Specific gravity comparison
We have discussed specific gravity and noted that the
density of water is 62.4 pounds per cubic foot. The specific
gravity of water is therefore one. In sewage hydraulic, we
are basically pumping water and the specific gravity
correction is not relevant in our hydraulic calculations. It is
significant with other liquids.

gasoline has a specific gravity of . 7

water has a specific gravity of 1.0

molasses has a specific gravity of 1.5

Head (energy per pound of fluid)
In general, a liquid may have three kinds of energy, or the
capacity to do work may be due to three factors.

Potential head (Z1) - This is the energy of position. -- The

amount of work possible in dropping a vertical distance.

Static pressure head (P1) - Energy per pound due to

pressure (this is the height to which a liquid can be raised
by a given pressure).
Velocity head - V2/2g (kinetic energy per pound) - this is
the vertical distance a liquid would have to fall to acquire the
velocity (V).

STATIC SUCTION LIFT is the vertical distance in feet from

the free suction liquid level to the centerline of the pump.

TOTAL SUCTION LIFT is the sum of static suction friction

and entrance losses in the suction piping. Total suction lift
as determined on test is the reading of a liquid manometer
or vacuum gauge connected to the pump centerline,
expressed as feet of liquid and corrected to pump centerline
minus the velocity head at the point of gauge attachment.
STATIC SUCTION HEAD is the vertical distance in feet
from centerline of the pump to the suction lift level. (This
condition exists when source of liquid supply is above
centerline of pump.)

TOTAL SUCTION HEAD is the static suction head less

friction and entrance losses in the suction piping, plus any
pressure head existing on the suction supply. Total suction
head as determined on test is the reading of a gauge
connected to the pump suction, expressed as feet of liquid
and corrected to pump centerline plus the velocity head at
the point of gauge of attachment.

Note: After deducting the various losses, suction head may

be a negative quantity, in which case a condition equivalent
to suction lift will prevail.
STATIC DISCHARGE HEAD is the vertical distance in feet
from the centerline of the pump to the discharge liquid level.

TOTAL DISCHARGE HEAD is the sum of the static

discharge head, friction and exit losses in the discharge
piping plus the velocity head and pressure head in feet at
point of discharge. Total discharge head as determined on
test is the reading of a pressure gauge at the discharge of
the pump expressed as feet of liquid and corrected to pump
centerline, plus the velocity head at the point of gauge
attachment.

TOTAL STATIC HEAD is the vertical distance in feet from

suction liquid level to discharge liquid level or the sum of
static suction lift and static discharge head.

Note: If there is static suction head, total static head is the

static discharge head minus the static suction head.
FRICTION HEAD is the equivalent head expressed as feet
of liquid required to overcome the friction caused by the flow
through the pipe and pipe fittings.

PRESSURE HEAD is the head in feet of liquid, in a closed

vessel from which the pump takes its suction or against
which the pump discharges.

TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD (T.D.H. ) is the sum of total

discharge head and total suction lift when suction lift exists.
It is the total discharge head minus the total suction head
where suction head exists.
VELOCITY HEAD is the head required to create velocity of
flow. To be more exact, it is the equivalent head in feet
through which the liquid would have to fall to acquire the
same velocity. The formula for velocity head is:

where g = acceleration due to gravity = 32.2 ft. per second,

per second
h = head in feet (velocity head)
V = velocity of liquid through the pipe in feet per second
 (V) (h) (V) (h)

V EL. F./S
T EC
. V E .LHD. FT. V E .LFT./ S E
C. V EL. H
D. T
F.

1 .02 11 1.87

2 .06 12 2.24

3 .14 13 2.62

4 .25 14 3.05

5 .39 15 3.50

6 .56 16 3.98

7 .76 17 4.49

8 .99 18 5.04

9 1.25 19 5.61

10 1.55 20 6.22

NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD (N.P.S.H. or Hsv) is the total suction head
in feet of liquid absolute, determined at the suction nozzle (corrected to
pump centerline) less the vapor pressure of liquid in feet absolute.
We have talked about velocity head - and why it is
not significant in our calculations when attempting to
determine the total head developed by a pump - however
there is a relationship between the peripheral velocity of the
impeller and the head developed. It can be illustrated by
the following:

If a stone is dropped from the roof of a building, it will fall to

the ground and its velocity will increase as it falls, due to the
pull of gravity. Its velocity will increase at the rate of 32.2
feet per second each second that it falls. This is known as
the acceleration due to gravity. The formula for this is the
law of a falling body.
where g = acceleration due to gravity = 32.2 feet per
second per second
h = distance through which it falls or head in feet
V = velocity of moving body in feet per second
= square root

For example - if a stone is dropped from a building 100 feet

high the formula would work out as below:

V2 = 2 x 32.2 x 100 = 6440

V = 6440
V = 80.3 feet per second
The stone, therefore, would strike the ground with a velocity of
8.03 feet per second. If we reverse the process and throw the
stone up from the ground, it must start with a velocity of 80.3
feet per second in order to reach the 100-foot height. The same
law applies when pumping water with a centrifugal pump.
The velocity of the water as it leaves the impeller rim
determines the head developed. The water is thrown by the
impeller to a certain height. To reach this height, it must start
with the same velocity it would attain if it fell from that height.

Note: In hydraulics, it is convenient to work with all velocities in

feet per second. As an example - find the impeller diameter
necessary to develop a head of 100 feet running at 1800 RPM.
Dividing the revolutions per minute by the number of seconds in
a minute gives the revolutions per second.

1800 RPM = 30.0 revolutions per second

60
Also, we know from the example that a velocity of 80.3 feet
per second is required to develop a head of 100 feet.
Therefore, dividing the velocity in feet per second by the
revolutions per second gives the feet per revolution of the
rim or periphery of the impeller.
80.3 = 2. 676 feet per revolution (circumference of impeller)
30

To find the diameter of a circle, when the circumference is

known, divide the circumference by ∏ or 3.1416.

2. 676 = .852 feet (diameter of impeller)

3.1416
Multiplying the diameter of the impeller in feet by 12 gives
the diameter in inches.

.852 x 12 = 10.23 inches (diameter of impeller)

The answer is found to 10.23", or say 10-1/4" diameter. So

we find that a 10-1/4" diameter impeller running at 1800
RPM will develop 100 feet of head approximately.
It is readily apparent that the same head could be
developed by a larger impeller running at a lower speed or
by a smaller impeller running at a higher speed.

The figure shows two impellers; the right one is twice the
diameter of the left, but it is running at only half the speed of
the smaller or left one. They both have the same rim speed
or peripheral velocity and will, therefore, develop
approximately the same head.
 The head developed by a centrifugal pump is a function of
the impeller diameter and speed of rotation.

These equations can be combined leading to the following

simplified equation for the approximate head developed by a
centrifugal pump.

where D = diameter of impeller in inches

H = head in feet The above formula is approximate as
n = RPM many factors control the actual head
developed and are neglected here for
simplicity.
Review questions on velocity and impeller diameter -

At what velocity will a brick strike the ground if it is dropped

from a height of 76 feet?

What diameter impeller would be required to develop 64

feet of head running at 3000 RPM?
Operation of Centrifugal Pump
Impeller - rotates and imparts energy - when liquid leaves
impeller it tries to flow-
radially - (perpendicular to the impeller circumference)
tangentially - parallel to circumference
result - some of both
Case and diffuser
Case - confines liquid and converts velocity to pressure
energy in the diffuser.
As the impeller rotates:
Liquid is being discharged from all points around the
impeller circumference.
Liquid is moving outward from the impeller and around with
the impeller.

Casing directs the liquid.

Tongue - cut water - separates water and directs water into
the diffuser.

a. Liquid is at a high velocity. Has a high friction loss.

b. Diffuser increases area for flow thus decreasing in
velocity and smoothes out the flow.
Also, we know from the example that a velocity of 80.3 feet
per second is required to develop a head of 100 feet.
Therefore, dividing the velocity in feet per second by the
revolutions per second gives the feet per revolution of the
rim or periphery of the impeller.
80.3 = 2. 676 feet per revolution (circumference of impeller)
30

To find the diameter of a circle, when the circumference is

known, divide the circumference by ∏ or 3.1416.

2. 676 = .852 feet (diameter of impeller)

3.1416
As water is pumped by the impeller through a centrifugal
pump, capacity as discussed previously is a function of
impeller diameter and pump speed.

1. The wider or thicker the impeller vanes, the greater

capacity for given pump speed.

2. The greater the capacity the higher significance of

NPSH.
End