Gas Flow Pressure Drop Calculator

Pressure Drop Formula:

\[ \Delta P = \frac{f \cdot L \cdot \rho \cdot V^2}{2 \cdot D} \]

Friction Factor (f):

dimensionless

Pipe Length (L):

meters

Gas Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Flow Velocity (V):

m/s

Pipe Diameter (D):

meters

Pressure Drop (ΔP): Pa

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a Gas Flow Pressure Drop Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the pressure drop of gas flowing through a pipe using the Darcy-Weisbach equation.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians determine the pressure loss in gas piping systems for proper system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Darcy-Weisbach equation:

\[ \Delta P = \frac{f \cdot L \cdot \rho \cdot V^2}{2 \cdot D} \]

Where:

\( \Delta P \) — Pressure drop (Pascals)
\( f \) — Darcy friction factor (dimensionless)
\( L \) — Pipe length (meters)
\( \rho \) — Gas density (kg/m³)
\( V \) — Flow velocity (m/s)
\( D \) — Pipe diameter (meters)

Explanation: The equation calculates frictional pressure loss based on pipe characteristics and flow properties.

3. Importance of Pressure Drop Calculation

Details: Accurate pressure drop calculations are essential for proper pump sizing, system efficiency, and ensuring adequate flow rates in piping systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the friction factor, pipe length, gas density, flow velocity, and pipe diameter. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine the friction factor?
A: The friction factor depends on the Reynolds number and pipe roughness. For turbulent flow, use the Moody chart or Colebrook equation.

Q2: What's a typical gas density?
A: Air at STP is about 1.225 kg/m³, but this varies significantly with gas type, temperature, and pressure.

Q3: When is this equation valid?
A: The Darcy-Weisbach equation is valid for both laminar and turbulent flow in circular pipes.

Q4: How does pipe diameter affect pressure drop?
A: Pressure drop is inversely proportional to pipe diameter - smaller diameters cause significantly higher pressure drops.

Q5: Does this include fittings and valves?
A: No, for complete systems you must add equivalent lengths or K-factor methods for fittings.