Flow rate loss due to pressure loss

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of flow rate loss due to pressure loss in a pump system. Participants are trying to understand the implications of a 30 psi loss over 20 seconds, considering the specifics of the pipe dimensions and the lack of additional information about the system's application and configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over the lack of information and seeks guidance on calculating the flow loss based on the given pressure drop, pipe diameter, and length.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for a clearer explanation of the situation, suggesting that diagrams could aid in understanding.
  • A different participant asks for more context regarding the application and the end goal, noting that pressure loss indicates a loss of stored energy in the system.
  • Another response points out that a progressive drop in pressure suggests potential issues within the system, such as faulty valves, slipping couplings, or problems with pump seals, and raises the possibility of drawing a vacuum affecting the system's performance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of the pressure loss and the potential causes behind it. The discussion remains unresolved with various hypotheses presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for additional information about the system's application and configuration, which may influence the understanding of the pressure loss and flow rate calculations.

crawdad328
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If I'm losing 30 psi every 20 seconds at a pump, how many gallons am I losing in that time frame? I don't really have a lot of information to go on, which is frustrating. I know the diameter of the pipe is 8" and there's a total length of 500 feet of the pipe. With this info I'm having trouble finding a good starting point on figuring this out. I do t know if it's being losses over a distance or just at a point. Can someone point me in the right direction? Feels like I'm missing something obvious.
 
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crawdad328 said:
I don't really have a lot of information to go on, which is frustrating.

Yep, as it is it's unclear what is even going on; you need to explain the situation properly. Diagrams help.
 
You are going to have to explain more about what the application is and what your end goal is? Pressure loss over time means you are losing stored energy somewhere, what is the pipe transferring water from/to?
 
Yea, rarely in a pump system do you have to deal with delta-psi / min, or any variation thereof. Certainly systems change in their overall pressure (and therefore flow rates, or vice versa) but a progressive drop in pressure, where there wasn't one before, indicates that something is amiss with your system. What that could be is anyone's guess at this point. Could be a faulty valve (perhaps with a mis-programmed or buggy control loop?) somewhere, could be a slipping coupling in the pump, could be issues with pump seals and internals, could be an issue with the suction side (if it's a tank it could be that the air spaces are not replenishing quick enough and you are drawing a vacuum, which is dropping your NPSHa. Lots of stuff.
 

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