Head Loss Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the Head Loss (HL) is:

\[ HL = \frac{f \cdot L \cdot V^2}{2 \cdot g \cdot D} \]

Where:

\(HL\) is the head loss (feet)
\(f\) is the friction factor (dimensionless)
\(L\) is the length of the pipe (feet)
\(V\) is the velocity of the fluid (feet/second)
\(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (32.2 ft/s²)
\(D\) is the diameter of the pipe (feet)

What is Head Loss?

Head loss is the reduction in the total head (sum of pressure head, velocity head, and elevation head) of the fluid as it moves through a fluid system. This loss is due to the friction between the fluid and the pipe walls, as well as the friction between the fluid particles themselves as they flow. It is an important factor in the design and analysis of fluid systems such as water supply networks, heating systems, and chemical processes.

Example Calculation

Let's assume the following values:

Friction Factor (f) = 0.02
Length of the Pipe (L) = 100 feet
Velocity of the Fluid (V) = 5 feet/second
Diameter of the Pipe (D) = 0.5 feet

Using the formula to calculate the Head Loss (HL):

\[ HL = \frac{f \cdot L \cdot V^2}{2 \cdot g \cdot D} = \frac{0.02 \cdot 100 \cdot 5^2}{2 \cdot 32.2 \cdot 0.5} ≈ 1.55 \text{ feet} \]

The Head Loss (HL) is approximately 1.55 feet.