An experimental study was conducted to document system head losses for dental vacuum systems. Experiments were performed to estimate pressure losses and pressure loss coefficients for pertinent dental treatment room hoses and fittings in high-volume evacuation systems. Pressure losses for some polyvinyl chloride (PVC) elbows used in dental plumbing systems were also measured and presented. Friction head losses in straight PVC piping are calculated and documented in graphical form. Calculated values for friction losses are found to correlate exceptionally well with measured experimental data.
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