Pumps

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Pumps convert rotational kinetic energy, such as that supplied by an electric motor, into hydrodynamic energy, or an increased pressure in a fluid required to make it flow. In order to make a fluid flow, energy, or pressure must be supplied to overcome two fundamental obstacles to flow. One obstacle is created when the elevation of a fluid is increased. The second is presented by the need to overcome the internal resistance of a fluid to flow. This course focuses on how these basic hydraulic concepts apply to piping system evaluation and pumping requirements.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the term hydraulic head
• List the two obstacles that must be overcome to cause liquid to flow
• Explain what causes friction head losses
• Describe what a system curve represents
• Describe what a pump curve represents
• Describe the relationship between NPSHa and NPSHr

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Pumps are essential to virtually all industrial processes and they play critical roles in our everyday lives. Pumps have been developed to specifically address a wide range of applications. Selecting the correct pump for a given job can be a daunting proposition. Some pump classifications are based on their hydrodynamic characteristics, some are based on mechanical construction and some are based on compliance with industry standards. In this course, we will help you understand these different classifications and present some of the strengths and weaknesses of the different designs.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the difference between a positive displacement and centrifugal pump
• Describe how system curves and pump curves are used for pump sizing
• Describe the advantage of a between-bearing arrangement
• State the advantages of a double suction pump
• Describe the benefit of a pump with multiple stages
• Describe two types of sealless pumps
• Describe the advantages of selecting a pump that meets ANSI standard B73.1
• List considerations in making life cycle cost calculations

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

A positive displacement pump works by capturing a given volume of liquid at the suction of the pump, and then mechanically forcing it out of the discharge at a higher pressure. In contrast to centrifugal pumps, in which the flow is affected by downstream pressure, positive displacement pumps (within the limitations of the driver) deliver a nearly constant flow, independent of the downstream pressure. Positive displacement pumps can be categorized as reciprocating or rotary action pumps. This course describes the general characteristics of positive displacement pumps and the principles of operation of various common designs.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the significant operating difference between a positive displacement and centrifugal pump
• List the two major classes of positive displacement pumps
• List three types of reciprocating pumps
• Describe the advantages of a multi-cylinder piston pump
• Describe the operation of a pulsation dampener
• List four types of rotary pumps
• Describe the operation of a gear pump
• Describe the operation of a vane pump
• Explain why pressure relief valves are needed on positive displacement pumps

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Pumps are essential to virtually all industrial processes and they play critical roles in our everyday lives. Centrifugal pumps convert external rotational mechanical energy into kinetic energy within a liquid. In a centrifugal pump, this is done by accelerating the liquid from the center to the outer rim of a spinning impeller within a pump casing. This course covers the terminology and function of the mechanical components that make up a typical centrifugal pump.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• List the two major components directly responsible for increasing the energy of liquid leaving a centrifugal pump
• Describe characteristics of the three different types of radial pump impellers
• Explain what common function a volute case and a case diffuser serve
• Describe the role of bearings in a pump
• Describe how a stuffing box creates a shaft seal
• Describe how a mechanical seal works

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Pump operations and pump maintenance are two closely interrelated topics. Poor mechanical pump maintenance will lead to a loss of hydraulic performance and what may appear to be operational problems. Operational decisions which cause the pump to operate outside of its preferred operation region can lead to physical pump damage which could be misinterpreted as a traditional maintenance issue. It is important to determine the root cause of a problem. This course will cover methods for monitoring pump hydraulic operation and methods for observing and maintaining the mechanical condition of a pump.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the relationship between pump operations and maintenance
• List simple techniques for evaluating the mechanical condition of a pump
• List five measurements which will give a complete picture of the hydraulic performance of a pump
• Describe cavitation
• Describe BEP
• Describe some common mechanical problems which can occur with a centrifugal pump

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

A centrifugal pump is a dynamic machine that has performance characteristics which are partially determined by the environment in which it is operating. One of the best ways to display and study the capabilities of a given pump is with a graph called a pump performance curve. A pump performance curve is actually a set of curves showing a number of parameters versus flowrate. Pump curves can be combined with hydraulic requirements, or system curve, to determine the suitability of a pump for a given task.

Learning Objectives

• Describe what a pump performance curve represents
• Describe the relationship between a system curve and a pump curve
• Describe what pump affinity laws are
• List the effects of changing pump speed on flow, head and required power
• Describe pump specific speed
• Describe the performance characteristics of a pump with a low specific speed

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

The purpose of a pump is to increase the pressure of a liquid and transfer it from one location to another. Although a pump is essential to this goal, it is only one element of a larger system that is required to accomplish liquid transfer. This course will cover some of the mechanical components such as drivers and couplings that support pump operation. It will also cover how the design of a piping system around a pump will affect pump selection and performance.

Learning Objectives

• List three types of pump drivers 
• List the two major classes of pump couplings 
• Describe the importance of priming pump
• List some factors that reduce NPSHa
• List methods for controlling flow through a pump
• Describe the benefit of connecting multiple pumps in series
• Describe the benefit of connecting multiple pumps in parallel

Duration: 0.25 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

A centrifugal pump converts external rotational mechanical energy into kinetic energy within a liquid. In the most common design of the centrifugal pump, a single impeller spins within a case called a volute. There is an economical limit to the pressure increase that can be achieved with a single impeller. Placing multiple impeller-and-volute stages in a case creates a single centrifugal pump unit capable of continuously delivering much higher discharge pressures than can be created by a single stage pump. This type of pump is called a multistage centrifugal pump. This course discusses some of the mechanical considerations and different designs of multistage centrifugal pumps.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the primary benefit of multistage centrifugal pumps
• List two types of multistage pump casings
• Identify important components of a multistage pump
• List the two types of thrust that must be dealt with in multistage pumps
• Describe methods of minimizing thrust in multistage pumps

Duration: 0.25 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Pumps are essential to virtually all industrial processes and they play critical roles in our everyday lives. Understanding the basics of fluid mechanics and the operation of different types of pumps is an essential step toward being able to understand, troubleshoot and improve a wide variety of processes. This course includes a brief overview of fluid mechanics as well as the differences between centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, including their operational characteristics and applications.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the purpose of a pump
• Define the term hydraulic head
• Explain the difference in the principle of operation between centrifugal and positive displacement pumps
• State the advantages of a positive displacement pumps
• State the advantages of centrifugal pumps

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Fundamental
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Pumping stations are necessary where large amounts of water must be transported through a piped distribution system. Knowing the characteristics of piping and valve materials will allow you to optimize the hydraulic design of your pumping stations. This interactive online course will teach you about the different water distribution station pump classifications. You will also learn about pump designs and motor types. Additionally, you will learn about the electrical systems of pumping stations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify types of pumps utilized in pumping stations based on their mechanical configuration classification
• Identify the basic steps required for sizing pumps and motors to transmit and distribute safe and sustainable water
• Identify the types of engines that are in use for pumping stations and describe their benefits for critical operations so as not to affect the environment and public health in an adverse manner
• Describe key electrical fundamentals involved in pumping station design, including grounding, over current protection, and branch circuiting

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

Pumps are used to move liquids from one place to another by increasing the mechanical energy of the liquid. The energy can be used to raise the liquid to a higher elevation or to increase its velocity or pressure. In a centrifugal pump this is accomplished by rotating an impeller which creates centrifugal force that transfers energy to the liquid. This module focuses on pumping principles and operation guidelines for typical centrifugal pumps.

Learning Objectives

• Describe how a centrifugal pump works
• Identify and describe typical centrifugal pump types
• Describe major centrifugal pump components
• Describe how to correctly start a centrifugal pump
• Describe cavitation
• Describe operation guidelines to maintain efficient operation of centrifugal pumps

Duration: 0.25 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, Portuguese, French, Polish
Capability: Audio, Video

Pumps are used to add energy to fluids (gases, liquids, or slurries) to produce flow or increase pressure. This course discusses the construction and operation of the two most basic types of pumps: positive displacement and centrifugal. In addition to how pumps function, it is also covers some of the common terms which are used to describe pump performance.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the functions of a pump
• Identify and describe major pump components
• Differentiate between positive displacement and centrifugal pumps
• Identify the principle of operation of different pump types
• Describe some of the terms used to define pump performance

Duration: 0.25 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, Portuguese, Polish
Capability: Audio, Video

Pumps are used to add energy to fluids (gases, liquids, or slurries) in order to produce flow or increase pressure. They can perform many different functions, including moving a fluid from one location to another, recirculating a fluid in a closed system, such as in a heating or cooling system, and providing pressure, such as in hydraulic systems. These functions are performed primarily by two different types of pumps: centrifugal and positive displacement. This module describes the most common types of pumps and their applications.

Learning Objectives

• List the functions of pumps
• Identify and describe common centrifugal pump classifications and designations
• List three common centrifugal pump impeller designs
• Define the terms “overhung,” “close coupled,” and “axially split”
• Identify and describe common applications for centrifugal pumps
• List common positive displacement pump designs
• Identify and describe common applications of positive displacement pumps
• Explain why relief valves are required on the discharge lines of positive displacement pumps

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

The purpose of this course is to reinforce understanding of positive displacement pumps. These pumps are used in industrial facilities to move many different types of fluids. To keep these pumps working properly, maintenance personnel need to know how they work and how to perform maintenance on them. At the completion of this course, participants will be able to identify the types and operation of positive displacement pumps, describe overhaul preparations, and perform cleaning, inspection, and assembly procedures.

Learning Objectives

• Describe general preparations for a pump overhaul
• Explain basic tasks associated with pump disassembly
• Discuss cleaning and inspection of pump components
• Describe a basic procedure for pump reassembly

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to familiarize participants with the basic operation, disassembly, and reassembly of a typical multistage centrifugal pump. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe the components and operation of a multistage centrifugal pump and explain how this kind of pump can be disassembled and reassembled when necessary.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and describe the components of a typical multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe the operation of a typical multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe techniques that are commonly used to minimize axial thrust in a multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe techniques that are commonly used to minimize radial thrust in a multistage centrifugal pump
• Identify problems commonly found in multistage centrifugal pumps
• Describe techniques used to identify problems in a multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe tasks that are commonly part of preparing for a pump disassembly
• Describe a general procedure for disassembling an axially split multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe tasks that are commonly performed when a radically split multistage centrifugal pump is disassembled
• Describe tasks that are commonly performed as part of removing components from a pump shaft assembly
• Describe tasks that are commonly performed when pump shaft assembly components are installed
• Describe a general procedure for reassembling an axially split multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe tasks that are commonly performed when a radically split multistage centrifugal pump is reassembled
• Describe tasks that are commonly performed when a multistage centrifugal pump is returned to service

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Centrifugal pumps are among the most common types of pumps used in industrial facilities. A centrifugal pump has a rotating impeller that circulates fluid within a casing and directs it to an outlet, or discharge, pipe. A singlestage centrifugal pump has a single impeller and develops relatively low discharge pressures. A multistage centrifugal pump has two or more impellers and develops relatively higher discharge pressures. Although multistage centrifugal pumps are generally larger and more complicated than single-stage pumps, they operate under the same basic principles. This course describes the general operation of multistage centrifugal pumps and explains how to identify problems with these units. The disassembly and reassembly of two types of multistage centrifugal pumps are also covered.

Learning Objectives

Topic I: Pump Theory and Components

• Identify the components of a typical multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe the operation of a typical multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe how pump manufacturers minimize axial thrust
• Describe how pump manufacturers minimize radial thrust

Topic II: Problem Identification

• Identify problems commonly found in multistage centrifugal pumps
• Describe some techniques used to identify pump problems

Topic III: Axially Split Pump Disassembly

• Describe a procedure for disassembling an axially split multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe checks and measurements that can be made as an axially split multistage centrifugal pump is disassembled

Topic IV: Axially Split Pump Reassembly

• Describe a procedure for reassembling an axially split multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe checks and measurements that can be made as an axially split multistage centrifugal pump is reassembled

Topic V: Radially Split Pump Disassembly

• Describe a procedure for disassembling a radially split multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe checks and measurements that can be made as a radially split multistage centrifugal pump is disassembled

Topic VI: Radially Split Pump Reassembly

• Describe a procedure for reassembling a radially split multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe checks and measurements that can be made as a radially split multistage centrifugal pump is reassembled
• Describe the parts and operation of two types of multistage centrifugal pumps
• Explain techniques to minimize thrust in multistage centrifugal pumps
• Discuss troubleshooting of multistage centrifugal pumps

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to familiarize participants with the basic parts and operation of several types of rotary positive displacement pumps. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe the general operation of the following types of pumps: screw pumps, gear pumps, lobe pumps, vane pumps, and tubing pumps. They should also be able to describe a general procedure for starting up and shutting down a typical rotary pump, and they should be able to explain the function and operation of a relief valve.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the general operation of a progressive cavity pump
• Describe the general operation of a two-screw pump
• Describe the general operation of an external gear pump and an internal gear pump
• Describe the general operation of a lobe pump
• Describe the general operation of a sliding vane pump and a flexible vane pump
• Describe the general operation of a tubing pump
• Describe procedures involved in starting up a rotary positive displacement pump
• Describe procedures involved in shutting down a rotary positive displacement pump
• Explain the purpose of a relief valve

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to familiarize participants with the basic operation of centrifugal pumps. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe techniques for priming a centrifugal pump and explain general procedures for starting and shutting down a pump. They should also be able to describe some general checks that may be made on an operating pump and describe operator concerns related to air binding and vapor binding in a centrifugal pump.

Learning Objectives

• Describe techniques used to prime a centrifugal pump
• Describe a procedure for starting up a centrifugal pump
• Describe a procedure for shutting down a centrifugal pump
• Describe checks that should be made on an operating centrifugal pump and its auxiliary equipment
• Describe indications of air binding and vapor binding in a pump and some of the possible sources of in-leakage to a pump

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to familiarize participants with the basic parts and operation of several types of reciprocating positive displacement pumps. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe the general operation of the following types of pumps: single-acting piston pumps, single-acting plunger pumps, double-acting piston pumps, duplex piston pumps, motor-driven diaphragm pumps, and air-operated diaphragm pumps. Participants should also be able to describe a general procedure for starting up and shutting down a typical reciprocating pump, and they should be able to explain the function and operation of a relief valve.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the general operation of a single-acting piston pump
• Describe the general operation of a plunger pump
• Describe the general operation of a double-acting piston pump
• Describe the general operation and an advantage of a duplex piston pump
• Describe the general operation of a motor-driven diaphragm pump
• Describe the general operation of an air-operated diaphragm pump
• Describe a general procedure for starting up a reciprocating pump
• Describe a general procedure for shutting down a reciprocating pump
• Explain the purpose of a relief valve

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to introduce participants to the fundamental operating principles of single-stage and multistage centrifugal pumps. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe the general operating principles of a centrifugal pump. Specifically, they should be able to describe the differences between radial, axial, and mixed flow pumps; describe the basic operation of a vertically mounted pump; and describe the basic operation of a multistage pump. Participants should also be able to describe various types of impellers used in centrifugal pumps and to describe the purpose and the basic operation of a mechanical seal flush system.

Learning Objectives

• Describe general operating principles of a centrifugal pump
• Explain differences between radial flow, axial flow, and mixed flow pumps
• Explain the principles of operation of a vertically mounted centrifugal pump
• Describe the basic operation of a typical multistage centrifugal pump
• Describe two ways that multistage centrifugal pumps can minimize axial thrust
• Explain the differences between an open impeller, a closed impeller, and a semiopen impeller
• Compare and contrast a single-suction impeller and a double-suction impeller
• Describe the general design and function of a diffuser
• Describe the purpose and basic operation of a mechanical seal flush system

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to introduce participants to factors that affect the performance of pumps and some of the symptoms of improper pump operation. After completing this course, participants should be able to identify and explain the relationship between various factors that affect pump performance, and they should be able to explain how pump performance can be evaluated. They should also be able to identify symptoms of some common pump problems and explain how to check a pump for signs of problems such as leaks and cavitations.

Learning Objectives

• Define and explain the relationship between the following: static head, dynamic head, suction head, discharge head, and total head
• Describe some basic ways pump performance can be determined
• Explain the relationship between minimum net positive suction head and cavitation
• Identify symptoms that may indicate abnormal pump operation
• Identify pump components that should be checked for leaks
• Describe common symptoms of cavitations
• List some ways to stop or minimize cavitations

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to teach participants how pumps in generating units can be operated efficiently. After completing this course, participants should be familiar with pump operating characteristics such as capacity, head, power, efficiency, and minimum net positive suction head. They should understand how these characteristics can be plotted and read on pump curves, and how pump curves can be used. In addition, they should be able to describe the effects of multiple pump operation and low flow on pump efficiency.

Learning Objectives

Pump Efficiency

• Describe some uses of pump curves
• Identify pump characteristics that can be represented by pump curves
• Describe how to read pump curves

Pump Operation, Part 1

• Describe a typical pump curve for minimum net positive suction head
• Describe how the minimum net positive suction head is provided for condensate pumps, boiler feed pumps, and condenser circulating water pumps
• Describe the effects of cavitation on pump operation
• Describe how a decrease in pump efficiency can be determined.

Pump Operation, Part 2

• Describe how multiple pumps are used efficiently in generating units
• Describe why low flow is an undesirable situation for pump operation