water level question

[originator]

hello. i am trying to find out if there is any circumstance where an open system containing water or hydraulic fluid does not seek to level itself out.

for example, if there is 4' wide funnel shaped container that has a 4" hose on the bottom that runs up towared the ceiling(higher than the level of the water in the 4' reservoir), will the weight pressure of the water in the large funnel force the water in the tube to rise above the water level in the reservoir, or does it always seek to remain level regardeless of the volume and weight exerted in one container.

i am trying to find a way to use and existing system to force water (or haudraulic fluid) top hiogher level without using a pump. thanks

 

[MikeHalloran]

Sorry, you don't get something for nothing.

If you can close the top of container and pressurize it, you can force liquid up in the hose. Otherwise, the liquid seeks its own level.




Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA

 

[GregLocock]

Check out capillary action for an almost entirely useless contradiction of Mike's sensible observation.

Big clue - roughly speaking what you are proposing would create potential energy from nothing.

Cheers

Greg Locock

 

[jsummerfield]

Consider changing from open to closed system and pressure the fluid to a higher level using compressed air or nitrogen etc.

John

 

[Compositepro]

Originator, there is a pump design that does exactly what you ask that was invented long ago but many have never heard of it. It is called a hydraulic ram pump. This and other webite describe it:

http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/irrig/Equip/ram.htm

It is still commonly used where electricity is not available but water is plentiful.

Water from the source is first allowed to flow down hill through a pipe and discharged at a lower level though a dump valve that closes when the water velocity reaches a set point. The water in the pipe has inertia and the water-hammer effect can generate very high pressure. This pressure opens a check valve and the water will flow through another pipe to a higher elevation than the source. As the water pressure drops a spring will open the dump valve and allow the water in the down-sloping pipe to accelerate back up to setpoint. Water flows uphill in pulses and only a percentage of the original water goes uphill. So energy is conserved.