Flow through a pipe, pressure, velocity, Bernoulli, etc

AI Thread Summary
Increasing the pump's volumetric output while keeping the pipe diameter constant results in higher fluid velocity, which leads to a decrease in pressure at points A, B, and C, causing the heights of the liquid columns to fall. Conversely, using a smaller pipe with the same volumetric output also increases fluid velocity, resulting in decreased pressure and lower column heights. The discussion highlights a misunderstanding, as the original answer suggests that pressures and heights should increase, contrary to Bernoulli's principle. The pressure drop along the pipe and flow resistance are critical factors, especially as flow velocity increases. Clarification on flow resistance in smaller pipes for the same volumetric flow rate is sought to resolve these discrepancies.
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Homework Statement



If the volumetric output of the pump were increased, keeping the pipe diameter constant, would the pressures at A, B, and C increase or decrease? Would the heights within each column at each location rise or fall? Explain.

If smaller pipe were used, keeping pump volumetric output the same, would the pressures at A, B, and C increase or decrease? How would the heights of each column change? Explain.

Homework Equations



Flow rate = Area x Velocity [1]

Bernoulli's energy balance: KE1 + PE1 + GPE1 = KE2 + PE2 + GPE2 [2]
where
KE = kinetic energy, PE = potential energy (from pressurized fluid), GPE = gravitational potential energy (from height difference from reference point)

The Attempt at a Solution



My answer follows:

In the first situation, when pump volumetric output is increased:
From [1]: if Flow rate increases, and Area is const., then Velocity increases.
From [2]: if Velocity increases, KE increases, so KE2 - KE1 = some value
since there is no height change along the pipe, GPE2 - GPE1 = 0
so to balance energies, a decrease in PE must occur, which means a decrease in the pressure.
Therefore, an increase in pump volumetric flow will decrease the pressures at A, B, and C and thus make the heights of each column fall accordingly.

In the second situation, when volumetric output is const., and diameter of pipe is reduced:
From [1]: if Area is decreased, and Flow rate const., then Velocity increases, as in the first situation. Again, KE increases, GPE const., PE has to decrease, and pressures decrease. Again, the heights of liquid fall for each column. Situation 1 and 2 both increase fluid velocity, which drops pressure, according to Bernoulli, and the heights will fall.Problem is, the answer says the pressures and heights increase at all locations (except D as it is at atmospheric pressure) for both scenarios.

What am I not understanding? Any help is appreciated.
 

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There is a pressure drop along the pipe, and given the diameter and flow rate are constant the dp/dx should be constant. What happens with flow resistance as flow velocity increases?

What is the flow resistance of a smaller pipe for the same volumetric flow rate?
 
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