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Pump performance data can be entered into a PIPE-FLO model by one of the following methods:
Manual data entry
Manufacturers electronic pump catalog
Manual data entry:
On the manual pump curve data entry, you enter the pump performance data on the Pump dialog box under the Curve tab. Under this tab you enter the flow rate and head information for the pump. You have the option of also entering the pumps efficiency and Net Positive Suction Head required (NPSHr) for a variety of flow rates. Only the head and flow information is displayed on the pump curve. When viewing the calculated results, the pump operating point (the red knee) is displayed on the pump curve. The manually entered pump curve has a lower amount of pump data entered, but it also has less operating data displayed on the pump curve.
The manually entered pump curve has less pump operating data available for the operation of the pump.
Manufacturers Curve:
The manufacturer curve includes a wealth of information about a selected pump. This information is entered, reviewed, and distributed by the pump manufacturers in an Electronic Pump Catalog format. The list of supporting manufacturers can be viewed at http://www.eng-software.com/pml/ . Once a manufacturers curve is inserted in the piping system model, the range of pump impellers, allowable operating range, minimum flow, notes, and limits are available. PIPE-FLO does not allow the user to exceed any of the manufacturers imposed limits on their products. The manufacturers curve displays the maximum about of information about the pump. 
Pump curves from electronic pump catalogs contain information supplied directly by the pump manufacturer.
Manufacturers pump curves contain the maximum information available under PIPE-FLO.
The manufacturer's pump curves use pump operating data entered, checked, and supplied by the manufacturer of the pump. PIPE-FLO can select pumps directly from the supplied electronic pump catalog.
Manual Curve
The Manual pump curve displays the minimal information, showing only the pump head as a function of flow rate. The pump speed is displayed, along with the pump head, NPSHr*, Efficiency*, and Power*, for the specified flow rate are displayed in the information box on the graph window.
Electronic Curve
The Electronic curve gets the pump performance data from a manufacturers' supplied electronic pump catalog. It is important to stress that this information is created, reviewed, approved, and distributed by the manufacturers of the pump. As a result this information is accurate and current reflecting their product line. In addition, since the information is imported electronically there is a tremendous amount of information available. The Electronic curve displays the range of impeller diameters available, the iso-efficiency lines, NPSHr, and power. On the pump curve the program displays a large red knee indicating the flow rate through the pump, in addition a small red need displays where the pump was originally designed to operate.
The graph window also displays the pumps minimum flow rate, along with the user's preferred operating area. The information box displays the pump speed, impeller diameter, flow rate, head, NPSHr, efficiency, and power.
Pump Operation and Warnings
If the pumps NPSHr data is available on the pumps operating data, the program check that the calculated NPSHa is greater that the pumps NPSHr. If a NPSH margin ratio is specified in on the Pump dialog box, the program also checks to insure the NPSH margin ratio is meet.
If a preferred operating area is entered on the Pump dialog box, PIPE-FLO notifies you if the pump is operating outside your specified preferred operating area. One final point, if the pump is a Catalog curve, and the manufacturer entered a minimum flow for the pump, PIPE-FLO will notify you if the manufacturer's minimum flow requirements through the pump are not being met.
* This information is displayed only if entered in the pump performance data.
