I have always hated this term due to its ambiquity.
1. Pressure/Specific weight of the fluid is called "pressure head"
2. Gravity creates the "elevation head" with change in height.
3. The velocity of the fluid squared/2 times gravity is th velocity head.
The sum of these three equations is what is called the "Total Head", which is used to create Bernoulli's Equation.
The two main ones we deal with in somewhat more specific jargon:
1. Minor losses due to friction, ie: effected by pipes bends and fittings
1. Losses/Gains due to gravity: Self explanatory.......
In most tanks, the inlet and outlet of the CL is at the same level and not very deep under water, so the pressure is minimal and can be counted as zero. Using the Energy Equation,
found here as well as all the concepts in a very well written article for those not famillar with fluid mechanics:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2003/featurejp.htm
(I find the minor losses for PVC information located here gold!!),
-z1+(+z2) equal zero or no head loss (or gain) due to gravity if the entrance and exit is at the same height. (If there was, the water would flow through the pipe without the aid of a pump)
However, there will be loss due to friction based on the pipe size, length and fittings which as has an effect on exit velocity and efficency of the CL.
I know, I know a little wordy and in line with the above......but hey.....its the Advanced Topics forum........I think the answers should be a little more technical........stays off the Alzhiemers........now what was I doing?
located in that article is an Excel file, play with your design and optimize your flow. Better yet, for some real fun.....do it by hand.