Fluid Dynamics Problem: Effects of a Full Reservoir

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a fluid dynamics problem involving a mountain spring feeding a reservoir through a 40-gallon drum with multiple outlets. The primary concern is whether a vacuum forms in the drum when the reservoir is full and the inflow exceeds the capacity of the lower overflow pipe. This situation raises questions about the flow dynamics and pressure changes within the airtight system. Participants are encouraged to provide insights or sketches to clarify the mechanics involved. The inquiry highlights the complexities of fluid behavior under varying conditions in a closed system.
jmrathbun
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
If this isn't the right forum, please move me to a better one.

Assume that the output of a mountain spring is diverted to a reservoir about 200 feet below the spring through the following airtight system:

A two inch pipe leads from the spring to a 40-gallon drum that lies on its side a few feet below the spring; this pipe enters the drum near the top of one end. The drum has three outlets on its other end:
  • At the bottom, a two inch cleanout channel has a short run and is normally closed with a valve
  • In the middle, a 3/4 inch pipe goes down to the top of the reservoir, where there is a short overflow channel of 3/4 inch pipe
  • At the top, a 3/4 inch overflow pipe terminates a few feet below the barrel

The output of the spring is variable. I'm interested in the situation where the reservoir is full and there is more water coming into the barrel than the lower overflow pipe can accommodate. Once the upper overflow pipe fills, does a vacuum form in the barrel that prevents free flow to the reservoir so that the lower overflow pipe would run less full than the upper one?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
jmrathbun said:
If this isn't the right forum, please move me to a better one.

Assume that the output of a mountain spring is diverted to a reservoir about 200 feet below the spring through the following airtight system:

A two inch pipe leads from the spring to a 40-gallon drum that lies on its side a few feet below the spring; this pipe enters the drum near the top of one end. The drum has three outlets on its other end:
  • At the bottom, a two inch cleanout channel has a short run and is normally closed with a valve
  • In the middle, a 3/4 inch pipe goes down to the top of the reservoir, where there is a short overflow channel of 3/4 inch pipe
  • At the top, a 3/4 inch overflow pipe terminates a few feet below the barrel

The output of the spring is variable. I'm interested in the situation where the reservoir is full and there is more water coming into the barrel than the lower overflow pipe can accommodate. Once the upper overflow pipe fills, does a vacuum form in the barrel that prevents free flow to the reservoir so that the lower overflow pipe would run less full than the upper one?

Can you provide a sketch?

CS
 
Sorry I don't have much in the way of drawing skills but here's my attempt :blushing:
 

Attachments

  • Spring Feed.jpg
    Spring Feed.jpg
    15.3 KB · Views: 628
Hi all, I have a question. So from the derivation of the Isentropic process relationship PV^gamma = constant, there is a step dW = PdV, which can only be said for quasi-equilibrium (or reversible) processes. As such I believe PV^gamma = constant (and the family of equations) should not be applicable to just adiabatic processes? Ie, it should be applicable only for adiabatic + reversible = isentropic processes? However, I've seen couple of online notes/books, and...
I have an engine that uses a dry sump oiling system. The oil collection pan has three AN fittings to use for scavenging. Two of the fittings are approximately on the same level, the third is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher than the other two. The system ran for years with no problem using a three stage pump (one pressure and two scavenge stages). The two scavenge stages were connected at times to any two of the three AN fittings on the tank. Recently I tried an upgrade to a four stage pump...
Back
Top