Velocity and pressure drop in pipes formulas and calculator

Velocit
The velocity of fluid through a pipe, tube or hose is dependent on flow rate and cross sectional area. Recommended fluid velocities
through pipes and hoses in hydraulic systems are as follows:
Service
Velocity (ft/sec)
Velocity (m/sec)
suction
2-4
0.6 - 1.2
return
4 - 13
1.5 - 4
pressure / discharge
7-8
2 - 5.5
Use values at the lower end of the range for lower pressures or where operation is continuous. fluid velocity can be calculated using the
following formula:
In metric units:
v = Q 21.22
D
Where :
v = velocity in metres per second (m/sec)
Q = flow rate in litres per minute (L/min)
D = inside diameter of pipe or hose in millimetres (mm)

Pressure drop
Friction between the fluid flowing through a conductor and its inside wall causes losses, which are quantified as pressure drop. Pressure
drop in conductors is an important consideration for the designer especially in systems where long pipe or hose runs are necessary. The
pressure drop over a length of pipe or hose can be calculated using the following formula, which for ease of calculation uses metric units.

Before proceeding to the pressure drop calculations, the following variables need to be known:
Flow rate in litres per minute (L/min) Q
Inside diameter of pipe or hose in millimetres (mm) D
Kinematic viscosity of fluid (at operating temperature) in centistokes (cSt)
Density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m)
Length of the pipe, tube or hose in metres (m) L
1. Calculate fluid velocity:
v = Q 21.22
D
Where:
v = velocity in metres per second (m/sec)
Q = flow rate in litres per minute (L/min)
D = inside diameter of pipe or hose in millimetres (mm)

2. Calculate the Reynolds Number (Re):

Re = 1000 v D

Where:
Re = Reynolds Number
v = velocity in metres per second (m/sec)
D = inside diameter of pipe or hose in millimetres (mm)
= kinematic viscosity of fluid (at operating temperature) in centistokes (cSt)
3. Calculate the friction factor (f)

The formula used to calculate the friction factor is dependent on the magnitude of the Reynolds Number.
If the Reynolds Number is less than 2300, flow is laminar and the following formula is used to calculate the friction factor:
f = 64
Re
Where :
f = friction factor
Re = Reynolds Number < 2300
If the Reynolds Number is between 2300 and 4000, flow is transition and greater than 4000 flow is turbulent.
For Reynolds Numbers greater than 2300 and less than 100,000 the following formula can be used to calculate the friction factor:
f = 0.3164 Re - 0.25
Where :
f = friction factor
Re = Reynolds Number > 2300 and < 100,000
In instances where the Reynolds Number is greater than 100,000, friction is highly dependant on the roughness of the conductors inner
surface. In these cases Colebrooks equation, which considers pipe roughness, is used to calculate the friction factor.
However, due to the relatively low fluid velocities and high fluid viscosities present in hydraulic systems, Reynolds Numbers of this
magnitude should not be encountered.
4. Calculate the pressure drop:
Finally, pressure drop can be calculated using the following formula:
p = v f L
2D

Where :
p = pressure drop in Pascals (Pa)
v = velocity in metres per second (m/sec)
f = friction factor
L = length of pipe or hose in metres (m)
= density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic metre (870-890 kg/m for hydraulic oil)
D = inside diameter of pipe or hose in metres (m)
Conversions:
US gallon * 3.785 = Liter
inch
* 25.4 = Milimetre
inch
* 0.0254 = Metre
feet
* 0.3048 = Metre
lb/ft3
* 16.02 = kg/m3
Pascal (Pa) / 100000= bar
Pascal (Pa) * 0.000145 = psi

 2013 www.4wings.com

Kinematic viscosity for some common fluids are indicated below:

Temperature
Liquid
Acetaldehyde CH3CHO
Acetic acid - vinegar - 10% CH3COOH
Acetic acid - 50%
Acetic acid - 80%
Acetic acid - concentrated glacial
Acetic acid anhydride (CH3COO)2O
Acetone CH3COCH3
Alcohol - allyl
Alcohol - butyl-n
Alcohol - ethyl (grain) C2H5OH
Alcohol - methyl (wood) CH3OH
Alcohol - propyl
Aluminum sulfate - 36% solution
Ammonia
Aniline
Asphalt RC-0, MC-0, SC-0

(oF)

(oC)

61
68
59
59
59
59
59
68
68
104
68
68
100
59
32
68
122
68
0
68
50
77

16.1
20
15
15
15
15
15
20
20
40
20
20
37.8
15
0
20
50
20
-17.8
20
10
25

Kinematic Viscosity
Seconds Saybolt
CentiStokes (cSt)
Universal (SSU)
0.305
36
0.295
1.35
31.7
2.27
33
2.85
35
1.34
31.7
0.88
0.41
1.60
31.8
0.90 cp
3.64
38
1.52
31.7
1.2
31.5
0.74
1.04
2.8
35
1.4
31.7
1.41
31.7
0.30
4.37
40
6.4
46.4
159-324
737-1.5M

Automatic crankcase oil SAE 10W

Automatic crankcase oil SAE 10W
Automatic crankcase oil SAE 20W
Automatic crankcase oil SAE 20
Automatic crankcase oil SAE 30
Automatic crankcase oil SAE 40
Automatic crankcase oil SAE 50
Automotive gear oil SAE 75W
Automotive gear oil SAE 80W
Automotive gear oil SAE 85W
Automotive gear oil SAE 90W
Automotive gear oil SAE 140
Automotive gear oil SAE150
Beer
Benzene (Benzol) C6H6
Bone oil
Bromine
Butane-n
Butyric acid n
Calcium chloride 5%
Calcium chloride 25%
Carbolic acid (phenol)

100
0
0
0
210
210
210
210
210
210
210
210
210
210
68
32
68
130
212
68
-50
30
68
32
65
60
65
194

37.8
-17.8
-17.8
-17.8
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
20
0
20
54.4
100
20
-1.1
20
0
18.3
15.6
18.3
90

60-108
1295-max
1295-2590
2590-10350
5.7-9.6
9.6-12.9
12.9-16.8
16.8-22.7
4.2 min
7.0 min
11.0 min
14-25
25-43
43 - min
1.8
1.0
0.74
47.5
11.6
0.34
0.52
0.35
1.61
2.3 cp
1.156
4.0
11.83
1.26 cp

280-500
6M-max
6M-12M
12M-48M
45-58
58-70
70-85
85-110
40 min
49 min
63 min
74-120
120-200
200 min
32
31
220
65

31.6
39
65

Carbon tetrachloride CCl4

Carbon disulfide CS2
Castor oil
China wood oil
Chloroform
Coconut oil
Cod oil (fish oil)
Corn oil
Corn starch solution, 22
Corn starch solution, 24
Corn starch solution, 25
Cotton seed oil
Crude oil 48o API
Crude oil 40o API
Crude oil 35.6o API

68
100
32
68
100
130
69
100
68
140
100
130
100
130
130
212
70
100
70
100
70
100
100
130
60
130
60
130
60
130

20
37.8
0
20
37.8
54.4
20.6
37.8
20
60
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4
54.4
100
21.1
37.8
21.1
37.8
21.1
37.8
37.8
54.4
15.6
54.4
15.6
54.4
15.6
54.4

0.612
0.53
0.33
0.298
259-325
98-130
308.5
125.5
0.38
0.35
29.8-31.6
14.7-15.7
32.1
19.4
28.7
8.6
32.1
27.5
129.8
95.2
303
173.2
37.9
20.6
3.8
1.6
9.7
3.5
17.8
4.9

1200-1500
450-600
1425
580

140-148
76-80
150
95
135
54
150
130
600
440
1400
800
176
100
39
31.8
55.7
38
88.4
42.3

Crude oil 32.6o API

Decane-n
Diethyl glycol
Diethyl ether
Diesel fuel 2D
Diesel fuel 3D
Diesel fuel 4D
Diesel fuel 5D
Ethyl acetate CH3COOC2H3
Ethyl bromide C2H5Br
Ethylene bromide
Ethylene chloride
Ethylene glycol
Formic acid 10%
Formic acid 50%
Formic acid 80%
Formic acid concentrated
Freon -11
Freon -12
Freon -21
Furfurol

60
130
0
100
70
68
100
130
100
130
100
130
122
160
59
68
68
68
68
70
68
68
68
68
77
70
70
70
68

15.6
54.4
17.8
37.8
21.1
20
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4
50
71.1
15
20
20
20
20
21.1
20
20
20
20
25
21.1
21.1
21.1
20

23.2
7.1
2.36
1.001
32
0.32
2-6
1.-3.97
6-11.75
3.97-6.78
29.8 max
13.1 max
86.6 max
35.2 max
0.4
0.49
0.27
0.787
0.668
17.8
1.04
1.2
1.4
1.48
1.57cp
0.21
0.27
1.45
1.45

110
46.8
34
31
149.7
32.6-45.5
-39
45.5-65
39-48
140 max
70 max
400 max
165 max

88.4
31
31.5
31.7
31.7

31.7

Fuel oil 1
Fuel oil 2
Fuel oil 3
Fuel oil 5A
Fuel oil 5B
Fuel oil 6
Gas oils
Gasoline a
Gasoline b
Gasoline c
Glycerin 100%
Glycerin 50% water
Glucose
Heptanes-n
Hexane-n

77
70
100
70
100
70
100
70
100
70
100
122
160
70
100
60
100
60
100
60
100
68.6
100
68
140
100
150
0
100
0

25
21.1
37.8
21.1
37.8
21.1
37.8
21.1
37.8
21.1
37.8
50
71.1
21.1
37.8
15.6
37.8
15.6
37.8
15.6
37.8
20.3
37.8
20
60
37.8
65.6
-17.8
37.8
-17.8

1.49cp
2.39-4.28
-2.69
3.0-7.4
2.11-4.28
2.69-5.84
2.06-3.97
7.4-26.4
4.91-13.7
26.413.6-67.1
97.4-660
37.5-172
13.9
7.4
0.88
0.71

34-40
32-35
36-50
33-40
35-45
32.8-39
50-125
42-72
12572-310
450-3M
175-780
73
50

0.64
0.46
0.40
648
176
5.29
1.85
7.7M-22M
880-2420
0.928
0.511
0.683

2950
813
43
35M-100M
4M-11M

Honey
Ink, printers
Insulating oil
Kerosene
Jet Fuel
Lard
Lard oil
Linseed oil
Mercury
Methyl acetate
Methyl iodide
Menhaden oil
Milk
Molasses A, first
B, second
C, blackstrap

100
100
100
130
70
100
68
-30.
100
130
100
130
100
130
70
100
68
104
68
104
100
130
68
100
130
100
130
100
130

37.8
37.8
37.8
54.4
21.1
37.8
20
-34.4
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4
21.1
37.8
20
40
20
40
37.8
54.4
20
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4

0.401
73.6
550-2200
238-660
24.1 max
11.75 max
2.71
7.9
62.1
34.3
41-47.5
23.4-27.1
30.5
18.94
0.118
0.11
0.44
0.32
0.213
0.42
29.8
18.2
1.13
281-5070
151-1760
1410-13.2M
660-3.3M
2630-55M
1320-16.5M

349
2500-10M
1100-3M
115 max
65 max
35
52
287
160
190-220
112-128
143
93

140
90
31.5
1300-23500
700-8160
6535-61180
3058-15294
12190-255M
6120-76.5M

Naphthalene
Neatstool oil
Nitrobenzene
Nonane-n
Octane-n
Olive oil
Palms oil
Peanut oil
Pentane-n
Petrolatum
Petroleum ether
Propionic acid
Propylene glycol
Quenching oil
(typical)
Rapeseed oil
Rosin oil

176
212
100
130
68
0
100
0
100
100
130
100
130
100
130
0
80
130
160
60
32
68
70

100
130
100
130

80
100
37.8
54.4
20
-17.8
37.8
-17.8
37.8
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4
17.8
26.7
54.4
71.1
15.6
0
20
21.1

37.8
54.4
37.8
54.4

0.9
0.78
49.7
27.5
1.67
1.728
0.807
1.266
0.645
43.2
24.1
47.8
26.4
42
23.4
0.508
0.342
20.5
15
31(est)
1.52
1.13
52

230
130
31.8
32
31.7
200

200

100
77
1.1
31.5
241

100-120

20.5-25

54.1
31
324.7
129.9

250
145
1500
600

Rosin (wood)
Sesame seed oil
Sodium chloride 5%
Sodium chloride 25%
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) 20%
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) 30%
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) 40%
Soya bean oil
Sperm oil
Sulphuric acid 100%
Sulphuric acid 95%
Sulphuric acid 60%

100
200
100
130
68
60
65
65
65
100
130
100
130
68
140
68
68

37.8
93.3
37.8
54.4
20
15.6
18.3
18.3
18.3
37.8
54.4
37.5
54.4
20
60
20
20

216-11M
108-4400
39.6
23
1.097
2.4
4.0
10.0

1M-50M
500-20M
184
110
31.1
34
39.4
58.1

35.4
19.64
21-23
15.2
14.56
7.2
14.5
4.4

165
96
110
78

70
100
70
100
100
132
68
140

21.1
37.8
21.1
37.8
37.8
55.6
20
60

600-1760
141-308
3300-66M
440-4400
559
108.2
0.68
0.38

70

21.1

40

Sulphuric acid 20%

Tar, coke oven
Tar, gas house
Tar, pine
Toluene
Triethylene glycol

76
75
41
3M-8M
650-1400
15M-300M
2M-20M
2500
500
200-300
55-60
185.7
400-440
185-205

Turpentine
Varnish, spar
Water, distilled
Water, fresh

100
130
68
100
68
60
130

37.8
54.4
20
37.8
20
15.6
54.4

Water, sea
Whale oil
Xylene-o

100
130
68
104

37.8
54.4
20
40

86.5-95.2
39.9-44.3
313
143
1.0038
1.13
0.55
1.15
35-39.6
19.9-23.4
0.93
0.623

1425
650

31
31.5
31.5
163-184
97-112

Note:
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