Submersible Pump Calculation

3RD BASEMENT Water TanK

Tank area = 22.8 m2

Water height to be removed by the pump = 0.2 m

Volume of water to be removed = (22.8 x 0.20)

= 4.6 m3

For this tank 90 min. (i.e. 1.5 hours) time is considered as empty time

Flow required = 4.6 / 1.5 m3/h = 3.1 m3/h

= 14 gpm

Considering discharge pressure = 5 m

Discharge height = 11 m

3” pipe length = 11 m = 36 ft

From table for equivalent lengths for Fittings and Valves for C factor of 150 (i.e. for PVC
pipes), Table E103.3(5) – International Plumbing Code 2006

Equivalent length for 3” 90o Standard Elbow = 10.0 ft

Equivalent length for 3” Gate Valve = 2.0 ft
Equivalent length for 3” Check Valve = 33.6 ft

Therefore, equivalent length for:

8 Nos. 90o Standard Elbow = 80 ft

 1 No. Gate Valve = 2.0 ft
1 No. Check Valve = 33.6 ft

Total equivalent length of the pumping system = (36 + 80.0 + 2.0 + 33.6) ft = 152 ft

From chart, Friction loss in Fairly Smooth Pipe, Figure E103.3(5) – International Plumbing Code
2006

Friction loss for a 2” pipe for a flow of 14 gpm is 1 psi per 100 feet length

Therefore, Friction loss = (1/100) x 152 psi

= 1.52 psi
=1m
Total friction loss = (5 + 11 + 1) m
= 17 m
Factor of Safety = 20%

Net pressure required = (17 x 1.2) m = 20.4 m

≈ 2 bar

So a pump of flow rate 52 gpm @ 2 bar is required.