Certain components, such as strainers, boilers, heat exchanges, manifolds etc. cause a pressure loss in a system. In Pipe Flow Expert you can model pressure loss for components in a number of different ways – fixed pressure loss, variable pressure loss specified by a data curve, Cv value, Kv value, Sprinkler K value, and defined Orifice data. Pressure loss for components are entered and maintained on the Component Pressure Loss screen.


The pressure loss defined for a component can be saved to a .pfco file. This file provides a way to share the pressure loss data for a component, and quickly enter the pressure loss data when the same type of component is used again in the pipe system or a future pipe system. The .pfco file also provides a quick and easy way to evaluate different components with pressure loss in the pipe system to determine how each one affects the system. 


In Pipe Flow Expert, you can only add one component pressure loss to each pipe. If there is more than one component on a pipe that causes a pressure loss, you can break up the applicable pipe into the number of sections corresponding with the number of components causing a pressure loss. 


For example, if you have a pipe that is 100 feet long with two components causing a pressure loss, you can break the pipe into two pieces, each 50 feet long, and add one of the component pressure losses to each piece. How you divide a pipe does not matter, only the total length of the pieces added together matters – so that if the pipe is supposed to be 100 feet long, then the lengths of the pieces need to add up to 100 feet. 


NOTE: Be sure to enter the value for the pressure loss properties in the units displayed next to the field. For example, if you are using imperial units, and psi.g for pounds per square inch is displayed next to the Fixed Loss field, enter the value in pounds per square inch.