Sap pump

[spud]

I have a small gas powered pump that has a one inch port. The pump is rated for something like 15 GPM. If I should pump sap through a one inch pipe all down hill will I still get the 15 GPM or will that go down a lot? Thanks.

Spud

[maple flats]

Line friction will cost you, but pumping downhill, if you have a decent drop might make up for some, most or even all of the loss. I pump down hill too, about 800'with an estimated 15' drop. After I get it started I shut the pump off and sap still flows pretty well. For my second load I use a 1.5" pump at the truck and don't walk back in until the tank is empty. Then I drain the pump 800' back in if a freeze is possible.

[spud]

I have a one HP electric pump and was wondering if 12/3 wire or 10/3 wire would run this pump at a distance of 500 feet? Thanks

Spud

[PATheron]

Spud- That distance you will drop 10 volts with number 10 wire. If you are starting with 240 you might be ok you just have to look at the range given on the motor. If its in range should be good if not your going to have to spring for number 8 wire unfortunately. Theron

[spud]

Theron, Does it say (range) on the pump? What should I be looking for? Thanks

Spud

[Sunday Rock Maple]

We pump 1,400 feet (uphill 18 feet) with a 3/4 hp Goulds with 1" pipe. It works well but takes 45 minutes to pump about 600 gallons. If you haven't already got the pipe and can afford it go with 1 and 1/4" of bigger --- if time is an issue.

[PATheron]

Spud- Itll probly say 120/240 so if you can you want to run it on 240 so its less amps. Then itll say that it runs on 240 but will work with say plus or minus so much percent on the voltage. So if that figures out to be ok to run it on 230 with your voltage loss that will be good for instance. If you run it on lower voltage than they say they need itll have a hard time starting and ruin the motor eventually. As voltage goes down current has to go up and that makes heat and will ruin the motor. Voltage and current are inversely proportional. Theron

[maple flats]

What is the name plate amp rating? As others said, if it is designed for 240 , do it. When I get the amp rating and a voltage I can give you an exact. For voltage, take a reading several different times. Even though your utility says you get 240, it varies greatly. Their 240 is sometimes like a 2x4 at the lumber yard, you don't get what you expected and paid for. I have seen voltages from 217-245 at various locations back when we used to insulate homes. The higher your voltage the better. 500' is a long run and you might not like the answer, but I will give you the exact voltage drop when I get your voltage. Also, if you go aluminum conductors you will need even larger wire, but it will cost less.

[spud]

Thanks guys,

I will look at the pump in the morning and see what it says. It was a busy day today.

Spud

[spud]

Spud- Itll probly say 120/240 so if you can you want to run it on 240 so its less amps. Then itll say that it runs on 240 but will work with say plus or minus so much percent on the voltage. So if that figures out to be ok to run it on 230 with your voltage loss that will be good for instance. If you run it on lower voltage than they say they need itll have a hard time starting and ruin the motor eventually. As voltage goes down current has to go up and that makes heat and will ruin the motor. Voltage and current are inversely proportional. Theron

Here is what I have for a pump. It is a Goulds Jet Pump that is 1/3 HP (I thought it was bigger). The motor say's it is 115 volts and 6.5 amps. There is a pressure gauge and a water worker system tank all connected to the pump. Could I run this pump with 12/2 wire at a range of about 400+ feet? If not what size wire should I use? Also will it pump sap up hill for about 250-300 feet before gravity takes over and the sap would flow down to the sugarhouse? The hill is at least 15-20 feet. How much GPH should i get from this pump. It is an older model and not stainless. It weighs about 50 pounds or so. Any help would be great.

Spud\

[maple flats]

With 6.5 A if you start at 120V you will lose 8.36% or 10.036V at 400' with 12 ga. With 10ga you lose 5.24% or 6.291V. With 8 ga you lose 3.37% or 4.045V. Note that all calculations begin with 120V input at the source. If it is any lower you drop too low even with 8 ga. Technically you should use 8 Ga or even 6 Ga but many would use 10 ga and it would work but might cause earlier motor burnout. A motor running under the nameplate voltage will run hotter and show age sooner because of the heat buildup. If the nameplate shows a second rating of 230V/3.25A wire it at 230V. Using 230V in and 12 ga wire you will only lose 2.18% or 5.018V. It would still need just 12-2 with G wire.
If you put a meter on your power supply and get a different voltage just give me the numbers and I'll give you the loss info.
Everything above is calculated using Copper wire.

[spud]

Thanks Dave.

Spud