Energy Efficiency tip of the day (Improving pumping systems piping configuration) Summary Pumping System piping should be configured with an awareness of the energy costs associated with poor flow profiles. Although piping layouts are usually dictated by space constraints, there are often opportunities to minimize unnecessary pressure drops by avoiding sharp bends, expansions, and contractions and by keeping piping as straight as possible. For example, orienting valves and system equipment so that they are in line with the pipe run is one useful rule of thumb. In the below diagram you will find: 1. The three main steps to optimize the configuration of a pumping system. a. finding the proper pipe size b. designing a piping layout that minimizes pressure drops c. selecting low-loss components 2. The three common pipe configuration problems that results in poor performance. a. An improper flow profile b. vapor collection c. vortex formation Www.360proactiveengineer.com

1. Pumping system piping
configuration Tip

2. How to optimize the
configuration of a pumping
system?

3. a. finding the proper pipe size

4. Problem

5. balance between

6. balance between
initial cost large pipes have a high cost
cost of pushing fluid small pipes has high pressure drop

7. b. designing a piping layout
that minimizes pressure drops

8. c. selecting low-loss
components

9. 3 common pipe
configuration problems

10. a. An improper flow profile

11. Avoid
Low radios elbow before the pump inlet
Using globe valve just upstream pump

12. b. vapor collection
Pump suction piping does
not have a constant slope
1
2

13. c. vortex formation Use vortex breaker

14. Solution
make balance and don't focus on initial cost only
consider running cost
Follow the standard and good practice

15. 360 Proactive Engineer
www.360ProcativeEngineer.com

16. Pumping system piping
configuration Tip
How to optimize the
configuration of a pumping
system?
a. finding the proper pipe size Problem balance between
initial cost large pipes have a high cost
cost of pushing fluid small pipes has high pressure drop
b. designing a piping layout
that minimizes pressure drops
c. selecting low-loss
components
3 common pipe
configuration problems
a. An improper flow profile Avoid
Low radios elbow before the pump inlet
Using globe valve just upstream pump
b. vapor collection
Pump suction piping does
not have a constant slope
1
2
c. vortex formation Use vortex breaker
Solution
make balance and don't focus on initial cost only
consider running cost
Follow the standard and good practice
360 Proactive Engineer
www.360ProcativeEngineer.com