Optimizing Hydraulic Systems: Selecting the Most Efficient Pump with FluidFlow

Hydraulic systems are fundamental to numerous industrial applications, ranging from power generation, oil and gas systems to precision control in aerospace engineering. Optimizing these systems requires a thorough understanding of equipment performance metrics, particularly for pumps and control valves. Engineers must compare performance parameters effectively to ensure energy efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

This article explores key performance indicators for pumps and how FluidFlow makes a highly informative but easy-to-perform selection according to hydraulic performance.

Performance Metrics for Pumps

Pumps are essential components in hydraulic systems and are responsible for delivering fluid from a source to a destination at the required pressure. A thorough hydraulic analysis is necessary to ensure that the selected pump operates efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. 

The key performance metrics for analyzing pump performance include:

1. Pump Head (H)

Expressed in head (m Fluid) or pressure, the pump head defines the energy the pump impeller exerts to transport a certain amount of liquid. For effective liquid transport, the pump head must be sufficient to achieve the required duty flow.

2. Efficiency (η)

Pump efficiency is the ratio of hydraulic power output to mechanical power input. It is expressed as a percentage and is crucial for minimizing energy loss and operational costs. Comparing pumps will allow the user to determine which pump will produce the highest efficiency.

3. Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR) 

NPSH is a parameter checked to prevent pump cavitation, a mechanical issue that can cause the pump to fail. The available NPSH or NPSHA should always be higher than NPSHR to ensure the pump will not cavitate.

4. Best Efficiency Point (BEP)

The pump duty point where the efficiency curve is at the maximum is called the best efficiency point (BEP). The closer the duty point to the BEP, the more efficient and reliable the pump operates.  Efficient designs should have duty points as near as possible to the BEP.  

FluidFlow Quick Comparison Techniques

To easily and effectively compare pumps, engineers and designers can use FluidFlow’s Equipment Performance feature to quickly evaluate these performance metrics.

In this example, we are trying to compare the performance of three (3) different pump models when required to transport 28 m3/hr of flow:

Based on Table 1, the pump with the 8” impeller has an efficiency at the normal operating flow rate near its BEP. This pump also provides a high pump head which can be checked based on system resistance when modeling.

Conclusion

The optimization of hydraulic systems is a multifaceted process that requires a thorough understanding of equipment performance metrics and the use of advanced tools like FluidFlow’s Equipment Performance Viewer.

FluidFlow’s Equipment Performance feature provides engineers with a simple yet very powerful tool to streamline this process, ensuring that the selection will achieve an enhanced system performance, and reduced energy consumption leading to lower operational costs. 

Equipment performance viewer summarizes key performance indicators to allow users to quickly but effectively compare different centrifugal pump options, saving time and resources. 

By integrating the Equipment Performance Viewer into your design and analysis workflows, you can develop more sustainable and reliable hydraulic systems tailored to your specific application needs.