Flow Through Pipes
Module - 8
Major Losses
The major losses can be calculated using
1. Darcy-Weisbach equation
2. Chezy’s Equation
3. Manning's Equation
4. Hazen-William Equation
Major Losses
Darcy-Weisbach equation hf = head loss due to friction
D = diameter of pipe
L = length of pipe
V = mean velocity of flow
g = gravitational acceleration
f = friction factor
‘f ’ is calculated by using the following formulas:
For Laminar Flow
where Re < 2000
For Turbulent Flow:
where Re > 4000
Major Losses
Chezy’s Equation R = hydraulic radius
S = slope = hf/L
C = Chezy’s coefficient
V = velocity of flow
Manning’s Equation R = hydraulic radius
S = slope = hf/L
n = Manning’s coefficient
V = velocity of flow
Major Losses
Hazen-William Equation S = slope = hf/L
C = H.W’s coefficient
V = velocity of flow
Minor Losses
• The minor losses are due to the loss of head due to
changes in velocity or direction of flow.
• Each type of loss can be quantified using a loss
coefficient (K).
• Losses are proportional to velocity of flow and
geometry of device.
• where, hm is minor loss & K is minor loss coefficient.
• The value of K is typically provided for various
types/devices
Minor Losses
• NOTE: If L >>> D, minor losses become significantly
less than that of major losses and hence can be
neglected.
• They can be grouped into six categories:
1. Loss of head due to enlargement of cross-section.
2. Loss of head due to contraction of cross-section
3. Loss of head due to obstruction in flow.
4. Loss of head due to bends or curves in pipes
5. Loss of head at inlet
6. Loss of head at outlet
Minor Losses
Loss of head due to enlargement of cross-section:
Minor Losses
Loss of head due to contraction of cross-section:
A sudden contraction in pipe usually causes a marked drop in pressure in the pipe
because of both the increase in velocity and the loss of energy of turbulence.
Cc = coefficient of contraction (0.62)
Minor Losses
Loss of head due to obstruction in flow:
The gates or valves when partially closed obstruct the flow and cause a loss of
head due to friction.
A = area of pipe
a = area of obstruction
V = velocity of liquid in pipe
Minor Losses
Loss of head due to bends or curves in pipes:
When a pipeline has to change direction, the bends or elbows are inserted
between the straight points. These bends or elbows cause the loss of head in
pipes. The velocity at the center of the pipe approaching the bend is greater than
that at the surface of pipe. This leads to the formation of a spiraling flow and
eddies are formed.
where Kb is the coefficient of bend, its value depends on the :
- angle of bend
- radius of curvature of bend
- pipe diameter.
The value Kb can be taken as: 1.00 for 90o elbow and tee-junction.
Minor Losses
Loss of head at inlet:
When a liquid enters a pipe from a large tank or reservoir, there is some loss of
head at the entrance to the pipe.
Minor Losses
Loss of head at outlet:
When a pipe discharges into a reservoir or air, the liquid has got a velocity head
equal to v2/2 .
Thus, the total loss of head at the outlet is:
Minor Losses
Total Minor Head Loss:
Total minor head loss is the sum of all above mentioned head losses i.e.
Hm = enlargement + contraction + obstruction + bends + inlet + outlet
Pipes in Series
If a pipeline is made up of lengths of different diameters, as shown in figure,
conditions must satisfy the continuity and energy equations;
If Q is given, the problem is straight forward. Total head loss can be estimated by
adding the contributions from various sections.
Pipes in Series
If a pipeline is made up of lengths of different diameters, as shown in figure,
conditions must satisfy the continuity and energy equations;
If head loss is given and Q is required, then either of the two methods namely
equivalent velocity head method or equivalent length method may be used.
Pipes in Series
If Q is not given:
(1). Equivalent velocity head method
(2). Equivalent length method
Equivalent velocity head method:
We know that
hL= hL1 + hL2 + hL3 +…
Minor losses neglected.
Now, by continuity equation: Q1 = Q2 = Q3 = …. A1V1 = A2V2 = A3V3 = …
D21V1 = D22V2 = D23V3 = …
Pipes in Series
Equivalent length method:
In this method, all pipes are expressed in terms of equivalent lengths to one given
pipe size.
Equivalent length is a length Le, of pipe of a certain diameter De, and friction
factor fe, which for the same flow will give same head loss as the pipe under
consideration of length, L, diameter, D, and friction factor, f.
As already proved Q1 = Q2 = Q3 = … D21V1 = D22V2 = D23V3
So,
Pipes in Series
Equivalent length method:
…..
….
Equivalent length is Le, of a pipe of a certain diameter De, and friction factor fe
…. Dupuit’s Equation
Pipes in Parallel
In the case of flow through two or more parallel pipes, as shown in fig, the
continuity and energy equations establish the following relations which must be
satisfied.
According to Darcy-Weisbach equation, the head loss including minor losses can
be written as;
Pipes in Parallel
According to continuity equation:
where C = constant for given pipe.
Now according to governing equation for pipe flow, we can write as;
Above equations enable us to find a first estimate of hL and the distribution of
flows and velocities in pipes.
