Which statement best describes the effect of increasing pipe length on head loss in a hydraulic line?

Which statement best describes the effect of increasing pipe length on head loss in a hydraulic line?

• A. Shorter length increases head loss.
• B. Longer length increases head loss.
• C. Larger diameter increases head loss.
• D. Leaks have no effect on head loss.

Answer: (B)

Friction head loss accumulates as fluid moves through each meter of pipe. For a given flow rate, the energy (head) lost to friction increases in direct proportion to the pipe length. In the standard Darcy-Weisbach form, hf = f (L/D) (V^2/(2g)); the length L is a direct multiplier, so doubling the length doubles the friction head loss. This is why longer piping requires more energy to maintain the same flow, and why losses add up when pipe segments are in series. Larger diameter reduces head loss for the same flow because the fluid velocity is lower (and friction effects diminish), while leaks introduce additional losses rather than leaving head loss unchanged. Thus, increasing pipe length increases head loss.

Friction head loss accumulates as fluid moves through each meter of pipe. For a given flow rate, the energy (head) lost to friction increases in direct proportion to the pipe length. In the standard Darcy-Weisbach form, hf = f (L/D) (V^2/(2g)); the length L is a direct multiplier, so doubling the length doubles the friction head loss. This is why longer piping requires more energy to maintain the same flow, and why losses add up when pipe segments are in series. Larger diameter reduces head loss for the same flow because the fluid velocity is lower (and friction effects diminish), while leaks introduce additional losses rather than leaving head loss unchanged. Thus, increasing pipe length increases head loss.