How do you read a turbine pump curve?

The horizontal axis represents the flow capacity. That is, how much liquid can be pumped. Then the vertical axis represents head flow, which is the pressure of the fluid within the pump. The other important thing to know here is that performance of a pump is not linear, which is why it’s always represented as a curve.

What is a pump curve?

A pump performance curve indicates how a pump will perform in regards to pressure head and flow. A curve is defined for a specific operating speed (rpm) and a specific inlet/outlet diameter.

How does a vertical turbine pump work?

The Working Principle. Vertical Turbine pumps move in a specific direction and cause the gas molecules to collide with moving solid surfaces. These pumps have a rapidly rotating fan that hits gas molecules and blows them from the inlet towards the outlet. This action causes a vacuum-like state inside the pump chamber.

What is H and Q on pumps?

In centrifugal pumps the delivery head H depends on the flow rate Q. This relationship, also called pump performance, is illustrated by curves. During a bench test, the pump is operated at constant speed and the values Q and H are determined for the various operating points.

Why are pump curves important?

Pump curves are not only used to pick the correct pump for an application but can also be used to estimate flow rates for an already installed system. By knowing the model, discharge pressure, suction pressure, and impeller size, the flow rate can easily be determined from the curve.

What is ISO efficiency curve of a pump?

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) lines are elliptical curves designating identical efficiency on a pump curve graph. They are used to represent how efficiency levels vary along a pump curve as it goes away from the BEP or if the impeller diameter is decreased.