Theory

Minor losses

The minor losses of energy are those which are caused on account of the change in the velocity
of flowing fluid. The change may be there in either magnitude or direction. Minor losses are
caused by certain local features or disturbance, which may cause eddy formation. In case of long
pipes these losses are usually quite small as compared with the loss of energy due to friction and
hence are called as minor losses. It can be neglected without serious error. But in short pipes
these losses may overweigh the friction loss.

Description of minor losses

• Loss of head due to sudden enlargement.

• Loss of head due to sudden contraction.
• Loss of head at the entrance of pipe.
• Loss of head at the exit of pipe.
• Loss of head due to an obstruction.
• Loss of head due to bend in the pipe.
• Loss of head in various pipe fittings.

Sudden Enlargement

Energy lost is because of turbulence and amount of turbulence depends on the differences in pipe
diameters

Sudden Contraction

Sudden decrease in pipe diameter and loss is related to the velocity in the smaller pipe. The loss
is with the contraction of flow and turbulence. The section at which the flow is the narrowest is
vena contracta. At vena contracta the velocity is maximum.

Loss of head at the exit pipe

This loss of head is due to the velocity of liquid been dissipated at the outlet of pipe either in the
form of a free jet (if outlet of pipe is free) or it is lost in tank or reservoir (if pipe is connected to

a tank).

Loss of head due to bend in the pipe

When there is any bend in a pipe, the velocity of flow changes due to which the separation of the
flow from the boundary takes place, there is also formation of eddies. Which results in a loss of
energy or head.

Loss of head in various pipe fittings

The loss of head in the various pipe fitting like valves, coupling, elbows etc.