Help Building Simple Pipe Bend (Experiment)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and experimentation of a recirculating simple pipe bend for a project. Participants explore various aspects including design considerations, pump selection, connection methods, and simulation tools, with a focus on practical implementation and data collection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster seeks advice on building a recirculating pipe bend, including suggestions for a submersible pump and connection methods.
  • Some participants question the appropriateness of a 500 gpm pump, suggesting that it may be excessive for the intended experiment and could lead to high velocities in the 3" pipe.
  • There are suggestions to consider a lower flow rate, with some proposing that 20-30 gpm might be sufficient for the experiment.
  • Concerns are raised about the structural support for the pipes, indicating that proper support is necessary to prevent movement due to water flow.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of using different suppliers for materials, with one recommending Menards for potentially better pricing.
  • There is a suggestion to clarify the objective of the experiment to better inform the choice of equipment and design.
  • Some participants express uncertainty regarding the electrical analogy of the setup and the implications of the chosen pump rate on the system's operation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the appropriate pump size or flow rate, with multiple competing views on what is necessary for the experiment. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal design and equipment choices.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the project's objectives and requirements, leading to different recommendations for pump specifications and structural considerations. There is also a lack of clarity on the relationship between the pump's flow rate and the overall system performance.

aurienell
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So as a side project for my professor, I'm supposed to
1) build a recirculating simple pipe bend
2) experiment and get data
3) do hand calculations via fluids equations (Bernoulli)
4) simulate with solidworks
5) compare results

Restrictions: budget and availability of finding products. Thinking of getting everything at Home Depot/Lowe's. Design can be anything but pipes at least 3" dia.

It sounds simple, but I had to research crazily to understand how to make this all work. If anyone can give suggestions/advice/revisions on improving any part of the steps, I would really, really, appreciate it

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2lc6vlw&s=8#.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2lc6vlw&s=8#.U8hi4vldX9N
A very rough rendering of what I have in mind. The pipes would be raised and propped on a PVC frame. The pipes would be within ~3.5'x3.5'x3.'5 box size

1) Which submersible pump to use? Maybe 500gpm?

2) How to connect pump to pipe?

3) Suggestions on which simulation program to use? I only have FloXpress on Solidworks. Tried to use Autodesk CFD, but somehow my SW works don't load to CFD. I don't have Flow Simulation :(

Thank you so much! I shall be waiting desperately for replies.
 
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I'm sorry you are not generating any responses at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us? Any new findings?
 
Recommend using Menards for supplies in area. Pricing may be more favorable. Need more information to help, but 500 gpm is very large pump, also with 3" pipe the velocity will be somewhat high, about 22 - 24 feet per second. Not sure if you want to pump a fluid in a circle until the pump explodes or what? Is there an equivalent electrical circuit that would explain what you intend? Where is work dissipated? What you've described so far in a circuit sounds like you want to dead short a large battery.
 
Take a step back.

First, what is the objective of this? It sounds like you are just setting up a pump to recirculate water.
Second, what pump rate do you want for this. 500 gpm is a lot and takes a lot of horse power. Set your flow rate to a little above what you need for the experiment to demonstrate what ever you need.
third, I would look at a basic electric sump pump. They usually have a 2 inch threaded fitting and you can adapt it to 3 inch if needed. I doubt though you need more than 20-30 gpm and a 2 inch PVC pipe.
fourth, you better have something supporting the pipe or you will have a problem. even a 20 gpm flow will want to push the pipe around.