Class 4 (4th Engineer) MEKG 📅 May 2023

Exam Question

With reference to centrifugal pumps:

(a) (i) Sketch typical discharge characteristics showing variation of throughput as the discharge head and speeds are altered. (4)

(ii) Explain why this characteristic profile is desirable (4)

(b) Explain the relevance of discharge characteristics for the selection of an emergency fire pump (8)

Reference Answer

### (a) (i) Typical Discharge Characteristics of a Centrifugal Pump
The discharge characteristics of a centrifugal pump are graphically represented by its performance curves. The primary curve plots the Total Head (H) generated by the pump against the volume flow rate or throughput (Q) it delivers. Additional curves for efficiency (η), power absorbed (BHP), and Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHr) are typically shown on the same graph.
For this question, the key characteristics are the H-Q curves at different rotational speeds (N).
**Key Features Illustrated in the Sketch:**

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