Frictional losses in hydraulic pipelines

Reynolds
y No.

where v = fluid velocity, D = pipe inside diameter, ρ = fluid density, and µ =

absolute viscosity of the fluid.
ƒ If NR is less than 2000,, the flow is laminar.
ƒ If NR is greater than 4000, the flow is turbulent.
ƒ Reynolds numbers between 2000 and 4000 cover a critical zone between
laminar and turbulent flow.
flow If NR lies in the critical zone,
zone turbulent flow
should be assumed.

Since turbulent flow results in greater losses,

losses hydraulic systems should
normally be designed to operate in the laminar flow region. 1
Frictional head losses in pipes can be found by using Darcy's equation:

Head losses in valves and fittings are proportional to the square of the
velocity of the fluid:

The constant
Th t t off proportionality
ti lit (K) isi called
ll d the
th K factor
f t (also
( l called
ll d loss
l
coefficient) of the valve or fitting.
yp
Typical K-factor values for several common types
yp of valves and fittings
g are
available in charts and tables.
2
For some fluid power valves, in
addition to specifying K factors,
empirical curves of pressure drop
versus flow rate are given by the valve
manufacturer [see Figure 44-19].
19].

3
 Equivalent length
We can find
W fi d a length
l h off pipe
i that
h for
f theh same flow
fl rate would
ld produce
d the
h
same head loss as a valve or fitting. This length of pipe, which is called the
equivalent length of a valve or fitting, can be found by equating the head
losses across the valve or fitting and the pipe:

where Le is the equivalent length of a valve or fitting whose K factor is K.

N t that
Note th t K and
d f are both
b th dimensionless.
di i l Th f
Therefore, Le and
d D will
ill have
h th
the
same dimensions. 4
Example 4-8
Hydraulic oil (ν = 100 cSt) flows through a 1 inch diameter commercial
steel pipe at a rate of 30 gpm. What is the equivalent length of a 1 inch wide
open globe valve placed in the line?
Solution:
Velocity of the flow,
A (ft2) = (π/4)(1/12)2 = 0.005454 ft2
V (ft/s) = Q (ft3/s)/A (ft2) = (30/449)/ 0.005454 = 12.2 ft/s
K for wide open globe valve = 10 [ see Figure 4-10]
1 cSt = 92903 ft2/s

NR = V (ft/s) x D (ft) /ν (ft2/s) = 92903 x V (ft/s) x D (ft) /ν (cSt)

= (92903/12) x V (ft/s) x D (in) /ν (cSt)
= 7740 x V (ft/s) x D (in) /ν (cSt) = 7740 x 12.2 x 1/100 = 944
The flow is laminar, f = 64 /NR = 64/944 = 0.0678
Equivalent length, Le = KD/f = 10(1/12)/0.0678 =12.3 ft
Thus 1 inch diameter pipe of length 12.3 ft would produce the same frictional head
loss as a 1 inch wide open globe valve for a 30 gpm flow. 5
Example 4.9
For the hydraulic system shown, the following data are given. Pump hydraulic horse
power = 5 HP, Pump flow rate = 30 gpm, Pipe inside diameter = 1 inch, Specific
gravity of the oil = 0.9 and the kinematic viscosity of the oil is 100 cSt.

Find the pressure available at the inlet to the hydraulic motor (station 2).
2) The
pressure at station 1 in the hydraulic tank is atmospheric (0 psig).

6
7
8
9
10