Topic outline

  • Improving Performance of Pumping Systems

    Credits: 6 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Pumps are widely used in industry for uses such as providing lubrication and cooling service and to transferring process fluids. In the commercial sector pumps see widespread use for HVAC systems. Municipalities depend upon pumps in water and wastewater treatment plants. Pumps consume 27% of the electricity used by industrial systems in the manufacturing sector. In view of this widespread use of pumps, any steps taken to improve the efficiency of performance can have a significant effect. Methods of analyzing pumping systems and improving their efficiency are the subject matter of this course.

    Topics:

    Following the completion of this course, the student will:
    • Be familiar with typical pumping system components
    • Know the types of centrifugal pumps and the typical applications for which centrifugal pumps are used.
    • Know the types of positive displacement pumps and the typical applications for which positive displacement pumps are used.
    • Know the opportune times in the life cycle of a pumping system for assessing pumping system needs to improve performance
    • Be familiar with common pumping system problems
    • Know the common indicators of an oversized pump in a pumping system
    • Know how to analyze piping configurations to improve pumping system efficiency
    • Be familiar with basic pump maintenance
    • Be familiar with typical multiple pump arrangements and the use of pony pumps
    • Be able to predict the effect of impeller trimming on pump flow rate, head and brake horsepower
    • Be able to estimate annual cost of electricity for a pump for several types of input information

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: for hydraulic, mechanical, civil, and construction engineers. An attendee of this course will gain knowledge about methods for analyzing pumping systems and steps for improving their efficiency.
    Publication Source: Dept. of Energy

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1