Experimental Local Loss Coefficients (Km) Of Some Common Fittings Used In Residential Hydraulic Networks

Abstract

The loss coefficients values (Km) of hydraulic fittings produce energy losses that are related to the minor ones (hL) and are widely used in hydraulic network designs. In this work, through a loss bank, the most common fittings Km coefficients used in residential hydraulic installations in Colombia were found, such as 90° elbows, universal joints, reductions, and ball valves from ½ to 2 inches in diameter. Among the results found, it was evidenced that the smaller the diameter, the load losses, the velocity, and the loss coefficient increase. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to corroborate the results obtained and, in most cases, reliability greater than or equal to 90% was achieved.