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The Hazen–Williams equation is an empirical relationship that relates the flow of water in a pipe with the physical properties of the pipe and the pressure drop caused by friction. It is used in the design of water pipe systems [ 1 ] such as fire sprinkler systems , [ 2 ] water supply networks , and irrigation systems.
This can be used to calculate mean values (expectations) of the flow rates, head losses or any other variables of interest in the pipe network. This analysis has been extended using a reduced-parameter entropic formulation, which ensures consistency of the analysis regardless of the graphical representation of the network. [ 3 ]
The Hardy Cross method can be used to calculate the flow distribution in a pipe network. Consider the example of a simple pipe flow network shown at the right. For this example, the in and out flows will be 10 liters per second. We will consider n to be 2, and the head loss per unit flow r, and initial flow guess for each pipe as follows:
These three pressures, the static pressure, the stagnation pressure, and the residual pressure, along with a specified design pressure of 20psi taken from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or the NFPA are input into the Hazen-Williams formula to calculate the available flow for fire protection.
The hydraulic calculation procedure is defined in the applicable reference model codes such as that published by the US-based National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), [2] or the EN 12845 standard, Fixed firefighting system – Automatic sprinkler systems – Design, installation and maintenance.
The most common equation used to calculate major head losses is the Darcy–Weisbach equation. Older, more empirical approaches are the Hazen–Williams equation and the Prony equation. For relatively short pipe systems, with a relatively large number of bends and fittings, minor losses can easily exceed major losses.
In later years it was eschewed in many special-case situations in favor of a variety of empirical equations valid only for certain flow regimes, notably the Hazen–Williams equation or the Manning equation, most of which were significantly easier to use in calculations.
Allen Hazen (August 28, 1869 – July 26, 1930) was an American civil engineer and an expert in hydraulics, flood control, water purification and sewage treatment.His career extended from 1888 to 1930, and he is, perhaps, best known for his contributions to hydraulics with the Hazen-Williams equation.