What pressure drop would occur with a flow rate of 6 gpm through 80 feet of ¾" steel pipe including valves?

To determine the pressure drop in a system, one must take into account several factors including flow rate, pipe length, pipe diameter, and the characteristics of the materials being used, such as the type of pipe and the presence of fittings or valves.

For this scenario, we're considering the flow rate of 6 gallons per minute (gpm) through 80 feet of ¾ inch steel pipe. The pressure drop can be calculated using empirical formulas or charts that relate these variables, often using the Darcy-Weisbach equation or the Hazen-Williams equation for water flow.

The correct answer reflects the calculated pressure drop based on the specified parameters. For the given flow rate, length, and pipe size, a pressure drop of 8.71 psi indicates a specific resistance to the flow due to friction as water travels through the length of the pipe. The addition of valves also contributes to the overall resistance and further affects the pressure drop.

The chosen value corresponds to the situation where the flow rate and pipe specifications yield a significant pressure drop, aligning with hydraulic principles where increasing flow rates and longer pipe lengths typically escalate friction losses.

Understanding how to calculate pressure drop is crucial for designing efficient water systems, ensuring that pumps adequately provide the necessary pressure for effective system