Equivalent length of pipe bends, valves, and

filters
Minor pressure losses in piping systems for pipe elbows, bends, filters and valves may be
included by using the equivalent length (Leq) of pipe method. Typical values for Leq are given
below.
Equivalent length (Leq) of pipe bends
Bends

Leq/D

180o (return) bend, R = 5D

28

90o bend, R=5D

16

20

57

45 bend, R = 1,5 D

16

Tee, flow straight through

20

90 bend, R=1,5D
90 square bend

Tee, flow through side outlet 65

D = internal pipe diameter

Equivalent length (Leq) of valves and filters

Valve/filter

Leq/D

Gate valve, open

13

Gate valve 1/4 closed

39

Gate valve 1/2 closed

195

Gate valve 3/4 closed

900

Ball valve

18

Globe valve

300

Needle valve

1000

Check valve

150

Check valve, swing type

135

Filter, y-type and bucket

250

D = internal pipe diameter