6301 Bearden Lane
Modesto, CA 95357
(209) 527-2908
Fax (209) 527-2921
FIELD PUMP TESTING
METHODS AND EQUIPMENT
Field pump tests, often referred to as Index Tests, are for the purpose of establishing field or actual condition
and operating characteristics. These tests differ from pump laboratory tests in several important ways.
Laboratory tests are conducted in a controlled environment with prescribed hydraulic, mechanical and
electrical equipment. The tests are carefully controlled and all test equipment meets prescribed standards.
Normally, only the bowl assembly of a turbine type pump is tested for operating characteristics. (Hydraulic
Institute (H.I.) 2.6.5.5, 4a.) All other conditions such as column losses and motor efficiencies are calculated.
The results of the tests are normally plotted and presented as a head/capacity curve with additional curves for
brake horsepower (BHP), pump efficiency and net positive suction head (NPSH) requirements.
Field tests are conducted with the same care but under conditions present in the field. The test technician is
faced with the limitations of the installed equipment configuration. This may include the lack of unobstructed
flow measuring locations of the prescribed length; poorly placed pressure measuring ports; cascading water in
wells; gasses in the discharge flow; vortexing at the pump inlet; and difficulties in obtaining a suitable location
to measure power input. Even with these difficulties present, a field test can be made with suitable accuracy
by an experienced test technician.
The differences to keep in mind between laboratory and field tests are the limitations of both. A laboratory
test certifies the performance of the pump bowls as assembled for a specific condition. The efficiency shown
is pump efficiency which normally excludes the driver and any other influence above the pump discharge
head.
A field test considers the entire pump installation including the driver and the water delivery system