Centrifugal Pump Testing Standards

Centrifugal pump testing standards are established by various international and national organizations to ensure performance, safety, and reliability. These standards define procedures for testing pump efficiency, head, flow rate, NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head), and other critical parameters. Below are some of the key standards:

1. International Standards

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

• ISO 9906:2012 – Rotodynamic pumps – Hydraulic performance acceptance tests

• Specifies Grades 1B, 1U, and 2 for different levels of accuracy in performance testing.

• Covers tests for head, flow rate, power input, efficiency, and NPSH.

• ISO 5198:1987 – Centrifugal, mixed flow, and axial pumps – Code for hydraulic performance tests

• Provides detailed test procedures for precision-class pumps.

• ISO 9905:2023 – Technical specifications for centrifugal pumps – Class I

• Covers design, materials, and testing requirements for high-duty pumps.

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)

• IEC 60034-2-1 – Efficiency testing of electric motors (relevant for motor-driven pumps)

2. American Standards

ANSI/HI (American National Standards Institute / Hydraulic Institute)

• ANSI/HI 14.6-2022 – Rotodynamic Pumps for Hydraulic Performance Acceptance Tests

• Aligns with ISO 9906 but includes additional U.S.-specific requirements.

• ANSI/HI 11.6-2021 – Rotodynamic Submersible Pumps – Tests

• Covers submersible pump testing.

• ANSI/API 610 – Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Petrochemical, and Natural Gas Industries

• Includes stringent testing requirements for heavy-duty industrial pumps.

• ASME PTC 8.2-1990 (R2020) – Centrifugal Pumps

• Performance test code by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

3. European Standards (EN)

• EN 733 (DIN 24255) – End-suction centrifugal pumps

• EN 12262 – Technical requirements for centrifugal pumps

• EN ISO 9906 – Adopted version of ISO 9906

4. British Standards (BS)

• BS 5316 – Acceptance tests for centrifugal, mixed flow, and axial pumps

5. API (American Petroleum Institute) Standards

• API 610 (12th Ed., 2021) – Centrifugal Pumps for Refinery Services

• Mandates hydrostatic tests, performance tests, and NPSH tests.

• API 682 – Shaft Sealing Systems for Centrifugal Pumps

6. Other Relevant Standards

• AWWA E103 (American Water Works Association) – Testing standards for water pumps.

• GB/T 3216 (China) – Acceptance tests for centrifugal pumps.

• JIS B 8301 (Japan) – Testing methods for centrifugal pumps.

Key Testing Parameters in Standards

• Hydraulic Performance (Head, Flow, Efficiency, Power)

• NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) Tests

• Mechanical Run Tests (Vibration, Noise, Bearing Temp)

• Hydrostatic Pressure Tests (Casing strength)

• Cavitation Tests

Conclusion

The choice of standard depends on the application (industrial, water, oil & gas, etc.) and regional requirements. ISO 9906 and ANSI/HI 14.6 are the most widely used for general performance testing, while API 610 is critical for oil & gas applications.