Minor or Local Losses

In ADDITION to the frictional losses as calculated using Moody

Chart, Swamee and Jain equation, Losses also occur due to:
Local disturbances of flow
For example:

changes in cross section: velocity changes in magnitude

elbows, bends, tees, and wyes: velocity changes in direction
valves, gaskets, strainers: interference with flow

These Minor losses can be written in the form:

2
V
K
2g
where K is specific to type of valve, fitting etc.Table 10.2 gives
typical K values (always use actual manufacturer's data when
possible)

Entrance losses

Submerged discharge - K = 1

Sudden contraction: = 180 - depends on (D2/D1)

Gradual contraction (nozzle, for example) - < 180 - depends on

length and angle of contraction

Sudden expansion loss: = 180 - often expressed as:

(V1 V2 )2
hL =
2g

1
Gradual expansion (draft tube or diffuser, for example) - < 180 -
depends on angle of diffuser or cone - may be of the form:

hL =K
(V1 V2 )
2

2g
fittings and bends and elbows: type of valve, wide open or not,
angles in elbows etc.

Complete Solution of Single-Pipe Flow Problems should include

Minor Losses

When minor losses neglected, can use Swamee and Jains

equations

When minor losses are included, total head loss = hf + Sum over
all minor losses

Solutions for D or Q would normally require trial and error

solutions

You can use the equation below (Franzini and Finnemore, Fluid
Mechanics) to solve for Q or D using the solver in your calculator
or in MS Excel or other spreadsheet.


L/D k s D 2.51 LD
+ 2 log 3.7 + 4Q =0
2 gD 4 hL gD hL
2 4
k k
8Q 2 8Q 2

Substitute the given values in the equation and solve using trial
and error or some other numerical routine.

Transition Losses and Grade Lines

Minor losses cause drop in EGL and HGL - see figures 10.14 and
10.15