Energy losses during the flow of fluid through a system occur due to various factors.
Here are the main types of losses:
1) Energy Losses as Frictional Loss:
Occurs due to the friction between the fluid and the pipe walls.
Depends on the flow velocity, pipe diameter, fluid viscosity, and pipe roughness.
Calculated using the Darcy-Weisbach equation:
hf = head loss due to friction
f = friction factor
L = length of the pipe
D = diameter of the pipe
v = flow velocity
g = acceleration due to gravity
2) Enlargement Loss:
Occurs when the fluid flows from a smaller pipe to a larger pipe.
The sudden increase in cross-sectional area causes a drop in velocity and kinetic energy, resulting in energy loss.
Expressed as:
he = head loss due to enlargement
Ke = loss coefficient for enlargement
v1 = velocity in the smaller pipe
3) Constriction Loss:
Occurs when the fluid flows from a larger pipe to a smaller pipe.
The sudden decrease in cross-sectional area causes an increase in velocity, leading to turbulence and energy loss.
Expressed as:
hc = head loss due to constriction
Kc = loss coefficient for constriction
v2 = velocity in the smaller pipe
4) Fitting Loss:
Occurs due to the presence of fittings like elbows, tees, valves, and other components in the piping system.
Each fitting introduces additional resistance and turbulence, causing energy loss.
Expressed as:
H fittings = head loss due to fittings
Kf = loss coefficient for the fitting
v = flow velocity
These losses collectively contribute to the overall energy loss in a fluid flow system, impacting the efficiency and performance of fluid transport.