Calculating Maximum Pump Height for Given Flow Velocity | Pipe Friction Ignored

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum height a pump can achieve for a specified flow velocity, specifically ignoring pipe friction. Participants explore the application of Bernoulli's principle and related equations to derive the maximum head based on given parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents initial parameters of a pump and seeks to calculate maximum height for a flow velocity of 1.5 m/s, noting the neglect of frictional effects.
  • Another participant introduces a formula relating total head (Hm), static head (Hst), and losses, suggesting that losses can be approximated as a constant multiplied by the square of the flow rate (Q^2).
  • A clarification request arises regarding the definitions of terms used in the equation, specifically whether losses refer to frictional effects and if the equation is a variation of Darcy's law.
  • Participants confirm the correctness of the definitions and the relationship to Bernoulli's equation.
  • One participant mentions the use of the equation to draw the system curve of the pumping system and the significance of the intersection with the pump curve as the operating point.
  • A later reply presents a calculation for maximum static head based on the maximum flow rate, questioning the correctness of the derived value.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions and relationships among the variables involved, but there is uncertainty regarding the specific calculations and assumptions, particularly concerning the frictional losses and their impact on the maximum head.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the performance curves of the pump and the assumptions made regarding frictional losses, which may affect the accuracy of the calculations.

skaboy607
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Hi

I have a pump which for 0 head will provide a max flow of 12 l/min (0.0002 m^3/s). For the piping I am using (3/8"), by my calculations this gives a theoretical MAX mass flow rate of 0.2 m/s and a MAX velocity of 2.8 m/s.

As i understand it, these values are not taking into account (1) frictional effects in the piping and (2) static head involved in raising the fluid.

Ignoring the frictional effects in the piping for now, how would I calculate the max height this pump could pump water for a given flow velocity, say 1.5 m/s.

I'm sure it is Bernoulli's but there seems to be too many variables. I don't have access to the performance curves of the pump.

Thanks for your help.
 
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Hm = Hst + losses
losses is defined as constant * Q^2
and u have Q = 12 L/S
AND d = 3/7 " so sub in this
o.8 * f * L * Q2/gD^5 you will find it a very small term because Q is small
so finally u can consider that H pump = H st + 3 or 4 meters
but H static should be taken into considerations
 
Hi

Thanks for the reply. Can you elaborate on this please. I don't understand some of what you have done.

Is Hm=Total head, Hst=Static head (elevation head) and losses=frictional effects

Losses (frictional effects) defined as a constant * Q^2

Is this correct? I'm with you up until this point.

The equation you've written now, is it some varation of Darcy's. Can you explain please.

Thanks
 
yes man its correct and its a form of bernoulis equation
 
and remeber also this equation is also used to draw the system curve of the pumping system and the intersection between it and the pump curve is the operating point
 
maxx_payne said:
and remeber also this equation is also used to draw the system curve of the pumping system and the intersection between it and the pump curve is the operating point

ok...so I also found out that the max head for 0 flow is 4.3 psi (3.02m) so I can write hw=H (static) + constant*Q^2.

Therefore for the max flow rate the pump can produce (12 l/min) and assuming frictional loss in pipe is constant at 1 for now, I can write:

H(static)=3.02-(1*0.0002^2 (m^3/s))=3.0196m

Is this right?
 

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