PIPE NETWORK

The following conditions must be satisfied in any pipe network:

1. The algebraic sum of the pressure drops (head loss) around any closed loop must be zero and,
2. The flow entering a junction must be equal to flow leaving it.

The first condition states that there can be no discontinuity in pressure (the pressure drop through any route
between two junctions must be the same). The second condition is a statement of the law of continuity.

Pipe network problems are usually solved by numerical methods using computer since any analytical solution
requires the use of many simultaneous equations, some of which are nonlinear.

HARDY CROSS METHOD

The procedure suggested by Hardy Cross requires that the flow in each pipe be assumed so that the principle of
continuity is satisfied at each junction. A correction to the assumed flow is computed successively for each pipe
loop in the network until the correction is reduced to an acceptable value.

The general formula in computing the correction ΔQ can be expressed as:

−∑ K Q na
∆ Q=
n ∑ K Q n−1
a

In applying the above equation:

ΣKQan = algebraic sum of the head loss in the circuit (clockwise positive, counter-clockwise negative).

ΣKQn = absolute sum without regard to direction of flow.

n = 2 for Darcy-Weisbach and Manning formulas and n = 1.85 for Hazen-Williams formula, the value of K are as
follows:

Darcy-Weisbach

0 . 0826 f L
K=
D5

Manning

10 . 29 n2 L
K=
D16 /3

Hazen-Williams
 10 . 67 L
K=
C 1. 85 D4 . 87
1

The correction is added or subtracted from the assumed flow in order to get the true or corrected flow. It is added
if the direction of flow is clockwise and subtracted if counter-clockwise.

Illustrative Problem

Using Hazen Williams formula, assuming C1 = 120 for all pipes, compute the flow in each pipe of the horizontal
network shown