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Head Loss Oil Pipes

Reference data and engineering information about head loss oil pipes for fluid mechanics applications.

headlossoilpipes

Overview

Engineering reference data for Head Loss Oil Pipes 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—

Viscosity-Based Head Loss & Reynolds Number Tables

The following tables provide quick-reference formulas for calculating head loss and Reynolds number in oil pipes with laminar flow, based on fluid viscosity.

5 rows
Head loss formulas for laminar oil flow at various kinematic viscosities.
Viscosity(cSt)
Head Loss Formula (h)(moil/m pipe)
4$$h = \frac{1.7 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d^4}$$
25$$h = \frac{11 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d^4}$$
45$$h = \frac{20 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d^4}$$
250$$h = \frac{110 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d^4}$$
500$$h = \frac{220 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d^4}$$

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

5 rows
Reynolds number formulas for laminar oil flow at various kinematic viscosities.
Viscosity(cSt)
Reynolds Number (Re)(dimensionless)
4$$Re = \frac{32 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d}$$
25$$Re = \frac{4.5 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d}$$
45$$Re = \frac{2.8 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d}$$
250$$Re = \frac{0.45 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d}$$
500$$Re = \frac{0.25 \times 10^4 \cdot f}{d}$$

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

Laminar Flow Regime Condition

The formulas and calculator provided are valid exclusively for laminar flow. This condition is met when the calculated Reynolds number (ReRe) is less than *2300. Ensure this condition is satisfied for accurate head loss calculations.

Specific Gravity in Calculations

The oil's specific gravity (relative density) is a required input for the calculator. It adjusts the head loss calculation for the fluid's density relative to water, affecting the resulting pressure drop.

References

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com