Pressure Drop Calculation Report — Basket Type Sea
Suction Strainers
Prepared for: User
Author: ChatGPT (automated calculation)
Date: 26 September 2025
1. Assumptions & Given Data
Fluid: Sea-water, density ρ = 1025 kg/m3. Strainer sizes considered (nominal inside diameter for flow): 400 mm, 450
mm, 550 mm, 600 mm. Volume flow cases computed using two velocities: V = 2.0 m/s (low) and V = 4.0 m/s (high).
Loss coefficient (K) cases: K = 0.3 (clean/low loss) and K = 1.0 (conservative/higher loss). Pressure drop formula
used: ∆P = K · ( ρ V2 / 2 ). Results reported in Pa, mbar, and kgf/cm2. Area for circular pipe: A = π D2 / 4 (D in meters).
1 mbar = 100 Pa. 1 kgf/cm2 = 98066.5 Pa (approx.).
2. Calculation Methodology
Using: A = π D2/4 Q = A · V mass flow ■m = ρ · Q ∆P = K · (ρ V2/2) We compute for each diameter, for both velocities
and both K-values. Note that ∆P depends only on velocity, density and K (i.e., it is not directly dependent on diameter).
However volumetric and mass flow rates vary with diameter which affects system loading and pump sizing.
3. Detailed Calculation Tables
3.400 — Results for Size 400 mm
m) Area (m²) V (m/s) Q (m³/s) Mass flow (kg/s) K ∆P (Pa) ∆P (mbar)
0.12566 2.00 0.25133 257.61 0.30 615.0 6.15
0.12566 2.00 0.25133 257.61 1.00 2050.0 20.50
0.12566 4.00 0.50265 515.22 0.30 2460.0 24.60
0.12566 4.00 0.50265 515.22 1.00 8200.0 82.00
3.450 — Results for Size 450 mm
m) Area (m²) V (m/s) Q (m³/s) Mass flow (kg/s) K ∆P (Pa) ∆P (mbar)
0.15904 2.00 0.31809 326.04 0.30 615.0 6.15
0.15904 2.00 0.31809 326.04 1.00 2050.0 20.50
0.15904 4.00 0.63617 652.08 0.30 2460.0 24.60
0.15904 4.00 0.63617 652.08 1.00 8200.0 82.00
3.550 — Results for Size 550 mm
m) Area (m²) V (m/s) Q (m³/s) Mass flow (kg/s) K ∆P (Pa) ∆P (mbar)
0.23758 2.00 0.47517 487.05 0.30 615.0 6.15
0.23758 2.00 0.47517 487.05 1.00 2050.0 20.50
0.23758 4.00 0.95033 974.09 0.30 2460.0 24.60
0.23758 4.00 0.95033 974.09 1.00 8200.0 82.00
3.600 — Results for Size 600 mm
m) Area (m²) V (m/s) Q (m³/s) Mass flow (kg/s) K ∆P (Pa) ∆P (mbar)
0.28274 2.00 0.56549 579.62 0.30 615.0 6.15
0.28274 2.00 0.56549 579.62 1.00 2050.0 20.50
0.28274 4.00 1.13097 1159.25 0.30 2460.0 24.60
0.28274 4.00 1.13097 1159.25 1.00 8200.0 82.00
4. Worked Example (Size 400 mm, V = 2.0 m/s, K = 0.3)
Step 1: Area = π (0.4)2/4 = 0.12566 m2.
Step 2: Q = A · V = 0.12566 · 2.0 = 0.25133 m3/s.
Step 3: mass flow = ρ · Q = 1025 · 0.25133 = 257.6 kg/s.
Step 4: dynamic head = ρ V2/2 = 1025 · 4 /2 = 2050 Pa.
Step 5: ∆P = K · dynamic head = 0.3 · 2050 = 615 Pa = 6.15 mbar = 0.00627 kgf/cm2.
5. Notes on Improving Accuracy (Open area, element resistance,
fouling)
If the strainer has a perforated plate (for example Ø10 mm holes at 14 mm pitch), the theoretical open area
percentage and free flow area must be calculated; this affects the local velocity through the holes and the appropriate
loss coefficient K. For wire mesh or pleated elements, manufacturers often provide 'clean ∆P vs flow' curves — use
those for accurate results. Fouling increases ∆P over time; determine allowable ∆P increase and cleaning interval from
system constraints. When converting from nominal pipe size to actual flow area (for internal geometry, presence of
supports, baskets, etc.), remember to subtract blocked areas.
6. Recommendations
Provide element details (perforation pattern, wire mesh specification, pleat count) to compute a more realistic K or to
use manufacturer data. Use the tables in Section 3 for pump sizing and to check allowable ∆P at operating flow.
Consider worst-case ∆P (K=1.0 at V=4.0 m/s) for design margins; use K=0.3 for initial clean estimates.
End of Report
