Brain Teaser #2: How does a fluid’s properties affect a centrifugal pump's performance?

Manufacturers typically test centrifugal pumps with water to develop a pump performance curve that they provide to their customers. But what if a customer is using that pump for a fluid other than water? Is the pump curve representative of how the pump will perform in their system?

Listed below are some pump performance characteristics and key fluid properties. At a given flow rate, what do you expect the pump performance to do?

1. The working fluid has a higher density than water
1. Head            increase / decrease / stay the same
2. Power            increase / decrease / stay the same
3. Efficiency        increase / decrease / stay the same


2. The working fluid has a higher viscosity than water
1. Head            increase / decrease / stay the same
2. Power            increase / decrease / stay the same
3. Efficiency        increase / decrease / stay the same

SOLUTIONS Found in Attached Text Document Below