Pipe Flow Wizard has a database of valve and fittings ‘K’ factors and calculation helpers for:


  • gradual enlargements
  • gradual contractions
  • sudden enlargements
  • sudden contractions
  • rounded entrances
  • long pipe bends



In systems where pipe lengths are relatively long, the effect of the fitting losses for bends may be minor (in comparison to the long pipe friction losses) and in these cases, fitting losses are sometimes ignored during initial assessment of the system.


If a partially open valve is part of the design, the effect of the valve should always be considered as the valve loss may be large.