Losses in Pipe
Losses in Pipe
Losses in Pipe
PBL
PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING
LOSSES IN PIPES
1.0 OBJECTIVE
1.1 To determine the relationship between head loss due to fluid friction and velocity
for flow of water through smooth bore pipes.
1.2 To confirm the head loss predicted by pipe friction equation associated with flow of
water through a smooth bore pipe
1.3 To determine the head loss associated with flow of water through standard fittings
used in plumbing installations
3.0 INTRODUCTION
This apparatus is designed to allow the detailed study of the fluid friction head losses
which occur when an incompressible fluid flows through pipes, bends, valves and pipe
flow metering devices. Friction head losses in straight pipes of different sizes can be
investigated over a range of Reynolds numbers from 103 to nearly 105, thereby covering
the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow regimes in smooth pipes. In addition, an
artificially roughened pipe is supplied which, at the higher Reynolds numbers, shows a
clear departure from the typical smooth bore pipe characteristics. Pipe friction is one of
the classic laboratory experiments and has always found a place in the practical
teaching of fluid mechanics. The results and underlying principles are of the greatest
importance to engineers in the aeronautical, civil, mechanical, marine, agricultural and
hydraulic fields.
4.0 THEORY
1
4.1 Fluid Friction in a Smooth Bore Pipe
2
Professor Osborne Reynolds demonstrated that two types of flow may exist in a pipe.
1
i. Laminar flow at low velocities where head loss, h velocity, u
2
ii. Turbulent flow at higher velocities where h un
4.2 Head Loss due to Friction Through Pipes
For a circular pipe flowing full, the head loss due to friction (mH 2O) may be calculated
from the formula:
where,
L = length of pipe between tappings (m) = 1 m for all pipes
where,
H = Head loss across fittings (mH2O)
K = Fittings Factor
u = Mean velocity of water through the pipe (m/s)
g = 9.81 (acceleration due to gravity m/s2)
4.4 Flow Measurement Using Differential Head
The Pitot tube (named after Henri Pitot in 1732) measures fluid velocity by converting
the kinetic energy of the flow into potential energy. The conversion takes place at the
stagnation point, located at the Pitot tube entrance (Figure 1). A pressure higher than the
free-stream (i.e. dynamic) pressure results from the kinematics to potential conversion.
This "static" pressure is measured by comparing it to the flow's dynamic pressure with a
differential manometer.
Where,
p = Fluid static pressure at the cross section
= Density of the flowing fluid
g = Acceleration due to gravity
v = Mean velocity of fluid flow at the cross section
z = Elevation head of the center at the cross section with respect to a datum
h* = Total (stagnation) head
Evaluated at two different points along a streamline, the Bernoulli equation yields,
( 3.7)
However, in the case of real fluid flow, the flow rate will be expected to be less than that
given by Equation 3.10 because of frictional effects and consequent head loss between
inlet and throat. Therefore,
( 3.9)
4.5 Orifice Plate
The orifice for use as a metering device in a pipeline consists of a concentric squareedged circular hole in a thin plate, which is clamped between the flanges of the pipe as
shown in the figure below.
( 3.10)
The coefficient of discharge, Cd in the case of the orifice meter will be different from that
for the case of a venturi meter.
Procedures: Experiment 1: Fluid Friction in Pipes and Head Loss due to Pipe
Friction
Test Section:
1
i. 6 mm Smooth Bore Pipe
2
ii. 10 mm Smooth Bore Pipe
3
iii. 17 mm Smooth Bore Pipe
1. Start-up the apparatus according to general procedures stated in the Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP).
2. Open and close the appropriate valves to obtain flow of water through the
required test pipe.
3. Measure flow rates using the volumetric tank in conjunction with flow control
valve.
4. For small flow rates use the measuring cylinder in conjunction with flow control.
5. Measure head loss between the tapping using the mercury manometer or
pressurised water manometer as appropriate.
6. Repeat the testing with different flowrate and obtain readings on test section.
7. Record your data .