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Pumps in series and parallel

When one pump is not enough, several can be combined. In series the same flow passes through both, and the heads add up. In parallel they share the flow, and the flow rates add up at the same head.

Hseries(Q)=H1(Q)+H2(Q)H_{series}(Q) = H_1(Q) + H_2(Q)series: heads add
Qpar(H)=Q1(H)+Q2(H)Q_{par}(H) = Q_1(H) + Q_2(H)parallel: flows add

Symbols

HHheadm
QQflow ratem³/s

Example

Two identical pumps giving 20 m head at 10 L/s:

in series 40 m at 10 L/s, in parallel 20 m at 20 L/s (before the system curve is included).

Series helps with a large height, parallel helps with a large flow.
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Part of Fluid Mechanics: Pumps and pipe systems.