MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr.

Lexuan Zhong

Problem Set 2 - Solutions

3.2 Cooling water is pumped from a reservoir for equipment at a construction site by using the
pipe system shown. The 4” inner diameter aluminum pipe with a length of 700 ft is connected
to a globe valve. Note that aluminum pipes have similar average roughness as drawn tubing.
There are 15 joints (Kjoint=1) in the main pipe connection. The flow rate required is 600 gpm
and water must leave the spray nozzle (a component with reduced cross-area) at 120 fps.
(i) Determine the minimum pressure needed at the pump outlet.
(ii) Estimate the required motor power if the pump efficiency is 75 percent.

Solution:
Objective
Determine: 1. minimum pressure needed at the pump outlet
2. the required motor power for the pump.

Data Given or Known

i. The flow rate is 600 gpm.
ii. Water leaves the spray nozzle at 120 fps.
iii. Pump efficiency is 75 percent.
iv. Aluminum pipe, D= 4” (inner diameter).

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

v. total length = 700 ft; 15 joints with each Kjoint = 1; spray nozzle is 400 ft above the water level.
vi. Aluminum pipes have similar average roughness as drawn tubing

Assumptions/Limitations/Constraints
i. Assume that the water temperature is 70℉. All related properties (ρ, μ) can be find in the table
(HEX liquid-gas) on eClass.
ii. Assume flanged way to connect all fittings in this project.
iii. Two 45° long radius elbows are used.

Sketch
2

1 1

Analysis
The energy equation will be used to find the minimum pressure needed at the pump outlet.
The general form of the energy equation is given as:
p 2
Vave  p 2
Vave 
+  + 2 + z 2  −  + 1
,2 ,1
hpump = H lT 2 1
+ z1  .
 g 2g   g 2g 

Let Point 1 be at the surface of the water in the reservoir and Point 2 be in the spray jet just outside
the pipe. Therefore, p1 = p2 = patm, Vave,1 = z1 = 0, and Vave,2 = Vj.

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Therefore,
 V j2 
hpump = H lT +  2 + z2  .
 2 g 

The total head loss is the sum of the major and minor head losses:
2
𝐿 𝑉𝑎𝑣𝑒
𝐻𝑙𝑇 = (𝑓 + ∑ 𝐾𝐿 )
𝐷 2𝑔

In this case, Vave = Vpipe (pipe velocity).

So,
2
𝐿 𝑉𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒
𝐻𝑙𝑇 = (𝑓 + ∑ 𝐾𝐿 )
𝐷 2𝑔

4𝑄
Noting that the volume flow rate is constant and known: 𝑉𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 = 𝜋𝐷2. So,

𝐿 8𝑄 2
𝐻𝑙𝑇 = [𝑓 + ∑ 𝐾𝐿 ] 2 4
𝐷 𝜋 𝑔𝐷

The pump head is:

𝐿 8𝑄 2 𝑉𝑗2
ℎ𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 = [𝑓 + ∑(𝐾𝐿 )] 2 4 + 𝛼2 + 𝑧2
𝐷 𝜋 𝑔𝐷 2𝑔

A value for the friction factor, f is needed. The Reynolds number and the relative roughness of the
aluminum pipe are needed to find f.
The Reynolds number for water (70℉) in the pipe is:
4𝜌𝑄 4(62.3𝑙𝑏𝑚/𝑓𝑡 3 )(600𝑔𝑝𝑚) 1𝑓𝑡 3 1𝑚𝑖𝑛 12𝑖𝑛
𝑅𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 = = −4
× × × = 4.85 × 105
𝜋𝜇𝐷 𝜋(6.556 × 10 𝑙𝑏𝑚/𝑓𝑡 ∙ 𝑠)(4𝑖𝑛) 7.48𝑔𝑎𝑙 60𝑠𝑒𝑐 1𝑓𝑡

The flow is turbulent.

4𝑄 4(600𝑔𝑝𝑚) 1𝑓𝑡 3 1𝑚𝑖𝑛 12𝑖𝑛 2
𝑉𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 = 2
= 2
× × ×( ) = 15.3 𝑓𝑡/𝑠
𝜋𝐷 𝜋(4𝑖𝑛) 7.48𝑔𝑎𝑙 60𝑠𝑒𝑐 1𝑓𝑡

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

(Please note: Vpipe=15.3 ft/s>> 6 ft/s (maximum velocity for aluminum), erosion could occur with
high possibility.)

 0.000005ft
The relative roughness of the galvanized iron pipe is: = = 0.000015 .
d 0.333 ft

From a Moody chart, f ~ 0.014.

A value for the kinetic energy coefficient in the spray jet, α2 is needed. The Reynolds number of
flow in the spray jet is needed to find α2.
V j d j
The Reynolds number for this flow is: Re j = , where dj is the jet diameter. The jet diameter

is:

4𝑄 4(600𝑔𝑝𝑚) 1𝑓𝑡 3 1𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑑𝑗 = √ =√ × × = 0.119𝑓𝑡
𝜋𝑉𝑗 𝜋(120𝑓𝑡/𝑠) 7.48𝑔𝑎𝑙 60𝑠𝑒𝑐

So,

Re j =
V j d j
=
(62.3 lbm/ft )(120 ft/s)(0.119 ft) = 1.36 x 10
3

(6.556 x 10 lbm/ft-s)
6
 -4

The flow is turbulent. Thus, α2 = 1.05.

For the minor losses, the loss coefficients (KL) and appropriate equivalent lengths (Lequiv) are:
15 joints: Kjoint = 1 each
Entrant pipe inlet: Kinlet = 0.78
Exit: Kexit=1.0
2 flanged 90o bends: K90 deg bend = 0.30 each (Note: There are two 90o bends on the suction pipes
attached to the pump)
Fully open globe valve: Kglobe valve = 6.0
2 flanged 45o long bends: K45 deg bend = 0.19 each

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

The total KL value is:

KL,total = 15Kjoint + Kinlet + 2K90 deg bend + 2K45 deg bend + Kglobe valve + Kexit = 15(1) + 0.78 + 2(0.30) +
2(0.19) + 6.0 +1.0= 23.76

The pump head is:

𝐿 8𝑄 2 𝑉𝑗2
ℎ𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 = [𝑓 + ∑(𝐾𝐿 )] 2 4 + 𝛼2 + 𝑧2
𝐷 𝜋 𝑔𝐷 2𝑔

2
700𝑓𝑡 8(600𝑔𝑝𝑚)2 1𝑓𝑡 3 1𝑚𝑖𝑛 2
ℎ𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 = [(0.014) + 23.76] ×( ) ×( )
0.333𝑓𝑡 2 32.2𝑓𝑡 4 7.48𝑔𝑎𝑙 60𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝜋 ( 2 ) (0.333𝑓𝑡)
𝑠
120𝑓𝑡 2
( )
𝑠
+ (1.05) + 400𝑓𝑡
32.2𝑓𝑡
2( 2 )
𝑠
ℎ𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 = 195 + 235 + 400 𝑓𝑡
hpump = 830 ft.

The required power input (bhp) for a pump efficiency of 75% is:
62.3𝑙𝑏𝑚 32.2𝑓𝑡
𝜌𝑄𝑔ℎ𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 ( 𝑓𝑡 3 ) (600𝑔𝑝𝑚) ( 𝑠 2 ) (830𝑓𝑡) 1𝑓𝑡 3 1𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑏ℎ𝑝 = = × ×
𝜂𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 0.75 7.48𝑔𝑎𝑙 60𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑙𝑏𝑚 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 2
6
1𝑙𝑏𝑓 1ℎ𝑝
= 3.18 × 10 × ×
𝑠3 32.2𝑙𝑏𝑚 ∙ 𝑓𝑡/𝑠 2 550𝑙𝑏𝑓 ∙ 𝑓𝑡/𝑠
bhp = 167.6 hp

3 4

4
3

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

The pump head (hpump) can be used to calculate the minimum pressure needed at the pump outlet.
Consider the pump enclosed in a control volume around the pump. Let point 3 be at the pump
entrance and point 4 be at the pump exit. There are no elevation changes and the velocity through
the pump control volume is constant *assuming that the suction and discharge pipes have equal
diameters. Also, the head loss (HlT) in the pump is zero. The general form of the energy equation
becomes:
2 2
𝑝4 𝑉ave,4 𝑝3 𝑉ave,3
ℎpump = 𝐻lT + [ + 𝛼4 + 𝑧4 ] − [ + 𝛼3 + 𝑧3 ]
𝜌𝑔 2𝑔 𝜌𝑔 2𝑔
𝑝4 𝑝3
ℎpump = − .
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

* Since the suction line is much shorter than the discharge line, assume that the pressure in the
section 3 equals to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, p3 = patm.

Hence,
𝑝4 −𝑝3 𝑝4 −𝑝atm 𝑝4,gauge
ℎpump = = = .
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

The minimum pressure at the pump exit is:

1𝑙𝑏𝑓 1𝑓𝑡 2
𝑃4,𝑔𝑎𝑢𝑔𝑒 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 = (62.3𝑙𝑏𝑚/𝑓𝑡 3 )(32.2𝑓𝑡/𝑠 2 )(830𝑓𝑡)( )( )
32.2𝑙𝑏𝑚 ∙ 𝑓𝑡/𝑠 2 12𝑖𝑛
P4,gauge = 359 lbf/in2 gauge = 359 psig

Conclusion
The calculated minimum pressure needed at the pump outlet is 359 psig, and the required motor
power for the pump is 167.6 hp.
The required pump pressure should be a little larger than 359 psig due to two points:
a) Equivalent length from the nozzle was not included in the calculation of total loss
coefficients.
b) The actual entrance pressure at the pump is lower than patm depending on the pump location
(height above water surface level).

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

3.3 When a centrifugal pump is operated at 1170 rpm with an impeller diameter of 8 in., it has a
shutoff head of 25.0 ft of water. At the same operating speed, the best efficiency occurs at
300 gpm, where the head is 21.9 ft of water. Specify the discharge and head for the pump
when it is operated at 1750 rpm at both the shutoff and the best efficiency points.

Solution:
Objective
To Specify the discharge rate and head for the pump when it is operated at 1750 rpm at both the
shutoff and best efficiency points.

Data Given or Known

i. N1=1170 rpm
ii. D1=D2=8”
iii. Shutoff Q=0 gpm, H=25 ft
iv. best efficiency: Q2=300 gpm, H=21.9 ft
v. N2= 1750 rpm

Assumptions/Limitations/Constraints
i. Same fluid media for two pump speeds.
ii. No cavitation for all cases.

Sketch
N/A
Analysis
Let condition 1 be at 1170 rpm and condition 2 be at 1750 rpm.
For the flow rates (discharge)
𝑄1 𝑁1 𝐷13
=
𝑄2 𝑁2 𝐷23

Since the same pump D1 = D2,

𝑄1 𝑁1
=
𝑄2 𝑁2

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

𝑄1
Q 2 = 𝑁2
𝑁1

At the shutoff point:

0𝑔𝑝𝑚
Q 2 = 1750 𝑟𝑝𝑚 = 0 𝑔𝑝𝑚
1170 𝑟𝑝𝑚

At the best efficiency point:

300𝑔𝑝𝑚
Q2 = 1750 𝑟𝑝𝑚 1170 𝑟𝑝𝑚 = 449 𝑔𝑝𝑚

For the head

𝑔𝐻1 𝜌1 𝑁12 𝐷12
= .
𝑔𝐻2 𝜌2 𝑁22 𝐷22

Since the same pump and same media D1 = D2, ρ1= ρ2

H1 H2
=
N12 N 22
2
N 
H 2 = H 1  2 
 N1 
At the shutoff point:
2
 1750 rpm 
H 2 = 25.0 ft 
 1170 rpm 
H2 = 55.9 ft

At the best efficiency point:

2
 1750 rpm 
H 2 = 21.9 ft 
 1170 rpm 
H2 = 49.0 ft

Conclusions
Based on the fan laws, when the pump is operated at 1750 rpm, the discharge rates are 0 and 449
gpm at the shutoff point and the best efficiency point, respectively. The heads are 55.9 ft and 49.0
ft at the shutoff point and the best efficiency point, respectively.

If the pump is operated at 1750 rpm for a different media, the calculated flow rates are the same
as above mentioned. But the heads need to be recalculated.

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

3.8 A pipe-pump assembly is being considered by a farmer for use in irrigating a field during
summer. There is an underground water well that is 250 ft deep. The well is an open-hole
type where the free water surface is about 8 ft below grade. To ensure that one of the pumps
will operate for only a few hours per day, the farmer will fill a 2,500-gallon tank in 4 hours,
which will provide enough water for 2 days of a farm operation. The tank cannot be more
than 10 ft long and should come complete with valved piping connections whose locations
will be specified by the farmer. The tank can be located anywhere in the line that the farmer
deems fit. Due to the location of the field and well, a pump must be located no more than
600 ft from the well. The pipe will be connected to an existing irrigation system that is 750
ft from the well and is 10 ft long. The farmer’s land is flat, from the well to the field.
(1) Design the main piping system, including pipe size, pipe material, pump sizing, and
piping accessories, to meet the water requirements of the farmer. You may refer to Taco
pumps for pump selection: http://www.tacocomfort.com/product-category/pumps/. Pump
performance curves can be found in Related Documents/ Data Sheets for a specific series in
the web link. Please attach your selected pump performance curve in your assignment.
(2) Specify the maximum depth of the pipe inlet in the well for the purposes of installation
by the farmer.
Further Information: The design engineer may consider the use of a foot valve (a type of
check valve combined with a strainer) at the inlet to the piping system. This will ensure that
the pumps are properly primed.

750 ft
≤10 ft
10 ft
Irrigation
system
8 ft Storage tank
≤ 600 ft
Pump possible location
250 ft

Well

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Possible Solution:
Objective
To size the main pipes (including material) in the system and to size and select an appropriate
pump. Piping accessories such as valves will also be specified. Specify the maximum depth of the
pipe inlet in the well.

Data Given or Known

i. The maximum depth of the well is 250 ft.
ii. The free surface of the water in the well is 8 ft below grade.
iii. A 2500-gallon tank will need to be filled in 4 hours.
iv. The tank should contain a 2-day reserve of water.
v. The tank length will be no more than 10 ft.
vi. A pump can be located up to 600 ft from the well.
vii. The distance between the well and existing irrigation system is 750 ft.
viii. The irrigation system is 10 ft long.

Assumptions/Limitations/Constraints
i. Let the piping material be Schedule 40 steel. This material was chosen to increase the durability
of the piping system, given that the pipes will be installed outdoors.
ii. Let the flow velocity be about 5 fps. This velocity is lower than the erosion limit of water in
Schedule 40 steel pipes (10 fps, low carbon steel).
iii. Limit pipe frictional losses (major losses) to 3 ft of water per 100 ft of pipe. This limit is an
industry-standard. It will be used as a guide for this design problem.
iv. All bends will be 90o threaded (screwed) regular bends. For smaller pipes (order of 4 in.
diameters or less), threaded bends are typically used.
v. The pipe entrance to and the exit from the storage tank is sharp-edged.
vi. The storage tank (cylindrical shape) will come complete with a vent.
vii. The season is summer. Let the ambient temperature be 70oF.
viii. A foot valve with a strainer (hinged) is used to be the entrance of the piping system in the
well.
ix. Ball valves are installed to isolate equipment (2 pumps and 1 storage tank).

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Sketch
The pipe sections are labeled and shown on a partial layout that represents the problem. Given that
information on the existing irrigation system was not provided, the most conservative design
scenario would be with the total length of the irrigation piping system forming a part of the longest
run of pipe.

750 ft
10 ft
P1 10 ft
P2
Irrigation
8 ft system
Storage tank

250 ft

Well

Analysis
This is an open-loop system due to the presence of the open well, the vented storage tank, and the
open irrigation system.

Dimensions of the water storage tank

The minimum dimensions of the storage tank will be based on the maximum volume of stored
water that is required. Since the length of the tank is constrained to 10 ft, the diameter of a
cylindrical tank would be easy to determine. Thus, from
D 2
Vcylinder = L,
4

4Vcylinder
D=
L

4(2500 gal ) 35.315 ft 3

D= x = 6.5 ft .
 (10 ft ) 264.17 gal

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

The minimum dimensions of the cylindrical water storage tank are 6½ ft diameter and 10 ft length.
Size of the pipe
The pipe size is constant throughout the system. The total volume flow rate will be needed to
determine the pipe size. Thus,
2500𝑔𝑎𝑙 1ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟
𝑄= × = 10.4𝑔𝑝𝑚
4ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 60𝑚𝑖𝑛

Figure A.4 for Schedule 40 pipe friction loss for open piping systems will be consulted to
determine the size, water velocity, and friction loss of the pipe. A friction loss of 3 ft. per 100 ft.
of pipe will be used as a guide.
Therefore, nominal pipe size: 1½ in.
Water velocity: 1.8 fps
Lost head: 1.5 ft per 100 ft of pipe.

The water velocity is lower than the design constraint of 5 fps. The friction loss is also lower than
the design constraint of 3 ft. per 100 ft. of pipe. The threaded connection is applicable to this
project.

Major and Minor Losses

The total length of the pipe will be needed in order to determine the major loss. Though this will
need to be verified through a consideration of NPSH and cavitation, assume that the length of pipe
into the well is 120 ft. In this case, the pipe inlet will be below the water surface, but far from the
bottom of the well where the water may be muddy.

300 ft 220 ft 10 ft 70 ft 150 ft

10 ft
P1 P2
Irrigation
8 ft system
Storage tank

120 ft
250 ft

Well

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Below are the lengths of each section of pipe and the total length for use in sizing pump, P1.
Lwell = 120 ft Lwell-P1 = 300 ft LP1-tank = 220 ft Ltotal-P1 = 640 ft

Below are the lengths of each section of pipe and the total length for use in sizing pump, P2.
Ltank-irrigation = 220 ft Lirrigation = 10 ft Ltotal-P2 = 230 ft.
It should be noted that the supply line from the well to the tank was connected to the bottom of the
tank. The tank discharge line to the irrigation system will be connected at the base of the tank to
take advantage of the water static head.

For pump, P1, the major head loss will be

1.5 ft.
𝐻l-P1 = 100 ft x 640 ft = 9.6 ft.

For pump, P2, the major head loss will be

1.5 ft.
𝐻l-P2 = 100 ft x 230 ft = 3.45 ft.

With the pipe diameter known (1½ in.), the minor losses can be estimated. The loss coefficients
for the bends, fittings, and valves are given below (see Table A.14 and additional friction table on
eClass).

For the pipe entrance to P1 piping line: Kfoot valve hinged= 1.7 (eClass) or 1.25 (Table A.14)
For the pipe entrance to P2 piping line: Kentrance = 0.5 (sharp-edged entrance)
For the pipe exit from P1 and P2 piping lines: Kexit = 1
For 90o bends: K90-bend = 1.5 (or 1.225)
For ball valves: Kball = 0.05

The minor loss is determined from


2
Vave
H lm = KL .
2g

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Thus, for the pump, P1,

2
𝑉𝑎𝑣𝑒
𝐻𝑙𝑚 = (𝐾𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑣𝑒 + 2𝐾90 + 3𝐾𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 + 𝐾𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑡 )
2𝑔
1.8𝑓𝑡 2
) (
𝑠
𝐻𝑙𝑚 = (1.7 + 2(1.5) + 3(0.05) + 1) = 0.30𝑓𝑡
32.2𝑓𝑡
2( 2 )
𝑠
For pump, P2,
2
𝑉𝑎𝑣𝑒
𝐻𝑙𝑚 = (𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 + 2𝐾90 + 3𝐾𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 + 𝐾𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑡 )
2𝑔
1.8𝑓𝑡 2
) (
𝑠
𝐻𝑙𝑚 = (0.5 + 2(1.5) + 3(0.05) + 1) = 0.23𝑓𝑡
32.2𝑓𝑡
2( 2 )
𝑠
The total head losses are
Hlt,P1 = 9.6 ft + 0.30 ft = 9.9 ft
Hlt,P2 = 3.45 ft + 0.23 ft = 3.7 ft.

Pump sizing

750 ft
10 ft
2 10 ft
P1 P2
Irrigation
8 ft system
Storage tank
2

250 ft

1 1

Well

The pump head is required to determine the pump size required. The pump head is
𝑝 𝑉2 𝑝 𝑉2
ℎpump = (𝜌𝑔2 + 𝛼2 2𝑔
2
+ 𝑧2 ) − (𝜌𝑔1 + 𝛼1 2𝑔
1
+ 𝑧1 ) + 𝐻lt .

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

For pump, P1, let point 1 be the inlet to the pipe in the well and let point 2 be an exit into the tank.
For the fully filled tank, p2 = patm + ρgDtank. *If the diameter of the jet is equal to the diameter of
the pipe, V2 = V1. The pressure at the inlet to the pipe is 𝑝1 = 𝑝atm + 𝜌𝑔ℎwell-water= patm + ρg (Z2-
Z1-8). Assuming Z1 is zero elevation level, hence, the pump head is:

𝑝atm+ ρgDtank p𝑎𝑡𝑚 + ρg (Z2−Z1−8)

ℎP1 = ( + 𝑧2 ) − ( + 𝑧1 ) + 𝐻lt,P1 = 𝐷𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 + 8 + 𝐻lt,P1 .
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

ℎ𝑝1 = (6.5𝑓𝑡 + 8 + 9.9)𝑓𝑡 = 24.4𝑓𝑡

Note: hp1=24.4ft only when the free surface of the water in the well is 8 ft below grade. Considering
the water surface may fall further below grade during the drawing water process, the worse case
would be the free surface of the water in the well is close to the foot valve of the piping system.
So,
the maximum ℎ𝑝1 = (6.5𝑓𝑡 + 120 + 9.9)𝑓𝑡 ≈ 140𝑓𝑡

750 ft
10 ft 4 4
3 10 ft
P1 P2
Irrigation
8 ft system
Storage tank
3

250 ft

Well

For pump, P2, let point 3 be the free surface of the water in the tank and let point 4 be in the jet
that exits from the irrigation system. Thus,

𝑝 𝑉2 𝑝 𝑉2
ℎP2 = (𝜌𝑔4 + 𝛼4 2𝑔
4
+ 𝑧4 ) − (𝜌𝑔3 + 𝛼3 2𝑔
3
+ 𝑧3 ) + 𝐻lt,P2 .

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

For a conservative design, assume that the water level is at the level where the pipe tank is
connected to the tank, so p3 = patm and V3 = 0. The fluid will exit the irrigation system into the
atmosphere. So, p4 = patm.
Thus, the pump head is:
𝑉2
hP2 = z 4 − z 3 + H lt,P2 +𝛼4 2𝑔
4
.

In this case, the inlet of the pipe at the tank and the exit at the irrigation system are at the same
elevation. Hence, z4 = z3. Then,
𝑉2
hP2 = H lt,P2 + 𝛼4 2𝑔
4

𝑙𝑏 𝑓𝑡
𝜌𝑉4 𝐷 (62.3 𝑓𝑡 3 )(1.8 𝑠 )(1.61𝑖𝑛) 1𝑓𝑡
𝑅𝑒4 = = × ≈ 23000 > 4000
𝜇 −4 𝑙𝑏 12𝑖𝑛
6.556 × 10
𝑓𝑡 ∙ 𝑠
The flow is turbulent, α4=1.05 hP2 = 3.7 ft + 1.05 x 0.050 ft ≈ 4 ft.

For this system and to meet the requirements of moving the water to the irrigation system, pump,
P1 must produce 11 gpm at 140 ft of head and pump, P2 must produce 11 gpm at 4 ft of head.
Use the manufacturer’s charts to select an appropriate pump. For pump, P1, a base-mounted pump
will be chosen since the pump head is large. Since the pump head and capacity are small for pump,
P2, a small in-line mounted pump will be sufficient. A review (Related Documents/ Submittal Data
Sheets) of the various Taco pumps (http://www.tacocomfort.com/product-category/pumps/)
shows that a CI/FI Series base-mounted pump will be suitable for the pump, P1, and a 110 Series
In-line circulator will be suitable for the pump, P2. The pump performance plots are shown below.

For pump, P1, a model 1206D pump is selected, and the performance plot is analyzed. From the
performance plot for this family of pumps, the final choice is:

2 in. x 1¼ in. x 6.0 in. casing

6.25 in. impeller diameter
10 hp motor
3500 rpm speed

For pump, P2, the model 110 pump is selected, and the performance plot is analyzed. From the
performance plot for this family of pumps, the final choice is:

1½ in. x 1½ in. x 6𝟓⁄𝟏𝟔 in. casing

1/12 hp motor
1725 rpm speed 16
MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Source: Taco, Inc. (Reprinted with permission)

17
MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Source: Taco, Inc. (Reprinted with permission)

NPSH
Cavitation may be a problem that could affect pump, P1. The NPSHA and NPSHR will be
compared to show that the choice of pipe at a depth of 120 ft does not exceed the maximum depth
allowed before which cavitation occurs. For pump, P1 operating at 11 gpm at 140 ft of head, the
NPSHR is approximately 8 ft (see pump performance plot for FI/CI series model 1206 pump). The
maximum depth of the pipe will occur when NPSHA = NPSHR. Therefore,

𝑠1 𝑝 𝑠1 𝑉2 𝑃vapor
NPSHA = ( 𝜌𝑔 + 2𝑔 ) − 𝜌𝑔
.
pump,inlet

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

750 ft
10 ft
S1 10 ft
P1 P2
1 Irrigation
8 ft 1 system
1 Storage tank
S1

250 ft
1 1

Well

The energy equation will be used to find the pump inlet pressure, ps.
𝑃1 1 𝑉2 𝑝𝑠1 𝑠1𝑉2
+ 𝛼1 2𝑔 + 𝑧1 = + 𝛼𝑠1 2𝑔 + 𝑧𝑠1 + 𝐻lT,suction
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

Point 1 is at the inlet of the pipe. For ease, let the datum point be at point 1. Thus, z1 = 0. Let the
centerline of the pump be level with the top of the well. Thus, zs1 – z1 = zs1 will represent the
maximum depth of the pipe in the well. Therefore,
𝑃1 1 𝑉2 𝑝𝑠1 𝑠1 𝑉2
+ 𝛼1 2𝑔 = + 𝛼𝑠1 2𝑔 + 𝑧𝑠1 + 𝐻lT,suction.
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

Assuming that the free surface of the water is 8 ft below grade (as per the problem preamble),
𝑃1 = 𝑃atm + 𝜌𝑔ℎ = 𝑃atm + 𝜌𝑔(𝑧𝑠1 − 8).

Since the pipe is a constant diameter pipe, V1 ≈ Vs1.

Therefore,
𝑃atm +𝜌𝑔(𝑧𝑠1 −8) 𝑝𝑠1
= + 𝑧𝑠1 + 𝐻lT,suction
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔
𝑃atm 𝑝𝑠1
− 8 ft = + 𝐻lT,suction.
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

Hence,
𝑝𝑠1 𝑃atm
= − 8 ft − 𝐻lT,suction.
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Then,
𝑃atm 𝑉2
𝑠1 𝑃vapor
NPSHA = − 8 ft − 𝐻lT,suction + 2𝑔 −
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

𝑃atm −𝑃vapor 𝑉2
𝑠1
NPSHA = − 8 ft − 𝐻lT,suction + 2𝑔
𝜌𝑔

Note that HlT,suction is the total head loss in the suction line of the pipe, only.

The head loss in the suction line of the pipe is

H lT = H l,suction +  KL
V2
2g
.

The total length of suction piping is (zs1 + 300) ft.

Therefore,
1.8𝑓𝑡 2
1.5𝑓𝑡. 𝑤𝑔 ) (
𝑠
𝐻𝑙𝑇 = (𝑧𝑠1 + 300)𝑓𝑡 + (1.7 + 2(1.5) + 1(0.05))
100𝑓𝑡 32.2𝑓𝑡
2( 2 )
𝑠
𝐻𝑙𝑇 = 0.015𝑧𝑠1 + 4.74𝑓𝑡

Then,
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝑃𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 2
𝑉𝑠1
𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝐴 = − 8𝑓𝑡 − 0.015𝑧𝑠1 − 4.74𝑓𝑡 +
𝜌𝑔 2𝑔

zs1 is the maximum depth of the pipe in the well when NPSHA = NPSHR.
Therefore,
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝑃𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 2
1 𝑉𝑠1
𝑧𝑠1 = − [𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝑅 − + 8𝑓𝑡 + 4.74𝑓𝑡 − ]
0.015 𝜌𝑔 2𝑔
At 70oF, Pvapor = 0.363 psia for water. Patm = 14.7 psia.

Hence,

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

(14.7 − 0.363)𝑙𝑏𝑓 𝑓𝑡
1 2 32.2𝑙𝑏 ∙ 2 12𝑖𝑛 2
𝑧𝑠1 =− [8𝑓𝑡 − 𝑖𝑛 × 𝑠 ×( ) + 12.74𝑓𝑡
0.015 62.3𝑙𝑏 32.2𝑓𝑡 1𝑙𝑏𝑓 1𝑓𝑡
( )( 2 )
𝑓𝑡 3 𝑠
(1.8𝑓𝑡/𝑠)2
− ]
2(32.2𝑓𝑡/𝑠 2 )

zs1 = 830 ft.

The maximum depth of the pipe must be 830 ft to avoid cavitation in pump, P1, if the free surface
of the water in the well is 8 ft below grade.
Therefore, the pipe inlet set at 120 ft below grade is acceptable. Though this is acceptable, it should
be strongly noted that as the free surface of the water falls further below grade, less static pressure
head will be available and cavitation may occur as water is removed from the well. For example,
the following calculation shows that cavitation will occur when the water-free surface reaches
18.65 ft below grade if the pipe inlet is set to 120 ft:
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝑃𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 2
1 𝑉𝑠1
𝑧𝑠1 = − [𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝑅 − + ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 + 4.74𝑓𝑡 − ]
0.015 𝜌𝑔 2𝑔

(14.7 − 0.363)𝑙𝑏𝑓 𝑓𝑡
1 2 32.2𝑙𝑏 ∙ 2 12𝑖𝑛 2
120𝑓𝑡 = − [8𝑓𝑡 − 𝑖𝑛 × 𝑠 ×( ) + ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 + 4.74𝑓𝑡
0.015 62.3𝑙𝑏 32.2𝑓𝑡 1𝑙𝑏𝑓 1𝑓𝑡
( )( 2 )
𝑓𝑡 3 𝑠
(1.8𝑓𝑡/𝑠)2
− ]
2(32.2𝑓𝑡/𝑠 2 )

hwater = 18.65 ft.

This might be acceptable if the well is large with a large cross-sectional area to give the volume
that is required by the farmer, or they are willing to wait until the well refills before removing
water. If this is not the case, the designer would need to shorten the length of pipe installed in the
well, and check the depth at which cavitation would occur. Another alternative could be to move
the pump closer to the well or use a submersible pump that can be placed in the water and well.

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

750 ft
10 ft S2
3 10 ft
P1 P2
Irrigation
8 ft system
Storage tank
S2
3

250 ft

Well

For small pumps, the NPSHR is usually not presented. From studying the performance plots of a
variety of pumps, the NPSHR is usually small at low flow rates, on the order of 2 to 10 ft. To avoid
cavitation, the NPSHA must be greater than the NPSHR. With regards to pump, P2, the NPSHA
is

𝑠2 𝑠2 𝑝 𝑉2 𝑃vapor
NPSHA = ( 𝜌𝑔 + 2𝑔 ) − .
pump,inlet 𝜌𝑔

The energy equation will be used to find the pump inlet pressure, ps.
𝑃3 3 𝑉2 𝑝𝑠2 𝑉2
𝑠2
+ 𝛼3 2𝑔 + 𝑧3 = + 𝛼𝑠2 2𝑔 + 𝑧𝑠2 + 𝐻lT,suction
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

Point 3 is the inlet to the pipe at the tank. As stated earlier and for conservative design, P3 = Patm.
Since the pipe diameter is constant, V3 ≈ Vs2. So,
𝑃atm 𝑝𝑠2
+ 𝑧3 = + 𝑧𝑠2 + 𝐻lT,suction
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

The elevation differences between point 3 and the suction point of the pump will be negligible.
So, z3 = zs2. Then,
𝑃atm 𝑝𝑠2
= + 𝐻lT,suction
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔
𝑝𝑠2 𝑃atm
= − 𝐻lT,suction .
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

Then,
𝑃atm 𝑠2𝑉2 𝑃vapor
NPSHA = + 2𝑔 − 𝐻lT,suction −
𝜌𝑔 𝜌𝑔

𝑃atm −𝑃vapor 𝑉2
𝑠2
NPSHA = + 2𝑔 − 𝐻lT,suction .
𝜌𝑔

Note that HlT,suction is the total head loss in the suction line of the pipe, only. To generate a more
conservative value of the NPSHA, assume that the suction line has a length of 220 ft (i.e., length
of the section).

(14.7−0.363) lbf/in2 32.2 lb×1ft/s2 12 in 2 (1.8 ft/s)2 1.5 ft

Thus, NPSHA = (62.3 lb/ft 3)(32.2 ft/s2) x x ( 1 ft ) + 2(32.2 ft/s2) − (100 ft × 220𝑓𝑡 +
1 lbf

0.23𝑓𝑡)
NPSHA = 30 ft.
The NPSHA for this case is large and probably much larger than the NPSHR (2-10 ft) for this
small pump (P2). The possibility of cavitation is very low.

Drawings
The final pipe sizes and accessories are presented in the drawing below.

300 ft 220 ft 10 ft 70 ft 150 ft

10 ft
P1 P2
Irrigation
8 ft system
Storage tank
1.5 in 1.5 in
11 gpm 11 gpm
120 ft
250 ft

Well

Conclusions
The piping system has been designed. The pipe size is 1.5”, and the piping material is Schedule
40 steel. Pumps have been specified and selected.
The following additional points are made:

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MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

1. The farmer was wise to have requested the pump, P1 not run continuously. It is a large 10 hp
base-mounted pump. The 4-hr operation can avoid the water level below 18.65 ft (avoid
cavitation).
2. A calculation based on the volume of water required from the well showed that a minimum 6.3
ft diameter well would be needed if 10.65 ft of water will be drawn from the well before
cavitation occurred. The farmer would need to consider digging the well, and possibly covering
it after installation of the pipe to avoid losing land space.
3. Additional details would be required for the existing irrigation system. In this design problem,
it was assumed that the water is ejected from the irrigation system as a single jet. In practice, a
sprinkler system may be used, which will have an associated minor loss that needs to be
considered.
4. The pipe between the pumps may need support anchors. These anchors would probably be
mounted on concrete pads on the ground.

5. For pump, P1, 2 in. x 1½ in. and 1½ in. x 1¼ in. fittings will be required on the pump suction
and discharge, respectively, for installation of the pump.

6. The pump suction velocities should not be much larger than 5 fps. In this case, the velocities
will be about 1.8 fps.

7. Though an inexpensive choice, a check valve and strainer could have been used in lieu of the
foot valve (complete with a strainer).

8. If corrosion of the pipe is a concern, plastic piping could have been selected instead of Schedule
40 pipe.

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 MEC E 463 Fall 2019 Dr. Lexuan Zhong

PUMP SCHEDULE
FLUID ELECTRICAL
TAG MANUFACTURER TYPE CONSTRUCTION FLOW HEAD MOTOR PUMP
AND RATE FLUID LOSS SIZE SPEED
MODEL NUMBER (GPM) (FT) (HP) (RPM)
TACO, FI/CI CENTRIFUGAL, CAST IRON
P-1 SERIES, MODEL BASE- 2” X 1¼” X 6.0” 11 WATER 140 10 3500
1206D, OR MOUNTED CASING,
EQUAL 6.25” 
TACO, 110 CENTRIFUGAL, CAST IRON
P-2 SERIES, MODEL IN-LINE 1½” X 1½” X 11 WATER 5 1/12 1725
110, OR EQUAL MOUNTED 6.3125” CASING

25