Why does a pressure drop in a pipe cause a force on the pipe?

In summary, the conversation discusses the effects of pressure drops on a drill string, specifically the downward forces it causes on the pipe. The first situation involves friction, where the fluid "pulls" the pipe down. The second situation involves equipment using energy from the fluid flow, resulting in a pressure drop and a downward force on the pipe. The third situation is at the nozzle of the pipe, where a pressure drop also causes a downward force. The question is raised about why pressure drops cause a downward force on a pipe, with the comparison of pushing a water hose against a wall.
  • #1
sevn
1
0
Hi,

I just started a course in drilling and the first chapter is about various situations where pressure drops in the drill string (pipe) causes forces on the pipe.

I understand that a pressure drop due to friction causes a downward force on the pipe. The fluid is "pulling" the pipe down.

However, when equipment in the pipe (such as a pump) is using energy from the fluid flow as its energy source, and there is a pressure drop due to this. Why is there a downward force on the pipe?

At the nozzle of the pipe there is also a pressure drop, which causes a downward force on the pipe. Again, why does a pressure drop cause a downward force on a pipe?

Hope my question is understandable :)

Thank you!
 
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  • #2
Is the pressure working against gravity so that when it is less then gravity pulls the pipe downward?

From a picture of oil drilling it seems that the drilling mud is pushed through the bottom of the pipe so that the effect would be like pushing a water hose against a wall you would feel a push back and then when the water is shutoff you would hit the wall.
 

Related to Why does a pressure drop in a pipe cause a force on the pipe?

1. Why does a pressure drop occur in a pipe?

A pressure drop occurs in a pipe when there is a decrease in the fluid pressure as it flows through the pipe. This can happen due to frictional losses or changes in the flow velocity.

2. How does a pressure drop cause a force on the pipe?

According to Bernoulli's principle, as the fluid pressure decreases, the fluid velocity increases. This increase in velocity results in a force, known as the Bernoulli force, acting on the pipe in the opposite direction of the flow.

3. What is the relationship between pressure drop and force on a pipe?

The force on a pipe is directly proportional to the pressure drop. This means that as the pressure drop increases, so does the force on the pipe.

4. Can a pressure drop cause damage to a pipe?

In certain cases, a pressure drop can cause damage to a pipe. This is especially true if the pressure drop is sudden and significant, or if the pipe is not designed to handle the resulting force.

5. How can the force on a pipe due to pressure drop be calculated?

The force on a pipe can be calculated using the equation F = A * (P1 - P2), where A is the cross-sectional area of the pipe, P1 is the initial pressure, and P2 is the final pressure. This calculation takes into account the pressure difference and the surface area of the pipe that is experiencing the force.

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