Friction Loss Calculator

Enter the pipe diameter, length, and flow rate, select the material, and the tool will calculate the friction head loss.

Pipe Diameter:

m ▾

Material:

m ▾

Volumetric Flow Rate:

m³/s ▾

Pipe Length:

Related

The friction loss calculator determines the pressure drop or head loss in a conduit such as a pipe, hose, or channel. Frictional loss occurs due to resistance as the fluid flows through the system.

What Causes Friction Loss in Pipes?

Friction loss in fluids refers to the reduction in pressure or energy as the fluid moves through a conduit. This loss is mainly caused by the interaction between the fluid and the inner surface of the pipe. Key factors affecting friction loss include:

Pipe roughness
Flow velocity
Pipe length
Pipe diameter
Fluid viscosity

The viscosity of fluids varies depending on properties such as molar weight. The calculator computes volumetric flow rate accounting for viscosity.

How to Calculate Friction Loss?

Frictional loss in pipes can be calculated using the Hazen-Williams equation:

\[ H_f = \frac{0.2083 \cdot (L / C)^{1.852} \cdot Q^{1.852}}{D^{4.87}} \]

Where:

Hf = Head loss due to friction (meters)
C = Hazen-Williams friction coefficient
L = Length of the pipe (meters)
Q = Flow rate (m³/s)
D = Internal diameter of the pipe (meters)

Friction Loss Example:

Suppose a city is designing a water distribution system. The pipe has a diameter of 150 mm, a length of 1,000 meters, and a flow rate of 0.5 m³/s. Calculate the pipe friction loss using the Hazen-Williams equation.

Given: