Pump school: How does viscosity affect centrifugal pump performance?

Question:

How does viscosity affect centrifugal pump performance?

Answer:

Pump users are sometimes confronted with the problem of applying an existing centrifugal pump to viscous liquids. Published pump performance curves are normally based on liquids with a viscosity of one centistoke (cSt). When this viscosity is increased, the performance of centrifugal pumps is affected in the following ways:

1. A marked increase in power consumption
2. Reduction in head
3. Reduction in capacity.

The resulting impact of viscosity can be:

• An undersized pump which will not produce the desired flow and/or head; and
• Overloading of the electric motor.

Article courtesy of Kelair Pumps Australia – When Pump Knowledge Matters.

For more information phone 1300 789 466 or visit www.kelairpumps.com.au.

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