Written by Jerry Ratzlaff on . Posted in Fluid Dynamics

Head loss, abbreviated as $$h_l$$, is a pressure loss due to the resistance of the fluid and obstructions along the way in a pipe.  There are a number of factors that affect head loss such as:

• flow rate
• corrosion and scale deposits
• fittings (bends, elbows, exits, expanders and reducers, tees)
• inside diameter of the pipe
• roughness of the pipe wall
• viscosity of the liquid
• length of the pipe
• straightness of the pipe
• valves

## Major Head Loss

Major head loss, abbreviated as $$h_{l-major}$$, is the pressure drop caused by friction loss.  It does not matter if the pipe is horizontal, vertical or on an incline.

### Major Head Loss formula

 $$\large{ h_{l-major} = f \; \frac{l}{d} \; \frac{v^2}{2\;g} }$$

### Where:

 Units English Metric $$\large{ h_{l-major} }$$ = major head loss $$\large{ ft }$$ $$\large{ m }$$ $$\large{ f }$$ = friction factor $$\large{ dimensionless }$$ $$\large{ g }$$ = gravitational constant $$\large{\frac{lbf-ft^2}{lbm^2}}$$ $$\large{\frac{N - m^2}{kg^2}}$$ $$\large{ l }$$ = lenght of pipe $$\large{ ft }$$ $$\large{ m }$$ $$\large{ d }$$ = pipe inside diameter $$\large{ in }$$ $$\large{ mm }$$ $$\large{ v }$$ = velocity of flow $$\large{ \frac{ft}{sec} }$$ $$\large{ \frac{m}{s} }$$

## Minor Head Loss

Minor head loss, abbreviated as $$h_{l-minor}$$, is the pressure drop caused by fittings and valves.

### Minor Head Loss formula

 $$\large{ h_{l-minor} = K \; \frac{v^2}{2 \; g} }$$

### Where:

 Units English Metric $$\large{ h_{l-minor} }$$ = minor head loss $$\large{ft}$$ $$\large{m}$$ $$\large{ g }$$ = gravitational constant $$\large{\frac{lbf-ft^2}{lbm^2}}$$ $$\large{\frac{N - m^2}{kg^2}}$$ $$\large{ K }$$ = loss coefficient $$\large{ dimensionless }$$ $$\large{ v }$$ = velocity of flow $$\large{ \frac{ft}{sec} }$$ $$\large{ \frac{m}{s} }$$