PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS EQUIVALENT LENGTH METHOD

SUMMARY

Fittings such as elbows, tees and valves represent a significant component of the
pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of pressure
losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the equivalent length
method. The strength of the equivalent length method is that it is very simple to
calculate. The weakness of the equivalent length method is that it is not as accurate
as other methods unless very detailed tabulated data is available.

DEFINITIONS

D : Internal diameter of pipe

(L/D)eq : Equivalent length of pipe

R/D : Ratio of elbow radius to pipe diameter

INTRODUCTION

The equivalent length method (L/D ratio) allows the user to describe the pressure
drop through a fitting as a length of pipe. In theory the pressure drop through the
fitting is equivalent to the pressure lost through a certain length of piping at that
corresponding flow rate.

The most accurate way to use this method is when tabulated data is available for
fittings at the given size, roughness and Reynolds Number for which the pressure
drop is unknown. When using an equivalent length that was determined from a fitting
of a different size the method relies on the assumption that as pipe size changes the
fitting size retains the same relative proportions. This is rarely the case however, and
as such some error is introduced in the pressure drop that results. Similarly the
roughness and Reynolds Number are likely to be different from the conditions under
which the fitting was characterised and error will be introduced.

Typically as the fittings size increase the flow coefficient (L/D ratio) decreases, thus at
pipe sizes larger than those at which the fittings equivalent length was determined
the pressure drop will be over-estimated. At smaller pipe sizes than those at which
the equivalent length was estimated the pressure drop will be under-estimated.
The advantage of the equivalent length method is that it is very simple to calculate.
All pipe runs and fittings can be summed up to make one total length, and the
pressure loss calculated from this length.

There are several alternative methods for calculating pressure loss from fittings, such
as:

Excess Head (K-Method)

2K Method

3K Method

VALUES FOR THE EQUIVALENT LENGTH OF PIPE FOR VARIOUS FITTINGS

Typical valves for the equivalent length of pipe for various fittings are shown in the
table below.

After summing these equivalent lengths as appropriate for your hydraulic system, you
may simply calculate the pressure drop for the resulting length of pipe.

Fitting Types (L/D)eq

Standard Radius (R/D = 1) 30

90 Elbow Curved, Threaded
Long Radius (R/D = 1.5) 16

Standard Radius (R/D = 1) 20

Long Radius (R/D = 2) 17

90 Elbow Curved, Flanged/Welded
Long Radius (R/D = 4) 14

Long Radius (R/D = 6) 12

1 weld (90) 60

90 Elbow Mitered 2 welds (45) 15

3 welds (30) 8

Standard Radius (R/D = 1) 16

45 Elbow Curved. Threaded
Long Radius (R/D = 1.5)
 1 weld 45 15
45 Elbow Mitered
2 welds 22.5 6

threaded, close-return (R/D = 1) 50

180 Bend flanged (R/D = 1)

all types (R/D = 1.5)

threaded (r/D = 1) 60

threaded (r/D = 1.5)

Tee Through-branch as an Elbow
flanged (r/D = 1) 20

stub-in branch

threaded (r/D = 1) 20

Tee Run-through flanged (r/D = 1)

stub-in branch

45, full line size, = 1 55

Angle valve
90 full line size, = 1 150

Globe valve standard, = 1 340

branch flow 90

Plug valve straight through 18

three-way (flow through) 30

Gate valve standard, = 1 8

Ball valve standard, = 1 3

Diaphragm dam type

Swing check valve Vmin = 35 [ (lbm/ft^3)]-1/2 100

Lift check valve Vmin = 40 [ (lbm/ft3)]-1/2 600

Hose Coupling Simple, Full Bore 5

EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF PRESSURE LOSS USING EQUIVALENT LENGTHS

This example demonstrates how to use the equivalent length method to calculate the
pressure loss through simple pipe and fitting arrangement. The example uses water
in system of standard weight carbon steel pipe. Note that for this example we
consider a flat system, with no elevation changes.

System details

Pipe Size : DN100 (4")

Pipe Diameter : 102.3 mm

Pipe Length : 50 m

Fittings : 3 x 90 long radius (R/D = 2) elbows

Fluid Velocity : 3 m/s

Fluid Density : 1000 kg/m3

Friction Factor : 0.018

Calculation

Using the table of fittings and equivalent lengths above we find that the equivalent
length for the 90 elbow is 12 pipe diameters.

Leq = 17102.3 mm = 1.739 m

Taking the pipe length and number of elbows we calculated the equivalent length of
the pipe work for pressure loss purposes.

Leq = 50+31.739 = 55.217 m

Using the equation for pressure loss in pipe:

FITTING

PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS 3K METHOD

Fittings such as elbows, tees, valves and reducers represent a significant component
of the pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of
pressure losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the 3K
method.

PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS 2K METHOD

Fittings such as elbows, tees, valves and reducers represent a significant component
of the pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of
pressure losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the 2K
method.

PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS EXCESS HEAD (K) METHOD

Fittings such as elbows, tees, valves and reducers represent a significant component
of the pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of
pressure losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the K-value
method, also known as the Resistance Coefficient, Velocity Head, Excess Head or
Crane method.

PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS EQUIVALENT LENGTH METHOD

Fittings such as elbows, tees and valves represent a significant component of the
pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of pressure
losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the equivalent length
method. The strength of the equivalent length method is that it is very simple to
calculate. The weakness of the equivalent length method is that it is not as accurate
as other methods unless very detailed tabulated data is available.
ELBOW

PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS 3K METHOD

Fittings such as elbows, tees, valves and reducers represent a significant component
of the pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of
pressure losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the 3K
method.

PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS 2K METHOD

Fittings such as elbows, tees, valves and reducers represent a significant component
of the pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of
pressure losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the 2K
method.

PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS EXCESS HEAD (K) METHOD

Fittings such as elbows, tees, valves and reducers represent a significant component
of the pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of
pressure losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the K-value
method, also known as the Resistance Coefficient, Velocity Head, Excess Head or
Crane method.
PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS EQUIVALENT LENGTH METHOD

Fittings such as elbows, tees and valves represent a significant component of the
pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article details the calculation of pressure
losses through pipe fittings and some minor equipment using the equivalent length
method. The strength of the equivalent length method is that it is very simple to
calculate. The weakness of the equivalent length method is that it is not as accurate
as other methods unless very detailed tabulated data is available.

PRESSURE LOSS FROM FITTINGS IN PIPE SUMMARY

Fittings such as elbows, tees, valves and reducers represent a significant component
of the pressure loss in most pipe systems. This article discusses the differences
between several popular methods for determining the pressure loss through fittings.
The methods discussed for fittings are: the equivalent length method, the K method
(velocity head method or resistance coefficient method), the two-K method and the
three-K method. In this article we also discuss method for calculating pressure loss
through pipe size changes as well as control valves.

What is Equivalent Length?

Each type, style, and configuration of fittings (elbow, angle, takeoff, reducer, diffuser
outlet, register boot, etc.) is listed in ACCAs Manual D with an assigned equivalent
length. This value is the comparison length of this fitting to an equivalent length of
straight pipe or duct. For example, each elbow used is equivalent to 30 feet of
straight pipe or duct.
Southwark Metal Mfgs sheet metal pipe, ductwork, and fittings conform to this
system of equivalent lengths as well as conforming to industry national standards for
describing residential fittings.

Why are Equivalent Lengths Important?

Equivalent lengths become important to the HVAC system designer who is looking to
ensure proper airflow distribution with the Equal Friction Method of duct sizing.
The sum of all equivalent lengths of fittings used and the measured distances of all
pipe and duct from room terminal to the air handler should be calculated for each
conditioned room. The two largest values, i.e. the longest supply and the longest
return runs, are added together to create a total called the critical path.

[Available Static Pressure (ASP) x 100] divided by [Critical Path (in feet)] = Design
Factor

The design factor, calculated from the above formula, and the required airflow (CFM)
are then used in a duct calculator to determine the size of all supply and return duct.
This page provides a quick review of piping losses, starting with Bernoulli's
Equation
The basic approach to all piping systems is to write the Bernoulli equation between
two points, connected by a streamline, where the conditions are known. For example,
between the surface of a reservoir and a pipe outlet.

The total head at point 0 must match with the total head at point 1, adjusted for any
increase in head due to pumps, losses due to pipe friction and so-called "minor
losses" due to entries, exits, fittings, etc. Pump head developed is generally a
function of the flow through the system, however this will be dealt with in another
section of the course.

Friction Losses in Pipes

Friction losses are a complex function of the system geometry, the fluid properties
and the flow rate in the system. By observation, the head loss is roughly proportional
to the square of the flow rate in most engineering flows (fully developed, turbulent
pipe flow). This observation leads to the Darcy-Weisbach equation for head loss due
to friction:

which defines the friction factor, f. f is insensitive to moderate changes in the flow and
is constant for fully turbulent flow. Thus, it is often useful to estimate the relationship
as the head being directly proportional to the square of the flow rate to simplify
calculations.

Reynolds Number is the fundamental dimensionless group in viscous flow. Velocity

times Length Scale divided by Kinematic Viscosity.

Relative Roughness relates the height of a typical roughness element to the scale
of the flow, represented by the pipe diameter, D.

Pipe Cross-section is important, as deviations from circular cross-section will cause

secondary flows that increase the pressure drop. Non-circular pipes and ducts are
generally treated by using the hydraulic diameter,
in place of the diameter and treating the pipe as if it were round.
For laminar flow, the head loss is proportional to velocity rather than velocity squared,
thus the friction factor is inversely proportional to velocity.

Geometry Factor k
Square 56.91

2:1 Rectangle 62.19

5:1 Rectangle 76.28

Parallel Plates 96.00

The Reynolds number must be based on the hydraulic diameter. Blevins (table 6-2,
pp. 43-48) gives values of k for various shapes. For turbulent flow, Colebrook (1939)
found an implicit correlation for the friction factor in round pipes. This correlation
converges well in few iterations. Convergence can be optimized by slight under-
relaxation.

The familiar Moody Diagram is a log-log plot of the Colebrook correlation on axes of
friction factor and Reynolds number, combined with the f=64/Re result from laminar
flow.
An explicit approximation

provides values within one percent of Colebrook over most of the useful range.

Calculating Head Loss for a Known Flow

From Q and piping determine Reynolds Number, relative roughness and thus the
friction factor. Substitute into the Darcy-Weisbach equation to obtain head loss for the
given flow. Substitute into the Bernoulli equation to find the necessary elevation or
pump head.
 Calculating Flow for a Known Head
Obtain the allowable head loss from the Bernoulli equation, then start by guessing a
friction factor. (0.02 is a good guess if you have nothing better.) Calculate the velocity
from the Darcy-Weisbach equation. From this velocity and the piping characteristics,
calculate Reynolds Number, relative roughness and thus friction factor.
Repeat the calculation with the new friction factor until sufficient convergence is
obtained. Q = VA.
Here's a video discussing the three types of piping problems:

"Minor Losses"
Although they often account for a major portion of the head loss, especially in
process piping, the additional losses due to entries and exits, fittings and valves are
traditionally referred to as minor losses. These losses represent additional energy
dissipation in the flow, usually caused by secondary flows induced by curvature or
recirculation. The minor losses are any head loss present in addition to the head loss
for the same length of straight pipe.
Like pipe friction, these losses are roughly proportional to the square of the flow rate.
Defining K, the loss coefficient, by

allows for easy integration of minor losses into the Darcy-Weisbach equation. K is the
sum of all of the loss coefficients in the length of pipe, each contributing to the overall
head loss.
Although K appears to be a constant coefficient, it varies with different flow
conditions. Factors affecting the value of K include:
the exact geometry of the component in question
the flow Reynolds Number
proximity to other fittings, etc. (Tabulated values of K are for components in
isolation - with long straight runs of pipe upstream and downstream.)
Some very basic information on K values for different fittings is included with these
notes and in most introductory fluid mechanics texts. For more detail see e.g.
Blevins, pp. 55--88.
To calculate losses in piping systems with both pipe friction and minor losses use

in place of the Darcy-Weisbach equation. The procedures are the same except that
the K values may also change as iteration progresses.

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