Equivalent Pipe Length Method - Calculating Pressure Loss in

Piping Systems
Calculating pressure loss in piping systems with the Equivalent Pipe Length Method

An efficient and simple way to calculate the pressure loss in a piping system is the "Equivalent Pipe Length
Method".
1. Make a Diagram of the Piping System
Make a diagram where the system is divided into sections with only one size of pipe and one flow rate in each
section. Number the pipe sections.

In the very simply circulating system used in this example, the first pipe section goes from the pump, splits into
the two sections - two and four. Section two and four merges back to pipe three that goes back to the pump.
2. Make a calculation table
Make a table where the pressure loss in each sections can be calculated. Add all sections as shown below:
Equivalent Total Total
Section
Pressure Systems Length of No. Equivalent Pressure Pressure
Pipe Size Flow Pressure
Section Loss Component Componen Component Length Loss - Path Loss -
(inches) (gal/min) Loss
(ft/100ft) s t s (ft) 1 Path 2
(ftH2O)
(ft) (ftH2O) (ftH2O)
90 deg
1 2.5 2 5.0
Elbows
45 deg
1.4 4 4.0
Elbows
Straight
1.0 20 20.0
Pipe
SUM 1 1 10 9.6 30.6 2.9 2.9 2.9

2 Tee 1.4 2 2.8

90 deg
2.5 4 10.0
Elbows
Straight
1.0 12 12.0
Pipe
SUM 2 3/4 8 15 24.8 3.7 3.7

90 deg
3 2.5 2 5.0
Elbows
45 deg
1.4 4 4.0
Elbows
Straight
1.0 10 10.0
Pipe
SUM 3 1 10 9.6 20.6 2.0 2.0 2.0
 4 Tee 1.4 2 2.8
90 deg
2.5 4 10.0
Elbows
Balancing
21.0 1.0 21.0
Valve
Straight
1.0 12 12.0
Pipe
SUM 4 1/2 3 8 45.8 3.7 3.7

Total SUM 8.6 8.6

An excel template with the table can be found here:

Equivalent Pipe Length Method - Excel Template

Note! The flow and pressure units must be adjusted to the data available for your piping system.
3. Add Pipe Size and Pressure Loss to each Sections
Add pipe size in each section. Use tabulated data (or a nomographs). This example is based on PVC pipes
schedule 40
PVC Pipes - Friction Loss and Flow Velocity - Schedule 40 - Water flow in PVC and CPVC pipes
Schedule 40 - friction loss and flow velocities at dimensions from 1/2 inch to 16 inches
to determine size. For thermoplastic pipes velocites above 5 ft/sec should be avoided. Add the pressure (head)
loss for the actual flow in each pipe section.
The pressure loss may alternatively be calculated with the Hazen-Williams Equation or the Darcy-Weisbach
Formula.
Pressure loss for other types of pipes can be found here.
4. Add Equivalent Length of all Valves, Fittings and Straight Pipes
Add the equivalent length of all valves, fittings and straight pipes in the sections.
PVC - Equivalent Length Friction Loss in Fittings - Minor loss for PVC and CPVC fittings in equivalent
length of straight pipe
Other data
5. Summarize the Pressure Loss in each Section
Calculate and summarize the pressure loss in each section.
6. Summarize the Pressure Loss in all Paths
Finally, add up the pressure loss in all sections that form unique paths. In the example above there are two
unique paths - one is section 1 - 2 - 3, the other is section 1 - 4 - 3.
Extra columns is necessary and should be added in more complicated systems.
The highest pressure loss determines the pump head.
7. Add Balancing Valves
Add valves where it is necessary to balance the system. In the example above a balancing valve is added in
section four.
Note! The Equivalent Pipe Length Method can be adapted to most piping systems - even supply systems,
gravity systems and similar.