www.pipeflow.

com

Pipe Flow Wizard

For Windows
Fluid Flow and Pressure Loss Calculations Software

User Guide
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

Copyright Notice © 2020

All Rights Reserved

Daxesoft Ltd.

Distribution Limited to Authorized Persons Only.

Trade Secret Notice

The PipeFlow.com, PipeFlow.co.uk and Daxesoft Ltd. name and logo and all related product and service names, design marks,
logos, and slogans are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Daxesoft Ltd. All other product names and trademarks
contained herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Printed in the United Kingdom – May 2020

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described in this document is furnished under a
license agreement. The software may be used only in accordance with the terms of the license agreement. It is against the law
to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement. No part of this document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or
information recording and retrieval systems, for any purpose without the express written permission of Daxesoft Ltd.

2
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 8
1.1 Pipe Flow Wizard Software Overview.................................................................................. 8
1.2 Minimum Operating System Requirements ......................................................................... 9
1.3 Licensing Information ....................................................................................................... 10
1.4 Contacting Pipe Flow Software ......................................................................................... 13
1.5 Additional Pipe Flow Software Programs........................................................................... 14
2 Interface and Menus ....................................................................................................15
2.1 Main Menu Bar ................................................................................................................ 15
2.1.1 File Menu ............................................................................................................................................ 16
2.1.2 Units Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 17
2.1.3 License Menu ...................................................................................................................................... 18
2.1.4 View Menu.......................................................................................................................................... 19
2.1.5 Tools Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 20
2.1.6 Verification Menu ............................................................................................................................... 21
2.1.7 Help ..................................................................................................................................................... 22
2.2 Calculation Panel .............................................................................................................. 23
2.2.1 Calculation Menu Bar ......................................................................................................................... 24
2.3 Results Panel .................................................................................................................... 26
2.3.1 Results Menu Bar................................................................................................................................ 27
2.4 Expandable Sections ......................................................................................................... 28
3 Views...........................................................................................................................29
3.1 Column View .................................................................................................................... 29
3.2 Tab View .......................................................................................................................... 31
4 Settings .......................................................................................................................32
4.1 Units ................................................................................................................................ 33
4.2 Results Decimals .............................................................................................................. 34
4.3 General ............................................................................................................................ 35
4.4 Reports ............................................................................................................................ 36
4.5 Reset................................................................................................................................ 37
5 File and Calculation Operations ....................................................................................38
5.1 Filename Extensions ......................................................................................................... 38
5.2 Data File Location ............................................................................................................. 38
6 Pressure Drop Calculation ............................................................................................40
6.1 Pressure Drop Calculation - Liquid..................................................................................... 41
6.2 Pressure Drop Calculation - Gas ........................................................................................ 43
7 Flow Rate Calculation ..................................................................................................45
7.1 Flow Rate Calculation - Liquid ........................................................................................... 46

3
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

7.2 Flow Rate Calculation - Gas ............................................................................................... 48

8 Pipe Diameter Calculation ............................................................................................50
8.1 Pipe Diameter Calculation - Liquid .................................................................................... 51
8.2 Pipe Diameter Calculation - Gas ........................................................................................ 53
9 Pipe Length Calculation ................................................................................................55
9.1 Pipe Length Calculation - Liquid ........................................................................................ 56
9.2 Pipe Length Calculation - Gas ............................................................................................ 58
10 Fluids Database .........................................................................................................60
10.1 Adding Fluid to the Fluid Database .................................................................................. 62
10.2 Adding Gas Data to the Fluid Database............................................................................ 63
11 Pipe Material & Diameters .........................................................................................64
11.1 Selecting a Pipe Material ................................................................................................ 64
11.2 Editing a Pipe Material.................................................................................................... 65
11.3 Adding a new Pipe Material ............................................................................................ 65
11.4 Selecting a Pipe Diameter ............................................................................................... 66
11.5 Editing a Pipe Diameter .................................................................................................. 67
11.6 Adding a Pipe Diameter .................................................................................................. 67
12 Fittings & Valves ........................................................................................................68
12.1 Adding a Fitting to the Pipe ............................................................................................. 68
12.2 Removing a Fitting from the Pipe .................................................................................... 69
12.3 Adding a Fitting to the Database ..................................................................................... 70
13 Flow Rate Calculator / Helper .....................................................................................72
14 Calculations and Results .............................................................................................73
14.1 Automatic Checks and Updates ....................................................................................... 73
14.1.1 Fitting Sizes ....................................................................................................................................... 73
14.2 Configuring the System Results ....................................................................................... 74
14.3 Copying Calculation Results for use in another Calculation............................................... 74
14.4 Creating a Report of the Results ...................................................................................... 74
14.5 PDF Report Example – Tabulated Units ........................................................................... 76
14.6 PDF Report Example – Non-Tabulated Units ................................................................... 77
15 Working with Compressible Fluids ..............................................................................78
15.1 Defining Gas Data ........................................................................................................... 79
15.1.1 Gas Calculator Data .......................................................................................................................... 80
15.2 Using Compressible Flow Equations ................................................................................ 81
16 Calculation Theory and Method of Solution ................................................................82
16.1 Fluid Flow States ............................................................................................................ 82

4
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

16.2 Fluid Viscosity................................................................................................................. 82

16.3 Reynolds Numbers ......................................................................................................... 83
16.4 Friction Factors ............................................................................................................... 83
16.5 Colebrook-White Formula............................................................................................... 83
16.6 Friction Losses (Resistance to Flow)................................................................................. 84
16.7 Darcy-Weisbach Formula ................................................................................................ 84
16.8 Fitting Losses .................................................................................................................. 85
16.8.1 ‘K’ Factor Fitting Head Loss Calculation for Liquids ......................................................................... 85
16.8.2 Equivalent Length Head Loss Calculation for Gases ......................................................................... 85
16.8.3 Fittings Database .............................................................................................................................. 86
16.9 Compressible Gas Flow Equations ................................................................................... 86
17 Glossary .....................................................................................................................88

5
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

Table of Figures
Figure 1 License Software...................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 2 Interface and Menus ............................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 3 Main Menu Bar ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 4 File Menu ................................................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 5 Units Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 6 License Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 7 View Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 8 Tools Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Figure 9 Verification Menu .................................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 10 Help Menu ............................................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 11 Calculation Panel ................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 12 Calculation Menu Bar ............................................................................................................................ 24
Figure 13 Results Panel ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 14 Results Menu Bar .................................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 15 Expandable Sections.............................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 16 Column View.......................................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 17 Column View - Collapsed ....................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 18 Tab View ................................................................................................................................................ 31
Figure 19 Settings .................................................................................................................................................. 32
Figure 20 Units ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 21 Results Decimals.................................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 22 Settings General .................................................................................................................................... 35
Figure 23 Settings - Reports .................................................................................................................................. 36
Figure 24 Settings - Reset ...................................................................................................................................... 37
Figure 25 Find Pressure Calculation - Liquid ......................................................................................................... 41
Figure 26 Find Pressure Results - Liquid ................................................................................................................ 42
Figure 27 Find Pressure Calculation - Gas ............................................................................................................. 43
Figure 28 Find Pressure Results - Gas.................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 29 Find Flow Calculation - Liquid................................................................................................................ 46
Figure 30 Find Flow Results - Liquid ...................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 31 Find Flow Calculation - Gas ................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 32 Find Flow Results - Gas .......................................................................................................................... 49
Figure 33 Find Diameter Calculation - Liquid ........................................................................................................ 51
Figure 34 Find Diameter Results - Liquid............................................................................................................... 52
Figure 35 Find Diameter Calculation - Gas............................................................................................................ 53
Figure 36 Find Diameter Results - Gas .................................................................................................................. 54
Figure 37 Find Length Calculation - Liquid ............................................................................................................ 56
Figure 38 Find Length Results - Liquid ................................................................................................................... 57
Figure 39 Pipe Length Calculation - Gas................................................................................................................ 58
Figure 40 Pipe Length Results - Gas ...................................................................................................................... 59
Figure 41 Fluids Database ..................................................................................................................................... 60
Figure 42 Gas Data Calculator .............................................................................................................................. 63
Figure 43 Pipe Material ......................................................................................................................................... 64
Figure 44 Edit Pipe Material .................................................................................................................................. 65
Figure 45 Add Pipe Material.................................................................................................................................. 65
Figure 46 Pipe Diameter ........................................................................................................................................ 66
Figure 47 Add Pipe Diameter ................................................................................................................................ 67
Figure 48 Fittings & Valves.................................................................................................................................... 68
Figure 49 Fittings on the Pipe................................................................................................................................ 69
Figure 50 Create New Fitting ................................................................................................................................ 70
Figure 51 Choose Fitting Symbol ........................................................................................................................... 70
Figure 52 Flow Rate Calculator - Gas .................................................................................................................... 72
Figure 53 Flow Rate Calculator - Liquid................................................................................................................. 72

6
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

Figure 54 Fitting Sizes............................................................................................................................................ 73

Figure 55 Copy Calculation Pop-up Menu ............................................................................................................. 74
Figure 56 PDF Report - Tabulated - Liquid ............................................................................................................ 76
Figure 57 PDF Report - Tabulated - Gas ................................................................................................................ 76
Figure 58 PDF Report - Non-Tabulated - Liquid .................................................................................................... 77
Figure 59 PDF Report - Non-Tabulated - Gas ........................................................................................................ 77
Figure 60 Compressible Flow Equations................................................................................................................ 81

7
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

1 Introduction
Pipe Flow Wizard is a multi-platform software application that can perform
calculations to find the pressure loss, flow rate, diameter or length for a single pipe.

Four separate calculation panels allow the user to easily specify the known
information, calculate the answer and then generate Excel or PDF reports.

The Pipe Flow Wizard software has an intuitive interface that is consistent across
platforms thereby making it easy for users to perform their calculations and share the
results regardless of the device being used.

The software is backed up by an unrivalled support service that provides help to

users when they need it.

1.1 Pipe Flow Wizard Software Overview

Pipeline systems range from single pipelines to very large complex networks with
hundreds of interconnecting pipes. They may be simple, carrying water from one
reservoir to another reservoir, or they may be complex with many interconnecting
pipes that distribute fluid over a large area, or they could fall somewhere in-between
such as a system that transfers a fluid from a supply container to a delivery point.

The Pipe Flow Wizard software is designed to calculate pressure loss, flow rate,
diameter size, or length, for a single pipe. It is a useful tool for piping calculations
that engineers often need to perform either at the office or out in the field (perhaps to
work out a required pump head, or to check an expected flow rate or pressure drop).

Note: Our Pipe Flow Expert software can be used to model and calculate flow rates,
pressure losses and pumping requirements within a complex pipe system.

Each calculation panel has a set of data input fields that enable the known
information to be entered. This data typically includes:

• The internal size, roughness and length of the pipe.

• The elevation change between the start and end of the pipe.
• The type, quantity and position of fittings on the pipe.
• The type and characteristics of the fluid in the pipe.

Once the known information has been specified for the required calculation, the
results can be obtained by clicking Calculate. The results panel slides up and over
the inputs panel to concisely display the calculated data which typically includes:

• Friction losses, fitting losses, elevation change gain / losses.

• Flow type, Reynolds number and Friction factor.
• Entry and exit pressures.
• Entry and exit flow rates.
• Total pressures loss.

8
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

1.2 Minimum Operating System Requirements

Pipe Flow Wizard has been designed to work on the following operating systems:
• Microsoft® Windows 10 (All Versions)
• Microsoft® Windows 8 (all versions except RT [used on ARM based tablets])
• Microsoft® Windows 7 (all versions)

We recommended using one of the above operating systems, however the software
will also run on:
• Microsoft® Windows Vista (all versions)
• Microsoft® Windows XP (all versions)

It is recommended that your computer system has at least the following minimum
specification:
• Processor: 1.00 GHz or faster CPU
• Memory (RAM): 2Gb or higher
• Screen Display: 1024 x 768 pixels (minimum resolution)
• 1920 x 1080 pixels (or higher recommended)
• Graphics (RAM): 128 Mb or higher
• Hard Disk: 50 Mb install (200 Mb free space recommended)

Microsoft® Excel (or compatible software) is required if the user wishes to view an
Excel Calculation Report.
A PDF viewer (such as Adobe® Acrobat Reader) is required if the user wishes to
view a PDF Calculation Report.

Note:
If your computer will run Windows 7 (or later) then Pipe Flow Wizard should work
without any issues.

9
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

1.3 Licensing Information

Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows is a software package that is provided for use on
personal computer systems.

Installation

When the software is installed it generates a unique product number that is shown
on the Software License screen when you run the program. A matching license
code must be entered to fully enable and license the software.

Figure 1 License Software

Purchasing a License

Each installation of the Pipe Flow Wizard software requires a license code to be
entered in order to fully activate the program. Until the license code is entered the
software can only be used in trial mode.
When in Trial Mode, all functionality is available except for the following restrictions:

• Find Pressure - Pipe Diameter cannot be changed.

• Find Flow Pipe - Diameter cannot be changed.
• Find Diameter - Pipe Length is set to a random value.
• Find Length - Pipe Diameter cannot be change.
• The Gas Data Calculator cannot be used to compute the properties of
compressible fluids at different temperatures and pressures.

License codes can be purchased from www.pipeflow.com

Standard licensing and pricing options are shown at www.pipeflow.com

10
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

You do not require an internet connection when licensing and enabling the software.
The software does not need an internet connection to operate.

Moving a License

We allow a user to move the license to another machine. The old license is de-
activated which generates a License Removal Confirmation Number. We then
provide a new license code for a new installation of the software. This service is
provided at no further cost as part of the Annual License fee which also includes
support.

Network Licensing

Contact us at [email protected] for enquiries about network licensing.

Software Distribution Note

Our software for personal computers is provided via download from our web sites at
www.pipeflow.com and www.pipeflow.co.uk .This helps to reduce our costs, which
allows us to offer lower prices for our customers and also guarantees that the user is
always installing the latest version of the software. Users are free to make their own
copy of the software, however every installation of the program will generate a new
product code and a new license code will still be required.

Software that is available on mobile devices is completely fulfilled via the relevant
App Store (e.g. Apple’s App Store), please see www.pipeflow.com for which
products are available on mobile devices.

New Customers

Those of you who have previously purchased software from us will already be
assured of our reputation and will not be concerned about receiving the software via
download. However, we understand that as a new customer you may be concerned
that you do not receive physical media with the software on.
If we provided the software on physical media, it would be the exact same program
that you can download from our web site (in fact the web site will always carry the
very latest version of the software). Having a physical media would not allow you to
install and enable the software on multiple computers, since each installation would
still generate a unique product number and would require a matching license code.
When you purchase a program from our web site, you will automatically be emailed
with a unique purchase token and an invoice/receipt that confirms your purchase.
This is all you need for proof of purchase and we will always be able to confirm your
purchase in our database.
We have sold software via download for over 20 years. We are not one of those
companies who you will not be able to contact or get a response from. As our

11
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

existing customers know, our service and assistance with any issues you may have
is worth far more than just having the software on physical media.
In some cases, we may sell a license to use a copy of the software on a USB drive.
When this option is purchased, we send you a ‘Pipe Flow’ branded USB drive and
allow you to license this. This provides a completely portable copy of the software.
There is nothing to install. The USB drive can be plugged in to any compatible
personal computer and the software can then be run directly from the USB drive, up
into the memory of the local computer. Please see www.pipeflow.com for which
products are available on a USB drive.

Summary

• The Pipe Flow Wizard software can be downloaded and installed for a free
trial.
• A license code can be purchased from our web site at www.pipeflow.com that
will enable use of the software for a specific time period (normally 12 months).
• A user can be up and running with a licensed version of the software within a
few minutes.
• An Annual License fee must be paid to extend the license to use the software
for a further 12 months, once any previous license period ends. The Annual
License fee can be paid at www.pipeflow.com.
• Software support and maintenance, including technical assistance, help with
modeling issues and free upgrades to new releases, are provided for free
while you are running a licensed copy of the Pipe Flow Wizard software. This
ensures that you will always be able to use the latest version of the software.

12
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

1.4 Contacting Pipe Flow Software

Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.pipeflow.com

UK Telephone: +44 (0)161 408 3569

USA Telephone: +1 650-276-3569

+1 650-276-FLOW

Pipe Flow Software, PipeFlow.com and PipeFlow.co.uk are trading names of

Daxesoft Ltd, a U.K. Registered Company)

13
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

1.5 Additional Pipe Flow Software Programs

Pipe Flow Expert – software for designing piping and pumping systems

Pipe Flow Expert can be used to model pipe systems with just a few pipes through to
more complex systems with many hundreds of pipes.

For more information about Pipe Flow Expert, see:

www.pipeflow.com/pipe-flow-expert-software

Pipe Flow Advisor – software for calculating flow in Channels and Tanks

Pipe Flow Advisor may be used to estimate water flow rate from various shaped
channels and tanks. It can calculate:

• Open Channel Flow

• Water Flow Rates
• Time taken to empty tanks
• Volume, Capacity, Weight and Expansion

For more information about Pipe Flow Advisor, see:

www.pipeflow.com/pipe-flow-advisor-software.

Pipe Flow Software programs can all be downloaded for a free trial by visiting

www.pipeflow.com.

Once you have installed a trial version of one of our software products it can be fully
enabled and licensed by buying a license code from our web site. You can be up and
running with a fully licensed program within just a couple of minutes.

14
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2 Interface and Menus

This section details the different features of the Pipe Flow Wizard interface. For
each feature, there is an explanation, a screen shot and a table providing
descriptions for each element of the feature. The following sections provide
instructions for using the Pipe Flow Wizard application.

Figure 2 Interface and Menus

2.1 Main Menu Bar

The main menu bar has seven different sections to help you navigate and work in
Pipe Flow Wizard.

Figure 3 Main Menu Bar

15
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.1.1 File Menu

Figure 4 File Menu

Menu Items Description

Loads a previously saved calculation. The calculation
type is defined by the extension of the filename. For
Load more information about Pipe Flow Wizard file
extensions: see Filename Extensions.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + L
Opens the Save sub-menu. Selecting the required
calculation opens the Save dialog. Browse to where
Save you want to save the calculation, name the file (the
extension will be added automatically) and click
Save.
Opens the Excel Report sub-menu. If the calculation
Excel Report is in results mode, selecting the required calculation
will generate an Excel report for the calculation.
Opens the PDF Report sub-menu. If the calculation
PDF Report is in results mode, selecting the required calculation
will generate a PDF report for the calculation.
Opens the Create Screenshot sub-menu. Selecting
Create Screenshot the required calculation will create a screenshot of
that calculation panel.
Closes the application. You can configure whether a
confirmation dialog is displayed prior to the
Exit Pipe Flow Wizard application being closed on the General tab of the
Settings screen.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Q

16
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.1.2 Units Menu

Figure 5 Units Menu

Menu Items Description

Sets all units for all calculations to be metric units.

Metric Units
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + M

Sets all units for all calculations to be imperial units.

Imperial Units
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + I

Open the Units tab of the Settings screen so that

Specify Units…
specific units for each calculation can be specified.

17
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.1.3 License Menu

Figure 6 License Menu

Menu Items Description

Displays the current license status and entry fields for

License Status
entering license codes.

View License Agreement View agreement between Licensor and Licensee.

Displays instructions that explain how to deactivate

the current license to obtain a license removal
confirmation code, which confirms the license is no
Remove / Move License
longer in use. A license for a new installation can then
be requested (any new installation will require a new
license code).

18
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.1.4 View Menu

Figure 7 View Menu

Menu Items Description

Switches from the Column display format to Tab
Tabs display format.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + T.
Switches from the Tab display format to the Column
Columns display format.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + C.
Opens the Go to Calculation sub menu to ‘go to’ a
Go to Calculation specific calculation. See Go to Calculation keyboard
shortcuts in the table below.

Keyboard Shortcut Description

F1 Go to the Find Pressure calculation.

F2 Go to the Find Flow calculation.

F3 Go to the Find Diameter calculation.

F4 Go to the Find Length calculation.

19
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.1.5 Tools Menu

Figure 8 Tools Menu

Menu Items Description

Open the Settings screen.

Settings
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + S

20
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.1.6 Verification Menu

Figure 9 Verification Menu

Menu Items Description

Open Non-Compressible Open the Non-Compressible (Liquids) Calculation

Results Verification PDF Results Verification PDF document.

Open Compressible Gas Open the Compressible (Gases) Calculation Results

Results Verification PDF Verification PDF document.

Open Compressible Gas Open the Compressible Flow Equations & formula
Flow Equations PDF descriptions PDF.

21
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.1.7 Help

Figure 10 Help Menu

Menu Items Description

Open the User Guide PDF document (this

Open User Guide PDF
document).

Open Pipe Flow Wizard

Open the Pipe Flow Wizard PDF Brochure.
Brochure PDF

Go to www.pipeflow.com Open www.pipeflow.com in a web browser.

Open the Pipe Flow Wizard About screen.

About Pipe Flow Wizard
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + A.

22
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.2 Calculation Panel

Each calculation has its own colored calculation panel.

Find Pressure Find Flow Find Diameter Find Length

Figure 11 Calculation Panel

The calculation panel allows you to enter known information for the required
calculation:

The Material name, Schedule and Internal Roughness of the pipe can be
specified by clicking the Pipe to open the Pipe Material screen from where a
material can be selected from the database or a new material defined. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material & Diameters.

The Internal Diameter (for Find Pressure, Find Flow and Find Length) of the pipe
can be specified by clicking the Diam. button to open the Pipe Diameter
screen from where a pipe size can be selected from the database or a new size
defined. For more information about working with pipe diameters, see: Pipe Material
& Diameters.

Fittings can be added to the pipe by clicking the Fittings button to open the
Fitting Screen from where fittings can be selected, or new fittings defined. For more
information about working with fittings, see: Fittings & Valves

The pipe’s Elevation change can be specified by entering the difference in height
from the start of the pipe to the end of the pipe in the Elevation Change field and
specifying whether this is a rise or fall.

The Fluid in the pipe can be specified by clicking a fluid button (Liquids or
Gases ) to open the Fluids Database screen from where fluids can be
selected, or new fluids defined. For more information about working with fluids, see
Fluids Database.

23
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

The Flow rate (For Find Pressure, Find Diameter and Find Length) of the fluid can
be specified by entering the value into the Flow field or clicking the expander
button (where applicable) to open the Flow Rate Calculator. For more information
about entering a flow rate based on a velocity using the Flow Rate Calculator, see:
Flow Rate Calculator / Helper.
The Pressure Loss (for Find Flow, Find Diameter and Find Length) in the pipe can
be specified by entering the value into the Pressure Loss field.

Click the Calculate button to solve the calculation using the data supplied.

The Results Panel will slide up and over the calculation panel to display the results
of the calculation. For more information about the results panel, see: Results Panel.

Depending upon the amount of information in the calculation panel and/or the
height of the program window, it may be necessary to scroll down to reveal
further information.

2.2.1 Calculation Menu Bar

In the header of each calculation panel is the calculation menu bar.

Figure 12 Calculation Menu Bar

The menu bar contains four buttons which provides quick access to:

Menu Items Description

Loading a new calculation from disk.

Saving the currently active calculation.

24
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

Taking a screenshot of the currently active calculation.

Specifying the units for the currently active calculation.

25
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.3 Results Panel

When a calculation is solved, the Results Panel slides up and over the Calculation
Panel.

The results panel displays the data that was entered by the user at the top in the
Inputs section and displays the results beneath the inputs in the Results section.

Figure 13 Results Panel

The display unit for each different item of data can be changed in Settings. In
addition, for the main result (e.g. Pressure Drop for Find Pressure), the display unit
can be changed by selecting the unit from the drop-down list. When the result panel
is closed, and another calculation is performed, the result unit will be reset to the unit
that is specified in settings for that attribute. For more information about setting
units, see: Units.

Clicking the expander button for a result attribute will reveal further data
associated with that attribute. For further information about expanders, see:
Expandable Sections.

26
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.3.1 Results Menu Bar

In the header of each result panel is the results menu bar.

Figure 14 Results Menu Bar

The menu bar contains four buttons which provides quick access to:

Menu Items Description

Creating and viewing an Excel Report. For more
information about Excel Reports, see: Creating a
Report of the Results.
Creating and viewing a PDF Report. For more
information about PDF Reports, see: Creating a
Report of the Results.
Copying the calculation data to one or more
calculations. For more information about copying
calculations, see: Copying Calculation Results for use
in another Calculation.

Closes the results panel.

Depending upon the amount of information in the result panel and/or the height
of the program window, it may be necessary to scroll down to reveal further
information.

27
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

2.4 Expandable Sections

Pipe Flow Wizard uses expandable sections to allow the user to increase or reduce
the information that is displayed. Sections that can be expanded display the
expander button which when clicked will expand the section to reveal more
information. Clicking the expander button when the section is expanded will collapse
the section.

Figure 15 Expandable Sections

28
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

3 Views
Pipe Flow Wizard can be configured in either Column view or Tab view.
To view multiple calculations simultaneously, the column view can be used. If you
need to see just a single calculation or prefer a more compact view, the Tab view
can be used.

3.1 Column View

The column view displays all calculations together, side by side (assuming there is
sufficient screen resolution / width).

The column view can be displayed by selecting View > Columns on the main menu
bar or by using the keyboard shortcut Alt + C.

Figure 16 Column View

Clicking on a calculation panel or result panel will make that calculation active. The
other calculations become inactive and are visually greyed out.

As the size of the Pipe Flow Wizard window is reduced in width, the calculation
panels automatically collapse if there is insufficient room to display them. The
collapsed panels are shown as ‘book spine’. Clicking a collapsed calculation (‘book
spine’) will expand that calculation and automatically collapsed another one, thereby
always maintaining the same number of calculations visible.

29
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

Figure 17 Column View - Collapsed

30
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

3.2 Tab View

The tab view displays a single calculation.

Each calculation can be accessed by the following methods:

• Click on the required calculation Tab

• Select View > Go to Calculation > [Required Calculation]
• Clicking the keyboard shortcut key for the required calculation. For
information about the View menu item keyboard shortcuts, see: View Menu.

The tab view can be displayed by selecting View > Tabs on the main menu bar or by
using the keyboard shortcut Alt + T.

Figure 18 Tab View

31
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

4 Settings
Pipe Flow Wizard can be configured and set-up to the user’s working preferences.
The settings screen is opened by clicking Tools > Settings or using the shortcut
Ctrl+S.

Figure 19 Settings

Tab Name Description

Units Configure the defaults units for each calculation.

Configure the number of post decimal places used to

Results Decimals
display results values.
Configure system wide (non-calculation specific)
General
program options.

Reports Configure the Excel and PDF Reports.

Reset Reset program settings and data.

32
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

4.1 Units

The Units screen is opened by clicking Units > Specify Units on the Main Menu Bar
or clicking the Units button in the Calculation Menu Bar of any of the calculations.

Figure 20 Units

Units for each of the calculations can be specified by:

1. Selecting the required calculation from the ‘Select Calculation’ drop down.
2. Selecting the required unit for each of the attributes, OR
Selecting Imperial / Metric to change all units for that calculation.
3. Click OK.

Scroll down to reveal more units.

33
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

4.2 Results Decimals

The Result Decimals screen is opened by clicking Tools > Settings on the Main
Menu Bar and selecting the Results Decimals tab.

Figure 21 Results Decimals

The number of post decimal digits for each attribute can be specified individually, or
all attributes can be set to the same number of post decimals by selecting a value
from the Set All Decimals drop down and clicking Set All Decimals.

The number of post decimal digits can be reset to their default values by tapping
Reset to Defaults.

All results data displayed on the Results Panel and in the Excel / PDF reports will be
displayed to the number of post decimals specified.

Scroll down to reveal more attributes.

34
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

4.3 General

Figure 22 Settings General

Option Description
Show clear value When checked, edit boxes contain a clear value
buttons button that when clicked will erase the contents of the
edit box.
When checked, Pipe Flow Wizard will display a
Ask before quitting
confirmation dialog box before closing.
Enable mouse wheel to When checked, drop down values (e.g. units) can be
change drop down changed by hovering over the drop down and moving
values the mouse wheel.

35
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

4.4 Reports

Figure 23 Settings - Reports

Option Description

Excel File Format Configure the version of Excel that will be used.

Font Size Configure the font size to use for the report.

Paper Size Configure the paper size to use for the report.

When checked, units will be displayed in their own

column. When un-checked, units will be displayed
next to their value in the same column. For examples
Tabulated Units
of tabulated and non-tabulated reports, see: PDF
Report Example – Tabulated Units and PDF Report
Example – Non-Tabulated Units

36
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

4.5 Reset

Figure 24 Settings - Reset

Option Description

Reset all settings values to defaults.

Reset All Settings
Only applied to the calculations if OK is clicked.
Reset all calculation values to defaults.
Reset All Calculations Applied immediately after confirmation has been
given.
Restore standard materials that have been deleted.
Restore Standard
Applied immediately after confirmation has been
Material
given.

37
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

5 File and Calculation Operations

5.1 Filename Extensions

The filename extensions for each calculation are as follows:

Calculation File Extension

Find Pressure pfwp

Find Flow pfwf

Find Diameter pfwd

Find Length pfwl

5.2 Data File Location

The location of the data files (e.g. fluid data, pipe data, user configuration, licence
etc.) is, by default, as follows:

Users\Public\Public Documents\Pipe Flow Wizard\

The location of the data files can be modified by editing the pfwizarddata.ini file
which is in the same directory as the Pipe Flow Wizard program, e.g.:

Program Files (x86)\Pipe Flow Wizard

To specify a new location for the data files, open the pfwizarddata.ini file in a text edit
(e.g. Notepad) and insert the following:

Datapath:<full absolute path for location of data files>

e.g. datapath:d:\mydata\pipeflowwizard

Save and close the pfwizarddata.ini file and then re-start Pipe Flow Wizard.

The constants defined in the following table can be used within the
pfwwizarddata.ini file. Constants will be translated to their literal values by
Pipe Flow Wizard.

e.g. datapath:{PUBLICDOCUMENTSDIR}Pipe Flow Wizard

38
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

Constant Literal Value

The directory in which Pipe Flow Wizard has been
{INSTALLDIR} installed (e.g. c:\Program Files (x86)\Pipe Flow
Wizard)
The Windows public documents directory (e.g.
{PUBLICDOCUMENTSDIR}
c:\Users\Public\Public Documents)

39
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

6 Pressure Drop Calculation

The Pressure Drop through the pipe can be calculated when the following values
are known:
• Pipe internal roughness
• Pipe internal diameter
• Pipe length
• Pipe elevation change
• Fittings
• Flow rate

The Pressure Drop can be calculated for both Liquids and Gases. For information
about selecting a fluid, see: Fluids Database.

For more information about working with gases, see: Working with Compressible
Fluids.

For more information about the theory and formulas used to calculate the pressure
loss, see Calculation Theory and Method of Solution.

40
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

6.1 Pressure Drop Calculation - Liquid

The pressure drop for a liquid in a pipe can be calculated as follows:

1. Select the Find Pressure calculation.

Figure 25 Find Pressure Calculation - Liquid

2. Select or define the Material and Internal Roughness of the pipe. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material &
Diameters.
3. Select or define the Internal Diameter of the pipe. For more information
about working with pipe diameters, see: Pipe Material & Diameters.
4. Set the Length and Elevation Change of the pipe.
5. Add Fittings to the pipe if required. For more information about working with
fittings, see: Fittings & Valves.
6. Select the Fluid in the pipe. For more information about working with fluids,
see: Fluids Database.
7. Enter the Flow Rate of the fluid in the pipe. For more information about
setting a flow rate based on a velocity, see: Flow Rate Calculator / Helper.
8. Click Calculate Pressure Drop and the Results Panel will slide up.

41
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

The internal diameter will be reset to 1.049” (26.64 mm) if running the trial
version of Pipe Flow Wizard.

The Find Pressure Results Panel displays the calculation input data and the results
of the Pressure Drop calculation. For more information about the Results Panel,
see: Results Panel.
The pressure loss unit can be changed as required. To change the pressure loss
unit for all subsequent calculations, the pressure loss unit can be specified in
Settings > Units. For more information about setting units, see: Units
To generate and view an Excel or PDF Report of the results, click the Excel button
or PDF button. For more information about generating reports, see: Creating a
Report of the Results.
To copy the calculation data to one or more other calculations, click the Copy
button and select the required calculation(s).
To close the Results Panel, click the Close button in the corner or the Close
Results button at the bottom.

Figure 26 Find Pressure Results - Liquid

42
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

6.2 Pressure Drop Calculation - Gas

The pressure drop for a gas in a pipe can be calculated as follows:

1. Select the Find Pressure calculation.

Figure 27 Find Pressure Calculation - Gas

2. Select or define the Material and Internal Roughness of the pipe. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material &
Diameters.
3. Select or define the Internal Diameter of the pipe. For more information
about working with pipe diameters, see: Pipe Material & Diameters.
4. Set the Length and Elevation Change of the pipe.
5. Add Fittings to the pipe if required. For more information about working with
fittings, see: Fittings & Valves.
6. Select the Fluid in the pipe. For more information about working with fluids,
see: Fluids Database.
7. Enter the Pressure of the fluid at the start of the pipe.
8. Enter the Flow Rate of the fluid in the pipe. For more information about
setting a flow rate based on a velocity, see: Flow Rate Calculator / Helper.

43
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

9. Click Calculate Pressure Drop and the Results Panel will slide up.

The internal diameter will be reset to 1.049” (26.64 mm) if running the trial
version of Pipe Flow Wizard.

The Find Pressure Results Panel displays the calculation input data and the results
of the Pressure Drop calculation. For more information about the Results Panel,
see: Results Panel.
The pressure loss unit can be changed as required. To change the pressure loss
unit for all subsequent calculations, the pressure loss unit can be specified in
Settings > Units. For more information about setting units, see: Units
To generate and view an Excel or PDF Report of the results, click the Excel button
or PDF button. For more information about generating reports, see: Creating a
Report of the Results.
To copy the calculation data to one or more other calculations, click the Copy
button and select the required calculation(s).
To close the Results Panel, click the Close button in the corner or the Close
Results button at the bottom.

Figure 28 Find Pressure Results - Gas

44
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

7 Flow Rate Calculation

The Flow Rate through the pipe can be calculated when the following values are
known:
• Pipe internal roughness
• Pipe internal diameter
• Pipe length
• Pipe elevation change
• Fittings
• Pressure Loss

The Flow Rate can be calculated for both Liquids and Gases. For information about
selecting a fluid, see: Fluids Database.

For more information about working with gases, see: Working with Compressible
Fluids.

For more information about the theory and formulas used to calculate the flow rate,
see Calculation Theory and Method of Solution.

45
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

7.1 Flow Rate Calculation - Liquid

The flow rate for a liquid in a pipe can be calculated as follows:

1. Select the Find Flow calculation.

Figure 29 Find Flow Calculation - Liquid

2. Select or define the Material and Internal Roughness of the pipe. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material &
Diameters.
3. Select or define the Internal Diameter of the pipe. For more information
about working with pipe diameters, see: Pipe Material & Diameters.
4. Set the Length and Elevation Change of the pipe.
5. Add Fittings to the pipe if required. For more information about working with
fittings, see: Fittings & Valves.
6. Select the Fluid in the pipe. For more information about working with fluids,
see: Fluids Database.
7. Enter the Pressure Loss.
8. Click Calculate Flow, the Results Panel will slide up.

46
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

The internal diameter will be reset to 1.049” (26.64 mm) if running the trial
version of Pipe Flow Wizard.

The Find Flow Results Panel displays the calculation input data and the results of
the Find Flow calculation. For more information about the Results Panel, see:
Results Panel.
The Flow units can be changed as required. To change the flow units for all
subsequent calculations, the flow unit can be specified in Settings > Units. For more
information about setting units, see Units.
To generate and view an Excel or PDF Report of the results, click the Excel button
or PDF button. For more information about generating reports, see: Creating a
Report of the Results.
To copy the calculation data to one or more other calculations, click the Copy
button and select the required calculation(s).
To close the Results Panel, click the Close button in the corner or the Close
Results button at the bottom.

Figure 30 Find Flow Results - Liquid

47
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

7.2 Flow Rate Calculation - Gas

The flow rate for a gas in a pipe can be calculated as follows:

1. Select the Find Flow calculation.

Figure 31 Find Flow Calculation - Gas

2. Select or define the Material and Internal Roughness of the pipe. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material &
Diameters.
3. Select or define the Internal Diameter of the pipe. For more information
about working with pipe diameters, see: Pipe Material & Diameters.
4. Set the Length and Elevation Change of the pipe.
5. Add Fittings to the pipe if required. For more information about working with
fittings, see: Fittings & Valves.
6. Select the Fluid in the pipe. For more information about working with fluids,
see: Fluids Database.
7. Enter the Pressure of the fluid at the start of the pipe.
8. Enter the Pressure Loss.

48
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

9. Click Calculate Flow, the Results Panel will slide up.

The internal diameter will be reset to 1.049” (26.64 mm) if running the trial
version of Pipe Flow Wizard.

The Find Flow Results Panel displays the calculation input data and the results of
the Find Flow calculation. For more information about the Results Panel, see:
Results Panel.
The Flow units can be changed as required. To change the flow units for all
subsequent calculations, the flow unit can be specified in Settings > Units. For more
information about setting units, see Units.
To generate and view an Excel or PDF Report of the results, click the Excel button
or PDF button. For more information about generating reports, see: Creating a
Report of the Results.
To copy the calculation data to one or more other calculations, click the Copy
button and select the required calculation(s).
To close the Results Panel, click the Close button in the corner or the Close
Results button at the bottom.

Figure 32 Find Flow Results - Gas

49
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

8 Pipe Diameter Calculation

The Minimum Internal Diameter of the pipe can be calculated when the following
values are known:
• Pipe internal roughness
• Pipe length
• Pipe elevation change
• Fittings
• Required flow rate
• Maximum allowed pressure drop

The Pipe Diameter can be calculated for both Liquids and Gases. For information
about selecting a fluid, see: Fluids Database.

For more information about working with gases, see: Working with Compressible
Fluids.

For more information about the theory and formulas used to calculate the pipe
diameter, see Calculation Theory and Method of Solution.

50
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

8.1 Pipe Diameter Calculation - Liquid

The minimum internal diameter of a pipe that contains a liquid can be calculated as
follows:

1. Select the Find Diameter calculation.

Figure 33 Find Diameter Calculation - Liquid

2. Select or define the Material and Internal Roughness of the pipe. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material &
Diameters.
3. Set the Length and Elevation Change of the pipe.
4. Add Fittings to the pipe if required. For more information about working with
fittings, see: Fittings & Valves.
5. Select the Fluid in the pipe. For more information about working with fluids,
see: Fluids Database.
6. Enter the Flow Rate of the fluid in the pipe.
7. Enter the maximum Pressure Loss of in the pipe.
8. Click Calculate Diameter and the Results Panel will slide up.

51
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

The length will be reset to 32.80 ft (10 m) if running the trial version
of Pipe Flow Wizard.

The Find Diameter Results Panel displays the calculation input data and the results
of the Find Diameter calculation. For more information about the Results Panel,
see: Results Panel.
The Diameter units can be changed as required. To change the diameter units for
all subsequent calculations, the diameter unit can be specified in Settings > Units.
For more information about setting units, see: Units.
To generate and view an Excel or PDF Report of the results, click the Excel button
or PDF button. For more information about generating reports, see: Creating a
Report of the Results.
To copy the calculation data to one or more other calculations, click the Copy
button and select the required calculation(s).
To close the Results Panel, click the Close button in the corner or the Close
Results button at the bottom.

Figure 34 Find Diameter Results - Liquid

52
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

8.2 Pipe Diameter Calculation - Gas

The minimum internal diameter of a pipe that contains a gas can be calculated as
follows:

1. Select the Find Diameter calculation.

Figure 35 Find Diameter Calculation - Gas

2. Select or define the Material and Internal Roughness of the pipe. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material &
Diameters.
3. Set the Length and Elevation Change of the pipe.
4. Add Fittings to the pipe if required. For more information about working with
fittings, see: Fittings & Valves.
5. Select the Fluid in the pipe. For more information about working with fluids,
see: Fluids Database.
6. Enter the Pressure of the fluid at the start of the pipe.
7. Enter the Flow Rate of the fluid in the pipe.
8. Enter the maximum Pressure Loss in the pipe.

53
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

9. Click Calculate Diameter and the Results Panel will slide up.
The length will be reset to 32.80 ft (10 m) if running the trial version
of Pipe Flow Wizard.

The Find Diameter Results Panel displays the calculation input data and the
results of the Find Diameter calculation. For more information about the Results
Panel, see: Results Panel.
The Diameter units can be changed as required. To change the diameter units for
all subsequent calculations, the diameter unit can be specified in Settings > Units.
For more information about setting units, see: Units.
To generate and view an Excel or PDF Report of the results, click the Excel
button or PDF button. For more information about generating reports, see:
Creating a Report of the Results.
To copy the calculation data to one or more other calculations, click the Copy
button and select the required calculation(s).
To close the Results Panel, click the Close button in the corner or the Close
Results button at the bottom.

Figure 36 Find Diameter Results - Gas

54
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

9 Pipe Length Calculation

The pipe Length can be calculated when the following values are known:
• Pipe internal roughness
• Pipe internal diameter
• Pipe elevation change
• Required flow rate
• Maximum allowed pressure drop

The Pipe Length can be calculated for both Liquids and Gases. For information
about selecting a fluid, see: Fluids Database.

For more information about working with gases, see: Working with Compressible
Fluids.

For more information about the theory and formulas used to calculate the pipe
length, see Calculation Theory and Method of Solution.

55
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

9.1 Pipe Length Calculation - Liquid

The maximum length of a pipe that contains a liquid can be calculated as follows:

1. Select the Find Length calculation.

Figure 37 Find Length Calculation - Liquid

2. Select or define the Material and Internal Roughness of the pipe. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material &
Diameters.
3. Select or define the Internal Diameter of the pipe. For more information
about working with pipe diameters, see: Pipe Material & Diameters.
4. Set the Elevation Change of the pipe.
5. Select the Fluid in the pipe. For more information about working with fluids,
see: Fluids Database.
6. Enter the Flow Rate of the fluid in the pipe. For more information about
setting a flow rate, see: Flow Rate Calculator / Helper.
7. Enter the Pressure Loss in the pipe.
8. Add Fittings to the pipe if required. For more information about working with
fittings, see: Fittings & Valves.

56
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

9. Click Calculate Length and the Results Panel will slide up.

The internal diameter will be reset to 1.049” (26.64 mm) if running the trial
version of Pipe Flow Wizard.

The Find Length Results Panel displays the calculation input data and the results
of the Find Length calculation. For more information about the Results Panel, see:
Results Panel.
The Length units can be changed as required. To change the length units for all
subsequent calculations, the length unit can be specified in Settings > Units. For
more information about setting units, see: Units.
To generate and view an Excel or PDF Report of the results, click the Excel
button or PDF button. For more information about generating reports, see:
Creating a Report of the Results.
To copy the calculation data to one or more other calculations, click the Copy
button and select the required calculation(s).
To close the Results Panel, click the Close button in the corner or the Close
Results button at the bottom.

Figure 38 Find Length Results - Liquid

57
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

9.2 Pipe Length Calculation - Gas

The maximum length of a pipe that contains a gas can be calculated as follows:

1. Select the Find Length calculation.

Figure 39 Pipe Length Calculation - Gas

2. Select or define the Material and Internal Roughness of the pipe. For more
information about working with pipe materials, see: Pipe Material &
Diameters.
3. Select or define the Internal Diameter of the pipe. For more information
about working with pipe diameters, see: Pipe Material & Diameters.
4. Set the Elevation Change of the pipe.
5. Select the Fluid in the pipe. For more information about working with fluids,
see: Fluids Database.
6. Enter the Flow Rate of the fluid in the pipe. For more information about
setting a flow rate, see: Flow Rate Calculator / Helper.
7. Enter the Pressure of the fluid at the start of the pipe.
8. Enter the Pressure Loss in the pipe.

58
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

9. Add Fittings to the pipe if required. For more information about working with
fittings, see: Fittings & Valves.
10. Click Calculate Length and the Results Panel will slide up.

The internal diameter will be reset to 1.049” (26.64 mm) if running

the trial version of Pipe Flow Wizard.

The Find Length Results Panel displays the calculation input data and the results
of the Find Length calculation. For more information about the Results Panel, see:
Results Panel.
The Length units can be changed as required. To change the length units for all
subsequent calculations, the length unit can be specified in Settings > Units. For
more information about setting units, see: Units.
To generate and view an Excel or PDF Report of the results, click the Excel
button or PDF button. For more information about generating reports, see:
Creating a Report of the Results.
To copy the calculation data to one or more other calculations, click the Copy
button and select the required calculation(s).
To close the Results Panel, click the Close button in the corner or the Close
Results button at the bottom.

Figure 40 Pipe Length Results - Gas

59
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

10 Fluids Database
Pipe Flow Wizard includes a fluid database. The Fluid Properties list displays all the
fluids available in the fluid database for either liquids or gases. When you are
selecting a fluid to be used for a calculation, you can select an existing fluid, or enter
your own fluid data. Once entered, new fluid data will show up in the list of fluids and
can then be used just the same as the standard fluid data.

The Fluid Data can be defined and overwritten in the fluid properties section of the
Fluid data screen.

New fluid data can be added to the existing database entries by clicking the Add
Fluid button.

Figure 41 Fluids Database

60
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

To define the fluid and fluid properties for the currently selected calculation:

1. Click the fluid button (Liquids or Gases ) on the calculation panel.

2. Select the fluid contained in the pipe from the Fluid Database list.
3. If the fluid is not in the Fluid Database list, click the Add Fluid button to add
the new fluid data to the list. For more information about adding fluid data,
see: Adding Fluid to the Fluid Database and Adding Gas Data to the Fluid
Database.
4. Click the Use Fluid button or double-click the row containing the fluid.
5. The selected fluid is displayed in the Fluid Properties section.
6. Edit the applicable fluid properties in the Fluid Properties section.
7. The edits you make only affect the fluid properties for the calculation; they do
not affect the database data.
8. Click Save to save the fluid data to be used with the currently selected
calculation.

The name of the fluid is displayed in the calculation next to the fluid buttons.

61
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

10.1 Adding Fluid to the Fluid Database

If the fluid you are using does not exist in the Pipe Flow Wizard fluid database, you
can quickly add the fluid to the database by clicking the Add Fluid button on the
Fluids screen.

NOTE: Be sure to enter the value for the fluid’s properties in the units displayed in
the column header. For example, if you are using imperial units, oF for Fahrenheit is
displayed under Temperature in the Temperature column. The temperature value in
this case should be entered in degrees Fahrenheit.

To add a new fluid to the fluid database:

1. Click the Fluid button (Liquids or Gases ) on the calculation panel.

2. Click the Add Fluid button.
3. On the confirmation dialog that is displayed, click Yes if you want all current
fluid properties in the Fluid Properties section to be cleared, otherwise click
No to retain the current fluid property values so that you can modify them as
required.
4. Enter the fluid’s name in the Name field.
5. Enter the fluid’s formula in the Formula field.
6. Enter the fluid’s temperature in the Temperature field.

7. Enter the fluid’s density in the Density field.

8. Enter the fluid’s viscosity in the Viscosity field.

9. For a liquid, enter the fluid’s vapor pressure in the Vap. Press. field.

10. For a gas, enter the fluid’s specific heat ratio in the Specific Heat Ratio field.

11. Select whether the fluid is a liquid or a gas in the State drop down field.

12. Click Save to save the new fluid data to the Fluid Database.

62
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

10.2 Adding Gas Data to the Fluid Database

If the fluid you are using is one of the included gases, the viscosity and density of the
gas at various temperatures and pressures can be calculated.

To add a new gas to the fluid database:

1. Click the Gas button on the calculation panel.

2. Click the Calculate Gas Data button to display the Gas Data Calculator.

Figure 42 Gas Data Calculator

3. Choose a Gas from the drop-down listing.

4. Enter the temperature of the gas. The Gas Data Calculator will
5. Enter the pressure of the gas. not generate fluid data if
running the trial version of Pipe
6. Click Calculate Gas Data. Flow Wizard.

7. The density, viscosity and specific heat ratio for the gas are displayed.
8. Click Save To Fluid Database to add the data to the fluid database.

63
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

11 Pipe Material & Diameters

Pipe Flow Wizard includes a database of common pipe materials for which a range
of pipe characteristics (internal roughness, nominal size and internal diameter) are
defined.

If the pipe you are using does not exist in the database, then its characteristics can
be entered manually and optionally added to the database.

11.1 Selecting a Pipe Material

To select a pipe material:

1. Click the on the Pipe button on the calculation panel to open the Pipe
Material screen.

Figure 43 Pipe Material

2. Select the Material name from the drop-down list.

3. Click the Use Material button.

64
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

11.2 Editing a Pipe Material

To edit a pipe material:

1. Click the on the Pipe button on the calculation panel to open the Pipe
Material screen.
2. Click the Edit button.

Figure 44 Edit Pipe Material

3. Overtype the Name, Schedule / Class, and Internal Roughness values.

4. Click the Use Material button.

11.3 Adding a new Pipe Material

To add a pipe material:

1. Click the on the Pipe button on the calculation panel to open the Pipe
Material screen.
2. Click the New button.

Figure 45 Add Pipe Material

3. Enter the Name, Schedule / Cass, and Internal Roughness values.

4. Click the Save Material button to save the new material to the database or
click Use Material to apply the material to the calculation without saving.

65
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

11.4 Selecting a Pipe Diameter

To select a pipe diameter:

1. Click the Diam. button on the calculation panel to open the Pipe
Diameter screen.

Figure 46 Pipe Diameter

2. If required, change and select the pipe material from the Material Database
list.

3. Double click on a row in the list of pipe diameters, or select a row from the list
of pipe diameters and click the Transfer Pipe button, to update the Pipe
Material and size information.

4. Click the Use Pipe button.

66
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

11.5 Editing a Pipe Diameter

To edit a pipe diameter:

1. Click the Diam. button on the calculation panel to open the Pipe
Diameter screen.

2. In the Pipe Material / Pipe Size section, overtype the values as required.

3. Click the Use Pipe button.

11.6 Adding a Pipe Diameter

To add a new pipe diameter:

1. Click the Diam. button on the calculation panel to open the Pipe
Diameter screen.

2. Click the Add Size button.

Figure 47 Add Pipe Diameter

3. Specify the Nominal Size and Internal Diameter values.

4. Click Save Size.

67
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

12 Fittings & Valves

Up to five different fitting types can be added to a pipe. Multiple fittings of each type
can be specified, and each fitting type can be selected to be at the start or end of the
pipe.
Fittings can be selected from the Pipe Flow Wizard Fitting database, or user fittings
can be created using an appropriate K value.

12.1 Adding a Fitting to the Pipe

To add fittings to a pipe:

1. Click the Fittings button on the calculation panel to open the Fittings
screen.

Figure 48 Fittings & Valves

2. The fittings on the pipe will be shown in the Fittings on section at the top of
the screen.

3. A list of available fittings will be shown for the current pipe size.

68
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

4. If required, change the nominal metric or imperial size from the drop-down list
to display the available fittings and their associated K value for a different
size.

5. If the fitting is not in the Fitting Database list, click the Create Fitting button
to add the new fitting to the list. For more information about adding a fitting to
the database, see: Adding a Fitting to the Pipe.

6. Double click on a fitting from the list to add it to the fittings on the pipe.

7. The selected fitting is displayed in the Fittings on section of the Fittings

screen.

8. Select the position of the fitting on the pipe to be either Entry or Exit, and
select the quantity of each fitting from the Qty drop down list.

9. To add additional fittings to the pipe, repeat Steps 4 – 8.

10. Click Save to add the chosen fittings to the pipe, and to close the Fittings
screen.

12.2 Removing a Fitting from the Pipe

To remove fittings from a pipe:

1. Click the Fittings button on the calculation panel to open the Fittings
screen.

2. Select the fitting to be removed in the Fittings on section of the Fittings

screen.

Figure 49 Fittings on the Pipe

3. Click the Delete button for the selected fitting.

69
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

4. Click Save to update the pipe with the chosen fittings, and to close the
Fittings screen.

12.3 Adding a Fitting to the Database

To add a fitting to the database:

1. Click the Fittings button on the calculation panel to open the Fittings
screen.

2. Click the Create Fitting button to open the Create New Fitting section of the
Fittings screen.

Figure 50 Create New Fitting

3. To change the symbol representing the fitting, click the Change button to
open the Choose Symbol screen.

Figure 51 Choose Fitting Symbol

4. Select the symbol you want to represent the fitting.

5. Click OK to add the symbol to the Symbol field and close the Choose
Symbol screen.

6. Select the fitting’s metric size from the Metric list or select the fitting’s imperial
size from the Imperial list.

7. You only need to select the metric or imperial fitting size. Pipe Flow Wizard
automatically populates the other size for you. For example, if you select
32mm from the Metric list, the imperial equivalent, 1-1/4”, automatically
appears in the Imperial field.

70
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

8. Enter a description of the fitting in the Description field.

9. Enter the K value for the fitting in the K Value field.

10. Click the Save Fitting to add the fitting to the Fitting Database list.

71
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

13 Flow Rate Calculator / Helper

For Pressure Drop Calculation and Pipe Length Calculation, Pipe Flow Wizard
incorporates a Flow Rate Calculator which uses the current internal diameter and a
fluid velocity to calculate a flow rate.
To open the Flow Rate Calculator:

1. Click the Flow expander button:

Figure 53 Flow Rate Calculator - Liquid Figure 52 Flow Rate Calculator - Gas

2. Enter the required Velocity.

3. As you enter the Velocity, Pipe Flow Wizard automatically calculates the
Flow Rate and displays it beneath the velocity.

4. Click OK to apply the calculated flow rate and close the Flow Rate
Calculator.

Whilst the Flow Rate Calculator is open, no other operations can

be performed in the calculation panel.

72
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

14 Calculations and Results

Once you have entered the required input data to a Calculation Panel (e.g. Find
Pressure), you can calculate the results for that data by clicking the Calculate
button. If the input data is valid, the Results Panel slides up and over the Calculation
Panel to concisely display the calculated data.
The values in the results panel can be scrolled up and down as needed, and where
applicable, result value can be expanded to reveal additional information related to
that attribute. For more information about expanding attributes, see: Expandable
Sections.

14.1 Automatic Checks and Updates

Before a calculation is solved, the software performs some automatic checking of the
input data and allows users to accept various recommend updates to the make the
calculation data consistent.

14.1.1 Fitting Sizes

Fitting sizes will be checked and matched to the nominal pipe size.

Figure 54 Fitting Sizes

If the nominal pipe size does not match some of the fitting sizes associated with the
pipe, then the option to update the fittings sizes should normally be accepted. This
will update the fitting sizes and the fitting ‘K’ values so that the fittings pressure
losses will be calculated correctly.

Pipe Flow Wizard cannot automatically update fitting sizes for user
defined fittings.

73
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

14.2 Configuring the System Results

Once a calculation has been solved, the calculated results are displayed in the
Results Panel. The options selected in the Results Decimals and Units sections of
Settings determine how the results values are displayed.

14.3 Copying Calculation Results for use in another Calculation

When a calculation has been solved and the results panel is on display, click the
Copy button to display the Copy Calculation pop-up menu.

Figure 55 Copy Calculation Pop-up Menu

Click a menu item to copy the current calculation data to the input data of a different
calculation, or copy it as the input data for all other calculations.

The Copy Calculation action sheet is context sensitive and

therefore will not include the active calculation in the menu.

14.4 Creating a Report of the Results

When a calculation has been solved and the Results Panel displayed, an Excel or
PDF report can be created.

To create an Excel Report, click the Excel button. The report will be generated
using the defined Reports settings and Pipe Flow Wizard will attempt to open it using
Microsoft Excel (or compatible software) that is installed on your computer.

To create a PDF Report, click the PDF button. The report will be generated using
the defined Reports settings and Pipe Flow Wizard will attempt to open it using
Adobe Acrobat (or compatible software) that is installed on your computer.

74
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

The options selected in the Results Decimals, Units and Reports sections of Settings
determine how the results values are displayed.

75
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

14.5 PDF Report Example – Tabulated Units

Figure 56 PDF Report - Tabulated - Liquid

Figure 57 PDF Report - Tabulated - Gas

76
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

14.6 PDF Report Example – Non-Tabulated Units

Figure 58 PDF Report - Non-Tabulated - Liquid

Figure 59 PDF Report - Non-Tabulated - Gas

77
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

15 Working with Compressible Fluids

The Pipe Flow Wizard software contains a Compressible Isothermal Flow
Calculation Engine.
In a gas system, as pressure loss occurs along a pipe, the gas density will decrease,
and the volume of the gas will expand. As the volume of gas increases, the velocity
of the gas in the pipe will increase. Although the volume of gas and velocity in the
pipe changes, the mass flow (weight of flow) in the pipe will remain constant.
Gas flow rates are therefore often referred to in terms of mass flow (weight of flow)
or standard volume (which is the volume of gas at standard conditions, normally
atmospheric pressure and some common temperature reference, since this standard
volume also defines a constant mass flow).

Pipe Flow Wizard provides a choice of standard volume units for gas flow rate which
include:
• SCCM (Standard Cubic Centimetres per Minute),
• SLM (Standard Litres per Minute),
• SCMH (Standard Cubic Meters per Hour)
• MMSCMH (Million Standard Cubic Meters per Hour)
• MMSCMD (Million Standard Cubic Meters per Day)
• SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute)
• SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour)
• SCFD (Standard Cubic Feet per Day)
• MMSCFH (Million Standard Cubic Feet per Hour)
• MMSCFD (Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day)

Each of the standard volume units for gas flow relate to the gas at a standard
condition, however there are several slightly different standard reference conditions
that are used worldwide depending on country and location. Pipe Flow Wizard
provides a choice of standard reference conditions to be used when referring to the
standard volume flow rate of gas and these include:

• 0°C, 100.000 kPa.a

• 0°C, 101.325 kPa.a
• 15°C, 101.325 kPa.a
• 20°C, 101.325 kPa.a
• 25°C, 101.225 kPa.a
• 60°F, 14.696 psi.a
• 68°F, 14.696 psi.a

78
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

Mass flow can also be used to refer to an amount of gas flow and the units for mass
flow include:

• kg/sec
• kg/min
• kg/hour
• lb/sec
• lb/min
• lb/hour

15.1 Defining Gas Data

The calculations incorporate use of the Ideal Gas Law and if required a custom
Compressibility Factor or use of the CNGA Compressibility Factor (that is calculated
based on the pressures at the start and end of the pipe).

The Compressible Flow Calculation Engine will automatically take account of

pressure changes within the pipe and will automatically adjust the density properties
of the gas as appropriate when performing the gas flow rate, pressure loss, diameter
size, and pipe length calculations. The equations used in the calculations currently
assume isothermal flow where there is no change in temperature.

The Pipe Flow Wizard software will automatically account for changes in pressure
and gas density within the pipe, however the original fluid properties must be defined
for the operating temperature within the pipe (although the density may have been
specified for a different pressure condition).

Normally the gas properties should be defined for the atmospheric pressure
condition (0 bar.g or 0 psi.g) and the software will then automatically calculate the
gas density at the start pressure condition prior to performing the appropriate
calculation.

If the start pressure is a high pressure, and the real gas density at this condition
varies from the ideal gas law prediction, then a compressibility factor other than 1.0
can be specified. This will be applied when calculating the gas density at the start
pressure condition prior to performing the appropriate calculation.

79
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

15.1.1 Gas Calculator Data

The gas calculator helper within the Fluid Database can calculate and display the
compressibility factor of certain gases at different temperature and pressure
conditions, and it will show the real density of the gas at the specified condition.

The user should choose to either:

1. Define the gas properties at a condition on the ideal gas law line (normally say
0 bar.g) and then specify on the Options screen an appropriate
compressibility factor for the pressure condition at the start of pipe.

OR

2. Define the gas properties at the start pressure condition using the real gas
density at this pressure (if it differs from the predicted ideal gas law density at
this condition) and then specify the compressibility ‘Z=1.0’.

This ensures that the calculation proceeds to use the correct real gas density at
the start pressure condition.

i.e.

a) If the gas properties are specified on the ideal gas law line then the predicted
gas density at the start pressure condition will then be adjusted according to
the compressibility factor that has been specified, in order to end up with the
real gas density at the start condition.

OR

b) If the gas properties are defined at a high-pressure condition, specifying the

real gas density, then a compressibility factor of ‘Z=1.0’ should be used. The
calculated density at the start pressure condition will then be derived from the
real gas density (at the high-pressure condition) by applying the ideal gas law
equation. This will normally give a good result in terms of predicting the real
gas density at the start of the pipe, provided that the defined high-pressure
condition and the start pressure are not too different.

This means that the gas properties should generally be specified on the ideal gas
law line and a compressibility factor can be specified as appropriate, or if the real
gas density is specified for the gas at a high-pressure condition at the start of the
pipe then the compressibility factor should be set to 1.0.

80
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

15.2 Using Compressible Flow Equations

Figure 60 Compressible Flow Equations

There are a number of different equations that can be used to calculate flow rate and
pressure loss in a compressible gas system and the type of design and user
preference often determines which equation is chosen to calculate the results.
The Pipe Flow Wizard software allows for the selection of a specific compressible
isothermal flow equation from a list that includes:
• General Fundamental Isothermal Flow Equation
• Complete Isothermal Flow Equation
• AGA Isothermal Flow Equation
• Weymouth Isothermal Flow Equation
• Panhandle A Isothermal Flow Equation
• Panhandle B Isothermal Flow Equation
• IGT Isothermal Flow Equation

The General Fundamental Isothermal Flow Equation (sometimes known as just

the General Flow equation or the Fundamental Flow equation) provides perhaps the
most universal method for calculating isothermal flow rates, however it relies on the
inclusion of an accurate friction factor. The Pipe Flow Wizard software provides such
a friction factor by calculating this using the Colebrook-White equation.
The preferred equation and method of calculation can be selected by clicking the
Options button on the calculation panel.

81
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

16 Calculation Theory and Method of Solution

The Pipe Flow Wizard software allows you to calculate the pressure loss, or the flow
rate, or the required pipe diameter size, or the applicable pipe length, depending on
what other information is known. The reported results include flow rates, fluid
velocities, Reynolds numbers, friction factors, friction pressure loss, fittings, pressure
losses and more.

16.1 Fluid Flow States

Fluids in motion are subjected to various resistance forces, which are due to friction.
Friction may occur between the fluid and the pipe work, but friction also occurs within
the fluid as sliding between adjacent layers of the fluid takes place.

The friction within the fluid is due to the fluid’s viscosity. When fluids have a high
viscosity, the speed of the flow tends to be low, and resistance to flow becomes
almost totally dependent on the viscosity of the fluid. The condition is known as
‘Laminar flow’.

Fluids which have a low viscosity are usually moving at higher velocities. The flow
characteristics change, small eddy currents occur within the flow stream, and the
friction between the pipe work and the fluid becomes a factor to be considered. This
type of flow is known as ‘Turbulent flow’.

16.2 Fluid Viscosity

A fluid viscosity can be described by its Dynamic viscosity (sometimes called

Absolute viscosity), or it’s Kinematic viscosity. These two expressions of viscosity
are not the same, but are linked via the fluid density.

Kinematic viscosity = Dynamic viscosity / fluid density

Dynamic Viscosity
Water @ 20°C has a viscosity of 1.00 x 10 -3 Pa • s or 1.00 Centipoise
Water @ 70°F has a viscosity of 2.04 x 10 -5 lbf •s/ft²

Kinematic Viscosity

Water @ 20°C has a viscosity of 1.004 x 10 -6 m² /s or 1.004000 Centistokes

Water @ 70°F has a viscosity of 10.5900 x 10 -6 ft² /s

Pipe Flow Wizard has a database of viscosities and densities for common fluids.

82
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

16.3 Reynolds Numbers

Reynolds numbers (Re) describe the relationship between a fluid’s velocity, the
internal pipe diameter and the fluid’s Kinematic viscosity.

Reynolds number = Fluid velocity x Internal pipe diameter / Kinematic viscosity

Note: Kinematic viscosity (not Dynamic viscosity) must be used to calculate

Reynolds numbers. It is generally accepted that the ‘changeover’ point between
laminar flow and turbulent flow, in a circular pipe, occurs when the Reynolds number
(Re) is approximately 2100.

i.e. Laminar flow occurs when the Re is less than 2100. Turbulent flow occurs when
the Re is greater than 4000. Between the Laminar and Turbulent flow conditions the
flow may be neither wholly laminar nor wholly turbulent. In this transition region
there is no exact equation to calculate the friction factor and therefore only an
approximate friction factor can be used by way of appropriate interpolation.

16.4 Friction Factors

Many formulas have been developed to model the flow of fluids. The Hazen-
Williams formula has been a popular method of estimating the head loss in piping
systems for many years (particularly prior to the availability of today’s modern
computers). However, this empirical formula will only give reasonable accuracy if
the fluid is water at 60oF or similar.

The Colebrook-White formula may be used with confidence to calculate an accurate

friction factor applicable to the turbulent flow of fluids. The Colebrook-White formula
is applicable over a whole range of fluid densities and viscosities, provided that the
fluid flow is turbulent.

The Pipe Flow Wizard software uses the Colebrook-White friction factor with the
Darcy-Weisbach equation when calculating friction loss for non-compressible flow
(liquids). The Colebrook-White friction factor is also used with some compressible
gas flow equations such as the General Fundamental Flow equation.

16.5 Colebrook-White Formula

The Colebrook-White formula:

1/sqrt(f) = 1.14 – 2 log10 [e/D + 9.35/(Re x sqrt(f))]

f = friction factor

83
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

e = internal roughness of pipe

D = internal diameter of pipe
Re = Reynolds number

Friction factors for turbulent flow calculated by Pipe Flow Wizard are based on the
Colebrook-White formula.

The friction factor for Laminar flow is calculated from f = 64/Re

16.6 Friction Losses (Resistance to Flow)

For liquids, the resistance to fluid flow is usually expressed in fluid head. This is the
height of a column of fluid which would exert enough pressure on the fluid at the
bottom of the column to make the fluid flow.

If the level of the fluid (fluid head) is increased in a supply container, the volume of
fluid entering the system from the supply container will increase due to the increase
in pressure (force).

16.7 Darcy-Weisbach Formula

For non-compressible fluids (liquids), fluid head resistance can be calculated by

using the Darcy-Weisbach formula.

h fluid = f (L/D) x (v ²/2g)

f = friction factor
L = length of pipe work
D = inner diameter of pipe work
v = velocity of fluid
g = acceleration due to gravity

Fluid head loss calculated by the Pipe Flow Wizard software when using the non-
compressible (liquid) calculation engine is based on the Darcy-Weisbach formula.

This formula can be used for compressible (gas) calculations provided that the gas
density at the start of the pipe is used to determine the fluid velocity, and provided
that the pressure drop in the pipe is less than ten percent of the absolute pressure at
the start condition.

For compressible (gas) calculations where the pressure drop is more than ten
percent, but less than forty percent of the absolute pressure at the start of the pipe,
the equation gives reasonable results provided that the gas density at the average
pressure condition in the pipe is used to calculate the average velocity of the gas.

84
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

The Pipe Flow Wizard software however, does not allow use of the Darcy-Weisbach
equation for compressible gas calculations since it uses the more accurate specialist
compressible gas flow equations, which provide more accurate results, and which
are not limited to working with pressure drops of up to a certain percentage of the
initial start pressure.

16.8 Fitting Losses

The fluid head resistance through various pipe work fittings can be calculated if the
'K' factor of the fitting is known. Many manufacturers of pipe work fittings and valves
publish 'K' factors for their products.

16.8.1 ‘K’ Factor Fitting Head Loss Calculation for Liquids

For non-compressible (liquid) systems, fluid head loss through fittings and valves
can be calculated from the following equation:

h fluid = 'K' x v ² / 2g

'K' = manufacturer’s published 'K' factor for the fitting

v = velocity of fluid
g = acceleration due to gravity

16.8.2 Equivalent Length Head Loss Calculation for Gases

For compressible gas flow calculations, the Pipe Flow Wizard software converts the
‘K’ factor of the fitting to an equivalent length of pipe, which will result in the same
friction loss. This is done automatically during the calculation.

A ‘K’ factor can be converted to an equivalent length of pipe when the diameter of
the pipe is known.

Equivalent length = (K factor * Diameter) / Friction factor

The Pipe Flow Wizard software allows fittings to be placed at both the start and the
end of the pipe, and with compressible flow, when pressure loss occurs along the
pipe, the gas will ‘expand’ (become less dense), hence it’s velocity will increase, to
maintain the same mass flow rate.

The ‘K’ factor method for calculating head loss across a fitting requires that the
density of the fluid entering the fitting is known, since the result is a head loss that is
relative to this density, and with a compressible gas flow calculation, where there are
fittings at the start and end of the pipe, the density of the gas is different at these
points. In addition, the starting pressure of a gas flow calculation affects the overall

85
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

friction loss results (for the same flow rate) and therefore technically if there are
fittings at the start of the pipe then the loss through these must be accounted for and
the pressure immediately after the fittings would then need to be used as the start
pressure for the friction loss calculation.

Using the equivalent length method for compressible gas flow calculations simplifies
the problem. Once the overall loss through the pipe has been calculated (including
the additional equivalent length for the fittings) then the amount of loss through the
fittings at the start and the end of the pipe can be apportioned appropriately to break
out the results in to the fittings losses and the pipe friction loss.

16.8.3 Fittings Database

Pipe Flow Wizard has a database of valve and fittings ‘K’ factors and calculation
helpers for:

• gradual enlargements
• gradual contractions
• sudden enlargements
• sudden contractions
• rounded entrances
• long pipe bends

In systems where pipe lengths are relatively long, the effect of the fitting losses for
bends may be minor (in comparison to the long pipe friction losses) and in these
cases, fitting losses are sometimes ignored during initial assessment of the system.

If a partially open valve is part of the design, the effect of the valve should always be
considered as the valve loss may be large.

16.9 Compressible Gas Flow Equations

Friction loss for a compressible fluid, such as a gas, needs to account for the change
in density, as the gas moves along the pipe and loss of pressure occurs. When using
the compressible flow calculation engine Pipe Flow Wizard can be set to use one of
the following compressible flow equations:

• General Fundamental Isothermal Flow Equation

• Complete Isothermal Flow Equation
• AGA Isothermal Flow Equation
• Weymouth Isothermal Flow Equation
• Panhandle A Isothermal Flow Equation

86
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

• Panhandle B Isothermal Flow Equation

• IGT Isothermal Flow Equation

The formula for each of the above equations is detailed in a separate PDF document
named ‘Compressible Flow Equations’. This PDF is available from the ‘Verification’
menu inside the Pipe Flow Wizard software.

87
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

17 Glossary
Term Description

Absolute Pressure
Pressure measured with respect to zero pressure.

A standard atmospheric pressure of 1.01325 bar a or

Atmosphere
14.696 psi a.

Absolute viscosity of a fluid expressed in Pa • s x 10-3

Centipoise

Centistokes Kinematic viscosity of a fluid expressed in m2/s x 10-6

An equation used to calculate accurate friction factors

Colebrook-White
from the internal diameter and internal roughness of a
equation
pipe and the Reynolds number for the flow conditions.
An equation used to calculate the frictional head loss
Darcy-Weisbach due to fluid flow from the friction factor, the length and
equation diameter of the pipe, the velocity of the fluid and the
gravitational constant.
A factor to be used in the Darcy-Weisbach equation.
Friction Factor Either calculated from the Colebrook-White equation
or ready from the Moody diagram.

Entry Pressure The pressure at the start of the pipe.

Exit Pressure The pressure at the end of the pipe.

A static pressure loss which is independent of the

Fixed Pressure Loss
flow rate.

Coefficient of frictional loss through a valve or pipe

K Value
fitting.
A graphical representation of the relationship
Moody Diagram between Reynolds number, relative roughness and
Friction factor.
The friction loss due to fluid flow expressed in a
Pressure Loss
relative fluid head or a non-relative unit of pressure.
A dimensionless number derived from the fluid
Reynolds Number velocity, the internal diameter of the pipe and the
Kinematic viscosity of the fluid.

88
Pipe Flow Wizard for Windows User Guide

The absolute pressure at which a liquid will start to

Vapor Pressure
evaporate.

Viscosity A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.

89