Comparative evaluation of using charts by different authors for hydraulic calculation of pressure polyethylene pipelines

Summary

The results of hydraulic calculations carried out with the use of charts compiled by different authors are compared. The example of hydraulic calculations of a pipeline with a diameter of 160 mm for certain flow rate and pressure as well as the analysis of the hydraulic characteristics obtained from the charts by different authors for hydraulic calculations of pressure polyethylene pipes with practical conclusions are presented. The demand for such a comparison is driven by the inquiries from engineering companies busy with designing pressure polyethylene pipelines and experiencing difficulties with choosing the right charts for precise hydraulic calculations; and by the significant errors in the process of determining specific head losses along the length – hydraulic resistance that ultimately influences energy consumption of pumps during water transportation.

Key words

hydraulic design , polyethylene pipes , hydraulic resistance , specific head losses , calculation error