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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

90o bend, R=1,5D 20

90o square bend 57

45o bend, R = 1,5 D 16

Tee, flow straight through 20

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