PressureDrop/Pressure/Volumetric flow rate calculation (in a Pipe)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the pressure and volumetric flow rates in a pipe system using Bernoulli's equation. The known variables include an inlet pressure (P1) of 50 psi, a pipe length (L) of 10 inches, and a diameter (D) of 0.5 inches. Key insights include the necessity of knowing the conditions at the pipe's exit, such as whether it is open to the atmosphere or connected to another restriction. The participants emphasize the importance of conservation of mass and suggest using Bernoulli's equation to compute exit velocity, assuming atmospheric pressure at the end for initial calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bernoulli's equation
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with volumetric flow rate calculations
  • Basic concepts of pressure measurement in fluid systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Bernoulli's equation in pipe flow scenarios
  • Learn about the conservation of mass in fluid systems
  • Research methods for calculating exit velocity in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the impact of restrictions on flow rates in piping systems
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, fluid dynamics researchers, and anyone involved in designing or analyzing piping systems will benefit from this discussion.

knight92
Messages
100
Reaction score
0
Hello,

If I have the following known variables:

- P1, Pressure of fluid entering the pipe = 50 psi
- L, Length of pipe = 10 in
- D, Diameter of pipe = 0.5 in

I want to learn how to calculate:
- P2, Pressure of fluid at the end of pipe.
- Q1, Volumetric flow rate of fluid entering pipe.
- Q2, Volumetric flow rate of fluid at the end of the pipe.

Fluid is water.

How can I calculate the pressure and volumetric flow rate at the end of the pipe? What assumptions can I use to get a basic value? The pipe diameter does not change. If I differentiate the volume of pipe over one second does this mean that my Q2 will be 1.96 in^3/s ?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need more information. Either the flow rate, or the conditions at the end of the pipe.

Does the pipe dead-end at a plug? Does it go into a tank at some known pressure? Does it just open-end to atmosphere?

Look up bernoulli equation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli's_principle
 
If the pipe is open to atmosphere, the pressure at the end is atmospheric.

In that case, for such a short length of pipe, I'd probably assume the pipe is a low efficiency nozzle (maybe 25%?) and use Bernoulli's equation to calculate the exit velocity.
 
Thank you for the replies.

The pipe is connected to another restriction at the end and I do know the restriction size but I do not know what the pressure or flow rate is at the end of the pipe. The purpose is to create a mathematical computer model, so what if I assumed the initial pressure at the end was atmospheric for the first iteration? Can I then use bernoulli's equation to compute the velocity at the end of the pipe and then feed that back into the Bernoulli equation assuming no height change therefore pgh =0?

Edit: I have just realized that I still do not know the initial flow rate Q1
 
knight92 said:
The pipe is connected to another restriction at the end and I do know the restriction size but I do not know what the pressure or flow rate is at the end of the pipe.
"Another restriction"? Besides just the pipe or is there more you haven't told us? Can you draw us a picture? Knowing what the entire system looks like is pretty critical for finding the flow through it!
The purpose is to create a mathematical computer model, so what if I assumed the initial pressure at the end was atmospheric for the first iteration?
After the restriction or before it? Is there anything else after the restriction you haven't told us about?
- Q1, Volumetric flow rate of fluid entering pipe.
- Q2, Volumetric flow rate of fluid at the end of the pipe.
[separate post]
Edit: I have just realized that I still do not know the initial flow rate Q1
Unless there is a receptacle or additional opening somewhere in your system, conservation of mass demands the flow in and flow out be the same.
 
Is the fluid compressible or incompressible?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 73 ·
3
Replies
73
Views
16K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K