Friction Loss Calculator

The friction loss calculator calculates the pressure drop or head loss through a conduit like pipe, hose, or channel. The frictional loss in pipes is due to the frictional resistance of the fluid flowing through the system.

What Causes Friction Loss In Pipe?

Friction loss in fluids refers to the reduction in pressure or energy of flowing fluid through a conduit like a pipe, hose, or channel. The loss of energy or pressure is caused by the inner surface of the conduit.# Friction loss in fluids can be caused by several factors:  

• Pipe Roughness
• Flow Velocity
• Pipe Length
• Pipe Diameter
• Fluid Viscosity

The viscosity of the various materials is different due to the molar weight. The calculator calculates the volumetric flow rate according to the viscosity of a liquid.

How to Calculate Friction Loss?

You can find frictional loss in pipes with the Hazen-Williams equation which is as follows:

\[Hf = \frac{0.2083 \cdot (L / C)^{1.852} \cdot Q^{1.852}}{D^{4.87}}\]

Where:

• Hf =  head loss due to friction
• C = Hazen-Williams friction coefficient
• L  = Length of the pipe
• Q = flow rate
• D = Internal diameter of the pipe

Friction Loss Example:

Let's suppose a city is designing a water distribution system. The Pipe Diameter is 150 mm, the Pipe Length is 1,000 meters, and the flow Rate is 0.5 cubic meters per second. Then what are the pipe friction loss calculations according to the Hazen-Williams Equation?

Given:

Pipe Diameter (D) = 150 mm Pipe Length (L) = 1,000 meters. Flow Rate (Q) = 0.5 m^3/sec Pipe friction losses calculation =?

Solution:

The friction loss equations of Hazen-Williams are:

\[Hf = \frac{0.2083 \cdot (L / C)^{1.852} \cdot Q^{1.852}}{D^{4.87}}\]

Insert the values in the friction loss formula:

\[Hf = \frac{0.2083 \cdot (1,000 m / 150)^{1.852} \cdot (0.5 m^3/s)^{1.852}}{(0.15 m)^{4.87}}\]

Then:

\[Hf \approx 4.366 \text{ meters}\]

Related Questions:

What Are Friction’s Major And Minor Losses In Pipes?

• Major friction loss in pipe is due to the friction effect between the moving fluid and the walls of the pipe.
• Minor loss in pipe occurs due to any disturbance that can be caused by the installed fittings on the pipeline.

The calculator calculates the head loss or the major friction loss due to viscosity and pipe roughness coefficient.

What Is The Friction Factor of PVC Pipe?

150 is the Pipe Roughness Coefficient for PVC pipes. The pipe loss calculations do include the material coefficient.

Citation:

From Sciencedirect.com: Friction loss