What does the C-factor of a pipe indicate?

The C-factor of a pipe, also known as the Hazen-Williams C value, is a measure of the interior roughness of the pipe material. It is used in the design and analysis of water distribution systems to predict the pressure loss due to friction as water flows through the pipe. A higher C-factor indicates a smoother interior surface, which contributes to lower friction losses and more efficient flow.

Understanding the C-factor is crucial for engineers and water treatment professionals, as it directly affects the hydraulic calculations involved in system design, including determining the necessary pump pressures and pipe sizes to ensure effective water flow.

While factors like pipe length, material, and flow rate are essential to consider in water treatment and distribution, they do not directly represent the internal characteristics of how fluid flows within the pipe, which is precisely what the C-factor captures.