Solving a Tricky Fluid Mechanics Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a fluid mechanics problem related to a suction pump system. Participants explore the application of the Bernoulli equation to determine the length of the pipeline from a reservoir to a holding tank, considering factors such as pressure, velocity, and elevation changes in the system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the problem relates to calculating the Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa) in a pump system, emphasizing the importance of pressure relative to the liquid's vapor pressure.
  • Another participant indicates that the Bernoulli equation is applicable, noting that the final elevation is unknown and can be derived from the known angle of inclination of the pipe.
  • A participant asks for clarification on how to apply the Bernoulli equation to the problem, expressing uncertainty about its use.
  • Details are provided regarding the initial and final pressures, velocities, and elevations, with specific values assigned to these variables for the calculation.
  • A question is raised about the scenario where the reservoir is closed to atmospheric pressure, implying that this could affect the calculations.
  • Discussion includes a proposed equation involving pressure, velocity, and head loss, with a participant seeking confirmation on the meaning of 'w' in the context of the equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various approaches and interpretations of the problem, with no consensus reached on the correct method or final calculations. Uncertainties regarding the conditions of the reservoir and the application of the Bernoulli equation remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions regarding the state of the reservoir (open vs. closed to atmospheric pressure) and the implications for pressure calculations are not fully explored. The discussion also lacks clarity on how to handle head loss in the system.

adzp
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Hi.

i am trying to brush up on my fluid mechanics for when i do it next year at uni.

do any of you guys have any idea how to solve the follow question?

'A suction pump moves water from a reservoir to a holding tank. The system is designed in such a way that the suction pump is inclined at an angle of 10degres from the horizontal. The operating envolope specifies that the pump cannot transport water if any gases are present iun the suction pipe. Gases are released from the water when the pressure falls below 30% of atmospheric pressure. If tyhe water is transported at a velocity of 1.8m/s in the suction pipe, and assuming the water in resiviour is at rest, determine the length of pipeline from the reservoir to the holding take'

hope some one can help. this is a tricking one for me.

thanks
adzp
 
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In a real world application, this is more like a calculation of NPSHa in a pump system. This has to do with the pressure dropping below the liquid's vapor pressure.

In your case, the Bernoulli equation is what you are looking for. You know pretty much everything except the final elevation. Since you know that the pipe is at a 10° inlcline, you could calculate the delta Z and back out the line length from that.
 
FredGarvin said:
Since you know that the pipe is at a 10° inlcline, you could calculate the delta Z and back out the line length from that.

how would this be done? i have the forumula for bernoulli;s in front of me but can't really see how to use it for this question?

thanks

adzp
 
The two locations would be the reservoir and the end of the pipe at the tank you are transferring to.

V1 =0 (given in the problem statement)
V2 = 1.8 m/s
P1 = 14.7 psia (atmospheric pressure assuming the reservoir is open to atm)
P2 = .7*P1
Z1 = 0 (use as a referernce)
Z2 = CALCULATED VALUE

Give that a try. The rest will be basic trig.
 
what if the resivior is closed to atm?

would it then be a different figure?
 
so

would it be

0 + 14.7/w + 0squared/2g = Z2 + 10.29/w + 1.8squared/2g + loss of head

would this be it?
 
is 'w'

pg? therefore 1000 x 9.81?

adzp
 

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