Steam Feeding Pumps

Overview

Engineering reference data for Steam Feeding Pumps in fluid mechanics.

Key Formulas

Reynolds Number

$Re = \frac{\rho v D}{\mu}$

Ratio of inertial to viscous forces — determines flow regime.

Bernoulli's Equation

$P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{const}$

Conservation of energy for steady, inviscid, incompressible flow.

Continuity Equation

$A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2$

Conservation of mass for incompressible flow.

Darcy-Weisbach

$\Delta P = f \frac{L}{D} \frac{\rho v^2}{2}$

Pressure drop due to friction in a pipe.

Variables

Temperature Limits for Feed Pump Suction

To prevent cavitation，the suction lift and pressure head for feed pumps must be maintained within limits based on the feedwater temperature. The following data outlines these operational boundaries.

Operational Considerations

For feedwater temperatures above 80°C (175°F)，a positive pressure head is required. This means the pump must be physically located below the water level or condensate receiver to ensure sufficient net positive suction head (NPSH).

In steam distribution systems，it is common to use open，vented condensate receivers where temperatures are close to 100°C (212°F). This is particularly true in systems where a high percentage of steam is returned as hot condensate，or where make-up water is preheated to remove dissolved air.

Note: 1 ft (foot) = 0.3048 m.

Interactive Charts

References

• Original Source