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Science of Water : Concepts and Applications

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70 The <strong>Science</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Water</strong>: <strong>Concepts</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Applications</strong><br />

MAJOR HEAD LOSS<br />

Major head loss consists <strong>of</strong> pressure decreases along the length <strong>of</strong> pipe caused by friction created<br />

as water encounters the surfaces <strong>of</strong> the pipe. It typically accounts for most <strong>of</strong> the pressure drop in a<br />

pressurized or dynamic water system.<br />

Components <strong>of</strong> Major Head Loss<br />

The components that contribute to major head loss are roughness, length, diameter, <strong>and</strong> velocity.<br />

Roughness<br />

Even when new, the interior surfaces <strong>of</strong> pipes are rough. The roughness varies, <strong>of</strong> course, depending<br />

on pipe material, corrosion (tuberculation <strong>and</strong> pitting), <strong>and</strong> age. Because normal fl ow in a water pipe<br />

is turbulent, the turbulence increases with pipe roughness, which, in turn, causes pressure to drop<br />

over the length <strong>of</strong> the pipe.<br />

Pipe Length<br />

With every foot <strong>of</strong> pipe length, friction losses occur. The longer the pipe, the more the head loss.<br />

Friction loss because <strong>of</strong> pipe length must be factored into head loss calculations.<br />

Pipe Diameter<br />

Generally, small diameter pipes have more head loss than large diameter pipes. This is the case<br />

because in large diameter pipes less <strong>of</strong> the water actually touches the interior surfaces <strong>of</strong> the pipe<br />

(encountering less friction) than in a small diameter pipe.<br />

<strong>Water</strong> Velocity<br />

Turbulence in a water pipe is directly proportional to the speed (or velocity) <strong>of</strong> the fl ow. Thus, the<br />

velocity head also contributes to head loss.<br />

√ Note: For the same diameter pipe, when fl ow increases, head loss increases.<br />

Calculating Major Head Loss<br />

Darcy, Weisbach, <strong>and</strong> others developed the fi rst practical equation used to determine pipe friction<br />

in about 1850. The equation or formula now known as the Darcy–Weisbach equation for circular<br />

pipes is:<br />

h f LV<br />

2<br />

f <br />

D2 g<br />

In terms <strong>of</strong> the fl ow rate Q, the equation becomes:<br />

where<br />

h f = head loss, ft<br />

f = coeffi cient <strong>of</strong> friction<br />

L = length <strong>of</strong> pipe, ft<br />

V = mean velocity, ft/s<br />

D = diameter <strong>of</strong> pipe, ft<br />

g = acceleration due to gravity, 32.2 ft/s 2<br />

Q = fl ow rate, ft 3 /s<br />

fLQ<br />

hf<br />

<br />

gD<br />

8<br />

2<br />

2 5<br />

<br />

(3.20)<br />

(3.21)

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