Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning C

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C Factor

A factor or value used to indicate the smoothness of the interior of a pipe. The higher the C Factor, the smoother the pipe, the greater the carrying capacity, and the smaller the friction or energy losses from water flowing in the pipe. To calculate the C Factor, measure the flow, pipe diameter, distance between 2 pressure gauges, and the friction or energy loss of the water between the gauges.
 

C Factor = (flow rate [gal/min]) / (193.75(diameter [ft])^2.63 (slope)^0.54)

or

C Factor = (flow rate [m³/s]) / (0.278 (diameter [m])^2.63 (slope)^0.54)