Head Loss Calculator

Darcy-Weisbach Equation:

\[ h_f = f \cdot \frac{L}{D} \cdot \frac{v^2}{2g} \]

Friction Factor (f):

dimensionless

Pipe Length (L):

meters

Pipe Diameter (D):

meters

Fluid Velocity (v):

m/s

Head Loss (h_f):

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1. What is Head Loss?

Head loss refers to the reduction in total head (sum of elevation head, velocity head, and pressure head) of a fluid as it moves through a pipe system. It represents the energy loss due to friction between the fluid and the pipe walls.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Darcy-Weisbach equation:

\[ h_f = f \cdot \frac{L}{D} \cdot \frac{v^2}{2g} \]

Where:

\( h_f \) — Head loss (meters)
\( f \) — Darcy friction factor (dimensionless)
\( L \) — Pipe length (meters)
\( D \) — Pipe diameter (meters)
\( v \) — Fluid velocity (meters/second)
\( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)

Explanation: The equation calculates energy loss due to friction in pipe flow, proportional to pipe length and velocity squared, and inversely proportional to pipe diameter.

3. Importance of Head Loss Calculation

Details: Accurate head loss calculation is crucial for designing efficient piping systems, selecting appropriate pump sizes, ensuring adequate pressure throughout the system, and optimizing energy consumption in fluid transport systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter friction factor (typically 0.01-0.05 for turbulent flow), pipe length and diameter in meters, fluid velocity in m/s. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine the friction factor?
A: Friction factor depends on Reynolds number and pipe roughness. For turbulent flow, use Moody chart or Colebrook-White equation. For smooth pipes, f ≈ 0.02-0.03.

Q2: What is typical head loss in piping systems?
A: Typical values range from 0.1-10 meters per 100 meters of pipe, depending on flow rate, pipe size, and fluid properties.

Q3: Does this equation work for all fluids?
A: Yes, the Darcy-Weisbach equation applies to all Newtonian fluids (water, oil, air) in both laminar and turbulent flow regimes.

Q4: What about minor losses from fittings?
A: This calculator only considers major losses. Minor losses from valves, elbows, and other fittings must be calculated separately and added to the total head loss.

Q5: When is this equation most accurate?
A: Most accurate for circular pipes with steady, fully developed flow. Less accurate for non-circular conduits or rapidly changing flow conditions.