Very few texts even begin to discuss how to include the pressure drop through fittings into the compressible flow equations. I agree that using equivalent lengths is a convenient way to do it, and it is easily incorporated into the isothermal equation. The relationship between the K-values and equivalent length ratios (i.e. L/D) is given as Equation 2-4 in the Crane manual. This is K = fL/D. The Crane manual does not highlight the fact, but the form in which it presents the K-value data actually gives the L/D ratio directly. For example Crane gives (on page A-29) the K-value for a 2D 90 degree bend as 12f
T. By comparing this relationship with the Equ 2-4 above it is clear that the value 12 is the equivalent length ratio.
There is a lot of confusion over the role of f
T, but fortunately it is not really a problem when we confine ourselves to turbulent flow - which gas flow usually is.
Another factor that sometimes concerns people is whether it is reasonable to assume a constant friction factor over the length of a gas flow pipeline. This concern generally arises from the knowledge that the friction factor is dependent on the Reynolds number which in turn
seems to depend on the velocity - and we know the velocity increases along the pipeline. If the Reynolds number is written in terms of the mass flow rate rather than the velocity we get the relationship Re = 4M/(3.14[μ]D). Since M, the mass flow rate, is constant over the length of the pipe Re varies with [μ] only, which in an isothermal system is effectively constant - making Re and therefore the friction factor constant for the length of the pipe.
Katmar Software - AioFlo Pipe Hydraulics
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