I received a lot of feedback on my column “How Much Energy Do Pipes Remove?” in the September issue of Pumps & Systems. This column described the use of two computer programs that evaluate the effects piping has on pump energy and the associated costs of those effects. The two programs have been reported as effective tools for estimating pipe friction losses and calculating the pump and motor energy required to move the flow at a pump head required to overcome the friction in the piping. The resulting motor power at the assumed cost of kilowatt-hour energy provides the yearly energy cost. The program has now been modified and expanded to include the ability to compare new and old pipes, as well as estimate the percentage of time a pump operates throughout the year. One example comes from Lee Ruiz, who often offers excellent and insightful comments regarding my articles. To get the most from Lee’s comments, I recommend you read the original article.
11/05/2014