# System Curves

### Tutorial

The total head loss at any given flow rate consists of two parts: static head and dynamic head. The dynamic head consists of frictional head losses (major losses) and minor head losses (component losses). Each of these is described in further detail below. A system curve shows the total head loss of the system over a range of flow rates.

Static head consists of both the elevation and pressure difference between the supply and destination of the system. This, typically, does not depend on velocity and is therefore constant for the system curve. This can be calculated using the following equation:

(1.A.1) $$\Delta h_{stat} = (z_{destination} - z_{supply}) + {(P_{destination} - P_{supply}) \over \rho g}$$

where:

• z is elevation, in
• P is pressure, in
• ρ is fluid density, in
• g is gravitational acceleration,

Note that if the supply and destination are at the same pressure, as is the case when they are open tanks, then the static head is simply the difference in the liquid elevation.

The head loss due to friction will vary based on flow rate (velocity) and can be calculated for the system components, such as piping, valves, elbows and bends, and end-use equipment, etc. These losses typically vary proportionally to the square of the velocity.

Frictional head losses in pipes can be calculated using the Darcy-Weisbach equation. The Darcy-Weisbach friction factor, f, can be determined using the Colebrook-White equation (defined in Fluid Flow – General).

These equations will approximate the Moody diagram. The friction factor is based on the Reynolds Number (Re), the pipe diameter (Dh), and the pipe roughness (ε). The pipe roughness is dependent on the type of pipe being used. Other aspects, such as age, fouling, and coatings will also affect the pipe roughness.

The Hazen-Williams equation is another method to determine pipe losses. These values are only valid for water and do not account for temperature or viscosity. These values are a function of pipe material only and are not dependent on Reynolds Number. A table of typical values for various pipe materials can be found here.

### Minor Losses

Minor losses in a piping system occur when fluid passes through a fitting, valve, area change, or enters or exits a tank, etc. Any system component that obstructs or changes the direction or pressure of the flow can be considered a minor loss. These are categorized differently than the pipe frictional loss (or major loss). These minor losses can be the dominant system loss.

The loss created by the component is often characterized by a constant, K, and tabulated for several types of components. Head loss is determined by the equation defined in Fluid Flow – General (K values are also tabulated here).

### System Curve

Based on these concepts, the total head losses at any given flow rate is the sum of the static head, frictional head losses, and the minor head losses of the system. It, therefore, can be represented using the following equation:

(1.A.2) $$\Delta h_{system} = (z_{destination}-z_{supply}) + {(P_{destination}-P_{supply}) \over \rho g} + {({fL \over D} + ΣK) * {v^2 \over 2g}}$$

A system curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between flow rate and the associated head losses. It is generated by calculating the total head losses at various flow rates and plotting them on a common set of axes.

### Shape of the System Curve

In some systems the frictional losses will be the majority of overall head loss. These systems will have a steeper system curve.

In other systems the elevation change, or static head, will be the majority of the overall head loss. The system curve in this case will start at a higher value at zero flow and will tend to be flatter.

It is important to accurately characterize the system curve to select the correct pump for various operating conditions as the operating point of your system will be dependent on the intersection between the system curve and the pump curve.

### System Curve Application

Real-world applications tend to consider a range or family of system curves. This would bracket the range of liquid levels, operating pressures, valve arrangements, etc.

### Worked Example (U.S. & Metric Units)

Since both tanks have the same surface pressure, the static head is only dependent on the difference in surface elevation.

$$\Delta h_{stat} = (z_{destination}-z_{supply})$$

$$\Delta h_{stat} = (289\,{ft}-24\,{ft}) = 265\,{ft}$$

$$\Delta h_{stat} = (88.09\,{m}-7.315\,{m}) = 80.77\,{m}$$

Determine the Pipe Friction and Properties

To simplify this example, we will consider the friction factor to be constant at 0.02. In general, the friction factor would vary as the flow rate (velocity) varies. Additionally, the flow would be laminar for low velocities. These considerations should be taken into account when calculating the pipe losses.

Determine the Minor or Component Loss

The losses for the components can be found in tables. In this example we have the following:

• Regular flanged elbow (2), k = 0.31 each
• Swing check valve, k = 2.0
• Wedge-disc gate valve, k = 0.17
• Sudden enlargement, k = 1.0

This gives a total K factor equal to 3.79

Using the combined frictional loss equation above, we can determine the head loss (in feet) as a function of velocity

$$\Delta h_f = {({fL \over D} + ΣK) * {v^2 \over 2g}}$$

$$\Delta h_f = {({0.02 * 1255ft \over 0.3355ft} + 3.79) * {v^2 \over 2 * 32.17 {ft/sec^2}}}$$

$$\Delta h_f = {({0.02 * 382.52m \over 0.10226m} + 3.79) * {v^2 \over 2 * 9.81 {m/sec^2}}}$$

$$\Delta h_f = 1.22v^2$$

$$\Delta h_f = 4.01v^2$$

Determine the System Curve

The system curve can be calculated by varying the flow rate (velocity) using the above values. Combining the static and dynamic (pipe friction and minor losses) we have the following as a function of velocity.

$$\Delta h_{system} = \Delta h_{stat} + \Delta h_{f}$$

$$\Delta h_{system} = 265{ft} + 1.22v^2$$

$$\Delta h_{system} = 80.77{m} + 4.01v^2$$

$$v = 0.320833*Q*({4 \over \pi D^2})$$

$$v = 0.000278*Q*({4 \over \pi D^2})$$

Substituting this in for velocity and using the 4-inch pipe we can get the following as the system curve equation as a function of flow rate in gpm.

$$\Delta h_{system} = 265{ft} + {{(7.75E{-04})}{Q^2}}$$

$$\Delta h_{system} = 80.77{m} + {({4.59E{-03})}{Q^2}}$$

This, then, gives the following system curve data. This is a system that is dominated by the static head (there is a lift of

Data

Data
Flow Rate (gpm) Velocity (ft/sec) Head Loss (feet)
0 0 265
20 0.504 265
40 1.008 266
60 1.512 268
80 2.016 270
100 2.52 273
120 3.024 276
140 3.528 280
160 4.032 285
180 4.536 290
200 5.04 296
220 5.545 303
240 6.049 310
260 6.553 317
280 7.057 326
300 7.561 335
Data
Flow Rate (m³/h) Velocity (m/sec) Head Loss (meters)
0 0 80.77
4.54 0.154 80.77
9.07 0.307 81.08
13.6 0.461 81.69
18.2 0.614 82.30
22.7 0.768 83.21
27.3 0.922 84.12
31.8 1.075 85.34
36.3 1.229 86.87
40.9 1.383 88.39
45.4 1.536 90.22
50.0 1.690 92.35
54.5 1.844 94.49
59.0 1.997 96.62
63.6 2.151 99.36
68.1 2.305 102.11

Last updated on May 26th, 2020