I have been tasked to generate a sh

[jamesbillct]

I have been tasked to generate a shipboard central vacuuming system proposal. I have come up with piping arrangements and have vendor specifications regarding their vacuum units, however I am looking for technical literature/guidance in calculating flow losses in a vacuum system. Being a new engineer I was uncertain if this would be a piping or HVAC question.I had found some information in an old Buffalo Forge Company Book, but it was covering the moving of bulk material with vacuums. I would appreciate any direction in this subject.

James

 

[prodeng]

The only thing different in a vacuum system and a regular forced air system is you have to remember which way your pressure drop is. You can calculate it just like you would regular air systems, but work backwards from your vacuum pump. In other words, your system inlet pressure will have to be lower than the vacuum pump inlet pressure. Convert everything to SCFM to ensure you're not forgetting any critical factors. Its not that different from a calculation using a fan in a duct, but because of the air flow direction and resulting pressure drop calculations, it is harder to overcome mentally .