Enter the friction factor, length of the filter, density of the fluid, velocity, and diameter of the filter into the calculator to determine the pressure drop across the filter.

Filter Pressure Drop Calculator

Pick a filter, enter your flow, get the pressure drop.

HVAC Air Filter
Process / Liquid Filter

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Filter Pressure Drop Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the pressure drop across a filter for a given set of parameters. 

ΔP = (f * L * ρ * v²) / (2 * D)

Variables:

  • ΔP is the pressure drop (Pa)
  • f is the friction factor
  • L is the length of the filter (m)
  • ρ is the density of the fluid (kg/m³)
  • v is the velocity of the fluid (m/s)
  • D is the diameter of the filter (m)

To calculate the pressure drop, multiply the friction factor by the length of the filter, the density of the fluid, and the square of the velocity. Then divide the result by twice the diameter of the filter.

What is Filter Pressure Drop?

Filter pressure drop refers to the reduction in pressure as a fluid flows through a filter. This drop in pressure is caused by the resistance the filter media provides to the fluid flow. The pressure drop is a critical parameter in the design and operation of filtration systems, as it affects the efficiency and performance of the filter. A higher pressure drop indicates a greater resistance to flow, which can lead to increased energy consumption and reduced flow rates. Understanding and managing pressure drop is essential for maintaining optimal filtration performance and ensuring the longevity of the filter.

How to Calculate Filter Pressure Drop?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Filter Pressure Drop.

  1. First, determine the friction factor (f).
  2. Next, determine the length of the filter (L).
  3. Next, determine the density of the fluid (ρ).
  4. Next, determine the velocity of the fluid (v).
  5. Next, determine the diameter of the filter (D).
  6. Finally, calculate the pressure drop using the formula ΔP = (f * L * ρ * v²) / (2 * D).
  7. After inserting the values and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Friction Factor (f) = 0.02

Length of the Filter (L) = 1.5 m

Density of the Fluid (ρ) = 1000 kg/m³

Velocity (v) = 2 m/s

Diameter of the Filter (D) = 0.1 m