Pumps as mini hydros

I can't imagine a hydraulic pump or motor operating at the low pressure I think you are dealing with. Usually these pumps or motors require 50-200 PSI to overcome internal friction when new and don't go much lower until they wear out.

I saw a turbine type motor at a Grist Mill in Tennessee driving the mill operations. It was operating on water that was coming from a pipe fed by a water source about 150 feet above its inlet. As I remember it was only about 15" diameter. Looked similar to a centrifugal water pump.


Bud Trinkel CFPE
HYDRA-PNEU CONSULTING, INC.
fluidpower1 @ hotmail.com

From my readings in the "energy crisis" 1970s

Centrifugal pumps of suitable pressure and flow work at quite high efficiencies when working in "reverse".

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Nice nomograph here to get you started