How can I regulate my return pump volume

[Savant]

I am wondering is regulating the amount of water my pump is returning to the DT a simple matter of a gate valve or will that harm the pump? Im going to be dealing with 10-12' of head pressure so Im going to need a beefy pump but I want to control the flow if its to much.

 

[stylaster]

Gate valve will work fine, make sure you put it on the output side, not the input. Atleast thats for reeflo pumps. Your pump manufacter should say. Most pumps dont the like the inflow restricted

 

[cdness]

Best answer is buy a pump that will flow what you want based on the output curve of that specific pump...

However there are alternatives if this cannot be done. I know some install a T fitting above the output of their pump. Add a gate valve to the T and run a pipe back to the sump. This will allow you to open the valve up a bit and redirect some flow to the sump.

Gate valving the output itself is not normally recommended except for certain types of pumps. I know with a reeflo dart you can valve it off a bit and it will even make the pump run at a smaller wattage.

 

[ryan803]

Put a T coupling in your return line...have that line return back into your sump. You can put a ball valve on this line and divert extra pressure/water back into your sump...

 

[AZDesertRat]

Never restrict the suction side of a pump. A gate valve or ball valve on the discharge will work fine in most cases and gives you the adjustability you are looking for.
Why the high head, are you doing a basement sump or something similar?

You do not want to return flow to the sump, this wastes energy and actually makes the pump work harder.

 

[Savant]

Yep sumps going to be in the basement. Thanks for the replies. I have heard about returning flow to the sump, as well as just a gate valve. I didnt know the pro/cons of each method.

 

[AZDesertRat]

When you return flow to the sump you are actually increasing the amount of work the pump has to do since it is pumping a greater volume so power consumption is higher and heat generation is higher. When you add a valve to the discharge and throttle the flow you are increasing the head thus decreasing the flow and reducing the work the pump must accomplish so power consumption goes down and the pump runs cooler in almost all cases. This is spelled out in Bernouli's theory and The Laws of Affinity which deal with centrifugal force and pumped liquids.

 

[Savant]

Thanks AZ:bigsmile: I defiantly dont want to get arrested for breaking any laws.... seriously thanks for the explanation:wink:

 

[tidus10]

This is spelled out in Bernouli's theory and The Laws of Affinity which deal with centrifugal force and pumped liquids.

wow.....

I have a ball valve on my Mag 7, but i only have 3' head and works great for me...

 

[Mike O'Brien]

If you install something to divert some water back into the sump, you might want to incorporate a few feeds that can be used to feed various reactors. That way you wont need additional pumps.