LOSSES IN VALVES AND FITTINGS

Minor versus Major Losses

The fluid in a typical piping system passes through various fittings, valves, bends, elbows, tees,
inlets, exits, enlargement, and contractions in addition to the pipes. These components interrupt the
smooth flow of the fluid and cause additional losses because of the flow separation and mixing they
induce. In a typical system with long pipes, these losses are minor compared to the total head loss in
the pipes (the major losses) and are called minor losses. Although this is generally true, in some
cases the minor losses may be greater than the major losses. This is the case, for example, in systems
with several turns and valves in a short distance.

Loss Coefficients

Minor losses are determined experimentally, usually by the manufacturers of the components.
Tests have shown that the head loss in valves and fittings is proportional to the square of the average
velocity of the fluid in the pipe in which the valve or fitting is mounted. Thus the head loss is also
proportional to the velocity head of the fluid flowing in the pipe as indicated by

H L = KL V 2
2g

The constant of proportionality (KL) is called the loss coefficient ( also called resistance coefficient
or K factor) of the valve or fitting. Table 3 gives representatives values of KL for several types of
valves and fittings. Note that the smaller the value of KL , the less the resistance to flow resulting in a
smaller head loss.

Table 3 Loss coefficients of common valves and fittings

Valve or Fitting Loss Coefficient KL Valve or Fitting Loss Coefficient KL

1. Globe valve 6. Tee

Fully open 10.0 Line flow (Run of Tee) 0.40
½ open 12.5 Branch flow 1.5
2. Gate valve
¾ closed 24.0 7. Elbow
½ closed 4.5 45o 0.40
¼ closed 0.90 90o 0.75
Fully open 0.19
8. Threaded union 0.08
3. Angle valve, fully open 5.0 9. Return bend 2.2
4. Ball valve, fully open 0.05
5. Swing check valve 2.0

These are representatives values for loss coefficients. Actual values strongly depend on the
design and manufacture of the components and may differ from the given values considerably
(especially for valves). Actual manufacturer’s data should be used in the final design.

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Illustrations and Description of Common Valves and Fittings

Globes Valves

In the design of globe valves, the fluid changes direction when the valve is open and flow occurs
between the globe and seat (see Figure 6). This construction offers much larger resistance to flow than
a gate valve but also permits close regulation of flow.
A globe valve should be installed so that the direction of fluid flow is from left to right, as in
Figure 7. This direction of flow provides the loss coefficient value in Table 3 and also keeps fluid
pressure from bearing on the stem seals when valve is fully closed.

Figure 6 Globe valve in its fully Figure 7 Large head loss in a partially closed
closed position. closed valve is due to irreversible deceleration,
flow separation, and mixing of high-velocity
coming from the narrow valve passage.

Gate Valves

Fluids flow through open gate valves in straight line paths; thus there is little resistance to flow
and resulting pressure loss is small (see Figure 8, 9, and 10). A gate like disc (actuated by stem screw
and handwheel) moves up and down at right angles to the path of flow and bears against two seat to
shut off the flow. Gate valves are best suited for service that requires infrequent valve operation and
where the disc is kept either fully open or closed. They are not practical for throttling (controlling
flow rate). With the usual type of gate valve, close regulation of flow is impossible. The fluid
impacting against a partially opened disc may cause vibration and chattering and may result in damage
to the seating surfaces.

Figure 8 Fluid flow though Figure 9 Conventional gate Figure 10 Wedge gate
an open gate valve. valve. valve.
Check Valves
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 The function of a check valve is to allow flow to
pass through in only one direction ( see Figures 11,
12, and 13). Thus check valves are used to prevent
backflow in fluid pipes. The output flow direction
for Figures 11 and 12 is to the right. Figure 13, the
output flow direction is to the left.

Figure 11 Swing check valve

Figure 12 Ball check valve Figure 13 Wedge check valve

Tee 90o elbow 45o elbow

Figure 14 Tee and elbow fittings

Tee Branch Flow

Tee Line Flow Figure 15 Return bend

LOSSES IN PIPE ENTRANCES, EXITS, CONTRACTIONS, AND EXPANSIONS

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 In addition to the valves and fittings, there are several other flow area transition type sections
which pipes are connected in fluid systems. In each case, the change in flow area causes head loss
(also called minor losses) which are accounted for by appropriate loss coefficients.

Figure 21 Pipe entrances from a reservoir. Figure 22 Pipe exits into a reservoir.

KL = ( 1 – D12 / D22 )2 KL = 0.5 ( 1 – D12 / D22 )2

Figure 23 Sudden expansion in a pipe. Figure 24 Sudden contraction in a pipe.

Note: For sudden expansion and contraction fluid velocity, V is based on the small-diameter pipe
in head loss equation, HL = KL V2/2g.

Figure 25 Gradual Expansion and Contraction (based on the velocity in the smaller-diameter
pipe

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