- Parallel ( one beside the other ) There may be many reasons to use parallel or series pumps instead of a single, larger pump. these may include: 1. Lower initial cost 2. Lower installation cost 3. increased redundancy 4. Easier maintenance 5. Low operating cost 6. Significant energy servings Ideal when increase in pressure is needed. In series arrangement, each pump handles same flow rate, but the total head( Pressure ) produced by the combination of pumps will be additive.
Since each pump generates a head “H”
corresponding to a flow “Q”, when connected in series the total head developed is Htotal = H1 + H2, where H1 and H2 are the heads developed by the pump in series at the common flow rate “Q”. Both pumps must have the same width impeller or the difference in capacities(GPM or cubic meters/hour) could cause a cavitation problem if the first pump cannot supply enough liquid to the second pump. Both pumps must run at the same speed(same reason). Be sure the casing of the second pump is strong enough to resist the higher pressure. Higher strength material, ribbing, or extra bolting maybe required. The stuffing box of the second pump will see the discharge pressure of the first pump. You may need a high-pressure mechanical seal. Be sure both pumps are filled with liquid during start up and operation. Start the second pump after the first pump is running. Series connected pumps generally require less horse power than one large pump meeting the same condiotion point. In most cases, a highe refieciency point is achieved. Pumps are smaller, easier to maintain and more manageable, versus a larger pump. With pumps in parallel, the flow rate are additive with a common head.
The flow rate Qtotal is split between the inlet into Q1
and Q2. Each pump develops the same head H at the corresponding capacity.
Thus the first pump at capacity Q1 develops the
same head as H as the second pump at capacity Q2 Both pumps must produce the same head this usually means they must be running at the same speed, with the same diameter impeller. Two pumps in parallel will deliver less than twice the flow rate of a single pump in the system because og increase in friction in the piping. Reduces the motor size required for a standalone pump, making this redundancy cost effective. You’ll need for pumps, motors, motor starters, circuit breakers and drives. All that additional equipment is going to take up more equipment. All that additional equipment is going to take up more floor space as well.