L-Frame Progressive Cavity Pump Horsepower, Slurry & Viscosity Selection Guide
Engineering guidance for evaluating L-Frame horsepower adders caused by water-based slurries, viscosity and temperature.
Use this guide with the specific L2, L3, L4, L6, L8, L10, L10H, L12 or L12H pumping-element data and the actual operating speed, solids loading, particle size, viscosity and fluid temperature.
L-Frame Element Displacement Reference
The pumping-element size establishes theoretical displacement per revolution. Stage count is selected for pressure duty and does not multiply displacement.
| Element | Theoretical Displacement |
|---|---|
| L2 | 0.24 GPM / 100 RPM |
| L3 | 0.80 GPM / 100 RPM |
| L4 | 2.0 GPM / 100 RPM |
| L6 | 5.0 GPM / 100 RPM |
| L8 | 10.7 GPM / 100 RPM |
| L10 | 18.3 GPM / 100 RPM |
| L10H | 27.1 GPM / 100 RPM |
| L12 | 42.4 GPM / 100 RPM |
| L12H | 63.6 GPM / 100 RPM |
Theoretical flow: GPM = (GPM per 100 RPM) × RPM ÷ 100. Actual delivered flow can be lower because of pressure, viscosity, rotor/stator fit, wear and internal slip.
How L-Frame Horsepower Adders Are Applied
Water-Based Slurries
Use the element-specific slurry table to select an HP adder per 100 RPM from solids concentration, particle-size class and the applicable pump configuration. Multiply that value by operating speed divided by 100.
Viscous Newtonian Fluids
Use the element-specific viscosity table to select the HP adder per 100 RPM per stage for the fluid viscosity. Apply the value to the selected pump and operating speed.
Combined Slurry + Viscosity
When the fluid is both a slurry and viscous, evaluate both horsepower additives and use the controlling requirement rather than simply adding both corrections together.
Temperature Horsepower Multipliers
After determining the minimum horsepower requirement for the selected element and fluid, apply the appropriate rotor-size and fluid-temperature multiplier for starting duty.
| Fluid Temperature | 70°F | 100°F | 125°F | 150°F | 175°F | 200°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard-size rotor | 1.00 | 1.10 | 1.30 | 1.60 | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| Undersize rotor | 0.75 | 0.80 | 0.85 | 0.95 | 1.10 | 1.60 |
Temperature generally has less effect on running horsepower than on starting torque. Applications above 200°F require separate engineering review.
L-Frame Engineering Workflow
- Confirm the required flow and calculate the approximate operating speed from the element displacement.
- Confirm differential pressure and select the correct pump configuration for the pressure duty.
- Classify solids loading and particle size when the fluid is a water-based slurry.
- Determine fluid viscosity at operating temperature.
- Apply the applicable element-specific slurry or viscosity HP adder.
- Apply the temperature and rotor-size multiplier where required for starting duty.
- Confirm drive-end capability, materials, stator elastomer, seal arrangement and motor margin before final selection.
Related ACCA Engineering Resources
L-Frame Pump Models · L-Frame Replacement Parts · Pump Selection & Sizing · Viscous-Fluid Speed · Abrasive-Fluid Speed · Stator Elastomer Guide
Need Help Sizing an L-Frame Pump?
Send ACCA the existing pump model, required flow, differential pressure, viscosity, solids concentration, particle size, fluid temperature, materials and available drive information.
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