Verifying a Pump Curve

You need the following:

1. A sump for holding enough water

2. A return flow energy dispensing unit to have surface of the water as calm as possible.

3. Good quality suction and delivery "pressure' gauges

4. A flow measuring device. Modern meters may be ok. I prefer old technology like a V notch or partial flume.

If a flow meter is to be used i will firts test it. Constant hight tank and volumetric measurement.

5 Rev counter.

6. Electrical meters.

Method

For a given speed take pressure (sum of both), volume, power,rpm etc

start with closed valve and repeat for pressure differences.

Note: more than one reading per setup is even better. and leave running for a while to stabilize before taking the reading.

The verified results can be plotted and compared to the curve.

The test should be repeated with other pumps of the same model.

I forgot to mention a control valve and priming device.

Note the speed of the motor may differ with load but the values can then be calculated.

Hendrik, thank you for the detailed information. It is very helpful.