Calculating the force from a pump + nozzle system

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force generated by a water pump and nozzle system, specifically focusing on the relationship between the pump characteristics, nozzle design, and flow rate adjustments. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects of this system, including the use of pump curves and flow coefficients.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to calculate the force of a water pump and nozzle system, providing details about the pump curve and dimensions of the hose and nozzle.
  • Another participant questions the specific force being calculated, asking for clarification on whether it pertains to the force of the water stream on an object or another type of force.
  • A participant clarifies that they are interested in the propulsive force of the water stream exiting the nozzle and references an external analysis for guidance.
  • Discussion includes the suggestion to ignore the connection hose due to its short length and focus on the intersection of the pump curve with the system curve, which can be determined graphically or mathematically.
  • Participants mention the need to consider the flow characteristics of the nozzle and any throttling mechanisms when determining the system curve.
  • One participant confirms that the nozzle is a simple cone with a linear decrease in diameter from 2 inches to 1 inch.
  • Another participant discusses using a flow coefficient (Cv) and orifice flow rate calculators to find the intersection with the pump curve, suggesting a specific Cv value for the nozzle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the specifics of the calculations and methods to be used, indicating that multiple competing approaches exist without a clear consensus on the best method for determining the force.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of determining the operating point on the pump curve and the potential impact of various factors such as efficiency and discharge coefficients, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

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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