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Fan Inlet Pressure

Reference data and engineering information about fan inlet pressure for fluid mechanics applications.

faninletpressure

Overview

Engineering reference data for Fan Inlet Pressure in fluid mechanics.

Key Formulas

Reynolds Number

Re=ρvDμRe = \frac{\rho v D}{\mu}

Ratio of inertial to viscous forces — determines flow regime.

Bernoulli's Equation

P+12ρv2+ρgh=constP + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{const}

Conservation of energy for steady, inviscid, incompressible flow.

Continuity Equation

A1v1=A2v2A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2

Conservation of mass for incompressible flow.

Darcy-Weisbach

ΔP=fLDρv22\Delta P = f \frac{L}{D} \frac{\rho v^2}{2}

Pressure drop due to friction in a pipe.

Variables

SymbolDescriptionUnit
ReReReynolds number
ρ\rhoFluid densitykg/m³
vvFlow velocitym/s
DDCharacteristic dimensionm
μ\muDynamic viscosityPa·s
PPPressurePa
ffDarcy friction factor

Correction Factor Table

When inlet suction pressure exceeds 270 mm W.G (10 in W.G), reduced air density requires compensation using a correction factor:

6 rows
Pressure correction factor for fan inlet suction pressure
Suction Pressure(mm W.G.)
Suction Pressure(in W.G.)
Correction Factor (f)(-)
-135-51.01
-200-7.51.02
-270-101.03
-380-141.04
-490-181.05
-600-221.06

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

:::note For suction pressures below 270 mm W.G (10 in W.G), the correction factor is normally neglected and f=1.0f = 1.0. :::

Corrected Suction Pressure

The corrected suction pressure accounts for reduced air density at high vacuum conditions:

Psc=PsfP_{sc} = P_s \cdot f

Where:

  • PscP_{sc} = corrected suction pressure (mm W.G. or in W.G.)
  • PsP_s = design (and measured) suction pressure (mm W.G. or in W.G.)
  • ff = pressure correction factor from table above

Example

Given: Design suction pressure Ps=380P_s = -380 mm W.G. (−14 in W.G.)

Solution: From the table, the correction factor f=1.04f = 1.04

Psc=(380 mm W.G.)×1.04=395 mm W.G.P_{sc} = (-380 \text{ mm W.G.}) \times 1.04 = -395 \text{ mm W.G.}

The corrected suction pressure of −395 mm W.G. should be used for proper fan selection.

Unit Conversions

UnitEquivalent
1 in water248.8 N/m²
1 in water0.0361 lb/in²
1 in water25.4 kg/m²
1 in water0.0739 in mercury

Interactive Charts

Pressure correction factor for fan inlet suction pressure

References