The effect of scaling on frictional losses in pipes

Abstract

The ability to predict the hydraulic performance of a pipe network during its working life plays an important role in the planning and design of water supply schemes. The nominal diameter and the friction factor of pipes are two essential parameters in the analysis of pipe networks. The values of these parameters are usually known for commercially used new pipes. With aging, corrosion and scaling in pipes may cause a reduction of diameter and an increase in surface roughness, leading to a reduction of carrying capacity. In this experimental study, attention is focused on the effect of scaling on frictional losses of commercially used pve pipes.