Over the years use of the term “minimum flow” has evolved. Decades ago industrial centrifugal pump manufacturers quoted a single, relatively low value for minimum flow intended to prevent users from running their pumps to destruction. The term “minimum flow” generally meant the lowest continuous flow the pump was permitted to operate, without reference to […]
Hydrodynamics of Pumps (2011 edition) – A Book Review
Hydrodynamics of Pumps by Christopher E. Brennen was first published in 1994. Aside from my long-time professional acquaintance with the author, what caught my attention in this book are the various technical passages related to rocket propulsion turbomachines, including the Space Shuttle Main Engine. Over the years I would hear about the technical issues with these […]
Diffuser versus volute
The stator section of a centrifugal pump, after flow exits the impeller, is usually either a ‘diffuser’ or a ‘volute’. The purpose of each of these two stator types is to efficiently diffuse velocity energy into pressure. Diffusers are characterized by a plurality of radially symmetric diffusing passageways surrounding the impeller. Either a volute-shaped or […]
Pump Handbook Fourth Edition – A Book Review
Years ago I owned a copy of Pump Handbook 1st Edition, by Karassik, Krutzsch, Fraser, and Messina. While it was a book to have on the shelf, it was not my primary source of pump engineering reference material. I obtained most of my pump technical information from other books and publications. Eventually someone “borrowed” my […]
Korea – A Year In Review
This year I’ve visited South Korea (Korea) five times. The destination has always been Changwon City so most of my experience and observations of Korea relate to that locale. Any Westerner’s experience with Korea inevitably starts with the food. Yes, most have heard of kimchee and Korean BBQ. But until you’ve had a traditional Korean-style […]
Beyond expectation
Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, I was out shopping and stopped in at REI, an outdoor gear and clothing store. I stepped over to the watch display case thinking I might buy a replacement for my 2-1/2 year old Freestyle sports watch. Its wrist band was coming apart and due to the precision molded rubber […]