Hydraulic Equivalency Theory

Lr = L1 + L2

Principles

The equations derived below are based on the following principles. The equations
below are for two pipes but can be extended to n pipes.

For pipes in series:

Qr = Q1 = Q2

where Q = flow, r refers to the resulting pipe, and 1 and 2 refer to the pipes being
removed.

hr = h1 + h2

For pipes in parallel:

Qr = Q1 + Q2

and

hr = h1 = h2

As long as the units are consistent, then any appropriate units can be used. For
example, if the diameters are in feet, then the resulting diameter will be in feet.

Hazen-Williams Equation

KL Q 1.85
h = -------------  ----
4.87  C
D
K depends on the units but cancels out in equivalent pipe calculations.

Series Pipes

For series pipes, the length is based on the sum of the lengths.

Solved for C:

13-940 Bentley HAMMER V8i Edition User’s Guide