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flow rate across a reservoir and pipeline

flow rate across a reservoir and pipeline

flow rate across a reservoir and pipeline

(OP)
hello all,

we have a 16" pipeline connected to a lube oil reservoir(2*3*1 M) through welded joints, and i need to flush the line with oil prior to start up, the line comes vertically into the tank and it is impossible to get the line into a different position so that i can make a inlet from the tank. The only way i can think of now is to start pumping in fluid from the drain of the reservoir and close all the adjoining valves, and let the line be filled with oil through tank. What i am pondering upon is that how much flow rate will i loose in all this process? ... how can i calculate the flow and pressure in such situation.

the pump i have can achieve higher flow rates at high pressure, approx. 150 M3/hr .

thank you

RE: flow rate across a reservoir and pipeline

A 16 inch vertical oil line cannot realistically get "flushed" to really clean it. The velocity will be too low for a good flush until you get well up past 5000 - 7500 gpm and 140 - 160 degree oil temperature.

Yes, you will dislodge some debris at lower flow rates, but you'd be better using a high-pressure wash and hose/sprayer to dislodge crud and sticky particles. Then run for a while with filters to make sure the garbage is removed from the system, and not just re-distributed from one crud trap to another. Or worse, from a stable crud trap in a slow place to a seal or pump where it will do damage.

RE: flow rate across a reservoir and pipeline

A diagram would help a lot here. is the 16" line flowing into or out of the tank?, Does it come into the reservoir on the top or the side?, ~how long is the pipe section you want ot flush?, what else comes in and out of what seems a small reservoir for such a large pipe? Is the reservoir a pressure vessel? How does it normally operate?

You have given us about 10% of the required information so won't get more than 10% of an answer....

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

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