Analyzing Pump Networks, Part 2: Improving Pump Efficiency

This three-part series reviews the basic theory of pump hydraulics and gives practical tips on how to design, operate, control, and troubleshoot pumping systems in complex applications. Part 1 (CEP, Jan. 2018, pp. 34-42) covered constructing the system curve from plant data, constructing composite curves for pump networks, and proper operation and control of pumps in parallel to avoid surging and cavitation. This article, Part 2, covers efficiency improvement measures using variable-speed drives and load managaement techniques.