Flow rate of a syringe Suppose a syringe (placed horizontally) contains a liquid with the density

Jayden Mckay

Jayden Mckay

Answered question

2022-05-15

Flow rate of a syringe
Suppose a syringe (placed horizontally) contains a liquid with the density of water, composed of a barrel and a needle component. The barrel of the syringe has a cross-sectional area of α   m 2 , and the pressure everywhere is β atm, when no force is applied.
The needle has a pressure which remains equal to β atm (regardless of force applied). If we push on the needle, applying a force of magnitude μ   N, is it possible to determine the medicine's flow speed through the needle?

Answer & Explanation

Kristina Petty

Kristina Petty

Beginner2022-05-16Added 15 answers

The appropriate equation for laminar flow (i.e., not turbulent) of a liquid through a straight length l of pipe or tubing is:
F l o w r a t e = π r 4 ( P P 0 ) 8 η l
where r is the radius of the pipe or tube, P 0 is the fluid pressure at one end of the pipe, P is the fluid pressure at the other end of the pipe, η is the fluid's viscosity, and l is the length of the pipe or tube. In your case P is presumably μ divided by α and P 0 is β. Make sure you keep the units consistent - your question gives β in atmospheres.
The equation is called Poiseuille’s law. Google for this for more details.
Yaritza Oneill

Yaritza Oneill

Beginner2022-05-17Added 2 answers

I've already modelled this case and you'll find that the flow is indeed laminar and for a medical syringe (say 5ml) with a 26 or 27G needle you'll get a Re value of under 100. This situ changes if the liquid is more or less viscous e.g. due to temperature. The plunger typically experiences forces of 2 to 20N. When using the Poiseuille formula remember that the Po (when you action the syringe in air) will be atmospheric pressure but when injected in real conditions it will be the blood stream pressure or dermis. The P value is the pressure you obtain by applying a force to the syringe plunger. Additionally, the viscosity is dynamic rather than kinematic. As a result, the gauge value and needle length are more crucial than the friction effects in the needle, which I would initially ignore in favor of the needle's actual internal diameter and shape.

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