Priming Tank Sizing Theory
Priming Tank Sizing Theory
(OP)
Can anyone provide some guidance on the theory on sizing a priming tank.
The priming tank I am considering is in the suction line of the pump. On pump start-up as the pump draws the water level down in the priming tank the reducing air pressure in the top of the tank causes water to be drawn up the suction line in to the top of the tank. The tank is sized so that the water level in the tank remains above the pump suction when a flow into the top of the tank is achieved.
Assuming a perfect gas under at a constant temperature so that P1xV1=P2xV2 I have carried out some calculations that appear to give reasonable results but I can't find any alternative sources of information to confirm if I'm on the right track or not.
Any feedback would be appreciated
The priming tank I am considering is in the suction line of the pump. On pump start-up as the pump draws the water level down in the priming tank the reducing air pressure in the top of the tank causes water to be drawn up the suction line in to the top of the tank. The tank is sized so that the water level in the tank remains above the pump suction when a flow into the top of the tank is achieved.
Assuming a perfect gas under at a constant temperature so that P1xV1=P2xV2 I have carried out some calculations that appear to give reasonable results but I can't find any alternative sources of information to confirm if I'm on the right track or not.
Any feedback would be appreciated





RE: Priming Tank Sizing Theory
That line will initially be empty but will need to be filled.
That is how much water you need to displace out of the suction tank...plus a little extra for good measure.
Tim
RE: Priming Tank Sizing Theory
The "Pumping Handbook" gives a very general discussion of priming tanks and gives a rule-of-thumb that the tank volume should be at least 3 times the air volume of the suction line at startup. The problem is that this is not supported by any theroy or calculations so I am not happy using this.
Got any comment on the basic theory behind this?
RE: Priming Tank Sizing Theory
RE: Priming Tank Sizing Theory
If you email me I can send you a picture of the arrangement I am talking about.
mark.surgeon@mamic.com.au