SPECIFIC SPEED CONSIDERATIONS
IN CENTRIFUGAL PUMP SELECTION
What is the upper limit of specific speed and capacity of a 1750-r/min single-stage dou-
ble-suction centrifugal pump having a shaft that passes through the impeller eye if it
handles clear water at 850 F (29.4^0 C) at sea level at a total head of 280 ft (85.3 m) with
a iO-ft (3-m) suction lift? What is the efficiency of the pump and its approximate im-
peller shape?
H:totol heod,m
FIGURE 1. Upper limits of specific speeds of single-stage, single- and double-suction cen-
trifugal pumps handling clear water at 850 F (29.4^0 C) at sea level. (Hydraulic Institute.)
H: total head, ft
_ ..
.^
r/minv/gaTTrnirT
Specific
speed,
/%=
-^j^
for
single-suetion
pumps with
shaft
through
eye of
impeller
_,.
r/min\/ga77m7n
Specific
speed,
^
= 5
-^
for
double-suet
ion
pumps