How to find the flow rate trough a pipe using pressure drop

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the flow rate of air through a steel pipe with a pressure drop of 7 bar and a diameter of 25.4 mm. The formula provided for initial velocity estimation is V = sqrt(2*g*dp/dens), where 'g' is gravitational acceleration, 'dp' is the pressure drop, and 'dens' is the fluid density. It is emphasized that the relative roughness of the pipe is crucial for determining the friction factor, which impacts flow calculations. Additionally, the length of the pipe (50 meters) is relevant for pump sizing considerations.

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  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
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  • Knowledge of pipe flow characteristics, including relative roughness
  • Basic mathematics for unit conversions and formula applications
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apekattenico
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Hi,
I want to know how high the flow rate trough a pipe is (outlet), but I only now the pressure difference (0.7MPa or 7 bar), and the diameter of the pipe.

At what speed (or for that matter volume) does air leave a pipe when the pressure difference is 7 bar, and the diameter is 25.4mm?

If it makes any difference it's steel pipes, of about 50 meters. (But I don't feel that info is neccesary)

Thanks a lot in advance!
 
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For a first approximation you can use this formula for the velocity.

V = sqrt(2*g*dp/dens)

where

g = gravitation acceleration
dp = pressure drop
dens = density of fluid in the pipe line.

Make sure all of your units cancel correctly.

If it makes any difference it's steel pipes,...

Yes, it does make a difference because of the relative roughness of the pipe. This value is needed in order to calculate the correct friction factor.

..of about 50 meters. (But I don't feel that info is neccesary)

This would be necessary if you where trying to size the pump needed to pump the fluid the 50 meters.

Hope that helps.

Thanks
Matt
 
CFDFEAGURU said:
For a first approximation you can use this formula for the velocity.

V = sqrt(2*g*dp/dens)

where

g = gravitation acceleration
dp = pressure drop
dens = density of fluid in the pipe line.

Make sure all of your units cancel correctly.

EDIT: I honestly don't see what formula for speed you used. What is g doing there?


Yes, it does make a difference because of the relative roughness of the pipe. This value is needed in order to calculate the correct friction factor.



This would be necessary if you where trying to size the pump needed to pump the fluid the 50 meters.

Hope that helps.

Thanks
Matt

Excellent answer!

I guess I could've phrased my question a little better.

At what speed does the air leave the outlet when you know it holds 7 bars in the pipe?

Thanks a lot for the quick response :)

(Anyone know a page where I can find general forumlas regarding compressed air?)
Thanks in advance.
 

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