Centrifugal pump question.

In summary, centrifugal pumps require a lot of energy to fight against the coriolis force of the spinning water mass that flows from center toward the circumference. If a 90 degree bend is installed on each ends of the tube, it seems that the pump runs much lighter with less energy input, and also pumps much more water at same RPM.
  • #1
Low-Q
Gold Member
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9
When a centrifugal pump is running, how much energy is required to fight against the coriolis force of the spinning water mass that flows from center toward the circumference?

I have done some simple experiments with a tube. The tube have a water inlet in the middle of its length, so the open ends of the long tube is following the circumference. When it pumps water, even only 1cm above the water surface, it requires lots of energy to sustain rotation - even if the water is lifted only 1cm. This energy requirement is due to the coriolis counter force. However, If I put on a 90 degree bend, on each ends of the tube, that points away from rotation, it seems the pump runs much lighter with less energy input, and also pumps much more water at same RPM. How can this be possible (Well, it IS, but why?)?

Vidar
 
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  • #2
Low-Q said:
When a centrifugal pump is running, how much energy is required to fight against the coriolis force of the spinning water mass that flows from center toward the circumference?

I have done some simple experiments with a tube. The tube have a water inlet in the middle of its length, so the open ends of the long tube is following the circumference. When it pumps water, even only 1cm above the water surface, it requires lots of energy to sustain rotation - even if the water is lifted only 1cm. This energy requirement is due to the coriolis counter force. However, If I put on a 90 degree bend, on each ends of the tube, that points away from rotation, it seems the pump runs much lighter with less energy input, and also pumps much more water at same RPM. How can this be possible (Well, it IS, but why?)?

Vidar

Excellent question! Great experiment!

I'll work on it, but the main thing that comes to my mind is a wet dog shaking the water out of his fur. The water flies along sort of a spiraling trajectory. Perhaps the change in trajectory when the water enters the bent tube, being 45°, partly compensates for the coriolis force better than the 90° change in trajectory required by the straight tube.

Just a guess.

***

By the way, the last time I discussed the coriolis force on the net I was talking about attacking planes flying between Tel Aviv and Tehran, and pointed out that the Iranian planes would hit Tel Aviv before the Israeli planes hit Tehran due to the Earth's rotation, and some idiot came up with the idea that the coriolis force would counteract that effect, despite the fact that Tel Aviv-Tehran is a dead East-West trip (i.e., no coriolis effect would exist!).

EDIT: I've just watched a video of dogs and other animals shaking water out of their fur, and it occurred to me that the initial angular momentum imparted to the water droplets by the torsional motion of the animal is more responsible for the spiral motion of the water droplets than the coriolis force.

Here's the video:

 
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  • #3
I do not think the Coriolis effect have anything to do with those planes. Their initial velocity on the ground is the same (as the Earth rotation at that point), so the land masses will too. The planes will not be affected by the rotation of the earth.

Well, back to the centrifugal pump experiment:

I just tried with a LOOONG tube with a 90 degree bend at the end - in air. I held the tube in my hand, and spun myself around, and so the tube.
However, on my side of the tube I attached a plastic bag (wrapped around the tube end) that was filled with air - as much air a plastic bag can carry with an open end.
When the 90 degree bend pointet towards rotation, the air did not escape from the bag - the bag did not deflate or inflate.
When I aligned the bend towards the floor or ceiling, it took about 4 rounds (1/2 round pr second) to deflate the bag.
When I pointed the bend away from rotation, the bag deflated in only 2.5 rounds (1/2 round pr. second) to deflate the bag.

I repeated the experiments many times - spinning in both directions until I got sick...

The average result is what I explained above.

PS! Yes I removed the TV set, the speakers, my wifes many flowers and "stuff", and the kids, before the experiment :eek:

Vidar
 
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  • #4
Low-Q said:
I do not think the Coriolis effect have anything to do with those planes. Their initial velocity on the ground is the same (as the Earth rotation at that point), so the land masses will too. The planes will not be affected by the rotation of the earth.
My claim is precisely that air travel along a due east-west axis will involve no coriolis forces, as there's no change in the distance of the plane from the center of the rotating body (earth). That's why I questioned the intelligence of the guy on the other forum who suggested it.

Assuming a perfectly calm day (i.e., the air is moving at the same velocity as the Earth), the plane flying from Tehran will have benefit of the fact that the Earth's rotation is bringing Tel Aviv closer to him, whereas the plane flying from Tel Aviv to Tehran will experience the opposite effect. Even artillery shells, which travel far shorter distances than airplanes, must have the Earth's rotation accounted for by their gun's guidance system if they are to hit their targets.

EDIT: CORRECTION:

You're partly right! Under the conditions I described, Earth's rotation would be canceled out by a headwind hindering the first plane and a tailwind assisting the second plane, if they were both flying at haircut altitude. But most modern air combat operations are conducted at far higher altitudes, where the thinner air will exert less dynamic pressure against the speeding aircraft than will the thicker air on deck. Thus, the effect I mentioned will be observed.

Low-Q said:
Well, back to the centrifugal pump experiment:

I just tried with a LOOONG tube with a 90 degree bend at the end - in air. I held the tube in my hand, and spun myself around, and so the tube.
However, on my side of the tube I attached a plastic bag (wrapped around the tube end) that was filled with air - as much air a plastic bag can carry with an open end.
When the 90 degree bend pointet towards rotation, the air did not escape from the bag - the bag did not deflate or inflate.
When I aligned the bend towards the floor or ceiling, it took about 4 rounds (1/2 round pr second) to deflate the bag.
When I pointed the bend away from rotation, the bag deflated in only 2.5 rounds (1/2 round pr. second) to deflate the bag.

I repeated the experiments many times - spinning in both directions until I got sick...

The average result is what I explained above.

PS! Yes I removed the TV set, the speakers, my wifes many flowers and "stuff", and the kids, before the experiment :eek:

Vidar

Once again, great experiment! You're working out all of the corollaries of your theories. You're doing a thorough job. I like that.
 
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  • #5
BadBrain said:
Assuming a perfectly calm day (i.e., the air is moving at the same velocity as the Earth), the plane flying from Tehran will have benefit of the fact that the Earth's rotation is bringing Tel Aviv closer to him, whereas the plane flying from Tel Aviv to Tehran will experience the opposite effect. Even artillery shells, which travel far shorter distances than airplanes, must have the Earth's rotation accounted for by their gun's guidance system if they are to hit their targets.
That is due to the Criolis effect - which is caused by Earth rotation. However, if an airplane is pointing its nose towards east, at equator, the plane have a reverse velicoty of about 1600 km/h, while the other plane with its nose pointing to west, have a forward velocity of 1600 km/h. The Earth surface also have a velocity of 1600 km/h. So if the air planes can reach a maximum velocity of 1600 km/h, flying towards each other, the first plane will stand still relative to space, while the other will fly at 3200 km/h relative to space.
What effect that will be different on those planes is the centrifugal force. The second plane is actually flying in a curve at 3200 km/h, but the first plane is not because the space velocity is zero. That means the second plane must spend energy to keep the nose down in order to not change altitude to a higher level.



Once again, great experiment! You're working out all of the corollaries of your theories. You're doing a thorough job. I like that.

Thanks for the credits, but do you have any idea why the pump runs lighter and faster in the last experiment where the bends points away from rotation?

Is the velocity of the water mass counteracting the coriolis force when the water mass change direction and "push" the circumference of the tubes?

How much is this counteracting compared to the Coriolis force?

Vidar
 
  • #6
OK, OK, I get it now!

I don't think coriolis force has any measurable effect on your experiment. We're talking pure centrifugal force here!

You say it took 4 turns to empty out the bag with the bend pointed towards the floor or the ceiling (i.e., at a 90° angle from the axis of rotation), whereas it only took 2.5 turns to empty the bag when the bend faced away from rotation.

The ratio of your experimental results is thus 4/2.5 = 1.6, the radian measure of a 90° angle is ∏/2 = 3.14159/2 = 1.570795.

In other words, this is centrifugal force as a function of angular velocity.

When the bend faced away from the axis of rotation, centrifugal force kept the bag from deflating.

The reason the 90° bend helped in your first experiment is because, relative to the axis of application of force, this is actually two 45° angles, which is the usual axis of application of a force: that's the principle underlying the corbel arch and the flying buttress! I can't believe I forgot that!

With the straight tube, the action of centrifugal force would have directed the water against the side of the tube opposite the action of rotation, which would have hindered, rather than assisted, the flow of water out of the ends of the tube.
 
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  • #7
Here is the experiment drawn:
 

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  • #8
Low-Q said:
Here is the experiment drawn:

I had a very different vision of your experiment.

I thought you were talking about a "V"-shaped tube, with the water access at the bottom of the "V".

Seeing your diagram, situation "A" would seem to represent a situation in which centrifugal force would be counteracted by the angular inertia of the water in the tip of the tube (the very definition of coriolis force!), whereas situation "B" would represent centrifugal force operating without the assistance of coriolis force, whereas situation "C" would represent centrifugal force operating with the assistance of coriolis force.

I obviously continue to stand by my mathematical analysis in my post #5, although I now see that it applies to different forces in different directions.
 
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  • #9
BadBrain said:
I had a very different vision of your experiment.

I thought you were talking about a "V"-shaped tube, with the water access at the bottom of the "V".

Seeing your diagram, situation "A" would seem to represent a situation in which centrifugal force would be counteracted by the angular inertia of the water in the tip of the tube (the very definition of coriolis force!), whereas situation "B" would represent centrifugal force operating without the assistance of coriolis force, whereas situation "C" would represent centrifugal force operating with the assistance of coriolis force.

I obviously continue to stand by my mathematical analysis in my post #5, although I now see that it applies to different forces in different directions.
I had in mind that you might have a different view, that's why I show you a drawing:smile:

So, maybe I can ask you:
What is the theoretical energy difference required to run the pump in "C" compared to "B"?
Is it EC = PI / (EB x 2)

EDIT:
In "A" it should not require energy to run the pump - because there is no pump function, no mass displacement in the tube.
In "B" it obviously require energy to run the pump - because of coriolis effect due to radial mass displacement
In "C" I am not sure - If the radial mass displacement that creates the Coriolis force in the first place, is "gained" back at the bend, it means it will not require energy to displace mass (?)

Vidar
 
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  • #10
Low-Q said:
I had in mind that you might have a different view, that's why I show you a drawing:smile:

So, maybe I can ask you:
What is the theoretical energy difference required to run the pump in "C" compared to "B"?
Is it EC = PI / (EB x 2)

EDIT:
In "A" it should not require energy to run the pump - because there is no pump function, no mass displacement in the tube.
In "B" it obviously require energy to run the pump - because of coriolis effect due to radial mass displacement
In "C" I am not sure - If the radial mass displacement that creates the Coriolis force in the first place, is "gained" back at the bend, it means it will not require energy to displace mass (?)

Vidar

No, I believe it's actually the reciprocal of your equation, such that EC = (EB x 2)/ ∏.

Your equation actually requires GREATER energy input for case C than for case B, which is contrary to your experimental results.
 
  • #11
BadBrain said:
No, I believe it's actually the reciprocal of your equation, such that EC = (EB x 2)/ ∏.

Your equation actually requires GREATER energy input for case C than for case B, which is contrary to your experimental results.
OK. If EB/SUB] = PI/2, it shouldn't matter (?).
Maybe you can help me with this:

My tube is 1m long. The cross section of the tube is 10cm^2. That would be 9.82N of water flowing at all times.
The tube is rotating at 1 RPS - the circumference is traveling at 3.14m/s.

What is the mass displacement rate in case B and C?
What is the Coriolis countertorque in case B and C?
What is the total energy required to run the pump in case B and C?

Vidar
 
  • #12
What is this?

Are you trying to trick me into doing a homework assignment for you?

That drawing was a professionally printed illustration.

What's going on here?
 
  • #13
BadBrain said:
What is this?

Are you trying to trick me into doing a homework assignment for you?

That drawing was a professionally printed illustration.

What's going on here?

1. I am 39 years old, and quit school about 20 years ago to start to work. No. It's not homework.

2. I do proffesional graphic design at work. I make digital designs, engineering speakers etc for a living. The drawing was just a scetch done in 2 minutes - not very proffesional. I have worked with Adobe software for 15 years - learned it by experience as a hobby. No education in graphic design.

3. I am just looking for a spesific mathematical result, and hoped it would help with some figures to work from.

I am a very curious person. Things I do not understand, or partialy "think" I understand, is things I want to learn more about. This is just a hobby - among many technical related hobbies. Look at my facebook profile (Vidar Øierås) - I am really not a schoolboy anymore :approve:
 
  • #14
OK.

Let's think this through logically. Your second question should actually be your first, as we need the answer to that to answer your first question.

The difference between case B and case C is that case C makes use of both centrifugal force and coriolis force, whereas case B uses only centrifugal force and wastes coriolis force. Therefor the coriolis counter torque = ((Centrifugal Force)∏/2) -1 (to subtract out centrifugal force) = 0.57(Centrifugal Force).

Now, to figure coriolis counter torque at the tip of each arm:

The volume of the tube is the cross-sectional area times its length = 10cm^2 X 100cm = 1000cm^3. It's velocity at the tip along the coriolis vector is 3.14m/s. Each arm = 0.5m in length and contains 500cm^3. 500cm^3 of water has mass of 500g. Therefor, Coriolis countertorque at the tip = F = mV = 3.14(500g) = 1570g per arm.

Centrifugal force per arm is 1570g /0.57 = 2754.386g.

***

On to question 1. If centrifugal force at the tip is 2754.386g per arm, then that's the mass of water that's coming out of each arm in case B. Therefor the total mass displacement rate of the pump = 5508.77g/s in case B.

Case C uses centrifugal and coriolis forces, so the answer there is the sum of the forces = 2754.386g + 1570g = 4324.386g/s per arm = 8648.772g/s for the whole pump.

***

On question 3. On to question 3. Work = energy expended in Joules:

J = kg(m^2)/s^2.

Seeing as we're talking about one meter's worth of motion, and we already have the rate of mass displacement, we need only know the velocity of the water in seconds. Seeing as the velocity along the coriolis vector = 3.14m/s, the velocity along the centrifugal vector = 3.14m/s / 0.57 = 5.5m/s. Therefor, time for one evacuation of the tube in case B in seconds = 1/5.5 = 0.18s. 0.18^2 = 0.0324.

Energy in Joules in case B = 5.508772kg/0.0324s^2 = 1700.2382J

Case C uses both forces, so the the velocity of the water at the tip is 5.5m/s + 3.14m/s = 8.64m/s. Time for one evacuation in case C = 1/8.64 = 0.115741s. 0.115741^2 = 0.0134s^2

Energy in Joules in case C = 8.648772kg/0.0134s^2 = 645.6283J

Edit:

This is the energy required per evacuation of the tube. For energy to run the pump per second, divide by seconds per evacuation.

This comports with your experimental results, as 1700/545.6 = 2.633, the square root of which is 1.62.
 
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  • #15
I don't think there is any need to wrangle your way through the 'Coriolis' force.

Just look at this simply and imagine what happens to the pumped fluid after it has exited the system. What you are after is for the pumped fluid to have no rotational velocity.

If it has rotational velocity when you don't really want it, then it takes energy to make that happen. This is where your energy is going.

In most air-flow processes, you have static reaction elements that push back against the air so that it exits the flow-modifyer parts with as little rotational inertia as possible. 'Swirl reducers' if you like. You'll find such parts in erverything from vacuum cleaner blowers through to jet engines; static parts that act to cause process air to exit with minimal rotational inertia.
 
  • #16
cmb said:
I don't think there is any need to wrangle your way through the 'Coriolis' force.

Just look at this simply and imagine what happens to the pumped fluid after it has exited the system. What you are after is for the pumped fluid to have no rotational velocity.

If it has rotational velocity when you don't really want it, then it takes energy to make that happen. This is where your energy is going.

In most air-flow processes, you have static reaction elements that push back against the air so that it exits the flow-modifyer parts with as little rotational inertia as possible. 'Swirl reducers' if you like. You'll find such parts in erverything from vacuum cleaner blowers through to jet engines; static parts that act to cause process air to exit with minimal rotational inertia.

This whole experiment is just a comparison of the efficiency of a system which expends energy to create coriolis force which it then wastes with another which uses this coriolis force that you've expended energy to create.
 
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  • #17
BadBrain said:
This whole experiment is just a comparison of the efficiency of a system which expends energy to create coriolis force

Is it?

What, exactly, experiences a 'Coriolis force'?

As I see it; fluid in the pipe is merely gaining angular momentum as it travels away from the centre of rotation, and at the end of the pipe there are 3 options - it gains yet more, it gains no more, or it loses angular momentum (back to the pipe, thus the fluid in it). The latter is clearly going to be less power-demanding scenario. No need to conjour up extra concepts here. Call it what you like, but this is a very simple scenario, easily explained.
 
  • #18
Thanks for the explanations, and the figures.

Initially I did expect the rotational velocity of the mass would end up in zero at the circumference of the pump (observed outside the pump), and that is what I wanted. I was further thinking that the kinetic energy in the mass was gained back to the system by the 90 degree bend - translated into an electric car where the motor consumes energy to accelerate, and gain back the energy when it deaccelerate (charging the battery) - total energy to move the mass horizontally from one place to another is zero + loss.

What happens if the pump is clogged by mud or objects that resist the flow? Say the flow rate is reduced to 50% at the same RPM. Will the energy input to sustain rotation increase, be the same, or reduced?
If it is completely clogged, then no mass flow at all, should not require energy to sustain rotation, right?

Please be patient with me. I'm just very curious:smile:

Vidar
 
  • #19
Low-Q said:
What happens if the pump is clogged by mud or objects that resist the flow? Say the flow rate is reduced to 50% at the same RPM. Will the energy input to sustain rotation increase, be the same, or reduced?
If it is completely clogged, then no mass flow at all, should not require energy to sustain rotation, right?

Other than the mechanical rotational losses of the moving parts, yes, that's right.

Just think what happens to your vacuum cleaner motor when you block the air by putting your hand over the end of the pipe. It will wind up to its maximum (usually an electronically limited speed in modern motors) because there are no fluid-pumping loads on it any more.
 
  • #20
Low-Q said:
Thanks for the explanations, and the figures.

You're welcome!

Low-Q said:
I was further thinking that the kinetic energy in the mass was gained back to the system by the 90 degree bend - translated into an electric car where the motor consumes energy to accelerate, and gain back the energy when it deaccelerate (charging the battery) - total energy to move the mass horizontally from one place to another is zero + loss.

Actually, the kinetic energy that's being recaptured by the system is the equal and opposite reaction to the kinetic energy of the water in the tube along the rotational vector, which equal and opposite reaction is the inertial resistance of the water to the acceleration it undergoes as it moves down the pipe; this is the definition of coriolis force.

I think you're thinking things are more complicated than they really are, and that you're confusing yourself. Try breaking problems down to their essential parts, and analyzing them in smaller pieces.
 
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  • #21
BadBrain said:
the kinetic energy that's being recaptured by the system is the equal and opposite reaction to the kinetic energy of the water in the tube along the rotational vector

I don't think 'reaction to energy' is clear. You can have a 'reaction' (force) to a mass acceleration, or a rate of change of momentum (same thing, different expression). Else you appear to be saying [equal and opposite] that one is negative energy and the other is positive energy!
 
  • #22
cmb said:
Is it?

What, exactly, experiences a 'Coriolis force'?

As I see it; fluid in the pipe is merely gaining angular momentum as it travels away from the centre of rotation, and at the end of the pipe there are 3 options - it gains yet more, it gains no more, or it loses angular momentum (back to the pipe, thus the fluid in it). The latter is clearly going to be less power-demanding scenario. No need to conjour up extra concepts here. Call it what you like, but this is a very simple scenario, easily explained.

Coriolis force is not a new concept: in the field of artillery, it goes back to 1651.

Its definition is according to my last post above.

As a fluid gains angular momentum as it travels away from the centre of rotation, it will experience increasing inertial resistance to this acceleration, which is what the coriolis force is.
 
  • #23
cmb said:
I don't think 'reaction to energy' is clear. You can have a 'reaction' (force) to a mass acceleration, or a rate of change of momentum (same thing, different expression). Else you appear to be saying [equal and opposite] that one is negative energy and the other is positive energy!

You're correct!

What I should have said is that the coriolis force is the equal and opposite reaction to the rate of change of momentum, and, in this context, releases the kinetic energy built up in the water as it underwent this change of momentum by means of the 90° bend at the end of the tube.
 
  • #24
By the way, my passion on this point has to do with my interest in the "New Steam", as I mentioned in my thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=530545

to which this valve question may well find application.
 
  • #25
BadBrain said:
You're welcome!



Actually, the kinetic energy that's being recaptured by the system is the equal and opposite reaction to the kinetic energy of the water in the tube along the rotational vector, which equal and opposite reaction is the inertial resistance of the water to the acceleration it undergoes as it moves down the pipe; this is the definition of coriolis force.

I think you're thinking things are more complicated than they really are, and that you're confusing yourself. Try breaking problems down to their essential parts, and analyzing them in smaller pieces.
He-he, you can't be more right about that :-))
I will try to think simple, and take it from there.

Vidar
 
  • #26
Vidar:

You seem to have some formal training in aerodynamics, which I obviously lack. Would you take a look at my new thread under the "General Engineering" category entitled "The Principle of the Helicopter", and tell me whist you think?

Thanks!
 
  • #27
I have now tried to think simple about the pump:

The mass enter the center, and flows radially towards the circumference. In this part the water has accelerated due to centrifugal forces. The mass has also accelerated prependicular to the radial movemet as the prependicular velocity increase as the mass is flowing towards the circumference. That acceleration creates a counterforce that breaks rotation. Coriolis force.

The 90 degree bend will force the mass to change direction, and also change direction of momentum.

This change in momentums direction will counteract the Coriolis force, so the pump can move mass from center to the circumference without effort.

Am I right about this? (basicly)

I have already done an experiment with a soda bottle where I placed tubes with a 90 degree bends. I filled the bottle with water. The water hang in a thread, so when I released the appertures of the tubes, the water flows out. I can feel the torque in the bottle as the water flows.
Later in this experiment I released the bottle so it spun by the torque from the water flow.
The bottle emties faster when the tubes are rotating and creates a centrifugal force that sucks water out of the bottle faster. The time difference between first and second experiment is very clear. Here is the youtube video assisted by my 7 year old daughter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzBWDWTtaP8"

Vidar
 
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  • #28
Low-Q said:
I have now tried to think simple about the pump:

The mass enter the center, and flows radially towards the circumference. In this part the water has accelerated due to centrifugal forces. The mass has also accelerated prependicular to the radial movemet as the prependicular velocity increase as the mass is flowing towards the circumference. That acceleration creates a counterforce that breaks rotation. Coriolis force.

The 90 degree bend will force the mass to change direction, and also change direction of momentum.

This change in momentums direction will counteract the Coriolis force, so the pump can move mass from center to the circumference without effort.

Am I right about this? (basicly)

You're right up until the word "counteract": it actually releases the coriolis force, allowing it to be applied to the mass of the water leaving the bottle, increasing the flow.

I enjoyed your film, but it had no sound, so if you were giving any kind of explanation while filming I didn't hear it. (Lovely daughter, by the way!)
 
  • #29
Just by coincidence, right now I'm watching "Secrets of the Viking Warriors" on the National Geographic channel. I seem to have a little Viking in me myself, as I have a great-great-great grandmother named "Bystrom". She was born in Eastern Germany (actually Prussian Poland), so she may have been descended from Viking settlers.
 
  • #30
BadBrain said:
You're right up until the word "counteract": it actually releases the coriolis force

Are you guys talking in some sort of code, or what? It strikes me that this is some sort of huffy-puffery because some mystical interpretation of 'Coriolis force' has taken place.

The 'Corilis force' is a fictional force that provides a description of why things appear to become deflected from their path when you, the observer, are rotating. Whilst you are static, not rotating, and looking on to this experiment, there is nothing that can be called 'the Coriolis Force' that I can determine. Who is the rotating oberver here?

Whether the water pouring out of those tubes comes from the centre, or from two bottles located directly over the pipes at the periphery of the circumference, the torque reaction will still be the same. None of your 'Coriolis' force possible then!

The water is being ejected tangentially in the plane of rotation about an axis, so you get a torque reaction. That's the complete explanation.
 
  • #31
BadBrain said:
You're right up until the word "counteract": it actually releases the coriolis force, allowing it to be applied to the mass of the water leaving the bottle, increasing the flow.

I enjoyed your film, but it had no sound, so if you were giving any kind of explanation while filming I didn't hear it. (Lovely daughter, by the way!)
There is no sound on the video - I forgot to enable it on my cellphone... My daughter loves the water experiment, and talks all the time - so sound would not be useful anyways :biggrin:

Anyways, the video shows that the centrifugal force increase the flow rate by its own "power" to spin the bottle. I also tested a plastic tube pump with my dremel (one of my other videos). The RPM is approx the same if the 90 degree nozzles points towards or away from rotation. When the nozzles pointed prependicular to rotation, the RPM slows down considerably, but that is also caused by air resistance. However, if I clogged the inlet completely, the RPM rised, but not when the nozzles pointed towards or away from the rotation direction.

I tested the pump capacity with a small crumpled piece of paper with all three experiments. I put it on the floor and watched how close to it I must go before the pump could pick it up. Big difference between prependicular aligned nozzles and nozzles pointed away from rotation. However, no pump function at all when the nozzles pointed towards rotation.

By "nature" I am very interesting in energy - most of all free energy (Yes, I know. it's against the rules of this forum). And I have asked myself: What would happen if I load the airflow with a small turbine attached to a generator. Will we get centrifugal forces for free so it takes no energy to let air flow through the turbine - when the nozzles is pointing away from rotation?

I preliminary concluded this: If the air flow is reduced by a loaded turbine, the counterforce from Coriolis effect will be reduced too because less mass is traveling through the tubes at all times. The air velocity out if the nozzles will be reduced accordingly, so it would require no net difference in energy supply to run the pump.

This is why I am so interesting in details about such pumps, and to know what net energy is required to run an ideal pump with this design. I just wanted hard facts before I think further with my design...and before I keep dreaming...

Vidar
 
  • #32
cmb said:
Are you guys talking in some sort of code, or what? It strikes me that this is some sort of huffy-puffery because some mystical interpretation of 'Coriolis force' has taken place.

The 'Corilis force' is a fictional force that provides a description of why things appear to become deflected from their path when you, the observer, are rotating. Whilst you are static, not rotating, and looking on to this experiment, there is nothing that can be called 'the Coriolis Force' that I can determine. Who is the rotating oberver here?

Whether the water pouring out of those tubes comes from the centre, or from two bottles located directly over the pipes at the periphery of the circumference, the torque reaction will still be the same. None of your 'Coriolis' force possible then!

The water is being ejected tangentially in the plane of rotation about an axis, so you get a torque reaction. That's the complete explanation.
What you describe first is the Coriolis effect. A rolling ball across a rotating disc will move traigt forward in space, but from an observation point on the disc, the ball will deflect. However, if the ball is rolling on a radial track, the ball will follow a spiral path in space. This path cost energy because the ball does not only accelerate radially but also tangentially. The last acceleration will counterforce rotation. This force is what I call the Coriolis force - it might not be the correct word, but I hope you understand what I mean. However, this force change direction at the nozzles, and "counteract" Coriolis force - so to speak - so left we have sentrifugal force(?)

To be more correct, as the pump is rotating leaving behind a given distance, it boils down to energy consumption to fight tangential acceleration of a mass which moves radially towards the circumference. The force that applies tangentially at the 90 degree bend, is also boils down to a given amount of energy that is gained back by providing forward torque along the circumference.

Vidar
 
  • #33
You can describe this in any terms you like, but there are inconsistencies here. So, in the case of a bottle right above each 90 pipe outlet (pointed back, tangentially), which will have precisely the same effect, what 'Coriolis' forces (in your own definition) would be 'counteracted' here?
 
  • #34
cmb said:
You can describe this in any terms you like, but there are inconsistencies here. So, in the case of a bottle right above each 90 pipe outlet (pointed back, tangentially), which will have precisely the same effect, what 'Coriolis' forces (in your own definition) would be 'counteracted' here?
To be honest, I do not know precicely. What I know is that there is pressure at the inlet of the "pump" (Now I'm talking about the bottle experiment on youtube). Potential energy is applied to the pipes by the water level. The water will therfor flow through the pipes without centrifugal forces applied. When the bottle starts to rotate, it will not rotate faster than the waterflow will allow it to. However, there will be applied a centrifugal force during self rotation, or some force is involved, which accelerate the waterflow beyond the velocity of the water out of the tubes in the first place.

Vidar
 
  • #35
cmb said:
You can describe this in any terms you like, but there are inconsistencies here. So, in the case of a bottle right above each 90 pipe outlet (pointed back, tangentially), which will have precisely the same effect, what 'Coriolis' forces (in your own definition) would be 'counteracted' here?

Such motion would be due, neither to centrifugal force, nor to coriolis force, but to gravitational potential energy causing the flow of water out of the nozzle, creating a pressure differential at the bend, which, having the release at the opening, would create motion contrary to the tangential flow as the equal and opposite reaction to the release of pressure at the nozzle due to the containment of pressure at the end opposite (i.e., the rocket effect). In your system, the water needs to be in a relatively high energy state (through gravitational potential energy) at the outset, and loses energy as it passes through your system, whereas in Vidar's pump, whose purpose is to lift water (i.e., to increase its gravitational potential energy), the energy created by the source of rotation is applied to the mass of the water being lifted through forces, specifically, centrifugal and coriolis forces, as experimentally observed (by Vidar) and theoretically explained (by me).

By the way, in the sense used in this thread, centrifugal force is also a fictitious force; that fact doesn't render the effects they describe any less real.

Edit:

OK, I can foresee your next argument, that being that the bend, using only centrifugal force, also uses the rocket effect to increase its efficiency. This is not possible, as the centrifugal force at the end of the tube would place an upward limit on the force that could be applied at the tip according to any configuration, and, thus, the efficiency, according to such an explanation, could not be greater than that observed in case B. Indeed, it would most likely be less than that due to mechanical loss of energy through the sudden redirection of momentum.

The only explanation for the increased efficiency under case C is the application of an additional force, the coriolis force, which is wasted by the configuration of the tube in case B.
 
Last edited:
<h2>1. What is a centrifugal pump?</h2><p>A centrifugal pump is a type of fluid transfer pump that uses a rotating impeller to increase the pressure and flow of a fluid. It is commonly used in industrial and commercial applications for pumping liquids such as water, chemicals, and oil.</p><h2>2. How does a centrifugal pump work?</h2><p>A centrifugal pump works by converting mechanical energy from a motor into kinetic energy in the fluid being pumped. The rotating impeller creates a centrifugal force which pushes the fluid outwards, increasing its velocity and pressure. This pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the pump causes the fluid to flow through the pump.</p><h2>3. What are the different types of centrifugal pumps?</h2><p>There are several types of centrifugal pumps, including single-stage, multi-stage, horizontal, vertical, and submersible pumps. Single-stage pumps have one impeller, while multi-stage pumps have multiple impellers to increase pressure. Horizontal pumps have a horizontal shaft, while vertical pumps have a vertical shaft. Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in the fluid being pumped.</p><h2>4. What are the common applications of centrifugal pumps?</h2><p>Centrifugal pumps are used in a wide range of applications, including water supply and irrigation, wastewater treatment, oil and gas production, chemical processing, and HVAC systems. They are also commonly used in domestic and commercial settings for pumping water and other fluids.</p><h2>5. How do I choose the right centrifugal pump for my application?</h2><p>Choosing the right centrifugal pump for your application depends on several factors, including the type of fluid being pumped, flow rate, pressure requirements, and the environment in which the pump will be operating. It is important to consult with a pump expert or refer to pump selection guides to ensure you choose the most suitable pump for your specific needs.</p>

1. What is a centrifugal pump?

A centrifugal pump is a type of fluid transfer pump that uses a rotating impeller to increase the pressure and flow of a fluid. It is commonly used in industrial and commercial applications for pumping liquids such as water, chemicals, and oil.

2. How does a centrifugal pump work?

A centrifugal pump works by converting mechanical energy from a motor into kinetic energy in the fluid being pumped. The rotating impeller creates a centrifugal force which pushes the fluid outwards, increasing its velocity and pressure. This pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the pump causes the fluid to flow through the pump.

3. What are the different types of centrifugal pumps?

There are several types of centrifugal pumps, including single-stage, multi-stage, horizontal, vertical, and submersible pumps. Single-stage pumps have one impeller, while multi-stage pumps have multiple impellers to increase pressure. Horizontal pumps have a horizontal shaft, while vertical pumps have a vertical shaft. Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in the fluid being pumped.

4. What are the common applications of centrifugal pumps?

Centrifugal pumps are used in a wide range of applications, including water supply and irrigation, wastewater treatment, oil and gas production, chemical processing, and HVAC systems. They are also commonly used in domestic and commercial settings for pumping water and other fluids.

5. How do I choose the right centrifugal pump for my application?

Choosing the right centrifugal pump for your application depends on several factors, including the type of fluid being pumped, flow rate, pressure requirements, and the environment in which the pump will be operating. It is important to consult with a pump expert or refer to pump selection guides to ensure you choose the most suitable pump for your specific needs.

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