Steps to Calculate Friction Loss in Your Pond Aeration System

Example 1: We have a ½ acre circular pond at 8’ depth.  The pump will be 100’ from the diffuser.  We looked at the HIBLOW pump sizing chart and determined that the HP-80 with 1 medium bubble diffuser is the best solution.    

• Step 1: Add the water pressure and the diffuser pressure together.  8’ deep/ 2.31 = 3.46 PSI.  Our medium bubble diffuser adds 0.25 PSI. Total: 3.71 PSI
• Step 2:  Determine the airflow of the HP-80 at 3.71 PSI. First, click on the HP-80 in the HIBLOW Model column on our website. Under product details, click “download specifications”. Looking at the HP-80 graph (pictured below): the air flow is right around 2 CFM or 57 LPM at 3.71 PSI.  The red line shows how the graph is interpreted. 
•  Step 3:  Reference the HIBLOW USA Friction Loss Chart (link here).  The chart specifies PSI per 100’ of tubing.  The friction loss at 2 CFM or 57 LPM is about .45 PSI for 3/8” diameter tubing or 0.14 PSI for ½” tubing. In this case we would probably suggest going with the ½” tubing to reduce the pressure and increase the airflow.

*The chart is for schedule 40 PVC tubing.  Use the nominal diameter sizes for PVC.  Reference in the inside diameter numbers for weighted tubing.

**If you were running the tubing 200’ for example, you would need to multiply the PSI by 2 to get the total friction loss.  Friction loss at 200’ would be 0.9 PSI if using 3/8” diameter tubing and 0.28 PSI if using ½”.

• Step 4: Calculate the Total System Pressure:  Water pressure + diffuser pressure + friction loss.  
  

For this example, our total system pressure using ½ diameter tubing is 3.85 PSI (3.46 PSI+ 0.25 PSI+ 0.14 PSI).  Looking back at the HIBLOW flow chart/ pressure chart (above), the total airflow entering the pond will be around 50-55 LPM or 2 CFM.  At this point it is important to make sure the airflow fits within the diffuser recommendation range.

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