Introduction to Pumps
What Is a Pump?
Why Increase a Liquid’s Pressure?
Pressure and Head
Classification of Pumps
How Centrifugal Pumps Work
PD Pumps
Hydraulics, Selection, and Curves
Overview
Pump Capacity
Total Head
Performance Curve
Horsepower and Efficiency
NPSH and Cavitation
Specific Speed and Suction Specific Speed
Affinity Laws
System Head Curves
Parallel Operation
Series Operation
Oversizing Pumps
Pump Speed Selection
Special Hydraulic Considerations
Overview
Viscosity
Software to Size Pumps and Systems
Piping Layout
Sump Design
Field Testing
Centrifugal Pump Types and Applications
Overview
Impellers
End Suction Pumps
Inline Pumps
Self-Priming Centrifugal Pumps
Split Case Double-Suction Pumps
Multistage Pumps
Vertical Column Pumps
Submersible Pumps
Slurry Pumps
Vertical Turbine Pumps
Axial Flow Pumps
Regenerative Turbine Pumps
Pump Specifications and Standards
Couplings
Electric Motors
Sealing Systems and Sealless Pumps
Overview
O-Rings
Stuffing Box and Packing Assembly
Mechanical Seals
Sealless Pumps
Energy Conservation and Life-Cycle Costs
Overview
Choosing the Most Efficient Pump
Operating with Minimal Energy
Variable-Speed Pumping Systems
Pump Life-Cycle Costs
Special Pump-Related Topics
Overview
Variable-Speed Systems
Sealless Pumps
Corrosion
Nonmetallic Pumps
Materials Used for O-Rings in Pumps
High-Speed Pumps
Bearings and Bearing Lubrication
Precision Alignment Techniques
Software to Size Pumps and Systems
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
Overview
Installation, Alignment, and Startup
Operation
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Repair
Case Studies
Introduction
Case Studies
Appendices
References
Index
Biography
Michael W. Volk, PE, is the president of Volk & Associates, Inc., Oakland, California, volkassociates.com, a consulting company specializing in pumps and pump systems. Volk’s services include pump training seminars; pump equipment evaluation, troubleshooting, and field testing; expert witness for pump litigation; witnessing of pump shop tests; pump market research; and acquisition and divestiture consultation and brokerage. A member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and a registered professional engineer, Volk received his BS degree (1973) in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana, and his MS degree (1976) in mechanical engineering and his MS degree (1980) in management science from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He may be contacted at [email protected].
"…This book is highly recommended for anyone who works with and designs pump systems on a daily basis, as well as anyone learning about pumps for the first time."
—Noise Control Engineering Journal, January-February 2015






