Irrigation Pumps - Preserving Performance

Authors

Derrel L. Martin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

2018

Document Type

Article

Citation

Martin, D. L. (2018). Pumping plants - Preserving performance. Proceedings of the Central Plains Irrigation Conference, pp. 15-34.

Comments

For more information, see the following resources:

Martin, D. L., Kranz, W. L., Irmak, S., Rudnick, D. R., Burr, C., & Melvin, S. R. (2017). Pumping plant performance. Proceedings of the Central Plains Irrigation Conference, pp. 167-187. Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosysengpres/73/

Martin, D. L. (2008). Estimating the savings from improving pumping plant performance. Brochure. UNL Extension: Lincoln, Nebr. Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosysengpres/74/

Abstract

This paper describes how pumps must be matched to operating conditions and power units to provide the desired performance and efficiency. We have recently seen installations where one or more components are not properly matched causing higher than necessary pumping costs. Inspection and maintenance of systems and measurement of flow and pressure will go a long way toward monitoring if the proper conditions are being met. This paper also covers types of pumps, pump components, pump curves, impeller speed and trim, pump staging, affinity laws, pump drives, power units, cavitation, and net positive suction head.