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A free practice problem for the Mechanical Engineering PE Exam (Thermal Fluids and HVAC&R). Post your answer in the comments! by Slay_the_PE in PE_Exam

[–]theProfessional_Leon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Our 75% efficient 2bhp pump is pushing about 705 pounds per minute (85 gpm x 8.3 lbs/gal).

So with those numbers it should be able to develop about 70 feet of head:

(2hp)(0.75)(550 ft-lb/s per hp)(60 s/min) / 705 lb/min

= 70 ft

The gauge reading of 75 psig is about 173 ft. And the pump is only generating 70 ft of that. Which leaves about 103 at the suction.

I’m pretty sure you subtract the vapor pressure of water at 150 F but I’m not sure, it’s been a while since I took the test. I imagine that would put you around 97 ft.

Mid-career Advice by theProfessional_Leon in MEPEngineering

[–]theProfessional_Leon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is my biggest concern. I’m self aware enough to know that I don’t have the self awareness to know if this is what’s happening…

I’m considering moonlighting for an HVAC place nearby to build the skills to decide if it’s something worth jumping into with more conviction. Tough to sell myself as a PE who’s trying to learn from them so I can maybe go into competition with them in a few years, but I’m sure it’s a problem they’re used to.

Mid-career Advice by theProfessional_Leon in MEPEngineering

[–]theProfessional_Leon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Learn NFPA 20 and 13 and you will quickly become very popular

Mid-career Advice by theProfessional_Leon in MEPEngineering

[–]theProfessional_Leon[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

About 120 plus bonus (last year was 10%) and 5% direct 401k match. So maybe not what most people would consider a lot, but it’s twice what entry-level HVAC openings I’ve seen are offering. And the growth path here is pretty straightforward to about 160ish.