Fluid flow out of pressurized vessel

AI Thread Summary
Fluid flow from a pressurized non-rigid vessel can be related to the applied pressure by considering the pressure drop across the tube, which is the difference between the vessel pressure and ambient pressure. This pressure drop must equal the pressure loss due to viscous forces within the tube, which varies depending on whether the flow is laminar or turbulent. For laminar flow (Re < 2300), the flow rate can be calculated using a specific formula involving the tube's dimensions and pressure drop. In turbulent flow (Re > 2300), a different set of equations applies, incorporating the friction factor and the tube's roughness. The calculations require iterative methods to converge on accurate values for flow rate and pressure drop.
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I have a non-rigid vessel holding a fluid with a tube for fluid flow out. It is initially at equilibrium pressure with the atmosphere. (Think a water bladder for a camelback hydration system) A pressure is then applied to the bag to cause fluid to flow out the tube. Is there a way to relate the fluid flow rate to the pressure applied?

Thanks
 
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Yes, there is. The pressure drop over the tube is known (pressure in the bladder/vessel minus ambient pressure at the end of the hose). Knowing that pressure drop, you know is has to be equal to the pressure drop due to viscous forces acting inside the tube.

Note, it changes whether you are in the laminar or turbulent regime. It is very difficult to calculate if the length is equal to or shorter than the development length.

Re=\frac{\rho D V_{avg}}{\mu}

Laminar: Re < 2300
L_developing = 0.03*Re*D
Q=\frac{-\pi R^{4}}{8 \mu}\frac{\Delta P}{L}
(ΔP is pressure drop, L is length of tube, Q is volume flow rate, or V_avg*A_cross sectional).

Source: http://faculty.poly.edu/~rlevicky/Handout12_6333.pdf

Turbulent: Re > 2300
L_developing ≈ 10*D
\frac{1}{\sqrt{\lambda}}=-2LOG\left(\frac{2.51}{Re\sqrt{\lambda}}+0.269\frac{k}{D}\right)
\Delta P=\lambda \frac{L}{D}\frac{\rho}{2}V_{avg}^{2}
(ΔP is pressure drop, L is length of tube, λ is the friction factor, k is the absolute roughness of the tube where 0 is smooth).

Source: http://www.engineersedge.com/fluid_flow/pressure_drop/pressure_drop.htm

Note: It is iterative, and you will have to guess a value for Re, calculate the friction factor, calculate a new velocity, calculate a new Re, until your solution has converged.
 
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