Sump Pump Selection

Project Report
Fluid Mechanics - II
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Sciences and Technology

Submitted By
(Group Members)
Asfand Yar Javed
Abdul Wasay
Saad bin Sarfraz
Zeeshan Haider

BME 143012
BME 143014
BME 143004
BME 143008

Requested By
Dr. Nadeem Shaikh
Associate Professor Mechanical Department

3rd January, 2017

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Abstract
In this report we have selected a sump pump for a basement system that can pump water at a
flow rate of 33 Gpm at the head of 28 ft. The water is accumulated in basement due to heavy
rain. For pump selection we first designed the scenario of the water flow accumulated in
basement. Then we calculated actual head by using Energy equation, we also calculated major
and minor losses by using specific equations. After calculating head losses we find the total head
rise in our system which is the main factor for the selection of a pump. Then we have plotted the
system curve. We have selected a sump pump of 0.5 hp. On the performance curve of the pump
there is efficiency, head and power curves. Then we have plotted the system curve on the pump
performance curve. Ideally, we want the operating point to be near the best efficiency point for
the pump. After plotting the curve we have analyzed that the operating point was away from
BEP, then we changed the pipe diameters and calculated actual head again by using different
diameters of pipe we have plotted the system curves. For a given pump, it is clear that for the
system having a diameter of 1.25 inches diameter has the best operating point at a maximum
efficiency of 49.7%.

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Table of Contents
1

Literature Review.................................................................................................... 4

Introduction............................................................................................................ 6
2.1

Scope............................................................................................................... 7

Problem Statement................................................................................................... 7

Theory................................................................................................................... 7
4.1

Energy Equation................................................................................................ 7

4.1.1
4.2

Mathematical Relation.................................................................................7
Head losses....................................................................................................... 8

4.2.1

Minor Head losses....................................................................................... 8

4.2.2

Major Losses.............................................................................................. 8

4.3

Darcy friction factor........................................................................................... 9

4.3.1
4.4

Mathematical Relation.................................................................................9
Reynolds Number.............................................................................................. 9

4.4.1
5

Mathematical Relation.................................................................................9

Problem Analysis................................................................................................... 10
5.1

Working Model............................................................................................... 10

5.2

Information.................................................................................................... 10

5.3

Mathematical Analysis...................................................................................... 11

Results................................................................................................................. 14

Discussions........................................................................................................... 16

References............................................................................................................ 17

Table of Figures
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Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure

1.................................................................................................................... 10
2.................................................................................................................... 14
3.................................................................................................................... 15
4.................................................................................................................... 15
5.................................................................................................................... 16

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1 Literature Review
There are many factors that affect pump operation and working which include their physical
arrangement, speed, suction head and properties of liquid etc. Due to which lowered capacity,
vibration, reduced efficiency, and cavitation could cause serious troubles. [1]
Ideally, the flow of water into any pump should be uniform, steady and free from entrained air.
Lack of uniformity can cause the pump to operate away from the optimum design condition and
at a lower hydraulic efficiency. Unsteady flow causes the load on the impeller to fluctuate, which
can lead to noise, vibration, bearing problems and fatigue failures of pump shafts. [2]
Considering the importance of avoiding cavitation, the key factors affecting cavitation in pumps
is suction piping. With a few notable exceptions, cavitation in pumps is almost always linked to
systems involving suction-side piping, friction losses cause the fluid pressure to drop. If it drops
low enough to reach the vapor pressure, cavitation will result. When submersible pumps are
lowered directly into a fluid, there is no suction-side piping routing water to the pumps inlet,
thus the potential for cavitation is virtually non-existent. [3]
Submersible pumps are quiet, because they are under water. Cavitation is never an issue, because
there is no spike in pressure as the water flows through the pump. [4]
Air entrainment defines a variety of conditions where the vapor bubbles are already in the liquid
before it reaches the pump. When they arrive in the eye of the impeller, exactly the same thing
happens as if they were created at that point. In other words, they are subjected to the increasing
pressure at the start of the vanes and are then imploded, causing the identical damage as
cavitation, and at the same location. [5]
Sump is designed to provide adequate water supply to pumps installed in sump. It is also
essential to design the sump to provide fairly uniform and swirl free flow to pumps. The
Hydraulic Institute Standards specify the general guidelines for the design of sumps and is based
on extensive studies on variety of sumps. In case the sump is designed per the guidelines of HIS,
it is ensured that the flow pattern will be uniform and swirl free to pumps. [6]
The efficiency and performance of pumping stations depend not only on the performance of the
selected pumps but also on the proper design of the intake sumps. A faulty design of pump sump
can lead to the occurrence of swirl and vortices, which reduce the pump performance. Therefore,
sump model test is necessary in order to check the flow condition around intake structure. [7]
It is important to know the required active sump volume. This volume is defined by the highest
start level and lowest stop level in the pump sump. An active sump volume that is too small
reduces motor, pump and electrical equipment life due to the excessive starts and stops. [8]
A pedestal sump pump comes in two pieces, the standalone motor, which is installed above the
basement floor, and a hose that feeds into the sump pit. These sump pumps are used when there
is a shallow or narrow sump pit. Since pedestal sump pumps are not constantly submerged in
water, they tend to last longer. The motor never faces any threat of water damage. Pedestal
pumps are easy to repair because they are not in the sump pit. The motor is easily accessible
above the basement floor. Pedestal pumps are the inexpensive option out of the two kinds of
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sump pumps. The downside to this type of pump is that it lacks the power needed to pump out
large amounts of water during a storm. If there is a large amount of rainfall, the pump may not
work fast enough to prevent flooding. Pedestal pumps take up space in the basement because
theyre not fully in a sump pit. Pedestal sump pumps can also be a hazard because theyre
partially above the basement floor. [9]
Submersible sump pumps meant to be submerged under water in the sump pit below basement
floor. The pump and motor are both enclosed in a waterproof container to prevent damage. This
also prevents any loud noise from the pump while it is doing its job. A grate or screen is on the
underside of the pump to stop the flow of debris. Submersible sump pumps also offer more
horsepower, which means the motor can pump the water out faster than a pedestal sump pump.
This is a very important feature for homes that are low-lying and may take on a full sump pit
after a substantial amount of rain. Submersible sump pumps can also have a backup battery. This
comes in handy if there is a storm that causes flooding and a power outage. The backup battery
allows the submersible sump pump to pump water out of the flooded basement even if the power
is out. While the submersible sump pump may seem like the better deal, it is also more
expensive. The fact that it is installed in the sump pit makes for more expensive repairs, even
when the smallest of damages occur. [10]
Its important that your pump can draw water out of the basin (or sump pit) faster than water
flows into it. Therefore, the first thing need to measure is the amount of water that drains into the
basin during a high-flow period. During a heavy rain, stick a ruler in the basin and measure how
many inches of water flow into the basin in 60 seconds. This will tell you how many gallons
flow into the basin per minute, which is the System Capacity. If you have an 18-inch-diameter
basin, 1 inch of water is equal to 1 gallon. If you have a 24-inch-diameter basin, 1 inch of water
is roughly equal to 2 gallons. If youre building on sandy soil, plan for a system capacity of 14
gallons per minute for every 1,000 square feet of home. If youre building on clay soil, plan for a
system capacity of 8 gallons per minute for every 1,000 square feet of home. [11]
Five things you need to know to select the perfect pump for your application. The first thing is
fluid, this is the most important factor when selecting a pump in order to avoid corrosion and
unnecessary wear and tear on your pump. The second thing is flow rate, you need to know the
flow rate in order to select the proper pump. This is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The
third thing is viscosity, in order to select the right pump, you need to know the viscosity of the
fluid to be pumped. High viscosity fluids require more robust pumping equipment. The forth
thing is temperature, how hot or cold will the fluid is this will affect which pump materials are
best suited for your application. The last one is total head, how high you want to pump the fluid
and how many losses are there in pipes. [12]

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2 Introduction
The purpose of the project is to select a sump pump for a basement. A pump is a device that add
energy to a fluid as a result of dynamic interactions between the fluids and the pumps. Sump
pumps are used where basement flooding happens regularly. Sump pumps pump water away
from a basement to any place where it is no longer problematic, such as a municipal storm drain
or a dry well. The typical home sump pump uses a centrifugal pump to move water. When the
motor is on, it causes a screw or fanlike device called an impeller to rotate. Using centrifugal
force, the spinning impeller forces water toward the sides of the pipe, creating a low-pressure
area at its center. Water from the pit rushes to fill the void, and the impeller's spinning action
pushes it out through the pipe. [13]. In our project, we are using a submersible style sump pump
because is designed to be down in the pit and can be completely submerged in the water. The
submersible style sump pump is more efficient, long lasting, quieter, completely hidden inside
the sump basin and easier to handle than pedestal style sump pumps. [14] The whole assembly is
submerged in the fluid to be pumped. The main advantage of this type of pump is that it
prevents pump cavitation, a problem associated with a high elevation difference
between pump and the fluid surface.

2.1 Scope
In our project, we have to select a sump pump that can pump water out of the basement of a
house using a sump pump system. Water may enter into the premises of the house due to rain,
funneling into the basin. Sump pumps pump water away from a house to any place where it is no
longer problematic, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well.

3 Problem Statement
Homeowners at Islamabad wants to find the solution for their basement flooding problem by a
heavy rainfall overnight. Immediate action is needed and the homeowners want to select a sump
pump system that will pump out the basement water.

4 Theory
4.1 Energy Equation
The energy equation can be used to calculate actual head rise in pumps.
4.1.1

Mathematical Relation
P1 V 21
P2 V 22
+ + z +h = + + z + h
2 g 1 a 2 g 2 L [15]

Where,
P1 = initial pressure
P2 = final pressure
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V 1 = initial flow velocity

V 2 = final flow velocity
Z 1 = initial height
Z 2 = final height
ha

= pump head

h L = head losses
g

= acceleration of gravity

= specific weight of fluid

4.2 Head losses

Head losses in pipe refers to the pressure drop (due to friction) as a fluid flows through a pipe.
Head losses represents how much pressure will be lost due to the orientation of the pipe system.
This is used to determine if your pipe system is of optimum efficiency. Head losses depends on
the input velocity of the fluid flow, the density of the fluid, the orientation of the pipe system
(how many bends, whether the bend is horizontal or vertical.
h L=hL(major ) +h L(minor )
4.2.1 Minor Head losses
Most pipe systems however consist of considerably more than straight pipes. These additional
components consist of valves, bends, and tees and add to overall head loss of the system.
4.2.1.1 Mathematical Relation
V2
hminor =K L
2g
Where,
K L = minor loss coefficient
V

= fluid velocity

= acceleration due to gravity

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CITATION BRU 10 [15 ]

4.2.2 Major Losses

Head loss or pressure loss due to friction in pipes and ducts. Major losses, which are associated
with frictional energy loss per length of pipe depends on the flow velocity, pipe length, pipe
diameter, and a friction factor based on the roughness of the pipe, and whether the flow
is laminar or turbulent.
4.2.2.1 Mathematical Relation

LV 2
h L=f
.
CITATION
BRU 10 [15 ]
2 gD
Where,
f

= Darcy friction factor

= Characteristic length

V = flow velocity

= acceleration of gravity

= pipe diameter

4.3 Darcy friction factor

The Darcy friction factor is a dimensionless quantity used in the Darcy Welsbach equation, for
the description of frictional losses in pipe or duct as well as for open-channel flow. This is also
called the Darcy Welsbach friction factor, resistance coefficient, or simply friction factor. The
friction factor has been determined to depend on the Reynolds number for the flow and the
degree of roughness of the pipes inner surface (especially for turbulent flow). The friction factor
of laminar flow is independent of roughness of the pipes inner surface.
4.3.1 Mathematical Relation
For turbulent flow the formula is,

D
3.7

1.11

( )

6.9
Re

[]
1
=1.8 log
f
Where,

= roughness of pipe

= diameter of pipe

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CITATION BRU 10 [15 ]

Re = Reynolds number
4.4 Reynolds Number
The Reynolds number (Re) is an important dimensionless quantity in fluid mechanics, it is the
ratio of inertial to viscous forces. That is used to help predict flow patterns in different fluid flow
situations. It is widely used in many applications ranging from liquid flow in a pipe to the
passage of air over an aircraft wing. The flow in a round pipe is laminar if the Reynolds number
is less than approximately 2100. The flow in a round pipe is turbulent if the Reynolds number is
greater than approximately 4000.
4.4.1

Mathematical Relation
Re =

UD

Where,
= Density of the fluid
U

= Velocity of the fluid

= Diameter of pipe

= Dynamic viscosity of the fluid

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CITATION BRU 10 [15 ]

5 Problem Analysis
5.1 Working Model

Figure 1

5.2 Information
The type of soil in Islamabad city is clay soil. The houses are built on clay soil and heavy rainfall
occur in the month of June-July. In these months, the flow rate that comes in one single house of
the area 2000 square feet is 18 gallons per minute [11].The height of the basement wall from the
ground level is 12 feet. By given information we have to install the sump pit of 24 diameter that
means 1 rise of water is 2 gallons and the sump basin will be 3 feet below from the ground level
of basement.

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5.3 Mathematical Analysis

Pump head equation
P1 V 21
P V2
+ + z1 +h a= 2 + 2 + z 2+ h L
2g
2g
Data
diameter pipe =1inch=0.0254 m
z 1=

z 2=14.5 ft=4.42 m

Pipe length= 27.5 ft. = 8.382 m

Area of pipe
2
( d ) = (0.0254)2=5.06 104 m2
4
4
Q =20

gal .
m
1.26 103
min .
s

Using continuity equation to calculate velocity

Flowrate= AreaVelocity

Q=AV
V=

Q
A

V=

1.26 103
m
=2.49
4
s
5.06 10

Minor losses
3 x 90 degrees threaded elbows of PVC pipe, so the value of
K L =3 1.5=4.5
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KL

is 1.5 [15],

h L=K L

h L=4.5

V
2g

( 2.49 )2
=1.422 m
2 9.81

Major losses
h L=f

LV 2
2 gD

Here,
=

VD 1000 ( 2.49 ) ( 0.0254 )

=
=63119
3

1.002 10

As the flow is turbulent so we will look the value into Moody chart.
For PVC pipe
=

3
0.0015 10 m

=6 105
D
As this value, doesnt appear in the Moody chart so in order to obtain the exact value we will use
this equation (Colebrook formula). In fact, the Moody chart is a graphical representation of this
formula.

D
3.7

1.11

( )

6.9
Re

[]
1
=1.8 log
f

6 105
3.7

1.11

6.9
63119

[]
1
=1.8 log
f
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1
=7.0966
f

f =0.14
f =0.02
Then,
LV 2
h L=f
2 gD
2

h L=0.02

(8.382)(2.49)
2( 9.81)(0.025)

h L=2.1m

Total h L=hL(minor ) +h L(major )

Total

h L=1.422 m

Total

+ 2.10

h L=3.522m

Putting in energy equation P1=0V 1=0 , then energy equation becomes

ha =

V 22
+ Z Z 1+ hmajor +minor
2g 2

ha =

( 2.49 )2
+ 4.42 m+3.522 m
2 ( 9.81 )
ha =8.25 m

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6 Results
The system curve for a given system is,

System Curve

Figure 2

The minimum horse power sump pump available in market is 0.5 hp so we are choosing a pump
of 0.5 horse power which is easily accessible in markets. The model of the pump is J400 and the
company providing this pump is BJM pumps.
To select a pump for a particular application, it is necessary to utilize both the system curve, as
determined by the system equation, and the pump performance curve. If both curves are plotted
on the same graph, as illustrated below, their intersection point represents the operating point for
the system. That is, this point gives the head and flow rate that satisfies both the system equation
and the pump equation.

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Figure 3

The operating point is away from best efficiency point so we will change the system and replace
the diameter of pipe to 1.5 inch and plot the system curve again.

Figure 4

Again the operating point is away from best efficiency point so we will change the system and
replace the diameter of pipe to 1.25 inch and plot the system curve again.

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Figure 5

The operating point is at best efficiency point so we will use the 1.25 inches diameter pipe for the
system. The operating point has an efficiency of 49.7%.

7 Discussions
On the same graph of performance curve there is the pump efficiency curve. Ideally, we want the
operating point to be near the best efficiency point for the pump. For a, given pump, it is clear
that as the system equation changes, the operating point will shift. For example, if the pipe
friction increases due to pipe wall fouling, the system curve changes, resulting in the change in
operating point, with a reduction in flow rate and efficiency. The following Analysis shows how
the system and pump characteristics can be used to decide if a particular pump is suitable for a
given application. Since the operating point have an efficiency of 49.7% and our pumps
maximum efficiency is 50 percent. The pump is operating near the maximum efficiency.

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8 References
[1]

D. Rajmane, "CFD ANALYSIS OF THE DIFFERENT GEOMETRIC

CONFIGURATIONS AT SUCTION SIDE OF CENTRIFUGAL PUM," International
Journal Of Research Publications In Engineering And Technology [IJRPET], vol.
1, no. 2, p. 1, 2015.

[2]

"www.etal.hr," Hydraulic Institute of Standards, [Online]. Available:

http://www.etal.hr/pdf/catalog_lists/preporuke_za_projektiranje_velikih_crpnih
_stanica_s_centrifugalnim_pumpama_en.pdf. [Accessed 17 December 2016].

[3]

D. E. Meyers, "Water World," 1 January 2016. [Online]. Available:

http://www.waterworld.com/articles/print/volume-32/issue-1/features/suctionhead-cavitation-and-submersible-pumps.html. [Accessed 6 December 2016].

[4]

"Juno Enterprises," 10 December 2015. [Online]. Available:

http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/how-submersible-pumps-work-advantagesand-disadvantages-of-submersible-pumps/. [Accessed 10 December 2016].

[5]

R. Mackay, "Pump Scout," [Online]. Available:

http://www.pumpscout.com/articles-expert-advice/am-i-experiencingcavitation-or-not%3F-aid102.html. [Accessed 10 December 2016].

[6]

Kshirsagar, "Numerical Simulations of Draw Down in Sump Pumps," in

TSINGHUA University Press, Beijing, 2008.

[7]

K. Zhao, "CFD study on flow characteristics of pump sump and," in 6th

International Conference on Pumps and Fans with Compressors and Wind
Turbines, Beijing, 2013.

[8]

A. R. Budris, "Water world," [Online]. Available:

http://www.waterworld.com/articles/print/volume-31/issue6/departments/pump-tips/sump-impact-on-pump-reliability.html. [Accessed 3
December 2016].

[9]

J. Owiecki, "The Pump Expert," 9 December 2014. [Online]. Available:

http://thepumpexpert.weebly.com/expert-blog/submersible-vs-pedestalsump-pumps. [Accessed 2016 December 16].

[10]

L. Piek, "Farm and Fleet," 17 April 2015. [Online]. Available:

https://www.farmandfleet.com/blog/pedestal-v-submersible-sump-pump/.
[Accessed 2016 December 16].

[11]

D. P. Duane Friend, "Land and Water," 8 August 2005. [Online]. Available:

http://abe-research.illinois.edu/pubs/factsheets/SumpPumps.pdf. [Accessed
16 December 2016].

[12]

All-Flo, "All-Flo Pump Company, Inc.," 29 March 2011. [Online]. Available:

http://all-flo.com/blog/five-things-you-need-to-know-to-select-the-perfectpump/. [Accessed 18 December 2016].

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[13]

M. ANDERSON, "HOWSTUFFWORKS," [Online]. Available:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/sumppump1.htm. [Accessed 21 December 2016].

[14]

"FlotecPump," [Online]. Available:

http://www.flotecpump.com/ResidentialPage_select_sump_1_pedestal_or_sub.
aspx. [Accessed 10 December 2016].

[15]

B. R. MUNSON, Energy Equation, Wiley, 2010.

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