Can a gravity fed pump effectively draw fluid from a tank at a higher elevation?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using a gravity-fed pump to draw gasoline from a tank elevated at 63 feet to a facility at 59 feet, requiring a 7-foot vertical rise over 150 feet of 12-inch pipe. The specific gravity of the gasoline is 0.72, necessitating a minimum of 4 feet of fluid in the tank to ensure flow. The net positive suction head available (NPSHA) calculation indicates that the system can function if the tank and pump are vented to atmospheric pressure, allowing for the necessary head to overcome friction losses and elevation changes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles, particularly gravity-fed systems
  • Knowledge of net positive suction head (NPSH) calculations
  • Familiarity with specific gravity and its impact on fluid flow
  • Experience with pipe sizing and friction loss calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research NPSHA calculations for various fluid types and conditions
  • Explore friction loss calculations in long pipe runs using the Darcy-Weisbach equation
  • Learn about venting requirements for tanks and pumps to maintain atmospheric pressure
  • Investigate the design and operation of gravity-fed pumping systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineers, fluid mechanics specialists, and facility managers involved in the design and operation of pumping systems, particularly those dealing with gravity-fed applications and fluid transfer in elevated tank scenarios.

M4H4
Hello, I have a general problem.

I have a tank sitting at elevation of 63 feet.
With 24 inch pipe to 1400 feet away from the facility.
The facility is sitting at 59 feet.
To get to our vertical can pumps suction we need to run the pipe up 7 feet for 150 feet of 12 inch pipe and then drop down into the suction of the pump.
My fluid is gasoline with a specific gravity of 0.72.I believe the tank needs at least 4 feet of product (plus a few feet for friction loss) to flow to the pump.
63+4= 67 feet vs 59 + 7 = 66 feet...

So Npsha for the pump is... Patm-Pvap + (67-66) + pump can depth.

My question is, can the flow from the tank go down the hill and then back up 7 feet to drop down into my pump suction based on just the tank head being one foot (plus a few feet for friction)?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
That is how it's suppose to work. This is assuming the tank and pump are well vented to the same pressure (usually Patm).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
9K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
21
Views
8K
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Poll Poll
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K