A couple questions regarding pressure drop

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of head loss and pressure drop in fluid dynamics, particularly in the context of pipe flow and applications involving turbulent flow. Participants explore the definitions, equations, and implications of these terms, as well as their relationship to practical scenarios involving pumps and filters.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the difference between head loss and pressure drop, seeking clarification on their definitions and applications.
  • Another participant explains that head loss typically has units of length while pressure drop has units of force per area, noting that they can be related through the Bernoulli Equation.
  • A participant mentions the Darcy-Weisbach equation for head loss due to friction and attempts to derive an equation for pressure drop, but encounters dimensional inconsistencies, questioning the source of the issue.
  • There is a query about the effect of height changes on pressure drop in a specific scenario involving a tube connected to a pump and a filter, indicating a practical application of the concepts discussed.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the difference between pressure drop and head loss, reiterating the confusion present in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that head loss and pressure drop are related concepts but express differing views on their definitions and implications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the dimensional correctness of the derived equations and the specific effects of height changes on pressure drop.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps related to the derivation of pressure drop from head loss, and the assumptions regarding turbulent flow and the friction factor may not be fully clarified. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of terminology in fluid dynamics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in fluid dynamics, particularly those working with pipe flow systems, pumps, and filters, may find this discussion relevant.

kosig
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First, I am very confused as to the difference, if any, between head loss and pressure drop/loss. Can someone help me?

Also, I know that the Darcy-Weisbach equation for head loss due to friction is hf=fL/D*V2/2g

and you can plug that into get an equation for delta p that is
dp=fL/D*pV2/2

And this is dimensionally correct. My company says that for our applications all flow will be turbulent Re>4000 and the equation for the friction factor can be approximated to
f=(.0337*v.25)/(V.25*d.25) Which I am assuming is from the Colebrook equation.

So my problem is, when I plug this into the equation for delta p I get an equation which is not dimensionally correct. Why? And what does it mean?
 
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They are often times used somewhat interchangably. Head typically has units of length, while pressure has the typical force/area units. The terminology probably comes from the Bernoulli Equation, we can be written such that each term has units of pressure
<br /> p + \rho\frac{V^2}{2} + \rho g z = C<br />
or of units of length:
<br /> \frac{p}{\rho g} + \frac{V^2}{2g} + z = C<br />
You'll find that often times in pipe flow or industries such as that, you'll find pumps and suchs in terms of head.

As far as what they physically mean, they are essentially the same thing, one divided by specific weight.
 
Alright that makes sense. What effect does a change in height have on pressure drop? For instance, I have a tube that is carrying a fluid and the tube starts at a pump and connects at a filter below. The tube has a large radius bend.
 
what is the diffrance between pressure drop and head loss,exactly?thanhs
 

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