Pumps
DOE-HDBK-1018/1-93
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP OPERATION
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP OPERATION
Improper operation of centrifugal pumps can result in damage to the pump and
loss of function of the system that the pump is installed in. It is helpful to know
what conditions can lead to pump damage to allow better understanding of pump
operating procedures and how the procedures aid the operator in avoiding pump
damage.
EO 1.3
DEFINE the following terms:
a.
Net Positive Suction
Head Available
b.
Cavitation
c.
Gas binding
d.
Shutoff head
e.
Pump runout
EO 1.4
STATE the relationship between net positive suction head
available and net positive suction head required that is
necessary to avoid cavitation.
EO 1.5
LIST three indications that a centrifugal pump may be
cavitating.
EO 1.6
LIST five changes that can be made in a pump or its
surrounding system that can reduce cavitation.
EO 1.7
LIST three effects of cavitation.
EO 1.8
DESCRIBE the shape of the characteristic curve for a
centrifugal pump.
EO 1.9
DESCRIBE how centrifugal pumps are protected from
the conditions of dead heading and pump runout.
Introduction
Many centrifugal pumps are designed in a manner that allows the pump to operate continuously
for months or even years. These centrifugal pumps often rely on the liquid that they are
pumping to provide cooling and lubrication to the pump bearings and other internal components
of the pump. If flow through the pump is stopped while the pump is still operating, the pump
will no longer be adequately cooled and the pump can quickly become damaged. Pump damage
can also result from pumping a liquid whose temperature is close to saturated conditions.
Rev. 0
ME-03
Page 11
