How Do Pumps Increase Pressure According to Bernoulli's Equation?

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SUMMARY

Pumps increase pressure by adding energy to the fluid, which can result in both static and dynamic pressure increases. Centrifugal pumps utilize an impeller to enhance the fluid's velocity, converting kinetic energy into pressure as the fluid exits through a diffuser or volute. This process is essential for understanding fluid dynamics, particularly the physics of impellers. Companies like Berkley Sta specialize in impeller design, offering valuable insights into this complex topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bernoulli's Equation
  • Familiarity with pump types, specifically centrifugal and piston pumps
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics principles
  • Basic concepts of kinetic and static pressure
NEXT STEPS
  • Research centrifugal pump design and operation
  • Learn about the physics of impellers and their impact on fluid dynamics
  • Study Bernoulli's Equation in detail for practical applications
  • Explore resources from companies like Berkley Sta on pump technology
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, fluid dynamics students, and professionals involved in pump design and operation will benefit from this discussion, particularly those looking to deepen their understanding of pressure dynamics in fluid systems.

fog37
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TL;DR
understanding how pumps work
Hello,

My understanding is that pumps (whatever type) add energy to the fluid and cause the fluid to move. The fluid can be either brought to a higher elevation or not.

I am unclear on how pumps "provide a larger pressure". Do they? If so, in what sense? Are pumps simply speeding up, i.e. increasing the kinetic energy, of the fluid (gas or liquid) that is pulled inside the pump case and the pressure increase discussed with pumps is nothing but the increase in "dynamic pressure" that the fluid would experience at if brought to rest at a stagnation point after it exist the pump?
 
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fog37 said:
My understanding is that pumps (whatever type) add energy to the fluid and cause the fluid to move. The fluid can be either brought to a higher elevation or not.
Typically it is said that pumps apply or create a pressure, which causes a fluid to move, similar to how you would say you apply a force to a box to push it across the floor.
I am unclear on how pumps "provide a larger pressure". Do they? If so, in what sense?
Two most common methods are pistons, which directly push on the fluid and centrifugal, which actually use a combination of centrifugal force from spinning the fluid and a hydrodynamic lift effect (like a wing).
Are pumps simply speeding up, i.e. increasing the kinetic energy, of the fluid (gas or liquid) that is pulled inside the pump case and the pressure increase discussed with pumps is nothing but the increase in "dynamic pressure" that the fluid would experience at if brought to rest at a stagnation point after it exist the pump?
You get both an increase in static and dynamic pressure.
 
In a centrifugal pump, the impeller increases the velocity of the fluid - kinetic energy. The fast-moving fluid then passes through the diffuser or volute, which has a larger exit area. This slows the fluid; the kinetic energy is "converted" to pressure.
 
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Understanding the cutting of said "Impeller" is a whole profession in itself. Berkley Sta right have been doing this foreva. To learn impellers, their unique physics will provide a step up in fluid dynamics as a whole...
Possibly contact someone at those Companies. They may be able to provide plethora of solid information..
Sheldon
 

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