Calculating the force from a pump + nozzle system

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the force generated by a water pump and nozzle system, specifically using a pump curve and nozzle characteristics. The user has a pump curve indicating 20 psi at 180 gallons per minute and is working with a 2-inch diameter hose and a 1-inch nozzle. Key insights include the necessity of determining the operating point on the pump curve and the flow characteristics of the nozzle, which can be approximated using a Cv value of 27. The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating the pump and nozzle characteristics to accurately calculate the propulsive force of the water stream.

PREREQUISITES
  • Pump curve analysis
  • Flow coefficient (Cv) calculations
  • Basic fluid dynamics principles
  • Understanding of nozzle performance characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to graphically determine the intersection of pump and system curves.
  • Research the use of throttle valves and their impact on flow rate in pump systems.
  • Explore orifice flow rate calculations and their application in nozzle design.
  • Investigate the effects of hose diameter and length on flow characteristics in fluid systems.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, fluid dynamics specialists, and anyone involved in designing or optimizing pump and nozzle systems for fluid propulsion applications.

CCM_CAN
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I am attempting to calculate the force (in KgF) of a water pump + nozzle system. I have the pump curve (head vs. flow rate) for the pump, the diameter of the connection hose (2 inches) and the nozzle diameter (1 inch). The connection hose between the pump and nozzle is very short (approx 10 cm). How do I calculate the possible forces created by this system by tuning the flow rate output from the pump? Thanks!

Example point on the pump curve: 20 psi at 180 gallons per minute.
 
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Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Which force on what where? The force of the stream of fluid on something at some distance away from the nozzle? Or some other force? Sorry, but it's not obvious to me from reading your question. Thanks.
 
You posted in 'Engineering' rather than 'Physics,' so:

You can safely ignore the 2" hose - any contribution from it will disappear in other non-idealities.

You have to determine where on the pump curve that you'll be operating. That is the point where the pump curve intersects with the 'system curve.' This may be done mathematically or graphically - I'd do it graphically. Absent other information, you can approximate the Cv for a 1" (ID) nozzle at 27. The nozzle curve (that you generate from the Cv) is your system curve. Once you determine that point, you'll know the flow and pressure at the nozzle inlet.

You mention 'tuning' the flow rate. If that's by means of pump speed control, you'll need to generate a new pump curve for each speed and determine the new intersection point; if by means of a 'throttle valve' between the pump and nozzle, you'll need to add the flow characteristics of the valve to your nozzle characteristics to get the system curve.

Assuming that you were using a small (or long) hose, the characteristics of that might also need to be included in your system curve.
 
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CCM_CAN said:
I am attempting to calculate the force (in KgF) of a water pump + nozzle system. I have the pump curve (head vs. flow rate) for the pump, the diameter of the connection hose (2 inches) and the nozzle diameter (1 inch). The connection hose between the pump and nozzle is very short (approx 10 cm). How do I calculate the possible forces created by this system by tuning the flow rate output from the pump? Thanks!

Example point on the pump curve: 20 psi at 180 gallons per minute.
Do you have a performance curve for the nozzle, or is it just a simple cone?
 
Simple cone, linear decrease in diameter from 2 inch to `1 inch.
 
CCM_CAN said:
Simple cone, linear decrease in diameter from 2 inch to `1 inch.
@Dullard gave a good method just before I posted my question. Cv is called a flow coefficient. you can google for the equation, graph it, and see where it intersects the pump curve to get your flow rate.

Alternately and separately I was plugging values into an orifice flow rate calculator on tlv.com and using a 90% efficiency/discharge coefficient yields the same 27 Cv. You could plug in different values for pressure drop until you hit a point on your curve. It's actually not too far off the point you picked as your sample.
 

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