This graph shows pressure loss through Sharkbite PE-X pipe at various flow rates in 16mm, 20mm & 25mm.
In order to calculate the pressure loss through the pipe, the given flow rate for a particular portion of pipe must be established ( this may be done using the table provided in AS3500.1 ), along with the required pipe length and diameter. The pressure loss can then be read off the vertical axis.
It is important to understand the information provided here is theoretical and based on new clean pipe. No allowance has been made for age or any abnormal conditions of the interior surface of the pipe.
For more accurate or specific loss information through SharkBite PE-X pipe please use this calculator.
Fitting Pressure Loss
To calculate the pressure loss through a particular fitting, the type and diameter of the fitting and the flow rate must be established. The pressure loss may then be read from the vertical axis.
To calculate the pressure loss through a number of fittings in a circuit, the number and type of fittings, along with the direction of flow must be known. The pressure loss through each fitting can then be added together to calculate a total pressure loss.
Elbows - Head loss in kPa per fitting
Flow rate litres per second
Fitting size
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
16mm
1.0
3.5
11.9
21.2
33.1
47.6
64.8
84.7
107.1
20mm
0.3
1.0
4.3
7.6
11.9
17.2
23.4
30.5
38.6
25mm
0.1
0.4
1.8
3.2
5.1
7.3
9.9
13.0
16.4
Straight connectors* - Head loss in kPa per fitting
Flow rate litres per second
Fitting size
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
16mm
0.4
1.6
3.6
6.3
9.9
14.3
19.4
25.4
32.1
20mm
0.1
0.6
1.3
2.3
3.6
5.1
7.0
9.2
11.6
25mm
0.1
0.2
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.2
3.0
3.9
4.9
* Note due to the design of the Sharkbite copper fitting. There is no significant pressure loss through a straight connection. Pressure loss is to be calculated as a straight length of tube.
