The Centrifugal Pump Calculation and Selection Training Course offered by Oxford Training Centre, under the category of Power Systems & Maintenance Training Courses, is a specialised one-week technical programme designed for engineers, maintenance professionals, and plant operators. The course provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the effective application, sizing, and performance evaluation of centrifugal pumps. It places strong emphasis on the principles of Pump Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, and the critical process of the Calculation and Selection of Centrifugal Pumps for industrial applications.
Through interactive sessions, technical case studies, and detailed demonstrations, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of pump classifications, performance curves, operating parameters, system integration, and troubleshooting. The course is suitable for both new engineers seeking foundational knowledge and experienced professionals aiming to refine their technical decisions in pump system design and maintenance.
Course Objective and Target Group
Course Objectives
- To provide participants with a thorough understanding of the design and operation of centrifugal pumps.
- To enable accurate Calculation and Selection of Centrifugal Pumps based on system requirements and operational constraints.
- To build proficiency in Pump Engineering and Fluid Mechanics as they apply to industrial pumping systems.
- To enhance diagnostic and troubleshooting skills for common centrifugal pump failures and performance deviations.
- To equip participants with decision-making tools to optimise pump reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle costs.
Target Audience
This course is ideal for:
- Mechanical engineers and process engineers
- Plant and maintenance engineers
- Technical supervisors and operations managers
- Engineering consultants involved in fluid systems
- Anyone responsible for the design, installation, operation or maintenance of pumping equipment
Course Content
Day 1: Fundamentals of Centrifugal Pumps
- Introduction to Pump Engineering and principles of operation
- Understanding the role and significance of centrifugal pumps in industry
- Types of centrifugal pumps: end suction, vertical, multistage, and others
- Key components and construction details
- Basic Pumping Terminology: flow, pressure, head, efficiency, and NPSH
- Overview of Fluid Mechanics principles as related to pump systems
Day 2: Properties of Fluids and System Calculations
- Physical properties of fluids: density, viscosity, vapour pressure, and compressibility
- Energy equations: Bernoulli’s equation and its application
- Frictional losses in piping and system head calculations
- Static vs. dynamic head
- How to develop a system curve
- Understanding pump system integration and performance matching
Day 3: Calculation and Selection of Centrifugal Pumps
- Detailed methodology for the Calculation and Selection of Centrifugal Pumps
- Reading and interpreting pump curves (H-Q, power, NPSHr, efficiency)
- Matching pump and system curves for optimal operation
- Affinity laws and their use in selection and troubleshooting
- Selection criteria: fluid type, duty conditions, temperature, pressure, solids handling
- Considerations for parallel and series pumping arrangements
Day 4: Pump Operation, Performance and Control
- Pump performance monitoring and analysis
- Measurement and control of pressure, flow, and power
- Instrumentation used in pump systems
- Cavitation: causes, effects, and prevention
- Vibration and noise diagnosis
- Pump protection systems and operational safety
Day 5: Troubleshooting, Maintenance and Case Studies
- Common centrifugal pump failures and diagnostic techniques
- Mechanical seal and bearing failures
- Preventive vs. predictive maintenance strategies
- Lubrication, alignment, and balancing procedures
- Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA)
- Real-world case studies and practical calculation exercises
- Review and group discussion: application-focused learning
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Perform detailed pump system calculations using core Fluid Mechanics principles
- Confidently select appropriate centrifugal pumps for various industrial applications
- Analyse and interpret performance data to assess efficiency and troubleshoot problems
- Improve system performance through correct matching of pump and system characteristics
- Apply preventative maintenance practices to reduce downtime and extend equipment life
Course Features
- Real-world engineering case studies and calculation exercises
- Illustrated training material with diagrams and performance curves
- Focus on current industry standards and manufacturer specifications
- Facilitated by experienced Pump Engineering specialists
- Certificate of Completion from Oxford Training Centre
This intensive one-week training course provides more than just theoretical knowledge—it builds the practical expertise necessary for effective engineering decision-making in pump selection and system design. The Calculation and Selection of Centrifugal Pumps remains a cornerstone of effective energy and fluid management across industries. Participants leave equipped with the analytical tools and engineering confidence to specify, install, operate, and maintain centrifugal pump systems in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
For those working in oil & gas, petrochemicals, water utilities, power generation or process manufacturing, mastery of these skills through the Oxford Training Centre’s course can lead to measurable improvements in system performance and asset longevity.