Hydraulic Pressure Drop Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the hydraulic pressure drop is:

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

Where:

\(\Delta P\) is the hydraulic pressure drop
\(\rho\) is the fluid density (kg/m³)
\(L\) is the pipe length (m)
\(v\) is the fluid velocity (m/s)
\(D\) is the pipe diameter (m)
\(f\) is the Darcy friction factor

What is Hydraulic Pressure Drop?

Hydraulic pressure drop refers to the reduction in pressure as a fluid flows through a pipe or conduit. This pressure drop occurs due to frictional forces between the fluid and the pipe walls, as well as turbulence within the fluid itself. The hydraulic pressure drop is a critical factor in the design and operation of fluid transport systems, as it affects the efficiency and energy consumption of pumps and other fluid-moving equipment. Understanding and calculating the pressure drop is essential for ensuring that the system operates within its intended parameters and delivers the desired flow rates.

Example Calculation 1

Let's assume the following values:

Fluid Density = 1000 kg/m³
Pipe Length = 50 m
Fluid Velocity = 2 m/s
Pipe Diameter = 0.1 m
Darcy Friction Factor = 0.02

Using the formula:

\[ \Delta P = \frac{1000 \cdot 50 \cdot 2^2}{2 \cdot 0.1 \cdot 0.02} = \frac{1000 \cdot 50 \cdot 4}{0.004} = 50,000,000 \, \text{Pa} \]

The hydraulic pressure drop is 50,000,000 Pa.

Example Calculation 2

Let's assume the following values:

Fluid Density = 850 kg/m³
Pipe Length = 100 m
Fluid Velocity = 1.5 m/s
Pipe Diameter = 0.2 m
Darcy Friction Factor = 0.015

Using the formula:

\[ \Delta P = \frac{850 \cdot 100 \cdot 1.5^2}{2 \cdot 0.2 \cdot 0.015} = \frac{850 \cdot 100 \cdot 2.25}{0.006} = 31,875,000 \, \text{Pa} \]

The hydraulic pressure drop is 31,875,000 Pa.