kcons5055
There is no single answer for your question based on the info you gave. If I assume you are pumping with metal pipe and want to know the friction losses you should use the Hazen Williams formula:
F= 2.083(100/C)^1.85 (Q)^1.85/ID^4.8655
Where:
F= Feet loss per 100 feet
Q= Flow in GPM
C=120
Once you calculate the friction loss you can look on your pump curve and see what flow to expect.
If you have an existing pipe and want to know Qmax in order to buy a pump several things to consider are:
The friction loss cost or opX. If you are talking about 5 feet or 5000 feet will change any answer given. Your need for pumping the fluid verses the associated friction loss is something that you need to determine.
Fluid velocity will cause erosion wear or failure. Not knowing the "FUEL" you want to pump makes any answer questionable. If you are pumping a somewhat corrosive liquid you would want the velocity low to avoid combining both corrosive and erosion problems in your line.
The expected length of service for the operation needs to be considered to make pump / tubing decisions. If you are only going to pump for one day you may want to consider Bob’s million GPM pump. It may survive.
Being fuel I doubt that you have any solids. If you are pumping solids such as sand, rocks etc. you will want the velocity high so the solids won’t “fall-out” in your tubing. Any discussion that I have heard about recommended fluid velocity seems to be qualified by what is being pumped.
The numbers that I have heard in the petroleum industry range from 2 FPS to 15 FPS, but those numbers can change dramatically based on any variables that you may add.
David