Pressure drop along a tube of unkown length containing turbulent flow

In summary, the conversation discusses calculating pressure at each end of a pipe with turbulent flow and limited information about its length. The fluid is assumed to be oil with constant density, and the mass flow rate is known. There is uncertainty about assumptions and the influence of temperature on pressure. Suggestions are made to use the Darcy-Weisbach equation or a non-dimensionalized Navier Stokes equation, with the possibility of using Femlab due to temperature gradients.
  • #1
scott_for_the_game
28
1
How do u calc pressure at each end of pipe if u know its turbulent and u don't know the length.

Just got viscosity, density, temp diff at one end, D.

Cheers.
 
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  • #2
hmm... Things I am thinking include:

what is your fluid?
How does it's density change with temperature?
what is your mass/volumetric flow rate?
Can you make any assumptions about either the inlet or outlet pressure?
How did you calculate your Re to determine turbulence without a velocity?
 
  • #4
what is your fluid?
How does it's density change with temperature?
what is your mass/volumetric flow rate?
Can you make any assumptions about either the inlet or outlet pressure?
How did you calculate your Re to determine turbulence without a velocity?

the fluid is an oil.
density is assumed constant.
u've got mass flow rate.
Not sure about assumptions.
Calc Re from mass flow rate.
The only thing involving temp which i hav no idea what its influence is.. is there's a difference in temp at one end of the pipe of like 45K.
u know viscosity is half the value at other end.

What formulas would i need to use and does it involve iterating.
And u want pressure gradient ratio of two ends.
 
  • #5
I would use a non dimensionalized Navier Stokes to solve for this sort of thing, but with the case that you are speaking involving temperature gradients, I might suggest using Femlab to do this sort of thing.
 

1. What causes pressure drop in a tube with turbulent flow?

The pressure drop in a tube with turbulent flow is primarily caused by the friction between the fluid and the walls of the tube. This friction results in the conversion of the fluid's kinetic energy into heat, which causes a decrease in pressure along the length of the tube.

2. How is pressure drop along a tube with turbulent flow calculated?

The pressure drop along a tube with turbulent flow can be calculated using the Darcy-Weisbach equation, which takes into account factors such as the fluid's density, viscosity, velocity, and the roughness of the tube's walls. Other methods, such as the Colebrook equation, can also be used to estimate pressure drop.

3. How does the length of the tube affect pressure drop in turbulent flow?

The longer the tube, the greater the pressure drop will be. This is due to the fact that there is more surface area for the fluid to come into contact with, resulting in increased friction and therefore a larger pressure drop.

4. What are some ways to reduce pressure drop in a tube with turbulent flow?

There are a few ways to reduce pressure drop in a tube with turbulent flow. One method is to increase the diameter of the tube, which decreases the fluid's velocity and thus reduces friction. Another approach is to use a smoother material for the tube's walls, which can reduce the roughness and therefore lower friction. Additionally, controlling the flow rate and ensuring proper maintenance of the tube can also help reduce pressure drop.

5. Can pressure drop in a tube with turbulent flow be eliminated?

No, pressure drop cannot be completely eliminated in a tube with turbulent flow. This is because some pressure drop is necessary to maintain the flow of the fluid through the tube. However, it can be minimized through proper design and maintenance of the tube, as well as by using larger diameter and smoother materials for the tube's construction.

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