I have a Sicce SDC 9 pump capable of 1000-2500 gph. I want to maximize the flow potential so I am transition to a large 2” outlet return pipe, minimizing head/fittings/elbows/etc. Using the online friction calculator, I can easily determine the approximate friction loss. No issues there…. Where I am confused is on the intake of the pump. Since I am running external, I will have to flow through a bulkhead in the sump. Sizing the intake is the question for this post.
Referencing the popular online flow charts, I see that gravity flow / suction side of pump would only allow 960 gph for 1” and 2,100 for 1.5”. The Sicce pump has 1” inlet and outlet. I emailed Sicce and they responded that a 1” bulkhead would be fine for 2100 gph…???
These two sources conflict. I do not want to starve the pump and restrict rate and/or cause cavitation. What am I missing? Do the flow charts above not apply to “short” run sections of pipe? Not a big deal to drill large holes for bigger bulkheads, but don’t want to upsize unnecessarily. Will look kind of funny with huge 1.5” / 2.0” bulkhead an true union valves coming out of sump return section.
Referencing the popular online flow charts, I see that gravity flow / suction side of pump would only allow 960 gph for 1” and 2,100 for 1.5”. The Sicce pump has 1” inlet and outlet. I emailed Sicce and they responded that a 1” bulkhead would be fine for 2100 gph…???
These two sources conflict. I do not want to starve the pump and restrict rate and/or cause cavitation. What am I missing? Do the flow charts above not apply to “short” run sections of pipe? Not a big deal to drill large holes for bigger bulkheads, but don’t want to upsize unnecessarily. Will look kind of funny with huge 1.5” / 2.0” bulkhead an true union valves coming out of sump return section.