Straight pipe before pump

CBRob

Saw an install that speced so many inches of straight pipe before and after the circ pumps.

I suppose this helps with flows and turbulence.
Do you try to keep this in your own install all the time?

Jamie Hall

It is certainly advisable; inlet more so than outlet. I'd try to hold 10 diameters if possible.

The problem -- particularly on the inlet side -- is that if there is a bend closer to the inlet, you can get unbalanced pressure on the rotor. If the inlet pressure is low -- getting down to the required net positive suction head -- this can cause cavitation. Even with adequate pressure, however, it can cause unbalanced forces on the seals and bearings. Either one can lead to shortened pump life.

Gordy

https://us.v-cdn.net/5021738/uploads/FileUpload/46/798d393e695b44af28da4f345362a2.jpg

Not always possible depending on space provided in the mechanical room.

STEVEusaPA

Keep in mind also some of those pre-made panels with package boilers are tight. So tight I can't imagine ever making a plumbing repair.
So try for the right dimension if you can get it.
I can tell you on my own house, there just wasn't enough room with 6 zones/circs.

Solid_Fuel_Man

It's interesting to note that in pretty much all wet rotor circulators (choose your color) the inlet (suction) is a 90 degree bend right into the impeller.

We all know this isnt true on base mounted pumps of any real horsepower. The inlet is a straight line to the center of the impeller.

Jamie Hall

Solid_Fuel_Man said:

It's interesting to note that in pretty much all wet rotor circulators (choose your color) the inlet (suction) is a 90 degree bend right into the impeller.



We all know this isnt true on base mounted pumps of any real horsepower. The inlet is a straight line to the center of the impeller.

True. But in your wet rotor circulators it isn't just a simple elbow -- some poor soul spent hours on a model table (or computation fluid dynamics program) getting the geometry of the bend right to get an even pressure distribution at the flow rate of best efficiency. It's amazing what small tweaks to the geometry of the flow can do...

Gordy

I think in residential sized circulators it’s splitting hairs. Look no farther than onboard circulators in mod/cons.........