Packed Bed Pressure Drop Calculator (Ergun Equation)

This calculator computes the pressure drop across a packed bed using the Ergun equation. Ideal for chemical engineers and students dealing with fluid dynamics in packed beds.

Calculator

Results

Pressure Drop (ΔP) 0 Pa

Data Source and Methodology

All calculations are based on the Ergun equation, a fundamental principle in fluid dynamics for packed beds. For detailed reference, see Wikipedia - Ergun Equation. All calculations strictly follow the formulas and data from this source.

The Formula Explained

ΔP = (150 * (1 - ε) / ε^3) * (μ * v / d^2) + (1.75 * (1 - ε) / ε^3) * (ρ * v^2 / d)

Glossary of Variables

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example

Consider a packed bed with a superficial velocity of 0.1 m/s, particle diameter of 0.01 m, fluid viscosity of 0.001 Pa.s, and a bed voidage of 0.4. The pressure drop can be calculated using the Ergun equation to yield a result of approximately 200 Pa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Ergun Equation?

The Ergun equation calculates the pressure drop across a packed bed of particles.

What factors affect the pressure drop?

The pressure drop is influenced by the fluid's velocity, viscosity, the particle diameter, and the voidage of the bed.

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Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
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Formula (extracted text)
ΔP = (150 * (1 - ε) / ε^3) * (μ * v / d^2) + (1.75 * (1 - ε) / ε^3) * (ρ * v^2 / d)
Variables and units
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Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
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Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
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