Method and apparatus for air testing pumps

• Main Authors: Addie, Graeme, Hergt, Peter
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 17.09.2002

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for centrifugal testing pumps, and more particularly, a method and apparatus for determining pumping efficiency of large quantity centrifugal slurry pumps using air as a test medium to predict pump performance and efficiency. The use of air as a testing medium requires less power to operate the pump, and a open test loop consisting of a light construction flow tube, section pipe and discharge pipe sections making for a simpler, less costly, easier to use test rig. A method and apparatus for determining the efficiency of a liquid pump using air as a test medium. The method includes determining the total power output of the pump operated on air and determining the input power necessary to operate the pump on air. The input power is corrected for power differences resulting from operation of the pump on air rather than a liquid to obtain a corrected power input. The corrected power input is then divided into the power output to determine pump efficiency. The apparatus for performing the method includes a liquid pump arrangement temporarily connected to a bearing arrangement. The bearing arrangement is designed to support only the static load of the pump and the dynamic loads generated by operating the pump on air. This allows a bearing housing to be used that is smaller in size and less expensive to use. In addition, because the pump is operated on air, the components for feeding the air are less expensive as is the medium itself.