What Does the Pump Characteristics Curve Tell Us?
How does the head and pressure developed by a centrifugal pump correspond to different flow rates?
When analyzing the pump characteristics curve provided by the manufacturer, we can determine the relationship between the head, pressure, and flow rate of the centrifugal pump. The data states that when pumping oil at a flow rate of 10 m³/hr, the pump develops a head of 8 m and a pressure of 62.78 kPa. Head is the energy imparted to the fluid by the pump, which represents the height to which the pump can raise the fluid. In this case, the pump can lift the fluid up to 8 m. Pressure refers to the force per unit area exerted by the fluid. The pump exerts a pressure of 62.78 kPa while pumping at the given flow rate. The pump characteristics curve helps us visualize how the head and pressure of the centrifugal pump vary with different flow rates. It provides essential information for understanding the pump's performance under various operating conditions.Understanding Pump Characteristics Curve