Understanding Pressure Drop & Flow in Pipes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of pressure drop in pipes, specifically differentiating between frictional losses and the pressure differences that drive flow, as exemplified by Poiseuille Flow. Participants explore theoretical and practical applications of various equations related to fluid dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the pressure drop due to frictional loss and the pressure difference causing flow are fundamentally different concepts.
  • One participant notes that the Darcy-Weisbach equation is more broadly applicable than the Poiseuille equation, which is limited by specific assumptions about fluid behavior.
  • There is mention of the theoretical nature of the Poiseuille equation compared to the analytical nature of the Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams equations.
  • Another participant highlights that while Poiseuille's equation is useful for understanding mechanical energy loss, it is rarely used in practical pressure drop analyses.
  • One participant points out that the Poiseuille equation is extensively used in polymer processing applications involving high viscosity fluids.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability and relevance of the Poiseuille equation versus the Darcy-Weisbach equation, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist regarding their use in practical scenarios.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific assumptions underlying the Poiseuille equation and the broader applicability of the Darcy-Weisbach equation, noting that practical applications may not align neatly with theoretical models.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals studying fluid dynamics, engineering students, and professionals in industries dealing with fluid flow, particularly those working with high viscosity materials.

tonyjk
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Hello... I can't find the difference between the pressure drop in a pipe due to frictionnal loss and the Pressure difference that cause the flow like in Poiseuille Flow.. Thanks
 
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They are completely different ideas...what specifically don't you understand about either?

Edit: Oh are you talking about like the losses associated with flows like Poiseuille Flow?
 
If you are asking how this solution to pressure drop is associated with similar ideas such as the Darcy-Weisbach equation, the answer is that the analytical (experimentally derived) Darcy-Weisbach equation is employable under broader circumstances.

The assumptions taken for Poiseuille Flow equations are (from wikipedia) "...that the fluid is viscous and incompressible; the flow is laminar through a pipe of constant circular cross-section that is substantially longer than its diameter; and there is no acceleration of fluid in the pipe". In theory this is a nice equation to look at to understand where the mechanical energy is being lost to, but in practical applications of pressure drop analysis it is rarely, if ever, employed.

Basically: Poiseuille equation is theoretical, solutions like Hazen-Williams and Darcy-Weisbach are analytical.
 
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we say that gradient pressure cause flow but in pipe flow the pressure different is due to friction loss
 
To see how people generally use these equations (Poiseuille is mentioned in there), see http://www.kimberly.uidaho.edu/water/papers/others/Allen_1996_Trans_ASAE_Relating_HazenWilliams_and_DarcyWeisbach.pdf

A solution to Poiseuille's equation is used to approximate the D-W friction factor for Laminar, fully developed flow in long pipes.
 
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Thank you i understand it
 
Travis_King said:
If you are asking how this solution to pressure drop is associated with similar ideas such as the Darcy-Weisbach equation, the answer is that the analytical (experimentally derived) Darcy-Weisbach equation is employable under broader circumstances.
In theory this is a nice equation to look at to understand where the mechanical energy is being lost to, but in practical applications of pressure drop analysis it is rarely, if ever, employed.

Basically: Poiseuille equation is theoretical, solutions like Hazen-Williams and Darcy-Weisbach are analytical.

In polymer processing applications, typically involving high viscosity polymer melts (say 1000 Poise), the Poiseuille pressure drop equation is used extensively. This includes the entire man-made fiber industry, polymer granule production industry, and plastics manufacture industry. In addition, it applies to flow of ordinary fluids through capillaries.
 
Thanks for that, I wasn't aware it was so widely used in that industry. I've never personally had any experience with such high viscosity fluids.
 

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