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Process Parameters

Recommended Pump Size

1" AODD

Due to viscosity de-rating (efficiency: 100%), this size will ensure safe stroke speeds and reliable operations for a flow rate of 100 L/min.

ℹ️ Note: Selected pipe (2") is larger than minimum required pump size (1"). This reduces fluid velocity and friction losses. You can connect a 1" pump using adapters, or choose a larger pump to match your pipe and run at lower stroke speeds for longer service life.

Fluid Dynamics Output

Fluid Velocity
0.82 m/s
Reynolds Number (Re)
41,773
Flow Regime
Turbulent
Pressure Drop (50m)
~0.07 bar
Velocity is in the normal range for low viscosity liquids.

Check Out Pump Series

Our Polypropylene (PP) Series models are perfectly suited for these operating parameters.

How Do Fluid Dynamics & Pump Sizing Calculations Work?

Designing a reliable industrial fluid transfer pipeline requires balancing fluid dynamics to prevent pump starvation, cavitation, and excessive energy losses. This engineering tool utilizes standardized physical equations to model your piping system.

1. Fluid Velocity (v = Q / A)

Fluid velocity represents how fast the medium travels through your pipeline. It is calculated by dividing the volumetric flow rate (Q) by the internal cross-sectional area of the pipe (A).

v = Q / (π * d² / 4)
  • Water & Low Viscosity (< 100 cP): Optimal velocities range from 1.5 to 2.2 m/s. Exceeding 2.5 m/s increases friction losses exponentially and creates water hammer risks.
  • Viscous Fluids (> 100 cP): Velocity must be kept below 0.8 - 1.2 m/s to prevent severe suction piping resistance and cavitation.

2. Reynolds Number (Re = ρ * v * d / μ)

The Reynolds number is a dimensionless value indicating whether the flow regime inside the pipeline is laminar (smooth and parallel layers) or turbulent (chaotic mixing and vortices).

  • Laminar Flow (Re < 2,100): Common in high viscosity fluids. Friction loss increases linearly with velocity.
  • Transition Region (2,100 ≤ Re < 4,000): Unstable regime where flow alternates between laminar and turbulent states.
  • Turbulent Flow (Re ≥ 4,000): Typical for water-like fluids. Friction losses escalate dramatically because of turbulent vortices.

3. Darcy-Weisbach Equation for Pressure Drop

To calculate the friction pressure drop (head loss) along a straight run of pipe, the Darcy-Weisbach equation is applied:

ΔP = f * (L / d) * (ρ * v² / 2)

Where f is the friction factor (determined using Hagen-Poiseuille for laminar flow and Blasius approximation for turbulent regimes), L is pipe length, d is diameter, and ρ is fluid density. This accounts for the resistive shear forces acting between the fluid and the inner pipe walls.

4. Viscosity Correction for Diaphragm Pumps

Unlike centrifugal pumps, Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pumps are excellent at handling highly viscous fluids. However, thick fluids increase internal flow resistance within the valve balls and manifolds, decreasing displacement efficiency. Standard engineering sizing rules require de-rating the pump's flow capacity (from 15% efficiency loss up to 90% for extreme viscosities) to select a pump with larger manifolds, preventing diaphragm strain and cavitation.