HEAD LOSS ANALYSIS IN PIPE FLOW SYSTEMS

Abstract

Fluid flow in pipes is accompanied by major and minor friction losses. Major friction losses are as a result of loss of energy in pipes due to viscous effects of the fluids on pipe surfaces. Minor friction losses do occur and give an account of the energy loss due to obstructions of the fluid as a result of narrower and wider sections of the pipe. Friction loss lead to head loss. The determination of these losses that occur in pipe systems together with effect of additional components in the system such as abrupt expansions, contractions and bends on the overall head loss is investigated. Studies in head loss in pipe systems are important since they give an idea of how long, thick or rough or the kind of fittings should be used in a given pipe system to transmit fluid in pipe optimally. There are in general two methods that are used in head loss prediction; use of tables and formulas in pipes without fittings and the K-factor method together with the equivalent length of pipe in linear fit method for head loss in pipes and pipe fittings and valves. There is an exponential decrease in head loss with the ratio of areas for sudden expansions and sudden contractions. The head loss term increases exponentially with the fluid speed in the pipe ad the corresponding length of the pipe.