Mechanical engineeringLesson 1 of 1 in the course Fluid and thermal machines

Pump Types, Operation, Performance, and Safety

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 4 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

A pump moves fluids by transferring energy to them. This lesson introduces what pumps do, where they are used, and the broad ways they are classified.

A pump is a device that moves liquids, gases, or sometimes slurries through mechanical action. Mechanical energy—often supplied by an electric motor—is converted into energy in the moving fluid, such as hydraulic pressure or pneumatic energy.

All flashcards

What is a pump?
A device that moves liquids, gases, or sometimes slurries by mechanical action, transferring energy to the fluid.
What is a multi-stage pump?
A pump containing two or more pumping mechanisms arranged in series so the fluid passes through successive stages.
What distinguishes a single-stage pump?
It has one pumping stage rather than multiple stages arranged in series.
What does a positive-displacement pump do?
It traps a quantity of fluid and forces that displaced volume into the discharge.
How do typical radial and axial-flow pumps differ in flow direction?
A radial pump turns the flow as it passes the impeller, typically by about 90 degrees; an axial-flow pump moves fluid along the shaft without a major change in direction.

Quiz questions

  1. What device protects a positive-displacement pump from dangerous pressure buildup if its discharge is blocked?Answer: A relief or safety valve
  2. For reliable pump operation, how should available and required net positive suction head compare?Answer: NPSHa should exceed NPSHr by an appropriate margin.
  3. What does the Best Efficiency Point (BEP) indicate for a centrifugal pump?Answer: The operating point at which pump efficiency reaches its peak.
  4. How does a hydraulic ram pump lift some water without an external power supply?Answer: A water-hammer pressure pulse lifts part of the flowing water.
  5. What is a typical performance characteristic of an axial-flow pump?Answer: High flow at comparatively low pressure

Based on the Wikipedia article Pump, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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