Using Bernoulli's Equation to find Power Requirement

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the head and power requirement for a pump using Bernoulli's equation, with a focus on the assumptions and calculations involved in fluid mechanics. Participants explore the implications of efficiency, frictional losses, and flow characteristics in the context of a homework problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) presents a calculation for the pump's power requirement, assuming a 70% efficiency and providing specific parameters such as flow rate and fluid density.
  • Another participant calculates a slightly different power requirement and pump pressure, suggesting a value of 2.5 kW at 70% efficiency.
  • A participant discusses the equivalent length method and provides detailed calculations for head loss and friction factor, arriving at a power requirement of approximately 2.654 kW.
  • Some participants note that the OP may have omitted frictional and joint resistances in their calculations, which could affect the accuracy of the results.
  • There is a question raised about the use of different friction factors, specifically the Fanning and Darcy friction factors, and their relevance in the context of laminar versus turbulent flow.
  • One participant mentions the importance of understanding the distinction between friction factors to avoid errors in calculations related to pressure loss and fluid flow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to using Bernoulli's equation, but there are differing views on the inclusion of frictional losses and the appropriate friction factor to use. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact values and methods for calculating the power requirement.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on assumptions about flow characteristics (laminar vs. turbulent) and the definitions of friction factors. The discussion highlights the complexity of fluid mechanics calculations and the potential for variations in results based on different approaches.

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Homework Statement



Calculate head required for the pump and then its power requirement assuming 70% efficiency.
The lower storage vessel is vented to atmosphere (assume 1 bar pressure) .

I have the following given information:
Pipe Area = 0.00636m^3.
Flow(Q)= 0.01m^3/s
Average Velocity = 1.57m/s
Density of Fluid = 960kg/m^-3.
Liquid viscosity = 0.081 Pa/s

I have calculated the head losses of the whole system, using firstly the Equivalent Head (Hm) to be 1.03m and Number Velocity head (Hf) to be 0.54m.

Homework Equations



Bernoullis
img00094.gif


The Attempt at a Solution



Pump inlet
## \frac {0} { 960 * 9.81 } + \frac {1.57^2} { 2 * 9.81 \ } + 0 = \frac {P2 }{\ 960 * 9.81 \ } + \frac {1.57^2} { \ 2 * 9.81 \ } + 4 + 0.38 ##

P2 = -41249 Pa
= -0.41Bar

Pump Outlet

## \frac {P1} { 960 * 9.81 } + \frac {1.57^2} { 2 * 9.81 \ } = \frac {200000 }{\ 960 * 9.81 \ } + \frac {1.57^2} { \ 2 * 9.81 \ } + 15 + 1.19 ##

P1= 352470 Pa
P1 = 3.5 Bar + 2 Bar(Pressurised Cylinder)Power = qpgh
= 0.01 x 960 x 9.81 x 19.57
= 1.84 kW
Assuming 70% = ## \frac { 1.84 } { \ 0.7 \ } ##
= 2.63 kW
Is my method correct so I can say the pump required is an 2.63 kW to overcome the 5.5 bar.Any help would be great

Thanks
 

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I have the pump pressure at 2.56 Barg and the power at 70 % efficiency 2.5 kW
 
Equivalent length;
Re=1.572*0.09*960/0.081
Re=1676.8 thus streamlined flow

Friction factor=16/1676.8 =9.54*10^-3

Hf/L =4 (9.54*10^-3 * 1.572^2)/2*9.81*0.09
=0.0534
L = 32 m (total length of pipe)

Hf = 1.7088 m

Le/d = 213 (4 x 90 bends, 1 x entry, 1 x exit)

Cf=16/Re = 9.542*10^-3 (Cf)

Hm=2*Cf*Um^2/g *Le/d
Hm=426*Cf*1.572/9.81
Hm=1.024 (equivalent length method)1.572^2/2*9.81 + 0 + 101325/960*9.81 + 1.572^2/2*9.81 + 2 + Pp/960*9.81 = 1.572^2/2*9.81 + 16 + 200000/960*9.81 + 1.0788 + 1.024=13.011 + Pp/960*9.81=39.970

Pp=26.959*(960*9.81 )

Pp=253889 Pa (2.54 Barg)

H=3+15-1+1.7088+1.024
H=19.733 m

Power required = 0.01*9.81*960*19.733
=1.858 kW

At 70% 1.858/0.7= 2.654 kW
 
I didn't check all your arithmetic, but your approach is correct. It looks like the OP omitted the frictional and joints resistances, and only used Bernoulli.
 
Chestermiller said:
I didn't check all your arithmetic, but your approach is correct. It looks like the OP omitted the frictional and joints resistances, and only used Bernoulli.
Thanks for taking the time to look at that for me
 
If Re<2000 it is a laminar flow then friction factor =64/Re. I'm only an electrical engineer and I saw this equation in a few articles.Why here
f=16/Re?
 
This explanation is given in many fluid mechanics textbooks :

Friction Factors: Fanning and Darcy

There are two common friction factors in use, the Darcy and Fanning friction factors. The Darcy friction factor is also known as the Darcy–Weisbach friction factor or the Moody friction factor. It is important to understand which friction factor is being described in an equation or chart to prevent error in pressure loss, or fluid flow calculation results.

The difference between the two friction factors is that the value of the Darcy friction factor is 4 times that of the Fanning friction factor. In all other aspects they are identical, and by applying the conversion factor of 4 the friction factors may be used interchangeably.
 
Thank you, Nidum.:smile:
 

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