Resistance to Steady Laminar Flow of Pseudoplastic Fluids through Pipes and Valves

Abstract

The well-known logarithmic friction factor diagram for laminar pipe flow can be extended in the following two respects: For application to non-Newtonian fluids, by incorporating in the plot a modified form of the consistency curve for a given material. Methods are discussed of obtaining these curves, and of transforming them into the required shape. For prediction of flow resistance through valves and fittings, by use of an auxiliary diagram based on results of appropriate tests. The general procedure is outlined, and it is stressed that results cannot be relied on quantitatively, until test data are obtained for wider ranges of sizes and types than hitherto available.