100 Introduction

Abstract
This section describes the scope of the Fluid Flow Manual and discusses its basic approach to fluid flow problems. Contents 110 120 130 140 150 Scope of the Fluid Flow Manual Basic Elements of Pressure Drop Importance of the Darcy-Weisbach Equation Nomenclature References Page 100-2 100-2 100-2 100-3 100-3

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100 Introduction

Fluid Flow Manual

110 Scope of the Fluid Flow Manual

The Fluid Flow Manual presents the equations that model basic fluid flow phenomena. Most of the equations and discussions are oriented toward solving for pressure drop given well defined fluids, flow rates, and geometry in simple hydraulic systems. In general the manual treats isothermal flow. The exception to this is that some of the computer programs referenced in Section 1100 perform heat transfer calculations and appropriately adjust fluid properties and pressure drop along the flow path.

120 Basic Elements of Pressure Drop

The total pressure drop in a fluid flow system can be accurately defined if all of the following components of that pressure drop are found: Pressure change due to elevation change Pressure drop due to acceleration losses Pressure drop due to frictional losses

The relationship between the three components of pressure drop may be expressed as follows: Psystem = Pelevation + Pacceleration + Pfriction
(Eq. 100-1)

These components of total system pressure drop are treated in Sections 200, 300, and 400, respectively, for simple cases. Special considerations are treated in the remaining sections. For example, Section 500 presents a method for approximating the combination of both acceleration and friction losses that occurs in valves, fittings, and pipe entrances.

130 Importance of the Darcy-Weisbach Equation

The dominant effect in most fluid flow systems is friction pressure drop. The DarcyWeisbach equation solves for friction pressure drop for any fluid, in any pipe, over any length for which the fluid properties remain relatively constant. This equation is presented here because of its importance. It is discussed more fully in Section 410: fL V h = ----- -----D 2g where: h = head loss, ft f = friction factor L = pipe length, ft
2

(Eq. 100-2)

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Fluid Flow Manual

100 Introduction

D = pipe internal diameter, ft V = fluid velocity, ft/sec g = gravitational constant (32.17 ft/sec2) The Darcy-Weisbach equation defines the friction factor, f. Whenever possible the reader is encouraged to use this equation instead of the flow charts in Section 400. This equation is automated in the Incompressible Flow section of the PCFLOW program, which is provided on disk at the end of this manual.

140 Nomenclature
This manual does not contain a master list of nomenclature. Equation variables are defined following each equation.

150 References
The following selection of general references is supplemented by specific references in the applicable sections of the manual. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Fox, R. W., A. T. McDonald. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics. John Wiley & Sons, New York: 1978. Perry, R. H., C. H. Chilton. Chemical Engineers Handbook, Section 5. McGraw-Hill, New York: 1973. Streeter, V. L., E. B. Wylie. Fluid Mechanics. McGraw-Hill, New York. Engineering Data Book, Section 17. Gas Processors Association, Tulsa: 1987. Cameron Hydraulic Data. Ingersoll-Rand, Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: 1979.

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