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

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the pressure and volumetric flow rates in a pipe system, specifically focusing on the conditions at the end of the pipe. Participants explore the implications of different assumptions regarding the system's configuration and fluid properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents known variables and seeks to calculate the pressure and volumetric flow rates at the end of the pipe, questioning the assumptions needed for basic values.
  • Another participant suggests that additional information is necessary, such as the conditions at the end of the pipe, and references Bernoulli's equation.
  • A different participant notes that if the pipe is open to the atmosphere, the pressure at the end would be atmospheric and proposes using Bernoulli's equation to calculate exit velocity.
  • The original poster mentions a restriction at the end of the pipe and considers assuming atmospheric pressure for initial calculations, questioning the validity of using Bernoulli's equation under these conditions.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the system's configuration, particularly the nature of the restriction and any additional components that may affect flow rates.
  • One participant raises the question of whether the fluid is compressible or incompressible, indicating a potential factor in the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessary assumptions or the configuration of the system. Multiple competing views are presented regarding how to approach the calculations and what information is essential.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of information about the flow conditions at the end of the pipe and the nature of the restriction. The discussion also reflects uncertainty regarding the fluid's compressibility and its impact on the calculations.

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
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 73 ·
3
Replies
73
Views
17K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K