Friction Loss in Y-type Pipe Calculation

In summary, the person is seeking help in calculating friction losses in a suction inlet pipe for a fire pump. They have attached an image of the pipe and are unsure how to calculate the expected losses. They know how to calculate for straight pipe and bends, but not for interconnecting pipes. They mention that the section consists of 2 x 5" pipes joining into a 6" diameter at the pump inlet with a 90 degree angle. One suggestion is to take the average of a straight pipe and a 45 degree bend, but friction loss calculations can be highly inaccurate due to various factors. It is recommended to contact the manufacturer for a K value. Another suggestion is to use the equivalent length for a miter bend according to Crane
  • #1
simelliott
4
0
Hi all,

I am trying to calculate the friction losses found in a suction inlet pipe for a fire pump. I have attached an image which shows the pipe we are intending to use, but have no idea how to calculate the expected friction losses we would find when using it.

I know how to calculate for straight pipe and for bends, but no idea about interconnecting pipes such as this?

The section consists of 2 x 5" pipes joining into a 6" diameter at the pump inlet. The angle of the 5" pipes is 90 degrees if that helps?

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to start?

Thanks in advance.
 

Attachments

  • Inlet Suction.jpg
    Inlet Suction.jpg
    9.4 KB · Views: 472
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  • #2
How accurate does your estimate need to be? You could just take the average of a straight pipe and a 45 deg bend. Friction loss calculations are a good deal of inherent error to begin with, as there are many variables such as temperature, Re number, velocity, actual wall roughness, etc that can make the typical models highly inaccurate. Your best bet may be to contact the manufacturer of the fitting to see if they have a K value.
 
  • #3
Assuming one of the branches has no flow in it, I would use the equivalent length for a miter bend of the same angle as indicated in Crane 410 (attached).
 

Attachments

  • Miter Bend.pdf
    116.8 KB · Views: 1,749

1. What is friction loss in Y-type pipe calculation?

Friction loss in Y-type pipe calculation refers to the amount of pressure drop or loss of energy that occurs as a fluid flows through a Y-shaped pipe. It is an important factor to consider in fluid dynamics and is used to determine the flow rate and pressure in a piping system.

2. How is friction loss in Y-type pipe calculated?

The friction loss in Y-type pipe is calculated using the Darcy-Weisbach equation, which takes into account the velocity, diameter, length, and roughness of the pipe, as well as the fluid properties. It can also be calculated using online calculators or software programs specifically designed for fluid flow calculations.

3. What factors affect friction loss in Y-type pipe?

The factors that affect friction loss in Y-type pipe include the velocity of the fluid, the diameter and length of the pipe, the roughness of the pipe surface, and the viscosity and density of the fluid. Other factors such as fittings, bends, and valves in the pipe can also contribute to friction loss.

4. How is friction loss in Y-type pipe important in piping systems?

Friction loss in Y-type pipe is important because it affects the flow rate and pressure in a piping system. If the friction loss is too high, it can reduce the flow rate and increase the pressure, which can lead to inefficiency and potential damage to the piping system. It is crucial to consider friction loss in the design and operation of piping systems.

5. How can friction loss in Y-type pipe be reduced?

Friction loss in Y-type pipe can be reduced by increasing the diameter of the pipe, using smoother pipes with less roughness, and reducing the length of the pipe. Additionally, proper pipe layout and minimizing fittings and bends can also help reduce friction loss. It is important to balance the cost and efficiency when making decisions to reduce friction loss in a piping system.

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