1. What is Flow Velocity at Inlet of Centrifugal Pump?

Flow velocity at inlet of centrifugal pump is the velocity of the fluid at the inlet of the impeller or the centrifugal pump. It is a crucial parameter in pump design and performance analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V_{f1} \) — Flow velocity at inlet of centrifugal pump (m/s)
• \( Q \) — Actual discharge at centrifugal pump outlet (m³/s)
• \( D1 \) — Diameter of centrifugal pump impeller at inlet (m)
• \( B1 \) — Width of impeller at inlet (m)
• \( \pi \) — Archimedes' constant (approximately 3.1416)

Explanation: This formula calculates the flow velocity at the pump inlet based on the volumetric flow rate and the geometric dimensions of the impeller.

3. Importance of Flow Velocity Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of flow velocity at the pump inlet is essential for proper pump selection, performance optimization, and preventing cavitation and other flow-related issues in centrifugal pump systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter actual discharge in m³/s, diameter in meters, and width in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is flow velocity at inlet important?
A: It helps determine the pump's efficiency, prevents cavitation, and ensures proper fluid handling characteristics.

Q2: What are typical values for flow velocity at pump inlet?
A: Typical values range from 1-5 m/s, but vary depending on pump size, type, and application requirements.

Q3: How does inlet velocity affect pump performance?
A: Higher velocities can lead to cavitation, while lower velocities may indicate inefficient pump operation or improper sizing.

Q4: What units should be used for input values?
A: All input values should be in SI units: discharge in m³/s, dimensions in meters.

Q5: Can this formula be used for all types of pumps?
A: This specific formula is designed for centrifugal pumps and may not be applicable to other pump types.