Head Loss Calculator

[OneDummHikk]

If this is posted in the wrong place, please tell me where I should have posted it

Rather than re-start an old thread, I am going to quote what I have a question about.

Originally Posted by Hop

Also keep in mind that to calculate static friction properly, you have to do the calculations in order as different flows at different velocities, cause different headloss at different locations This is why the headloss calculator on RC is off so much...

I have thought since the first time I ever used the RC Head Loss Calculator that it was wrong. If I just pick some random entries to put in it, and include one gate valve and no ball valve and let it give me a head loss, then I reverse it so that I calculate one ball valve and no gate valve, then it tells me I have less head loss with a gate valve. But, when I look at a ball valve and a gate valve, the gate valve has more restriction in it when both are opened 100%.

Is there a better place with a better calculator or somewhere that can tell me how to calculate it myself?

[crvz]

Why do you need to be so accurate? While calculating head loss isnt terribly difficult, that RC tool should give you a good enough idea.

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by crvz

Why do you need to be so accurate? While calculating head loss isnt terribly difficult, that RC tool should give you a good enough idea.

Honestly, not sure that I do. 850gph versus 865gph isn't going to be any difference. But mostly, I was trying to compare return pumps and it made me wonder if it was wrong enough to cause a problem. I know how much flow I want through my sump but I don't know how accurate, or wrong, the RC calculator might be. And at the flow rate I want, it could be detrimental for me though. I only want about 60gph and at that low a rate, I am not sure.

I am too goofy brained after reading for 4 hours about CLS', return plumbing and such. If I am being over paranoid, let me know