Plant Freezing at -20C: No Power & 5700 GPM

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the freezing of water in pipes when external temperatures reach -20C after a period of -17C, particularly in the context of a plant with a significant water flow rate of 5700 GPM. Participants explore factors influencing the freezing process, including the condition of the pipes and environmental variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the rate at which water will freeze under the specified conditions, highlighting the lack of power to pumps.
  • Another participant suggests draining any unfrozen water from the pipes and leaving faucets open, implying a preventative measure against freezing.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the complexity of determining how quickly water will freeze, noting that factors such as the initial water temperature, pipe material, insulation, and environmental conditions must be considered.
  • A later reply reiterates the complexity of calculating freezing rates and suggests that measurement may be more practical than calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the freezing process, with no consensus reached on the exact rate of freezing or the best course of action. Multiple competing perspectives on the factors involved remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific conditions such as the temperature of the water inside the pipes, the type of piping, and the arrangement of the piping, which are not fully detailed in the discussion.

Jay cameron
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
How fast will water freeze when the outside temp has been -17C for 3 days and my generator blows up so now I don't have power to any pumps and the temp has dipped to -20C
My plant pumps 5700 GPM
 

Attachments

  • image.jpeg
    image.jpeg
    43.5 KB · Views: 502
Chemistry news on Phys.org
If you had asked that question before your pipes cracked, I would have said you need to drain the water from your pipes immediately.
As it is, drain any that have yet to freeze - and leave all faucets open.
 
Jay cameron said:
How fast will water freeze when the outside temp has been -17C for 3 days and my generator blows up so now I don't have power to any pumps and the temp has dipped to -20C
My plant pumps 5700 GPM
5700 GPM seems rather a lot. I take it this isn't for your home.

How quickly water will freeze at X temperature is not an easy question to answer. You need to know the temperature of the water inside the pipe, what kind of pipe, is it insulated, how is the piping arranged, what sort of environmental conditions there are (besides the temperature), the whole schmeer.
 
SteamKing said:
How quickly water will freeze at X temperature is not an easy question to answer. You need to know the temperature of the water inside the pipe, what kind of pipe, is it insulated, how is the piping arranged, what sort of environmental conditions there are (besides the temperature), the whole schmeer.

And even then it is often much easier to measure than to calculate :wink:
 

Similar threads

Storing chemicals on my balcony (storing in changing temps)
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Can I save anything in my greenhouse from frost damage?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Fukushima Fukushima -- possible alternate scenario?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Engineering Understanding Rankine Cycle Pressures: Should P2 Equal P3?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Lawn/Garden Cycling water, nutrients in pots, garden beds, containers, hydroponics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Challenging the 'Insulation Protects Against Burst Pipes' Theory
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Excel and Open Office Calc Freeze Upon Opening
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Window fan: Bypassing thermostat with a button
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Electrical Designing an off grid power plant
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Pumping Water -- Please check my pump system design work
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K