Minor Losses

Gunther Anderson
Ryan Barr
Risa Benvenga
Introduction

Minor losses result from changes in geometry or added components to a

piping system
Minor losses along with major losses are responsible for pressure drops
along a pipe
Minor Loss Equation

Total minor head loss is

determined as follows:

K values vary based on the

components geometry
and physical properties
Hydraulic Components

Added components will interrupt the

smooth flow of fluid, causing minor
losses from flow separation and mixing
Types of Minor Losses

Inlet and Exit Transitions

Expansion and Contraction
Bends and Elbows
Tees
Valves
Pipe Connections and Fittings
Inlet and Exit Transitions
Shape of the transition
greatly affects the KL
value
Well-rounded entrances
are the most efficient
A vena contracta or
necking can occur by
the entrance which
causes an increase in the
velocity at the entrance
Expansions and Contractions
Ruling Equations:

or

where Vs is the velocity in the smaller diameter

Head loss is caused by a sudden

increase or decrease in the pressure
head of the pipe
Expansions and Contractions

The magnitude of this loss is a function of the ratio of the two

diameters and its angle to the horizontal.
Bends
Change in direction causes fluid
separation from the inner wall
A larger angle causes a greater head
loss
The radius of the bend and diameter
of the pipe also contribute to the
losses
Tees
Converging and separating flows will
both cause minor losses due to
directional changes
T - shape introduces multiple corners
that cause additional mixing and flow
separation
Flanged fittings cause less energy
resistance than threaded
Valves

Used to control the flow

Disruption of flow causes minor losses
Fully closed valves halt flow
completely
Partially opened valves disrupt flow
more than fully opened valves
Vena Contracta

As diameters change in a hydraulic system (entrance), eddies form from the

vena contracta
Energy loss associated with this is due to the recovery of the flow following
the vena contracta, as well as the shear force from the eddies
Equivalent Length

The equivalent length of pipe is representative of the frictional loss within a

fitting or valve that would produce the same loss due to friction
Equivalent length is determined by the following equation:

Once an equivalent length of pipe is determined, it is added to the actual

length of pipe to determine total losses
Pipe Connections and Fittings

Fabrication of ends can cause imperfections such

as burrs that will disrupt the flow and head losses
Pipes may be:
threaded
welded
flanged
glued
All connections cause head losses if not properly
connected or fabricated
Tips for Reducing Head Loss
Excessive head loss will result in unnecessary cost burdens for system operators
Replace pipes through the project lifetime: Solids will
accumulate along the pipe walls, constricting the
diameter and altering surface roughness
Minimize pipe lengths and number of components:
Both are directly proportional to head loss
Uniform pipe diameter
Operate at design velocity
Flat top taper to avoid gas
pockets and pipe blockage
Minor Loss
Example 1
Minor Loss
Example 2
Conclusion

Generally: as you increase flow by 10%, the minor losses increase by 20%
All energy losses which occur in hydraulic systems are not solely due to
boundary friction
These minor losses cause nonuniformities in the flow path, resulting in
small energy losses due to: changes in pipe diameter, pipe geometry,
entrance from a reservoir, exit to a reservoir, or control devices (valves)
The two methods of head loss in a pipe come from friction and minor
losses, and minor contains a smaller energy magnitude
References

Cruise, James F., M. M. Sherif, and V. P. Singh. "8.4 Minor Losses in Pipes." Elementary
Hydraulics. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning, 2007. 232-35. Print.
"Head Loss Coefficients." Vano Engineering. N.p., 30 Dec. 2012. Web. 19 Oct. 2015. <https:
//vanoengineering.wordpress.com/2012/12/30/head-loss-coefficients/>.
Hibbeler, R. C. "10.2 Losses Occurring from Pipe Fittings and Transitions." Fluid Mechanics. N.p.:
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2015. 528-33. Print.
"Fluid Flow through Real Pipes." Pump-House, University of California, Santa Barbara (2004): n.
pag. Web. http://www.cs.cdu.edu.au/homepages/jmitroy/eng247/sect10.pdf - pg. 17
Gabryjonczyk, R. Reducing Head Loss in Sludge Pumping Applications. Water World. N.p. Web.
<http://www.waterworld.com/articles/wwi/print/volume-28/issue-2/editorial-
focus/technical-notes--pumps/reducing-head-loss-in-sludge-pumping.html>