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The centrifugal pump performance test is conducted by pump
manufacturer after completion of the assembly to prove the pump
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Factory Acceptance Test

Inspection and Test Plan The performance test is conducted after completion of casing
inspection, casing hydrostatic test, impeller, and rotor dynamic
Commodity Inspection
balancing. The NPSH test, mechanical running test, and final
inspection are done after performance test. The vibration testing is
Industrial Inspection
carried out during performance test and mechanical running test.
Quality Control You may also want to review a general centrifugal pump inspection
and test procedure.
Plant Inspection

Coating Inspection

Pre-Shipment Inspection

Vendor List

FIX EQUIPMENT
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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test

Pressure Vessel

Heat Exchanger

Piping System

Industrial Valve

Steam Boiler

Storage Tank

Process Heater

ROTARY
EQUIPMENT Let explain the performance test by an example. You are attending
to the pump manufacturer shop to witness a centrifugal pump
Centrifugal Pump
performance test which is a hold point on the pump ITP. You
review the pump approved datasheet and find following
Centrifugal Compressor
information:
Reciprocating Compressor
Rate flow = 238.5 m³/h (1050.08 Gal/Min)
Gas Turbine
Rated Differential Head = 2690.28 m (8826.37 feet)
Steam Turbine

Rated Power = 2985 KW (4003 HP)

Fan & Blower

Rated Efficiency = 68 %

E & I EQUIPMENT
Upon completion of the centrifugal pump performance test, the
pump manufacturer provides you following performance curve. You
Electric Generator
need to match this curve with datasheet specification to make sure
Electric Motor the pump passed the performance test.

Power Transformer

Control Panel

Switchgear

Power Cable

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I4I Academy Courses

API SIFE Training

API 510 Training

API 570 Training

API 653 Training

API 1169 Training

Quality Control Training Condenser Tubing

ASME Training Course

ASME IX Training Let's start with head-capacity curve, we draw a verticle line at
238.5 (in the horizontal axis), and it will cross head-capacity curve,
CWI Endorsement Training
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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
then we draw a horizontal line from the cross point, and it crosses
I4I Academy Contact
the vertical axis at 2640. So the measured head at the 238.5 m³/h
is 2640 meter.

SERVICES What was expected value in the datasheet? It was 2690.28 m but
the test result was 2640 m.
Services
What is the test result ( the head almost is 50.28 meters less than
required value)? The pump outperforming or underperforming?
GET IN TOUCH
The API 610 at table 18 says the head can be +/- 3% of the rated
About Us value. The 3 % of the rated value (2690.28 x 3%) would be 80.7
which is greater than 50.28, the pump underperforming but the test
Contact Us
result is acceptable.
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thing.

Let's assess the power consumption; we repeat the same process

Email
but this time with the power curve. The curve indicates the
consumed power at 238.5 m³/h is 2600KW (power consumption
was provided at the left side of the vertical axis). Compare 2600
Enter Your First Name KW with datasheet value which is 2985 KW.
(optional)

Obviously, the pump outperforming since consumes less power.

However, API 610 acceptance range is 4% it means the pump test
I am at least 16 years of result would be satisfactory even if consumes more than 4 % from
age. what indicated in the datasheet.

I have read and accept the We also need to check the efficiency. The minimum efficiency in
privacy policy.
the approved datasheet is 68 %. Check the efficiency curve, the
efficiency amount at the 238.5 m³/h is 70%. So the pump is
I understand that you will
use my information to send
outperforming and gives higher efficiency than what required in the
me a newsletter. datasheet.

Subscribe
So the result of the centrifugal pump performance test for the
differential head, power consumption, and efficiency is satisfactory.

The head value also shall be checked in shut off point but since
this pump is high energy pump, the centrifugal pump performance
test at the shut-off point (no flow at discharge valve) is not a
requirement based on API 610.

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test

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The above example was a simplified example. The pump

manufacturers usually provide a tabulated format to make it easy
for review.

The manufacturers also simulate the test result to actual field

condition. The pump might be designed for crude oil, but in the
shop will be tested by the water. In such cases, the attained values
will be converted to field condition by engineering calculation.

Subsequently, you need to check bearing housing and shaft

vibration FFT spectrum (Plot) at each data point from minimum to
maximum flow to ensure the vibration values are within acceptance
range.

The Pump NPSH Test (Net Positive Suction Heat Test) report also
shall be verified against approved datasheet values.

The pump mechanical running test is performed after successful

completion of performance and NPSH test.

Now let deepen in the centrifugal pump performance test by the

understanding of flowrate, total head, power, and efficiency.

What is the Flowrate and Head in

Centrifugal Pump Performance Test?
Volume flow rate (Q), also referred to as capacity, is the volume of
liquid that travels through the pump in a given time (measured in
gallons per minute or GPM).

It defines the rate at which a pump can push fluid through the
system. Flowrate is the first parameter specified by the process
designer, who determines the pump requirement on the flowrate
that the process needs to function.

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test

This 'rated' flowrate is normally expressed in volume terms, and it

is represented by the symbol q, with units of cubic meters/ second
or GPM.

The static head of a pump is the maximum height (pressure) it can

deliver. The capability of the pump at a certain RPM can be
obtained from its Q-H curve.

The pump manufacturers are interested in providing pump

performance curve in a way that does not depend on to the
pumped fluid physical properties.

That is why they are using head instead of pressure. The following
formula converts pressure to the head; H(meter) = 10.2 P/SG or
H(feet)= 2.3P/SG

Once the rated flowrate has been determined, the designer

subsequently specifies the total head (H) needed at this flowrate.

This is expressed in meter or feet and represents the usable

mechanical work transmitted to the fluid by the pump. Together q
and H define the duty point.

The q/H Curve Test;

The test is carried out at a nominally constant shaft speed, and the
head (H) decreases as flowrate (q) increases, giving a negative
slope to the curve. (See above H-Q curve)

Look at the following sketch; this illustrates a simple H-Q curve

loop. The test engineer changes the flowrate through discharge

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
control valve and takes measurement of different variables and
calculates the corresponding head.

The first set of

measurements is
taken at duty
point (100 percent
q). The valve is
opened to give a
flowrate greater
than the duty flow
(normally 120 or
130 percent q),
and further
readings are
taken.

The valve is then closed in a series of steps, progressively

decreasing the flow (note that we are moving from right to left on
the Q-H curve). With some pumps, the final reading can be taken
with the valve closed, i.e. the q = 0 or shut-off condition.

Once the test points are obtained, you can now check against the
acceptance criteria requirements

Power Consumption in Centrifugal

Pump Performance Test
The power consumption is measured at different flowrates
similarly, and the power-flowrate curve is plotted. A wattmeter is
connected to motor power input, by multiplying wattmeter amount
at motor efficiency the motor output power is calculated at different
flowrates. Through these corresponding readings, the power-
flowrate curve is plotted.

The Efficiency-Flowrate Curve at

Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
The efficiency-flowrate (ƞ-Q) curve can be plotted based on
measured values from combination of H-q curve and P-q curve
and this formula ƞ=(P out of Pump)/(P input of Pump)=ρgHQ/(P
input of pump) (ρ is density, g is gravitational acceleration, H is
Head and Q is Flowrate)

Pump efficiency (ƞ percent): the efficiency is the ratio of transferred

mechanical work of the fluid to consumed power (P) in watts by the
pump.

The efficiency test; the efficiency is checked using the same set of
test measurements as the q/H test. Pump efficiency is plotted
against q in above figure.

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You may also review third party inspection for centrifugal pump and
pump inspection and test plan articles as supplementary
information.

This content provides you with a sample Centrifugal Pump

Performance Test Procedure in the manufacturing shop. The
procedure is very brief and general.

Centrifugal Pump Performance Test Procedure

1.Scope

This description of procedure defines the conditions for the

hydraulic testing of centrifugal pumps according to API Standard
610.

Scope of test, type of test, test class and guarantee values are
defined by standardized test plans agreed between pump
manufacturer and pump purchaser.

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
2. Objective

Objective of the tests is the continuous control of performance data

as process control, keeping the guarantees given according to the
supply agreement, testing of relevant pump functions.

Preparation of test reports and test curves according to the supply

agreement as integral part of the test documentation.

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3. Standards and Other Regulations Applicable

API 610
Manufacture Standard

4. Centrifugal Pump Performance Test procedure

4.1 Testing Personnel

For the handling of the test beds, only trained personnel is

employed. The setting of test data is done semi-automatically and
requires appropriate test experience and accuracy.

4.2 Place and Time Of Testing

The testing is done on the test bay of the manufacturer. Only pure
cold water with a density of ρ= 1 kg/dm3 is used as the test
medium.

Pump block units are normally tested with installed motor. In case
of acceptance by the customer, the readiness for the acceptance
inspection is notified in time to the sales departments.

4.3 Pump Test Beds

Both of following test beds are available and will be utilized as per
purchase order specification

Closed System
Open System, Alternatively With Booster Pump

4.4 Measurement And Testing Methods

The measurement and evaluation of hydraulic characteristic values

is made by means of an electronic data logger.

All relevant data are recorded at the site by means of electronic

measuring devices and presented with online electronic data
processing at the test sites. After termination of the measurements,
the data is transferred to the central computer of the test bay

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
supervision. Unless otherwise specified, the acceptance
performance tests are carried out in acc. with API 610, para. 7.3.3.

4.4.1 Measurements Of Flow Rate Q

The flow rate is measured using magnetic inductive flow

measuring devices having the specified stabilization distances in
front and after the measuring unit. The setting of the capacity is
effected by control valves in the discharge pipe.

4.4.2 Measurement of head H (Hd - Hs)

Pressure measurements are made using calibrated measuring

transmitters for the measuring point Hs (measuring range -10 up to
+40 m wc), for measuring point Hd (measuring range -10 up to
+180 m, 150 up to 630 m wc). For visual comparison, calibrated
spring manometers are connected in parallel for analogous display.

4.4.3 Measurement of Velocity Head

The velocity head is calculated using the flow rate and the flow
cross-section at the pressure measuring point.

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Δ v2 /2g=(v2 d-v2 s)/2g

Vd = velocity discharge side

Vs = velocity suction side

Δ = velocity difference between suction and discharge side

4.4.4 Measurement of power input (P)

The power input of the pump is determined either electrically by

means of a calibrated test motor or by directly measuring the
speed of rotation using a torque measuring hub.

The electrical measurement is made according to the two-watt

meter method for determining the motor power input. The motor
power output is calculated using the motor efficiency curve stored
in the test system.

For comparison of guaranteed data, the test system converts the

pump power input required for the customer conditions, i.e to the
standardized speed and the density of the acually pumped
medium.

4.4.5 Measurement Of Speed (n)

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
The speed measurment occurs by means of a light barrier or photo
sensor. For canned motor pumps, not accessible from the outside,
the speed is determined by means of a bend coil or by frequency
analysis.

4.4.6 Measurement of Pump Effeciency (η)

The pump efficiency is determined for each measuring point

immediately following the measurement by the testing system.

According to the following formula:

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η=(Q×H×ρ×100)/(367×P)

Flow rate Q [m³/h]

Head H [m]

Density ρ [kg/dm3] of pumped medium

Power P [kW]

4.4.7 Measurement of the NPSH value of the pump (NPSH

required)

Normally in the closed circuit, the measurement of the NPSH value

is made by reducing the system pressure by means of a vacuum
pump. Measurement also is done by throttling using a throttle valve
in the suction line, as the case may be.

Reaching the guaranteed value at the required NPSH value can be

proven using the following 2 measuring methods.

a) Standard

Proof of reaching the required NPSH value by setting the

peripheral conditions which are equal inthe system such as flow
rate, head when reducing the suction pressure depending on the
water temperature and the barometric level.

Comparison of head, taken from the characteristic curve

measurement above, with the head measured at actual suction
negative pressure where the guaranteed NPSH value is achieved
or is not achieved.

The head decrease may not exceed 3 % of H, but does not have to
achieve 3 % (for single-stage pumps).

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
According to the specifications in the order, 1 or 3 to 5 measuring
points are used. For 2 stage pumps, the max head decrease may
not be ΔH≤1.5 %

So NPSH test for multi stage pump is not possible.

b) Optional as Head Breakdown Curve

Proof of the min. achievable NPSH value at a specific constant

flow. By reducing the suctionhead, starting at NPSH = 40 m, a
number of measuring points (8-12) are recorded until the pumping
breaks down. The cut-off point at 3 % head decrease since the
beginning of the measurement results in the cavitation condition of
the pump at this point and is defined in the applicable standards as
NPSH required (for 2 stage pumps 1.5% ΔH)

Reference level for calculation of the NPSH

a) Horizontal Pumps

Horizontal level through the shaft axis

b) Vertical Pumps

Plane surface vertical to shaft axis at impeller inlet

Calculation of The NPSH Based on The Measured or Known

Parameters:

The calculation of the NPSH value occurs simultaneously with the

measurement.

The following parameters are required for this:

Suction head

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H_S [m]

Water temperature

t_w [°C]

Steam pressure of water(absolute vaporization pressure)

H_t [m]=P_D/(ρ×g)

Atmospheric pressure (absolute)

Atmospheric height (absolute)

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test

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b_0 [m]=P_O/(ρ×g)

Distance reference level/measurement level

Y[m]

Speed at suction side

(V_S2 )/2g[m]

Density of test field water

ρ[kg/(dm3 )]

Acceleration due to gravity

g [m/s²]

The NPSH is calculated according to the following formula:

NPSH=P_O/(ρ×g)-H_S-P_D/(ρ×g)+(V_S2)/2g∓Y

NPSH=b_0-H_S-H_t+(V_S2 )/2g

The conversion of the NPSH value from the measured speed to

the nominal speed is made according to the following formula (only
valid for the speed range ± 3 %):

n* /n>0.97<1.03

〖NPSH〗* =NPSH×〖[n* /n]〗2 [m]

Q* =Q×n* /n [m3 /h]

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4.4.8 Additional Measurements

Upon request, the electrical current I [A] and the voltage U [V] can
also be measured.

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
4.5 Number of measuring points

The number of measuring points for the pump characteristic curve

or NPSH measurements must

be agreed in the supply agreement.

Characteristic curve at 0, Qmin, Qmean, Qnom, Q120%, standard

measurement of 5 points (9 max.)

NPSH measurement 0, Qmin, Qmean, Qnom, Q120% 4 points (7

max.)

5 Centrifugal Pump Performance Test - Guarantees

The rated values of the pump are guaranteed in compliance with

API 610 provided that no other customer requirements exist. The
measuring of tolerances is done automatically by the measuring
system.

For viscous media, only the specified data for cold water is
guaranteed. The results with viscosity will be shown for information
as conversion curves according to Hydraulic Institute.

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6 Centrifugal Pump Performance Test - Vibration

measurement

To assess the mechanical and hydraulic operating behavior of the

pump tested, vibrations are recorded at the same time as the
hydraulic date (min. 5 points).

Measurement is carried out in three planes - horizontal, vertical

and axial - by means of vibration pick-ups fitted on the bearing
bracket. The measureng criterion is the root mean square velocity
of all vibrations determined (vibration velocity RMS in mm/s).

The limit stipulated by API 610 is for horizontal pumps 3 mm/s in

the preferred operating range of the pump. In the allowable
operating range, a vibration velocity of up to 3.9 mm/s (max.) is
permissible. For vertical pumps the limit 5 mm/s in the preferred
range and 6,5 mm/s in the allowable range is applicable.

Alternatively, it is also possible to measure the max. vibration

amplitude (peak-to-peak).

Horizontal

Limit in preferred range: 2,0 mils (50 μm)

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7/26/22, 9:23 AM Centrifugal Pump Performance Test
Limit in allowable range: 2,6 mils (65 μm)

Vertical

4,0 mils (100 μm)

5,2 mils (130 μm)

The frequency spectrum (FFT analysis) can be measured, if

requested.

7 Centrifugal Pump Performance Test - Measurement of

Bearing Temperature

If required, the measurement of the bearing temperature will be

performed for a specified operating time. The measurement is
taken on the bearing bracket on the outside at the level and
position of the pump side or motor side bearing in horizontal
direction.

8 Centrifugal Pump Performance Test report

The test results are stored in the central computer of the test bay
supervision and on other electronic data carriers. Upon request,
test reports and test curves are prepared for the customer.

Related Articles

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Compressor, TPI Inspection for Gas Turbine, TPIInspection for Steam
Turbine, TPI Inspection for Fan and Blower, TPIInspection for
Centrifugal Compressor, Screw Compressor Testing,Centrifugal
Compressor Testing,Reciprocating Compressor Testing,Fan
Mechanical Running test,Fan Performance Test

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Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in
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22 Comments

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Hamed Hamed
hi
i'm looking for centrifugal pumps procedures
Like · Reply · 9y

Venkat Rai
Good Works! My hearty Thanks!
Like · Reply · 9y

Sanjeev Kulkarni
Thanks for this information.
Like · Reply · 9y

Nyandwi Innocent
thanks for this good work!
Like · Reply · 8y

Jaiprakash Mhetre
well benificial always
Like · Reply · 6y

‫علي خلف‬
Thank you so much
Like · Reply · 6y

Dan A. Celebrado
Very informative..
Like · Reply · 6y

Boris Zvezdov Kostov

Hi, I am looking for information about the sta
temperature for testing centrifugal pumps! Is
describing the test conditions?
Like · Reply · 5y

Satish Sati
what will be the approximate efficiency of ce
my lab bench mounted centrifugal pump is g
percent efficiency so i am worried is it my ca
r wrong
Like · Reply · 5y

Tay Pump
how cn get pump performance test program
Like · Reply · 5y

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