Hazen-Williams Equation for Pressure Loss in Pipes

Specified Data
C = Hazen-Williams roughness constant 100 (example - Thermoplastic pipe - PVC or similar)
Q = volume flow (gal/min) 132
di = inside diameter (inches) 2.00157 (example - 4" PVC Schedule 40 pipe)

Calculated Pressure Loss

f = friction head loss in feet of water per 100 60.21
feet of pipe (ft H20 per 100 ft pipe) Steel, welded & seamless C = 100
Calculated Flow Velocity Q= 132
v = flow velocity (ft/s) 13.21 Di = 2.00157

C= Hazen-Williams roughness constants

Hazen-Williams
Material Coefficient
-c-
Asbestos Cement 140
Brass 130 - 140
Brick sewer 90 - 100
Cast-Iron - new unlined (CIP) 130
Cast-Iron 10 years old 107 - 113
Cast-Iron 20 years old 89 - 100
Cast-Iron 30 years old 75 - 90
Cast-Iron 40 years old 64-83
Cast-Iron, asphalt coated 100
Cast-Iron, cement lined 140
Cast-Iron, bituminous lined 140
Cast-Iron, wrought plain 100
Concrete 100 - 140
Copper or Brass 130 - 140
Corrugated Metal 60
Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP) 140
Fiber 140
Fiber Glass Pipe - FRP 150
Galvanized iron 120
Glass 130
Lead 130 - 140
Metal Pipes - Very to extremely smooth 130 - 140
Plastic 130 - 150
Polyethylene, PE, PEH 150
PVC, CPVC 150
Smooth Pipes 140
Steel new unlined 140 - 150
Steel
Steel, welded and seamless 100
Steel, interior riveted, no projecting rivets 100
Steel, projecting girth rivets 100
Steel, vitrified, spiral-riveted 90 - 100
Steel, corrugated 60
Tin 130
Vitrified Clays 110
Wooden or Masonry Pipe - Smooth 120
Wood Stave 110 - 120
astic pipe - PVC or similar)

hedule 40 pipe)

gal/min
Hazen-Williams Equation for Pressure Loss in Pipes

Specified Data
C = Hazen-Williams roughness constant 100
Q = volume flow (gal/min) 330 gal/min 75000 l/h 0.020833
di = inside diameter (inches) 6.33 in 160.782 mm 0.160782
A = Area 0.020293
V = Velocity 6.33858

Calculated Pressure Loss

f = friction head loss in feet of water per 100 1.21
feet of pipe (ft H20 per 100 ft pipe)

Calculated Flow Velocity

v = flow velocity (ft/s) 3.30 ft/s 1.01 m/s

UHT line
Steel, welded & seamless Constant C = 100

3600
Dia required 0.1623408341 m 162.34 mm
Flow Rate required 0.0208333333 m /s
3
75.00 m3/h
Velocity Required 1.026630713 m/s 1.03 m/s
0.0206883189 0.021239 76.4613
 1 m2 1550 in2
1 in2 0.0006452
1m 39.3701 in
1 in 0.0254 m
1 in 0.08333 ft
1 Bar = 100000 Pa
1 m = 3.280 ft
m3/s 75 m3/h 1 in = 25.4 mm
m
m2
Prepared By: ZAC

Bernoulli's Equation
Date: 29/11/07

Put values in black cells and get the desired parameter in the red ones. DO NOT EDIT RED CELLS
Theory:
statement of the conservation of energy in a form useful for solving problems involving fluids. For a non-viscous, incompressible fluid in steady flow, the sum o
and kinetic energies per unit volume is constant at any point

Solve for Velocity at point 2

V2 = Velocity 2 V2 = 7.24 m/sec
A1 = Area 1 Dia1 = 15000 mm
A1 = 176.625 m2
A2 = Area 2 Dia2 = 51 mm
A2 = 0.002041785 m2
P1 = Pressure 1 P1 = 152000 Pas
P2 = Pressure 2 P2 = 135000 Pas
ρ = Density of Fluid ρ= 1030 kg/m3
h = Head (h1 - h2) hL 1.98 m
h1 = 4.50 m
h2 = 1.52 m
g = Acceleration of gravity g= 9.81 m/s

Solve for velocity at point 1

V1 = Velocity 1 V1 = 4.65 m/sec
V2 = Velocity 2 V2 = 11.89 m/s
A1 = Area 1 Dia1 = 100 mm
A1 = 0.00785 m2
A2 = Area 2 Dia2 = 65 mm
A2 = 0.003316625 m2
P1 = Pressure 1 P1 = 400000 Pas
P2 = Pressure 2 P2 = 350000 Bar
ρ = Density of Fluid ρ= 998.2 kg/m3
Head Loss hL 1.98 m
h-h h1 = 4.50 m
h2 = 1.52 m
g = Acceleration of gravity g= 9.81 m/s

Solve for pressure at point 1

V1 = Velocity 1 V1 = 4.65 m/s
V2 = Velocity 2 V2 = 11.89 m/s
A1 = Area 1 Dia1 = 100.00 mm
A1 = 0.01 m2
A2 = Area 2 Dia2 = 65.00 mm
A2 = 0.00 m2
P1 = Pressure 1 P1 = 400000.00 Pas
P2 = Pressure 2 P2 = 350000.00 Bar
ρ = Density of Fluid ρ= 998.20 kg/m3
Head Loss h = Head (h1 - h2) 1.98 m
h-h h1 = 4.50 m
h2 = 1.52 m
g = Acceleration of gravity g= 9.81 m/s

Solve for head loss - hL

V1 = Velocity 1 V1 = 4.65 m/s
V2 = Velocity 2 V2 = 11.89 m/s
A1 = Area 1 Dia1 = 100 mm
A1 = 0.00785 m2
Prepared By: ZAC

A2 = Area 2 Dia2 = 65 mm
A2 = 0.003316625 m2
P1 = Pressure 1 P1 = 400000 Pas
P2 = Pressure 2 P2 = 350000 Bar
ρ = Density of Fluid ρ= 998.2 kg/m3
Head Loss hL 1.98 m
h1 = 4.50 m
h2 = 1.52 m
g = Acceleration of gravity g= 9.81 m/s

Solve for static head or elevation at point 1 - Z

V1 = Velocity 1 V1 = 4.65 m/s
V2 = Velocity 2 V2 = 11.89 m/s
A1 = Area 1 Dia1 = 100 mm
A1 = 0.00785 m2
A2 = Area 2 Dia2 = 65 mm
A2 = 0.003316625 m2
P1 = Pressure 1 P1 = 400000 Pas
P2 = Pressure 2 P2 = 350000 Pas
ρ = Density of Fluid ρ= 998.2 kg/m3
Head Loss hL 1.98 m
Static Head at point 1 h1 = 4.50 m
Static Head at point 2 h2 = 1.52 m
g = Acceleration of gravity g= 9.81 m/s
 Prepared By: ZAC

Prepared By: ZAC

ible fluid in steady flow, the sum of pressure, potential

 Prepared By: ZAC

Calculation of Pressure Loss in pipes

Pressure Loss in pipes is due to friction, fittings and kinetic energy changes

Give Data in inputs in SI Units

Get the pressure loss in output
DO NOT EDIT OUTPUT CELLS

Fluid Water at 1.013 Bar and 20 0C

INPUTS:
Q = Flow Rate Q= 21 m3/h
DN = Nominal Dia DN = 51 mm
L = Pipe Length L= 25 m
k = Pipe Roughness k= 0.0002 m
ρ = Density of Fluid ρ= 998.2 kg/m3
μ = Fluid Viscosity μ= 0.00100161 Kg/m.s
g = Acceleration of gravity g= 9.81 m/s

OUTPUTS:
Calculated Parameters
D = Internal Pipe Dia Diae = 55.2 mm
0.06 m
Roughness/Dia ratio k/D= 0.0036252723
Area A= 0.0024 m2
Velocity V= 2.44 m/sec
Kinematic Viscosity ή= 0.0000010
Specific Gravity γ= 9792 N/m3

RESULTS:

Reynolds Number: Re = 134238 Turbulent

Friction Factor λ 0.02 Iterative Value

1. λ for Laminar Flow λL = 0.000
2. λ for Turbulent Flow λT = 0.028652
0.028486
0.028489
0.028489
2. λ for Turbulent Flow λT = 0.028489

Head Loss Dh = 3.9225 m

= 12.8657 ft
Pressure Loss Dp = 0.3841 Bar
= 384.101 mBar

Pressure Loss (.0001078)(K)Rho(V^2)

k=fL/D 0.0000079296

Equivalent Length Method 0.5ρ*v/Dp

310.6687824832
Prepared By: ZAC
Spreadsheet for Friction Factors

As I prepared an excel spreadsheet to calculate various friction factor expressions (both implicit and explicit), I thought to shar

Procedure

Enter values of Reynolds Number in ‘C4’ and e/D in ‘F4’

For Churchill Equation, enter the code of A =POWER(-2.457*LN((POWER((7/C4),0.9)+(0.27*F4))),16) in ‘C16 and of

Enter the code of f =8*POWER(((POWER((8/C4),12))+(1/(POWER((C16+C17),1.5)))),(1/12)) in ‘C18’

For Sherghides equation

A =-2*(LOG((F4/3.7)+(12/C4))) in ‘C30’
B =-2*(LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51*C30/C4))) in ‘C31’
C =-2*(LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51*C31/C4))) in ‘C32’
And f =POWER((C30-((POWER((C31-C30),2))/(C32-(2*C31)+C30))),-2) in ‘C33’

For Moody Equation

F =(5.5/1000)*(1+(POWER(((2*10000*F4)+(1000000/C4)),1/3))) in ‘C39’

For Wood Equation

a =-1.62*(POWER(F4,0.134)) in ‘C46’
and f =((0.094*(POWER(F4,0.225)))+(0.53*F4)+(88*(POWER(F4,0.44))*(POWER(C4,C46)))) in ‘C47’

For Jain Equation

f =1/(POWER((1.14-(2*LOG(F4+(21.25/(POWER(C4,0.9)))))),2)) in ‘C54’

For Chen Equation

A =LOG(((POWER(F4,1.1098))/2.8257)+(5.8506/(POWER(C4,0.8981)))) in ‘C62’
f =1/(POWER((-2*LOG((F4/3.7065)-(5.0452*C62/C4))),2)) in ‘C63’

For Zigrang and Sylvester Equation

A =LOG((F4/3.7)-((5.02/C4)*(LOG((F4/3.7)+(13/C4))))) in ‘C71’
f =1/(POWER((-2*LOG((F4/3.7)-(5.02*C71/C4))),2)) in ‘C79’

For Colebrook Equation

Enter initial f value as 0.02 in ‘C85’
And copy the following formulae
=1/(POWER((-2*LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51/(C4*(POWER(C85,0.5)))))),2)) in ‘D87’
=1/(POWER((-2*LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51/(C4*(POWER(D87,0.5)))))),2)) in ‘E87’
=1/(POWER((-2*LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51/(C4*(POWER(E87,0.5)))))),2)) in ‘F87’
=1/(POWER((-2*LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51/(C4*(POWER(F87,0.5)))))),2)) in ‘G87’
=1/(POWER((-2*LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51/(C4*(POWER(G87,0.5)))))),2)) in ‘H87’

Generally G87 and H87 will have equal values(i.e Colebrook's equation generally converges after 4th step of iteration) and this

Once you are done with making the spreadsheet, you can safely delete all those redundant rows from the spreadsheet.
t and explicit), I thought to share it with you guys, not because it is too difficult to do this but to avoid wastage of your time in writing those

0.27*F4))),16) in ‘C16 and of B =POWER((37530/C4),16) in ‘C17’

)),(1/12)) in ‘C18’

(C4,C46)))) in ‘C47’

er 4th step of iteration) and this is your friction factor for the given Re and e/D

ws from the spreadsheet.

your time in writing those lengthy expressions and also the subsequent wastage of time in finding out which brace() we missed out.
e() we missed out.
Enter values of Reynolds Number in ‘C4’ and e/D in ‘F4’

160000 0.004

A 3.09424E+19
B 8.397254E-11
f 0.0292934699
For Churchill Equation, enter the code of A =POWER(-2.457*LN((POWER((7/C4),0.9)+(0.27*F4))),16)
Enter the code of f =8*POWER(((POWER((8/C4),12))+(1/(POWER((C16+C17),1.5)))),(1/12)) in ‘C18’

For Sherghides equation

A =-2*(LOG((F4/3.7)+(12/C4))) in ‘C30’
B =-2*(LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51*C30/C4))) in ‘C31’
C =-2*(LOG((F4/3.7)+(2.51*C31/C4))) in ‘C32’
And f =POWER((C30-((POWER((C31-C30),2))/(C32-(2*C31)+C30))),-2) in ‘C33’

A 5.8740234117
B 5.8612338117
f 0.0289817453
 Q = Flow Rat Q= 75 m3/h
V = Velocity V= 1.02 m/sec
DN = Nominal DN = 150 mm
D = Internal P Dia1 = 161 mm
0.16 m
A = Area A= 0.0205 m2
ρ = Density of ρ= 998.2 kg/m3
μ = Fluid Visc μ= 0.001002 Kg/m.s
g = Accelerati g= 9.81 m/s

m
Ratio k/D 0
OUTPUTS:
Reynolds Re = 163842.9 Turbulent

(0.27*F4))),16) in ‘C16 and of B =POWER((37530/C4),16) in ‘C17’

))),(1/12)) in ‘C18’
Fluid viscosity
A fluid viscosity can be described by its Dynamic viscosity (sometimes called Absolute viscosity), or it’s
Kinematic viscosity. These two expressions of viscosity are not the same, but are linked via the fluid density.
Kinematic viscosity = Dynamic viscosity / fluid density
Dynamic Viscosity
Water @ 20°C has a viscosity of 1.00 x 10 -3 Pa • s or 1.00 Centipoise
Water @ 70°F has a viscosity of 2.04 x 10 -5 lb •s/ft²
Kinematic Viscosity
Water @ 20°C has a viscosity of 1.004 x 10 -6 m /s² or 1.004000 Centistokes
Water @ 70°F has a viscosity of 10.5900 x 10 -6 ft /s²
Pipe Flow Expert has a database of viscosities and densities for common

Reynolds numbers
Reynolds numbers (Re) describe the relationship between a fluid's velocity, the
Internal pipe diameter and the fluid's Kinematic viscosity.
Reynolds number = Fluid velocity x Internal pipe diameter / Kinematic viscosity
Note : Kinematic viscosity (not Dynamic viscosity) must be used to calculate Reynolds numbers.

It is generally accepted that the 'changeover' point between laminar flow and turbulent flow, in a circular
pipe, occurs when the Reynolds number (Re) is approximately 2100.

Friction factors
Many formulas have been developed to model the flow of fluids. The Hazen-Williams formula has been a
popular method of estimating the head loss in piping systems for a number of years. However, this empirical
formula will only give reasonable accuracy if the fluid is water at 60°F or similar. The Hazen-Williams formula
is therefore not useful in analyzing a complex pipe system.

The Colebrook-White formula may be used with confidence to calculate an accurate friction factor applicable
to the turbulent flow of fluids. The Colebrook-White formula is applicable over a whole range of fluid
densities and viscosities, provided that the fluid flow is turbulent.

The Colebrook-White formula:

1/sqrt(f) = 1.14 – 2 log10 [e/D + 9.35/(Re x sqrt(f))]

f = friction factor

e = internal roughness of pipe

D = internal diameter of pipe

Re = Reynolds number

Friction factors for turbulent flow calculated by Pipe Flow Expert are based on the Colebrook-White formula.

The friction factor for Laminar flow is calculated from f = 64/Re

Fluid head (resistance to flow)

The resistance to fluid flow is usually expressed in fluid head. This is the height of a column of fluid which
would exert enough pressure on the fluid at the bottom of the column to make the fluid flow within the
system.

If the level of fluid (fluid head) is increased in a supply container, the volume of fluid entering the system
from the supply container will increase due to the increase in pressure (force).

Fluid head resistance can be calculated by using the Darcy-Weisbach formula.

h fluid = f (L/D) x (v ²/2g)

f = friction factor

L = length of pipe work

D = inner diameter of pipe

work

v = velocity of fluid

g = acceleration due to
gravity

Fluid head loss calculated by Pipe Flow Expert is based on the Darcy-Weisbach formula.

Calculation of fitting head loss

The fluid head resistance through various pipe work fittings can be calculated if the 'K' factor of the fitting is
known. Many manufacturers of pipe work fittings and valves publish 'K' factors for their products.
Fluid head loss of these fitting can be calculated from:

h fluid = 'K' x v ² / 2g
'K' = manufacturer’s published 'K' factor for the fitting
v = velocity of fluid

g = acceleration due to gravity

In many systems where pipe lengths are relatively long, the effect of the fitting losses may be considered to
be minor losses, and could be ignored during initial assessment.

If a partially open valve is part of the design, the effect of the valve should always be considered as the
valve loss may be large.
Crane Technical Paper No. 410

Calculate total pressure loss

The fluid head resistance can also be expressed a pressure.

Metric units:

bar = h fluid x p x g / 100000

h = head loss (m)

p = fluid density (kg/m³)

g = acceleration due to
gravity (m/s ²)

Imperial units:

psi = h fluid x SG x 2.311

h = head loss (ft)

SG = specific gravity of the

fluid

Energy and Hydraulic Grade Lines

The Energy Grade Line is a plot of the sum of the three terms of the Work-Energy equation or Bernoulli
theorem: Fluid Head = The Kinetic energy + The Flow energy + The Potential energy.

EGL = v²/2g + P/y + elevation

v = velocity

g = acceleration due to
gravity

P = pressure

y = fluid density

The Hydraulic Grade Line is a plot of the sum of two of the terms of the Bernoulli theorem: Fluid Head = The
Flow energy + The Potential energy.

HGL = P/y + elevation

P = pressure

y = fluid density

Balanced flow state

Network analysis is based on two major principles:

1.       Mass flow into a joint in the network must be equal to mass flow out of the joint. Assuming that the fluid
density does not change, the total flow rate entering the node must equal the total flow rate leaving the
node.

2.       The pressure drop in the pipes around a loop must be equal to zero. In a recirculation loop the
pressure loss in each pipe must be the total of the fluid head energy being provided by the driving force
(normally a pump). In a loop where the flows are in opposite directions, the total pressure loss in each pipe
with a clockwise flow must equal the total pressure loss in each pipe with an anticlockwise flow.

Loops, Nodes and Pipes

To solve the unknowns in any pipeline network, a system of nonlinear equations must be developed to
mathematically describe the pipeline network in terms of the flows and pressures that must balance at
specific points within the system. These equations must be solved simultaneously in order to find a
balanced solution.
Loops within a pipeline network consist of a series of connected pipes that return to the start point (the node
where the loop started), however pseudo loops can exist between a supply or discharge source, between
two supply sources or between two discharge sources.

A series of pressure equations describing the pressure loss in each loop must be generated. The same pipe
may be included in many different loops.

A series of flow continuity equations must be generated for the flow rate balance at each node in the
pipeline system.

Pipe Flow Expert will automatically analyze a system, identify all loops and pseudo-loops, generate the
pressure equations throughout the network and remove redundant loop equations (those which are already
fully described by combining other equations). It will also generate the flow balance equations for each node
in a pipeline system.

Solving the unknown values

Pipe Flow Expert generates initial estimates for the flow rate at each outlet point in the pipeline system. The
Out-flows are used to estimate the flow rate in each pipe. The pressure losses within the system are
calculated using friction factors obtained from the Colebrook-White equation, and the friction pressure loss
for each pipe is obtained from the Darcy-Weisbach equation. The initial estimates are unlikely to give a
balanced pressure result over the whole system and must be adjusted using a variation on the Newton
method to converge to a final result where all of the flow rates and pressures within the system are
balanced. Pipe Flow Expert defines the elements of the pipeline system in a series of non-linear matrix
equations. Once an approximate solution has been obtained, the results are refined using a variation on the
Newton method algorithm to ensure the results converge to a balanced flow and pressure result.

System Calculation Tolerances

Pipe Flow Expert uses an initial minimum velocity to estimate the unknown out-flows at the boundary points.
This leads to estimates of the flow rate for each pipe in the system. If a balanced solution is not found, the
initial out-flow estimate is increased progressively up to a maximum pipe velocity value. These values can
be adjusted within the Configuration Options screen however we recommend that these values are left
unchanged for most systems.

A flow balance tolerance and an approximate pressure balance tolerance are used to allow Pipe Flow
Expert to find an approximate solution quickly. This approximate solution is then refined until the system is
solved within the final pressure balance tolerance.

The flow and pressure balance tolerances and the maximum number of iterations allowed, have been
carefully chosen to provide the best overall performance in finding a solution. It is recommended that these
values are not changed, as most systems will solve without adjustment to these parameters.

Glossary
Term Description
Absolute pressure Pressure measured with respect to zero pressure.
Atmosphere A standard atmospheric pressure of 1.01325 bar a or 14.696 psi a.
Centipoise Absolute viscosity of a fluid expressed in Pa • s x 10 -3
Centistokes Kinematic viscosity of a fluid expressed in m²/s x 10 -6

Note: Pipe Flow Expert requires fluid viscosity to be entered in Centipoise.

Colebrook-White equation An equation used to calculate accurate friction factors from the internal
Darcy-Weisbach equation diameter
An equationandused
internal roughness
to calculate theoffrictional
a pipe andheadtheloss
Reynold’s number
due to fluid flow for thethe
from
flow conditions.
friction factor,entering
the length
Demand flow The In-Flow the and diameter
system or theofOut-Flow
the pipe,leaving
the velocity of the fluid and
the system.
the gravitational constant.
Demand pressure The pressure at a point of exit from the system.
Discharge Out-Flow leaving the system.
Dynamic viscosity The absolute viscosity of a fluid.
Friction factor A factor to be used in the Darcy-Weisbach equation. Either calculated from
Elevation the
TheColebrook-White
height above seaequation
level of aornode
reador from the Moody diagram.
tank.
End pressure The pressure at a point where fluid leaves the system.
Fixed pressure A static pressure loss which is independent of the flow rate.
Fluid head The resistance to flow expressed in height of fluid as a motive force.
Gage pressure Pressure measured with respect to atmospheric pressure.
Hydraulic grade line The pressure at a point in the system expressed in height of fluid plus the
in Hg elevation
Height of aabove
columnseaoflevel of theinnode
mercury or the tank.
a barometer expressed in inches.
K value Coefficient of frictional loss through valve or pipe fittings.
Kinematic viscosity The absolute viscosity of a fluid divided by the fluid density.
Moody diagram A graphical representation of the relationship between Reynold’s number,
relative roughness and Friction factor.
mm Hg Height of a column of mercury in a barometer expressed in millimeters.
NPSHa Net Positive Such Head available.
NPSHr Net Positive Such Head requirement.
Pressure loss The friction loss due to fluid flow expressed in fluid head or Gage pressure.
Pump head The motive force developed by a pump expressed in height of fluid. (Pump
performance graphs usually show pump head for water).

Relative roughness A dimensionless number expressing the internal roughness of a pipe divided
by the internal diameter of a pipe.
Reynold’s number A dimensionless number derived from the fluid velocity, the internal diameter
of the pipe and the Kinematic viscosity of the fluid.
Supply In-Flow entering the system.
Vapor pressure The absolute pressure at which a liquid will start to evaporate.
Viscosity A measure of a fluid‘s resistance to flow. See absolute viscosity and Kinematic
viscosity.

Flow Control Valves

Flow Control Valves allow the user to set a flow rate in a particular pipe. Pipe Flow Expert removes the pipe
from the system and sets an Out-flow demand at the ‘From node’ and an equal In-flow demand at the ‘To
node’. Thus the pipe is replaced by these flow demands while the system is being solved.

Pumps (with Flow versus Head Curve)

The user is able to enter flow rate and head loss information about a pump which is to be used in the
pipeline system. Pipe Flow Expert generates a performance curve for the pump to allow the pump
performance to be modeled as part of the pipeline system.

Fixed Flow Rate Pumps

The user is able to elect to enter a fixed flow rate for a pump. This situation may occur when the natural flow
distribution to different parts of the network has to be determined, or when the system has a variable speed
pump that has been set to produce a set flow rate. The Fixed Flow Rate Pump is modeled in a similar
manner to the Flow Control Valve described above. Pipe Flow Expert removes the pipe on which the pump
is mounted and sets an Out-flow demand at the ‘From node’ and an equal In-flow demand at the ‘To node’.
The pipe and the pump are replaced by these flow demands while the system is being solved.

Since the head pressure provided by the pump is unknown, the system balance cannot be ‘tuned’ by
iterating along the pump performance curve. For this reason it is not possible to include pressure control
devices such as flow control valves on all outlet paths through the system when a fixed flow rate pump has
been selected (this would result in an over-controlled system).

If the pressure difference between the ‘From node’ and the ‘To node’ is not great enough then the pressure
loss in the pipe and the flow control valve pressure loss cannot be set. A warning will be displayed that the
pressure in the pipe is not sufficient to deliver the set flow.

Fixed Head / Pressure Rise Pumps

The user is able to elect to enter a fixed head or pressure rise for a pump. This situation may be useful
when trying to estimate the pump head required to produce the flow distribution to different parts of the
network, where a pump flow versus head curve has not be established.

The flow rates would be set by flow control valves on the outlet legs.
The minimum pump head would be determined by subtracting the smallest pressure introduced by the flow
control valves from the fixed head supplied by the pump.

Net Positive Suction Head available

Pipe Flow Expert is able to calculate the pressure available at a pump inlet. This pressure will change if the
mounting position of the pump along a pipe is changed. The vapor pressure of the fluid being pumped is
subtracted from the pump inlet pressure to obtain the Net Positive Suction Head available. The NPSHa
must be higher than the pump manufacturer’s NPSHr (Net Positive Suction Head requirement for the flow
rate) in order to prevent gas bubbles forming in the fluid.
Resistance Coefficients for different components in pipe systems

Minor Loss Coefficient

Type of Component or Fitting -ξ-
Flanged Tees, Line Flow 0.2
Threaded Tees, Line Flow 0.9
Flanged Tees, Branched Flow 1.0
Threaded Tees, Branch Flow 2.0
Threaded Union 0.08
Flanged Regular 90o Elbows 0.3
Threaded Regular 90o Elbows 1.5
Threaded Regular 45o Elbows 0.4
Flanged Long Radius 90o Elbows 0.2
Threaded Long Radius 90o Elbows 0.7
Flanged Long Radius 45o Elbows 0.2
Flanged 180o Return Bends 0.2
Threaded 180o Return Bends 1.5
Fully Open Globe Valve 10
Fully Open Angle Valve 2
Fully Open Gate Valve 0.15
1/4 Closed Gate Valve 0.26
1/2 Closed Gate Valve 2.1
3/4 Closed Gate Valve 17
Forward Flow Swing Check Valve 2
Fully Open Ball Valve 0.05
1/3 Closed Ball Valve 5.5
2/3 Closed Ball Valve 200
 Calculating Pressure Drop
Date: 29/11/07

Technical Information
Pressure drop:

Pressure drop in pipes is caused by:

1.) Friction

2.) Vertical pipe difference

3.) Changes of kinetic energy

Calculation of pressure drop caused by friction in circular pipes

First we calculate the Reynolds-Number:

(Nomenclature)

If Reynolds number < 2320, than we have laminar flow, else we have turbulent flow.

Now we calculate the pipe friction number:

Pipe friction number at laminar flow:

(Nomenclature)

Pipe friction number at turbulent flow:

(Nomenclature)

Now we can calculate pressure drop in circular pipes:

(Nomenclature)

Calculation of pressure drop caused by friction in fittings etc.

To calculate pressure drop in fittings we use resistance coefficients normally. The resistance coefficients are in the

(Nomenclature)

Calculation of pressure drop caused by vertical pipe difference

Pressure drop caused by vertical pipe difference we calculate with the formula:

(Nomenclature)

Calculation of pressure drop caused by changes of kinetic energy

Pressure drop caused by changes of kinetic engergy we calculate with the formula:

(Nomenclature)

Since the program version 4.0 this pressure drop will calculate in elements with different cross-sections of incoming

Pressure drop in gases and vapor

Compressible fluids expands caused by pressure drops (friction) and the velocity will increase. Therefore is the pre

SF Pressure drop calculates these pressure drops with an approximate equation (pressure drop at arbitrary heat tr

(Nomenclature)

We set the pipe friction number as a constant and calculate it with the input-data. The temperature, which is used in

You can calculate pressure drops of gases with the same formula as liquids if the relativ change of density

Losses occur in straight pipes and ducts as major loss and in system components as m

The minor loss can be significant compared to the major loss - in fact when a valve is closed or nearly closed
Minor Loss

Pressure drops and minor loss in components correlates with the dynamic pressure and

ploss = ξ 1/2 ρ v2 (1)

or

hloss = ξ v2/ 2 g (2)

where

ξ = minor loss coefficient

ploss = pressure loss (Pa (N/m2), psi (lb/ft2))

ρ = density (kg/m3, slugs/ft3)

v = flow velocity (m/s, ft/s)

 hloss = head loss (m, ft)

g = acceleration of gravity (m/s2, ft/s2)

The minor loss coefficient - ξ - has values between 0 and 1. For ξ = 0 the minor loss is z
Minor Loss Coefficient

The minor loss coefficient can be expressed as:

ξ = ploss / (1/2 ρ v2) (3)

or

ξ = hloss / (v2/ 2 g) (4)

The minor losses in components depends primarily on the geometrical construction of the component and the

The fluid properties - in general expressed with the Reynolds number - also impact the m

The head loss information about components is given in dimensionless form and the information is based on
Minor Loss Coefficient for Piping and Tube Components
Minor Loss Coefficients for Air Duct Components
Equivalent Length

The minor loss can be converted to a length equivalent to the length of pipe or tube that

Head loss can be expressed as:

hloss = λ (leq / dh) (v2/ 2 g) (5)

λ = friction coefficient

leq = equivalent length of pipe or duct (m, ft)

dh = hydraulic diameter related to the pipe or tube with the component (m, ft)

Equivalent length can also be expressed as:

leq = ξ dh / λ (6)

The Total Head Loss of the pipe, tube or duct system, is the same as that produced in a
 Prepared By: ZAC

istance coefficients are in the most cases found through practical tests. If the resistance coefficient is known we can calculate the pressure
ent cross-sections of incoming and leaving (for example gradual enlargement).

increase. Therefore is the pressure drop along the pipe not constant.

essure drop at arbitrary heat transfer):

e temperature, which is used in the equation, is the average of entrance and exit of pipe.

he relativ change of density is low (change of density/density = 0.02).

d in system components as minor loss. Components as valves, bends, tees add head loss common termed as minor loss to the fluid flow sy

hen a valve is closed or nearly closed the minor loss is infinite. For an open valve the minor loss may often be neglected (a full bore ball valve).

with the dynamic pressure and the minor loss can be expressed as
1. For ξ = 0 the minor loss is zero and for ξ = 1 the minor loss is equal to the dynamic pressure or head.

onstruction of the component and the impact the construction has on the fluid flow due to change in velocity and cross flow fluid accelerations.

olds number - also impact the minor loss.

form and the information is based on experiments.

the length of pipe or tube that would give the same pressure or head loss.

the component (m, ft)

he same as that produced in a straight pipe or duct whose length is equal to the pipes of the original systems - plus the sum of the equivale
an calculate the pressure drop:
nor loss to the fluid flow system.
s the sum of the equivalent lengths of all the components in the system.