Head Loss
Head loss, abbreviated as \(h_l\), is a pressure loss due to the resistance of the fluid and obstructions along the way in a pipe. There are a number of factors that affect head loss such as:
- flow rate
- corrosion and scale deposits
- fittings (bends, elbows, exits, expanders and reducers, tees)
- inside diameter of the pipe
- roughness of the pipe wall
- viscosity of the liquid
- length of the pipe
- straightness of the pipe
- valves
Major Head Loss
Major head loss, abbreviated as \(h_{l-major}\), is the pressure drop caused by friction loss. It does not matter if the pipe is horizontal, vertical or on an incline.
Major Head Loss formula
| \(\large{ h_{l-major} = f \; \frac{l}{d} \; \frac{v^2}{2\;g} }\) |
Where:
\(\large{ h_{l-major} }\) = major head loss
\(\large{ f }\) = friction factor
\(\large{ g }\) = gravitational constant (32.2 ft/sec)
\(\large{ l }\) = lenght of pipe
\(\large{ d }\) = pipe inside diameter
\(\large{ v }\) = velocity of flow
Minor Head Loss
Minor head loss, abbreviated as \(h_{l-minor}\), is the pressure drop caused by fittings and valves.
Minor Head Loss formula
| \(\large{ h_{l-minor} = K \; \frac{v^2}{2 \; g} }\) |
Where:
\(\large{ h_{l-minor} }\) = minor head loss
\(\large{ g }\) = gravitational constant (32.2 ft/sec)
\(\large{ K }\) = loss coefficient
\(\large{ v }\) = velocity of flow