MINOR LOSSES IN PIPE NETWORKS

EX.NO

DATE:

AIM:
To determine the loss coefficient for bends and elbows in a pipeline.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Piping system:
A set of G.I. Pipes of size 15 mm and 20 mm fitted with G.I. bends, elbows, sudden
enlargement (D/d ratio = 2.0) and sudden contraction (d/D ratio = 0.5)
2. Measuring tank: 600 300500 mm3
3. Differential manometer
BASIC THEORY:
The head loss in long, straight sections of a pipe can be calculated using friction factor
obtained from Moody chart. But most of the pipes contain additional devices like valves,
bends, tees, etc. and these also contribute to the overall head loss. Losses in these
additional components are called minor losses whereas, friction in the straight portion of
the pipe is called major loss. The head losses are generally presented in dimensionless
form, called loss coefficient (KL).
hL
p
KL

2
V (1/2) V 2

2g
FORMULAE USED:
Actual flow rate (m3/s):
Quantity of water collected in the measuring tank in unit time.
Q = AH m3/sec
t
where
A = Area of the measuring tank in m2
H = Difference in levels of water in m
t = time required for H m rise in sec.
Velocity (m/s):
V = Discharge = Q
Area of pipe
A

Actual loss of head (m):

hL = ( h1 ~ h2 ) 12.6
1000
Velocity head (m):
For straight pipe, hv = V2
2g
Loss coefficient:
KL = actual loss of head = hL
velocity head
hv
VELOCITY HEAD FOR DIFFERENT PIPE FITTINGS:
1).

Velocity head for bend and elbow:

hv = k.V2 / 2g
where, k depends on the angle of bend and the relative radius of curvature, which
is the ratio between radius of curvature of pipe and the pipe diameter. For a 90
bend with R/D of 1, the value of k = 0.35.

2).

Velocity head for sudden enlargement:

hv = (V1~V2)2 / 2g

3).

Velocity head for sudden contraction:

hv = 0.5(V2)2 / 2g
where, V2 is the fluid velocity in smaller pipe.

4).

Velocity head for pipe fittings:

hv = k.V2 / 2g
here, k depends on the type of pipe fitting, viz. valve, coupling, tee, etc.

PROCEDURE:
The diameter of the pipe is noted and the internal dimensions of the collecting tank
are also measured.
Suitable valves are opened in the pipe line for selecting a pipe, pipe fitting, etc.
The pump is switched ON and the flow rate through the pipe is adjusted.
The manometer head on the limbs h1 and h2 are noted
The above procedure is repeated by selecting a different the pipe line and pipe fittings
and the corresponding readings are noted.

Sl.No.

Pipe fittings

I. Pipe dia. = 20 mm

1.

Bend

2.

Elbow

3.

Sudden Enlargement (20-40)

4.

Sudden Contraction (40-20)

II. Pipe dia. = 15 mm

1.

Bend

2.

Elbow

3.

Sudden Enlargement (15-25)

4.

Sudden Contraction (25-15)

Manometer
Reading (m)
h1

h2

Time for
100 mm
rise (sec)

Discharge
(m3/s)

Loss of head
(Actual)
V

hL

Loss of head
(Theoretical)
(h1~h2)12.6

Loss coefficient
(KL)

MODEL CALCULATION :

RESULT:
1. For 20 mm diameter pipe, the loss coefficients are:
-

Bend
Elbow
Sudden Enlargement
Sudden Contraction

:
:
:
:

2. For 15 mm diameter pipe, the loss coefficients are:

-

Bend
Elbow
Sudden Enlargement
Sudden Contraction

:
:
:
: