Limitations on the Simplified Bernoulli Equation

The Practical applications of the basic Bernoulli Equation to real piping systems are not possible due to two limitations. One serious limitation of the Bernoulli equation in its present form is that no fluid friction is permitted in solving piping problems. Thus, the equation

only exerts to ideal fluids. Though, in reality, the total head possessed by the fluid can't be transferred entirely from one point to another since of friction. Taking these losses of head into account would give a much more accurate explanation of what occurs physically. This is particularly true since one purpose of a pump in a fluid system is to conquer the losses in pressure due to pipe friction.

The second limitation on Bernoulli's equation is that no work is permitted to be done on or by the fluid. This limitation prevents two points in a fluid stream from being examined when a pump exists among the two points. As most flow systems involve pumps, this is an important limitation. Fortunately, the simplified Bernoulli equation can be altered in a way that satisfactorily deals with both head losses and pump work.