Project Inputs
Enter your pipeline parameters. All fields are required.
Friction Loss Energy Cost by Pipe Size
Annual electrical energy consumed due to friction loss — compared across one size smaller, your selection, and two sizes larger.
Power consumed assumes typical efficiencies of 75% (Pump), 95% (Motor) and 95% (Variable Speed Drive).
Unlock the Full Lifecycle Cost Analysis
See how CAPEX, maintenance, and 20-year discounted power costs compare across all four pipe sizes — and find the optimum diameter for your project.
Lifecycle Cost Parameters
Adjust these inputs to see how they shift the optimum pipe size. Default values reflect typical Southern African conditions.
Lifecycle Cost Summary
CAPEX + OPEX (NPV of power & maintenance) over your design life. The optimum is the lowest combined cost.
What does this mean?
CAPEX (capital cost) increases with pipe size. OPEX (power + maintenance) decreases with pipe size — bigger pipes have lower friction losses. The optimum is the lowest combined cost. If graph is entirely skewed in one direction, all pipe options are to one side of the optimum. Try a new pipe size on the side where cost is a minimum.
Apply with caution. This is an indicative illustration tool, not a design tool. It does not consider time-of-use tariffs, transformer costs, transport, market fluctuations, or integrated pumpstation effects. Costs are based on Southern African conditions and are not updated daily. For a full design and cost-optimisation study, contact Ant Consult.
Need a full pipeline design or cost-optimisation study?
Ant Consult provides professionally engineered irrigation and water systems design across Africa and the Middle East.