Pipe Friction Loss Calculator:
Enter the values of friction factor, f, length of the pipe, L(m), diameter of the pipe, D(m), velocity of the fluid, V(m/s) and acceleration due to gravity, g(m/s2) to determine the value of pipe friction loss, Pfl(m).
Pipe Friction Loss Formula:
Pipe friction loss is an essential concept in fluid mechanics, particularly crucial in hydraulic engineering, plumbing, and environmental engineering.
This loss refers to the reduction in pressure of a fluid flowing through a pipe due to the frictional forces acting on the fluid as it flows over the pipe’s interior surface.
The amount of friction loss depends on the pipe’s material, the fluid’s velocity, the diameter of the pipe, and the pipe’s length.
Accurate calculation of friction loss is vital for designing efficient piping systems that maintain adequate flow rates and pressures.
Pipe friction loss, Pfl(m) in metres equals the friction factor, f multiplied by the ratio of the length of the pipe, L(m) in metres to the diameter of the pipe, D(m) in metres multiplied by the ratio of the square of the velocity of the fluid, V(m/s) in metres per second to twice the acceleration due to gravity, g(m/s2) in metres per second squared.
Pipe friction loss, Pfl(m) = f * (L(m) / D(m)) * (V2(m/s) / 2 * g(m/s2))
Pfl(m) = pipe friction loss in metres, m.
f = friction factor.
L(m) = length in metres, m.
D(m) = diameter in metres, m.
V(m/s) = velocity in metres per second, m/s.
g(m/s2) = acceelartion due to gravity, m/s2 (9.81m/s2).
Pipe Friction Loss Calculation:
- Calculate the friction loss in a water pipeline:
Given:
Friction factor, f = 0.02,
Length of the pipe, L(m) = 1000 metres,
Diameter of the pipe, D(m) = 0.5 metres,
Flow velocity, V(m/s) = 3 m/s.
g(m/s2) = 9.81m/s2.
Pipe friction loss, Pfl(m) = f * (L(m) / D(m)) * (V2(m/s) / 2 * g(m/s2))
Pfl(m) = 0.02 * (1000 / 0.5) * (32/ 2 * 9.81)
Pfl(m) = 0.02 * 2000 * (9 / 19.62)
Pfl(m) = 40 * 0.4586
Pfl(m) = 18.344m.
- Calculate the friction loss for an oil pipeline:
Given:
Friction factor, f = 0.015,
Length of the pipe, L(m) = 500 metres,
Pipe friction loss, Pfl(m) = 5.0975 metres,
Flow velocity, V(m/s) = 2 m/s.
g(m/s2) = 9.81m/s2.
Pipe friction loss, Pfl(m) = f * (L(m) / D(m)) * (V2(m/s) / 2 * g(m/s2))
D(m) = = f * L(m) * (V2(m/s) / 2 * g(m/s2)) / Pfl(m)
D(m) = 0.015 * 500 * (22 / 2 * 9.81) / 5.0975
D(m) = 7.5 * 0.2039 / 5.0975
D(m) = 0.3m.
Applications and Considerations:
- Water Supply Systems: Understanding and managing friction loss is critical for ensuring sufficient pressure in water distribution networks.
- Industrial Applications: In industries where liquids are transported over long distances, minimizing friction loss can significantly reduce energy costs.