View Single Post
Old 25-05-2008   #3 (permalink)
Alanka
Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 54
View Alanka's Photo Album
Default Re: frictional resistance within a cold water pipework system is influenced most by w

The pipe diameter has by far the most influence on total flow resistance -- the smaller the higher the resistance.

Pipe material should not make much difference, because at most flow rates there is a static film of water adhering to the inner pipe surfaces. So the friction is caused by faster-flowing water layers rubbing against slower-flowing water layers, rather than water rubbing against the pipework surfaces.

Bends and elbows add to the resistance, with 'slow' bends (i.e. larger bend radius) having less effect than tight 'knuckle' elbows.

Cheers,

Big Al
Alanka is offline   Reply With Quote