Pressure Drop Calculator

Pressure Drop Calculator:

Enter the values of friction factor, f, length of the pipe, L_(m), diameter of the pipe, D_(m), fluid density, p_(kg/m3) and fluid velocity, V_(m/s) to determine the value of Pressure drop, P_(Pa).

Enter Friction Factor:
Enter Length:		m
Enter Diameter:		m
Enter Fluid Density:		kg/m3
Enter Fluid Velocity:		m/s
Result – Pressure Drop:		Pa

Pressure Drop:

Pressure drop is the reduction in pressure as a fluid flows through a confined system, caused by friction, turbulence, and resistance from components like fittings and valves. This phenomenon is significant in fluid dynamics and engineering applications. It is a critical factor in fluid dynamics, affecting the efficiency and performance of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Pressure drop in a fluid system is primarily caused by frictional losses along pipe walls, changes in elevation, and sudden expansions or contractions in pipe diameter. The drop in pressure is directly related to the length of the pipe, fluid velocity, density, and the pipe’s internal diameter.

A higher fluid velocity and longer pipe length result in a greater pressure drop. The pressure drop can also be influenced by the roughness of the pipe’s inner surface, with smoother pipes experiencing lower resistance.

The Darcy-Weisbach equation is a fundamental tool for calculating pressure drop in fluid systems. It incorporates factors such as the friction factor, pipe length, diameter, fluid density, and velocity.

Effectively managing pressure drop is essential for optimizing energy consumption in fluid transport systems. Excessive pressure drop can lead to inefficiencies, requiring more energy to maintain the desired flow rate. In industrial applications, engineers design piping systems to minimize pressure loss while ensuring adequate flow rates.

Proper selection of pipe diameter, material, and layout helps in reducing pressure drop. Pumps, compressors, and other equipment must compensate for pressure loss to maintain system performance.

Pressure drop, P_(Pa) in Pascals is equal to 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. This result is then multiplied by half of the product of the fluid density, p_(kg/m3) in kilograms per cubic metres, and the square of the fluid velocity, V_(m/s) in metres per second.

Pressure drop, P_(Pa) = f * (L_(m) / D_(m)) * (p_(kg/m3) * V²_(m/s) / 2)

P_(Pa) = pressure drop in Pascals, Pa.

f = friction factor.

L_(m) = length in metres, m.

D_(m) = diameter in metres, m.

p_(kg/m3) = fluid density in kilograms per cubic metres, kg/m³.

V_(m/s) = fluid velocity in metres per second, m/s.

Pressure Drop Calculation:

1. A fluid with a density of 1000 kg/m³ flows through a 50 m long pipe with a diameter of 0.2 m at a velocity of 2 m/s. The friction factor is 0.02. Calculate the pressure drop.

Given: f = 0.02, L_(m) = 50m, D_(m) = 0.2m, p_(kg/m3) = 1000 kg/m³, V_(m/s) = 2m/s.

Pressure drop, P_(Pa) = f * (L_(m) / D_(m)) * (p_(kg/m3) * V²_(m/s) / 2)

P_(Pa) = 0.02 * (50 / 0.2) * (1000 * 2² / 2)

P_(Pa) = 0.02 * 250 * 2000

P_(Pa) = 10000Pa.

2. A system experiences a pressure drop of 5000 Pa when a fluid with a density of 850 kg/m³ flows at a velocity of 3 m/s through a pipe with a diameter of 0.15 m. The friction factor is 0.025. Determine the length of the pipe.

Given: f = 0.025, P_(Pa) = 5000Pa, D_(m) = 0.15m, p_(kg/m3) = 850 kg/m³, V_(m/s) = 3m/s.

Pressure drop, P_(Pa) = f * (L_(m) / D_(m)) * (p_(kg/m3) * V²_(m/s) / 2)

L_(m) = P_(Pa) / f * (p_(kg/m3) * V²_(m/s) / 2 * D_(m))

L_(m) = 5000 / 0.025 * (850 * 3² / 2 * 0.15)

L_(m) = 5000 / 0.025 * 25500

L_(m) = 5000 / 637.5

L_(m) = 7.84m.