Pump Problems - Friction Loss
What is friction loss?
Friction loss refers to the head loss through a pipe or other containment as a result of the fluid being pumped meeting resistance. The severity of the lose associated with the friction against the pipe relates direct to the fluid viscosity, the flow rate at which it is pumped, the pipe type and material, the pipe size and the distance at which it is being pumped over.
Why does it cause issues for pumping systems?
In a pumping system, high friction loss can cause pumps to operate outside their parameters on their associated performance curves, causing premature failure to key rotating elements in the pumps, including seals, impellers and bearings.
What sort of effects can arise?
Loss of flow and pressure at the duty point for the application, which can decrease operational efficiency and productivity.
What can be done about it?
Proper calculation of the possible friction losses in the application prior to supply and install of any pumps. If losses appear to be high, upsizing the pipe size or pipe type can reduce the effect of friction loss on the system. There will always be friction loss in any pump application, however through proper calculations and selection of pipe materials can reduce the effect of it on the application, and maintain operational efficiency.
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