Investigation of hydraulic fitting losses

Fluid flow in hydraulic systems, fittings, and piping causes hydraulic losses due to the change of flow direction and friction in the fluid. The main consequence of the resulting losses is the increase in the overall pressure gradient of the circuit. The paper is focused on the investigation of valve losses and the determination of resistance coefficients, the definition of which depends on the valve type. Methods of determination are of two types, i.e. experimental methods and mathematical methods. In the case of experimental methods, the procedures prescribed by the standards and regulations must be respected. Mathematical methods are related to defining an appropriate mathematical model and numerical approach. Both methods are applied to the ball valve and model verification is performed at the same time. The output of the thesis is the methodology for determination of resistance coefficients of valves with other diameters and other flowing media based on verified mathematical modeling