Can we lift water more than 10.3m using atmosphere pressure?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of lifting water more than 10.3 meters using atmospheric pressure and vacuum, particularly in the context of a solar-heated, non-electrical pump design. Participants explore theoretical limits, practical designs, and alternative methods related to this concept.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that lifting water using vacuum and atmospheric pressure is theoretically limited to 10.3 meters due to the balance of forces involved.
  • Another participant proposes that water could be lifted higher if sourced from a confined overpressured aquifer.
  • Concerns are raised about the design of the proposed system, particularly regarding the simultaneous flow of water and air, which some participants argue is not feasible as depicted.
  • A participant expresses doubt about whether the pressure difference in the tank would be sufficient to draw water to significant heights, suggesting that very hot water would be necessary to achieve a meaningful vapor pressure.
  • Discussion includes the mention of alternative pumping methods, such as a fluidic Stirling Cycle water pump and old-style hydraulic jacks, which may offer different efficiencies and designs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the feasibility of lifting water beyond 10.3 meters using the proposed method, with some agreeing on the limitations while others suggest alternative scenarios or designs. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of the proposed design may depend on specific conditions, such as the temperature of the water and the pressure of the aquifer, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

Anubhab2000
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I'm trying to design a solar heated (non electrical pump) ..but by theory when we are lifting water by using vacuum and atmospheric pressure the weight of water after rising 10.3 m is equal to the atmospheric pressure created by vacuum ,so they cancel out..so is it impossible to lift water using vacuum and atmospheric pressure ? I'm posting the design of my Solar heated pump soon
 
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It will be lifted higher if the water is coming from a confined overpressured aquifer.
 
I see one key problem with the drawing. You show water flowing into the tank at the same time that air is flowing out of the tank. Either one is possible separately. But both at the same time is not possible as drawn.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
I see one key problem with the drawing. You show water flowing into the tank at the same time that air is flowing out of the tank. Either one is possible separately. But both at the same time is not possible as drawn.

Agreed, I envision that it would have to be valved. During the day the sun heats the tank and the air is expelled ( to don't see the purpose of it going into the aquifer ?? ) and a valve stops the air going out the water inlet pipe
At nite, the tank cools and the air outlet valve closes and water is drawn up into the tank by the lower pressure through the water inlet pipe and it's now open valveI do doubt that the pressure difference created in the tank would be enough to draw water up any great heightDave
 
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davenn said:
I do doubt that the pressure difference created in the tank would be enough to draw water up any great height
Agreed. One would have to have very hot water for the vapor pressure to amount to a significant fraction of atmospheric pressure. Boiling water could get you just about 10 meters.

A staged design would be technically possible, though likely impractical. There are more efficient ways to harvest solar power to pump water.
 
Wasn't there a purely fluidic Stirling Cycle water pump, which slowly 'sloshed' ?? Several of these, staged, might work, albeit at very low efficiency.

And don't forget the old-style 'homestead' hydraulic jack ( Not the truck-lifter type !) which discarded most of a piped water flow diverted from a stream to pump the rest uphill...
 
hmm
 

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