You can increase pressure in a pipeline by adding a pump to the system. Here's a breakdown:
Understanding Pressure Increase in Pipelines
Increasing pressure in a pipeline involves adding energy to the fluid flowing within it. Pumps are the primary devices used for this purpose. However, the design of the pipeline itself is a crucial factor.
Methods to Increase Pipeline Pressure
- Adding a Pump: This is the most direct method. Different types of pumps are suited for different pressure increase requirements. (18-Sept-2021)
- Centrifugal Pumps: These are suitable for medium pressure increases. (18-Sept-2021) They work by using a rotating impeller to add kinetic energy to the fluid, which is then converted to pressure.
- Positive Displacement Pumps: These are used for large pressure increases. (18-Sept-2021) These pumps deliver a fixed volume of fluid with each cycle, making them effective at generating high pressures.
Important Considerations
- Pipeline Design Pressure: The existing pipeline has a maximum pressure it can safely handle. This is known as the design pressure. (18-Sept-2021)
- Replacement: If the required pressure increase exceeds the pipeline's design pressure, the pipeline might need to be replaced with one capable of withstanding higher pressures. (18-Sept-2021)
- Type of Fluid: Some liquids are easier to pump. Gases are more difficult to pump.
- Flow Rate: The rate at which liquid is flowing, influences how large of pump is needed.
Example Scenario
Let's say you have a water pipeline and you need to increase the water pressure to supply water to a higher elevation. You could add a centrifugal pump inline, to increase water pressure. If the required water pressure is very large, a positive displacement pump would be needed. If neither will work because the pipe will burst, a new higher-pressure pipe will need to be installed before the pump.
