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This spreadsheet can be used to specify centrifugal pumps - including assessing 'Net Positive
Suction Head' (NPSH) and power requirements.
It is recommended that the user first reads the 'How to Use This Calculation' worksheet before
starting a calculation.
Revision
Rev. 1 Initial issue 12-Oct-09
Rev. 1A Cosmetic changes only (spell checking & revised disclaimer) 15-Dec-09
Disclaimer: This calculation provides an estimate for specifying pumps. We cannot be held responsible for its use. As
with all areas of process engineering, calculations should be checked by a competent engineer.
HOW TO USE THIS CALCULATION
1.0 Introduction
This spreadsheet can be used to specify centrifugal pumps - in particular the 'Net Positive Suction Head' (NPSH) and
the pump power requirements.
The calculation is split into three worksheet. The key worksheet is the one entitled "Pump Calculation": in addition,
there are two other worksheets which can be used to calculate the suction side and discharge side pressure drops
- although these worksheets do not have to be used. The following colour coding is used in this calculation:
Although these items are not strictly necessary, they help describe the calculation - this can be
invaluable it is to be checked by another engineer.
The spreadsheet allows one of two pump speeds to be selected: 1750 rpm and 2900 rpm. This information is
not strictly necessary (it's used to estimate the required NPSH which can be over written anyway).
2.3.1 Viscosity
The user enters the liquid viscosity in Centipoise (Cp). It should be noted that viscosity
changes with temperature - thus the user must ensure that the viscosity value entered
must be at the correct temperature.
2.3.2 Density
The user enters the liquid density in kg/m3. As with viscosity, the user should enter the
density at the pump operating temperature.
2.4 Flowrates
The user enters the total liquid flowrate in kg per hour. The spreadsheet then calculates the total
volumetric flowrate (in m3/h and US gallons per minute), and the volumetric flowrate per pump (also in
m3/h and US gallons per minute).
Disclaimer: This calculation provides an estimate for specifying pumps. We cannot be held responsible for its use. As with all
areas of process engineering, calculations should be checked by a competent engineer.
Suction Vessel
H2
Pump
H1
Pump Centreline
H3
Grade
Pump H4
Disclaimer: This calculation provides an estimate for specifying pumps. We cannot be held responsible for its use. As with all
areas of process engineering, calculations should be checked by a competent engineer.
Pump Centreline
Grade
N.B. Usually, the pump discharge pressure is set by the pressure difference
between the furthest point in the piped system and the pump. However, some-
times this is not the case. For example, if the termination point is much lower
than other points in the system. The engineer should use their judgement to ensure
that the discharge hydraulics are based on the genuine worst case when specifying
the pump.
Pump NPSH
Disclaimer: This calculation provides an estimate for specifying pumps. We cannot be held responsible for its use. As with all
areas of process engineering, calculations should be checked by a competent engineer.
2.7.2 NPSH Safety Margin
The user enters a safety margin to make allowance for uncertainties in the
calculation. If the pump vendor data and the suction pipe routing is known, a
safety margin of 0.6 metres is acceptable. For preliminary calculations, where
the NPSH at the pump suction is estimated, the safety margin should be increased
to at least 1.0 metres.
3.3 Raise the level of the Suction Vessel / Lower the level of the Pump
Disclaimer: This calculation provides an estimate for specifying pumps. We cannot be held responsible for its use. As with all
areas of process engineering, calculations should be checked by a competent engineer.
By increasing the height of the Suction Vessel relative to the pump, the NPSH available increases. For installed
equipment, it may not be possible to relocate equipment. However, it may be possible to increase the minimum
liquid level in the suction vessel.
Disclaimer: This calculation provides an estimate for specifying pumps. We cannot be held responsible for its use. As with all
areas of process engineering, calculations should be checked by a competent engineer.
Centrifugal Pump Calculation Spreadsheet
Revision 1A See "How to Use This Calculation" Worksheet for notes on its use.
Pump Tag Number
Calculation Description Ballast Pump
Disclaimer: This calculation provides an estimate for specifying pumps. We cannot be held responsible for its use. As with all areas of
process engineering, calculations should be checked by a competent engineer.