Pipe Flow Pressure Drop Calculator

Pressure Drop Formula:

\[ \Delta P = f \times \left(\frac{L}{D}\right) \times \left(\frac{\rho \times V^2}{2}\right) \]

Friction Factor (f):

dimensionless

Pipe Length (L):

meters

Pipe Diameter (D):

meters

Fluid Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Flow Velocity (V):

m/s

Pressure Drop (ΔP):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a Pipe Flow Pressure Drop Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the pressure loss due to friction in a pipe system using the Darcy-Weisbach equation.

Purpose: It helps engineers and designers determine the pressure drop in piping systems for proper pump sizing and system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Darcy-Weisbach equation:

\[ \Delta P = f \times \left(\frac{L}{D}\right) \times \left(\frac{\rho \times V^2}{2}\right) \]

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates the energy loss due to friction between the fluid and pipe walls.

3. Importance of Pressure Drop Calculation

Details: Accurate pressure drop calculations ensure proper pump selection, energy efficiency, and system performance in piping systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the friction factor (typically 0.02 for turbulent flow), pipe dimensions, fluid properties, and flow velocity. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine the friction factor?
A: For turbulent flow, use Moody chart or Colebrook equation. For smooth pipes, f ≈ 0.02 is typical.

Q2: What units does this calculator use?
A: The calculator uses SI units (meters, kg/m³, m/s) with results in Pascals (Pa).

Q3: Does this include minor losses?
A: No, this calculates only the major (friction) losses. Add minor losses separately for fittings and valves.

Q4: What's a typical fluid density?
A: Water at 20°C is 998 kg/m³, seawater ≈ 1025 kg/m³, air ≈ 1.2 kg/m³ at standard conditions.

Q5: How does pipe roughness affect results?
A: Pipe roughness influences the friction factor. Rougher pipes have higher friction factors and greater pressure drops.