LabVIEW-based system for testing centrifugal pump efficiency

This paper presents a test system for testing efficiency of single-suction centrifugal electric pumps for quality control in a manufacturer's production line. The proposed system based on testing an individual pump for an expected total head provides automatic test procedures to be conducted in accordance with the requirements specified in the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) 2618-2557. The hardware implementation consists of instruments for measuring process data and pump input parameters, controllers for maintaining test conditions and test procedures, and engineering/operator workstation. Pump testing, real-time monitoring, data gathering, and test reporting of the implemented system are based on LabVIEW. Centrifugal pump manufacturers in Thailand can use the proposed test system for determining the efficiency of their products on assembly line before official product testing and certification or customer shipment.