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13.42 CHAPTER THIRTEEN
which should be the same in the test. With the water temperature approximately
the same,
in USCS units
in SI units
Hence the model should be tested with a positive suction head of 14.6 ft (4.4 m) to
reproduce the field conditions.
Normally one of the requirements when using model tests as acceptance tests is to
make sure true geometric similarity exists between model and installed prototype. True
values of all required and specified dimension should be determined. The actual parts,
areas, shape, clearances, and positions should be clearly understood by all parties. Also,
the amount of permissible geometric deviation between prototype and model should be
agreed to, in writing, before the test is begun.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS_______________________________________________
Testing Noncentrifugal Pumps
The next largest class of pumps after centrifugal are
displacement pumps. This classification includes reciprocating, rotary, screw, and other
miscellaneous displacement pumps. Testing of these closely parallels the centrifugal pro-
cedures. Normally the capacities are smaller and the heads higher, but the objectives,
methods, and measurements are all about the same. The Hydraulic Institute ANSI/HI
2000 Edition Pump Standards (References 11 and 12) thoroughly cover testing of rotary
and reciprocating pumps.
The testing of pumps not falling into the two broad classifications of centrifugal and
displacement is usually very special, and each case must be treated separately. The test
procedures are normally spelled out in the specifications; otherwise an agreement between
all parties must be made before testing is started. The testing of eduction or jet pumps
falls under this special category of testing.
Other Test Phenomena When testing pumps, other phenomena of interest should also
be checked and noted on the test record. The two phenomena normally reported on are
vibration and noise. The acceptable limits of these plus instrumentation for measuring
them are special and normally covered in the contract. If the pumps are to be installed in
a special environment, this should also be taken into consideration during testing.
REFERENCES _______________________________________________________
1. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. “Performance Test Codes, Centrifugal
Pumps,” PTC 8.2-1990, ASME, New York, www.asme.org.
2. Hydraulic Institute. “Standards for Centrifugal, Rotary and Reciprocating Pumps,”
13th ed., 1975 (out of print).
3. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. “Fluid Meters: Their Theory and Applica-
tion,” 6th ed., ASME, New York, 1971.
4. Smith, H., Jr. “Hydraulics,” Wiley, New York, 1884.
5. Francis, J. B. “Lowell Hydraulic Experiments,” Van Nostrand, New York, 1883.
6. Shen, J. “A Preliminary Report on the Discharge Characteristics of Trapezoidal-Notch
Thin-Plate Weirs,” U.S. Geological Survey, 1959.
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