How Do You Calculate Variable Water Pressure in Pipes?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on calculating variable water pressures in pipes, specifically focusing on the conversion to gauge pressure with known inlet PSI. Users seek a comprehensive formula that incorporates factors such as pipe size, configuration, elevation changes, and friction loss. Key contributors mention the importance of the general energy equation for fluid flow to determine the required pressure based on system layout. The discussion highlights the need for precise calculations to optimize pressure economically without resorting to costly engineering resources.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with the general energy equation for fluid flow
  • Knowledge of pressure units, specifically PSI and gauge pressure
  • Experience with calculating friction loss in piping systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the general energy equation for fluid flow in detail
  • Learn about calculating friction loss in pipes using the Darcy-Weisbach equation
  • Explore methods for determining pressure loss due to elevation changes
  • Investigate software tools for hydraulic modeling and pressure calculations
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, fluid dynamics specialists, and anyone involved in designing or optimizing piping systems for water or other fluids will benefit from this discussion.

metroactus
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ive scanned about 200 closely relevant posts to make sure I am not one of those "here we go again" posts, but can find no basic water pressure formula. Specifically I need to calculate variable hypothetical water pressures (with a final conversion to GAUGE pressure) with a known INLET PSI, comparing pipe size, pipe configuration, change in elevation, etc. Short of a hundred bucks for an engineering book, i can't find this exact formula though a lot are close. I have my constants for friction loss, gravity, inlet psi, angled and reduced pipe fittings, but need the equation that ties all these together to constantly reference as i mix and match to achieve the highest psi possible, or at the least, economically feasible.

thanks in advance to accurate replys
 
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metroactus said:
ive scanned about 200 closely relevant posts to make sure I am not one of those "here we go again" posts, but can find no basic water pressure formula. Specifically I need to calculate variable hypothetical water pressures (with a final conversion to GAUGE pressure) with a known INLET PSI, comparing pipe size, pipe configuration, change in elevation, etc. Short of a hundred bucks for an engineering book, i can't find this exact formula though a lot are close. I have my constants for friction loss, gravity, inlet psi, angled and reduced pipe fittings, but need the equation that ties all these together to constantly reference as i mix and match to achieve the highest psi possible, or at the least, economically feasible.

thanks in advance to accurate replys

Here are some formulas complements of Q_Goest a few posts below...

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=211590

CS
 

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Last edited:
Hey, that looks familiar! lol
 
I have a link to your post Q. It comes in handy quite often.
 
To pumping crude oil (0.9 SG) with distance for 72 km on 8" steel pipe with flow rate as 725GPM and my question is how much the pressure (psi) to do this work ?

Please help ?
 
b4123p said:
To pumping crude oil (0.9 SG) with distance for 72 km on 8" steel pipe with flow rate as 725GPM and my question is how much the pressure (psi) to do this work ?

Please help ?

You need to provide more information. A sketch would be helpful. Make sure to note elevation changes, pipe schedule, etc...

You can apply the general energy equation for fluid flow to find the required pressure once you determine the system layout.

CS
 

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