The purpose of this technical bulletin is to outline some of the basic fluid mechanics theory behind the applications into which Banlaw refuelling equipment is used. It is meant as a reference guide for inter-office use only.

one kiloPascal (kPa) equal to 1,000Pa and one megaPascal (MPa) equal to 1,000,000Pa. One Pascal is described as one Newton (N) of force applied over an area of one square metre:

p: pressure (units Pa) i.e. 1.0Pa=1.0N/m2
p = F/A
For example, weight is a force. A person having a mass of 90kg has a weight of:

Weight (units N) = 90kg * acceleration due to gravity (units m/s2)
Therefore weight = 90*9.8
Weight = 882N

pressure created by the weight of the fluid. The magnitude of static head a volume of fluid holds is a function of the vertical height of the fluid and the density of the fluid.

with pressure gauges installed in each tank at the same level.
The static head (units Pa) registered at gauge p1 is:
Hs(1)=7.g.h1
The static head (units Pa) registered at gauge p2 is:
Hs(2)=7.g.h2

and p2 is:
Hs(2)-Hs(1)=7.g.(h2-h1)
Note that thevolume of fluid is not considered, only theheight of fluid. Thus despite

Figure 2 shows a U shaped device containing a volume of liquid, with one end of the device open to atmosphere (at p1) and the other end closed (at p2) and pressurised by air. By knowing the density of the fluid and by measuring the height h1, we can calculate the difference in pressure between p2 and p1. Since the open end is open to atmosphere and hence atmospheric pressure, gauge p1 will be zero and the pressure registered by gauge p2 will be some quantity above atmospheric pressure.

The difference between p2 and p1 is simply:
p2-p1 =7.g.h
Where the static head produced by the height h of the liquid is:
Hs =7.g.h
Hence:
Hs = p2-p1

Hs = p2-p1 = 1000*9.8*0.1
p2-p1 = 980Pa (0.98kPa)
Therefore p2 = 980Pa (gauge pressure), since p1 = 0Pa (gauge pressure)

Since Hs =7.g.h
Therefore: h = Hs/(7.g)
h = 980/(860*9.8)
h = 0.116m