Centrifugal pumps and compressors are both rotating equipment devices. Each is a machine that imparts kinetic energy to the fluid to create pressure and move liquids, gases, and other process materials. So what are the differences between pumps and compressors? The main differences are intimately connected with the properties of the process fluid medium being […]
Power Plant Pumps – Maximize Your Uptime & Reliability: 3-Part Webinar Series from the Hydraulic Institute
If you are involved in selecting pumps or designing, operating and maintaining pumping systems for electric power generation plants, consider attending the Hydraulic Institute’s Power Plant Pumps – Maximize Your Uptime & Reliability: 3-Part Webinar Series. The presenter, Bill Livoti, and I have worked together on a number of Hydraulic Institute projects including the book […]
Suction – It’s Not What You Think It Is
Suction is often defined as a force that causes a fluid or a mixture to be drawn into an interior space. Some dictionaries more accurately define suction as a force or condition produced by a difference of pressures. Both definitions are correct. However, the first tends to support the illusion that suction is the action […]
Critical Pump Selection Webinar – Video
After the success of my webinar, I am making a recording of it available for everyone who was not able to attend, and those who wanted more time to go over the material and illustrations. Thanks again to everyone who attended the live webinar! If you want to hear about future webinars, subscribe now for […]
What is the Purpose of Minimum Flow?
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 […]