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Parallel Pump System Problems

I am working on a system in which a large single stage centrifugal pump ("primary" pump) is in need of a booster pump to operate against a higher system head (the system head changes frequently do to the primary pump being used in changing systems). Unfortunately, do to location and mobility constraints, adding an identical pump (to the primary)as a booster is not really an option. I am considering utilizing two smaller pumps operating in parallel to accomplish the task. The smaller pumps will be controlled by a computer controller to maintain equal incoming operating pressure. Theoretically the smaller pumps operating in parallel should be capable of handling the flow rate of the large (primary) pump in a typical system as defined by the end-user.
Any thoughts on potential problems I could expect?

Tags: design, parallel, problems, pump, pumping, system

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Permalink Reply by amharyatno on February 6, 2010 at 8:50pm: I assumed your end-user want to have pumping system with fixed flow rate but head can be variate.
Naturally, when the head increase pump flow rate will decerase.
Using 2 unit of identical small pump and 1 big pump is not much different.
System pump curve must capable to deliver required flow with maximum head possibly occurs.
No problem of using 2 small pump as long they are identical pump.

An possible option is increase speed of existing pump to get the higher head with same flow rate,
but this depend on the pump design characteristic and pump prime mover.
If diesel engine driven , engine power and rpm can be increase.
If ac-motor driven , higher ac-motor rpm & higher power can be put-in , motor speed is then ac-drive controlled.; ▶ Reply to This