This work determines the maximum possible velocity fluids can be transported through a vertical height at constant pump power. The analysis involves simulation of theoretical piping equations and analysis of the pump pressure, frictional pressure drop and static (atmospheric) pressure with respect to flow velocity using MS excel and Matlab. Computational results obtained from MS excel and represented graphically in Matlab establish the maximum allowable velocity – below which the fluid can be transported safely within the required flow input conditions (i.e. diameter, length and pump power) and above which it will be impossible for the fluid to be pumped to the given height under the same flow conditions. A general equation was also established for approximate determination of the maximum fluid velocity at any height given pipe length (height), pump power and pipe diameter. It was also found that at constant pump power, the larger the pipe length and diameter, the greater the maximum allowable flow velocity for each respectively and vice versa. Keywords: Maximum allowable velocity; Pump speed and pressure; Frictional pressure; Static pressure.
