Schlauchlänge

Schlauchlänge is a metric used to describe the total length of a hose or a tube with lengths of swellings and fittings which periodically occur along it. It is an important factor in designing and installing systems that rely on these lengths of hose, such as gas distribution networks and irrigation systems.

In the context of plumbing and fluid dynamics, the length of the hose between fittings can significantly impact the system's performance, efficiency, and safety. For example, longer hoses between fittings can lead to higher fluid velocities and increased pressure losses, whereas shorter hoses can result in increased system costs due to more frequent fitting connections.

The Schlauchlänge is usually specified in meters or feet and comprises the sum of the lengths of the individual hose sections between fittings. When specifying the Schlauchlänge, it is essential to detail each section's starting and ending points, including features such as elbows, tees, and flanges. Factors affecting the Schlauchlänge include hose flexibility, availability, and manufacturer capabilities.

Several countries have software available that help calculate the Schlauchlänge, taking into account factors such as pipe diameter, volume of fluid, pressure drop, etc. The calculated length is essential in designing network pipelines where a certain pressure is given and multiple other conditions need to be met to avoid over or under-designing the systems. For instance, pipelines may be prone to burst, burst heads, reduction in delivery volume, or energy conservation due to surplus pressure.

This method also plays a significant role in designing testing and analysis models for researchers. It has also been applied to flush hydrant test layouts and industrial medication operating methods.