The friction head loss calculator below provides an estimation of the friction head losses that would be generated when pumping clean water through new sections of pipe.

The calculator is not suitable for sewage applications or for pipes that have been in service for several years. See below

Errors in Ttheoretical Friction Head Loss Calculations

Our experience has proved that the actual friction head losses within a pipe system can vary significantly from those predicted using theoretical calculations. Typical sources of error in pipe head loss calculations can be due to:

• Settled solids in the bottom of the pipe
• Build up of fat, gel or solids on the pipe walls
• Tuberculation
• Pipe welds protruding into the bore of plastic pipe
• Surface roughness (Ks) values differing from guideline figures
• Air locks
• Pipe composition differing from that shown on drawings
• Complex pipe systems

The only way to accurately determine the friction head losses in a pipe system is to measure them.  Flowcheck specialise in providing this service.