Will an increasingly narrow pipe create pressure?

In summary, the diameter of a pipe has a direct impact on the pressure inside it, with a narrower pipe resulting in higher pressure due to the same amount of fluid being forced through a smaller area. This is due to the Bernoulli's Principle, which states that as fluid speed increases, pressure decreases. The length of a pipe does not directly affect pressure, but increasing it without changing the diameter can lead to a decrease in pressure. A narrow pipe can create too much pressure if the flow rate is not controlled, which can result in leaks or bursts. While there is no specific limit to how narrow a pipe can be, there are practical limitations due to the decrease in flow rate and potential for clogs and blockages.
  • #1
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If there is a leveled pipe that gets increasingly narrow, the fluid in it will gain speed/momentum, right? Can you use that extra speed to lift the water (create pressure)? What equations would describe this?
 
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  • #2
The fluid's pressure will decrease at it gains speed. At the end of the increasingly narrow pipe, you could have a narrow pipe that curves upwards to accelerate the moving fluid upwards. The limit on how far upwards the fluid can be moved depends on the initial pressure and kinetic energy of the fluid before it entered the narrowing pipe.
 

1. How does the diameter of a pipe affect pressure?

The diameter of a pipe directly affects the pressure inside it. As the pipe gets narrower, the pressure increases. This is because the same amount of fluid is forced to flow through a smaller area, resulting in a higher velocity and therefore a higher pressure.

2. Why does a narrow pipe create higher pressure?

A narrow pipe creates higher pressure because of the Bernoulli's Principle. This principle states that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. Therefore, as the fluid is forced to speed up in a narrow pipe, its pressure increases.

3. How does the length of a pipe affect its pressure?

The length of a pipe does not directly affect its pressure. However, if the length of a pipe is increased without changing its diameter, the pressure will decrease. This is because the fluid has more space to flow and the velocity decreases, leading to a decrease in pressure.

4. Can a narrow pipe create too much pressure?

Yes, a narrow pipe can create too much pressure if the flow rate is not controlled. When the pressure exceeds the capacity of the pipe, it can result in leaks or bursts. This is why pressure regulators are often used in narrow pipes to control the flow and prevent excessive pressure.

5. Is there a limit to how narrow a pipe can be?

There is no specific limit to how narrow a pipe can be, but there are practical limitations. As the pipe gets narrower, the flow rate decreases, and the pressure increases. At a certain point, the pressure may become too high, and the fluid may become turbulent, affecting the accuracy of the system. Additionally, clogs and blockages are more likely to occur in narrower pipes, further limiting their practicality.

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