Discharge Coefficient

Convert discharge coefficient to minor loss coefficient

 
 

 

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Discharge Coefficient, C: 
Diameter Ratio, d/D: 
Minor Loss Coefficient, K: 

Discharge Coefficient Diagram and Conceptual Flow Lines for an Orifice in a Pipe

Discharge coefficient diagram

Discharge Coefficient Equation

Discharge coefficient equation

Valid for 0.4 ≤ C ≤ 0.8   and   0.2 ≤ β ≤ 0.7

Derivation of Discharge Coefficient Equation

Steady flow of an incompressible fluid through an orifice based on a discharge coefficient:

Flow rate equation with discharge coefficient

Pressure loss from location 1 to 3 in the pipe written in terms of discharge coefficient:

Discharge coefficient in pressure loss

Pressure loss from 1 to 3 in the pipe due to the orifice written in terms of minor loss coefficient:

Also:

       

The goal is to solve the above equations for K. Begin by equating discharge coefficient equation (2) to (3):

Equation 1 using discharge coefficient   Equation 2 using discharge coefficient

Solve for K in terms of discharge coefficient:

Discharge coefficient equation

Many pipe flow analysis programs do not readily implement orifice discharge coefficients because they use K's instead. Hence, having a value for K based on the orifice discharge coefficient is useful for flow calculators.

Symbols and units for discharge coefficient equations: Ao=orifice area (m2), Ap=pipe area (m2), d=orifice diameter (m), D=pipe inside diameter (m), P1-P2=differential pressure (N/m2), P1-P3=non-recoverable pressure difference (N/m2), Q=flow rate (m3/s), Vo=velocity through orifice (m/s), Vp=velocity in pipe (m/s), ρ=fluid mass density (kg/m3).

Reference for discharge coefficient: LMNO Engineering - Large diameter orifice flow meter calculation for liquids

 

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