Pipe flow question, finding diameter

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the required diameter of a cast iron pipeline for a cooling plant, given a mass flow rate of 100 kg/s and a power availability of 30 kW. Participants emphasize the iterative approach to solving for diameter, suggesting that initial guesses for velocity can lead to the necessary calculations. The two key equations involved are the mass flow rate equation and the kinetic energy equation, which relate the diameter and velocity of water in the pipeline.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with mass flow rate calculations
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy equations
  • Basic proficiency in iterative problem-solving techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Bernoulli equation for fluid flow analysis
  • Learn about the Darcy-Weisbach equation for head loss in pipes
  • Explore the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for pipeline design
  • Investigate the impact of pipe material on flow characteristics
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, particularly those in mechanical and civil disciplines, students studying fluid mechanics, and professionals involved in pipeline design and optimization will benefit from this discussion.

raoulduke1
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Water pumped to a cooling plant through a 4km long cast iron pipeline.
power available is 30kW.
what pipe diameter is required to ensure a mass flow rate of 100kg/s.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know you have to guess a value and find it through trial and error. But is it the velocity you guess?
And what equations do you use to get the diameter
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You do guess a value and it does not matter which because based on the mass flow the other parameter is defined. Your iterations would be based on diameter because that is what is sought.
 
Two equations:
1. amount of water/sec. leaving pipe = ?
2. Kinetic energy of water being expelled from the pipe/sec. = ?

2 equations, 2 unknowns: velocity v and and pipe diameter D.
 

Similar threads

Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
4K