ECW437 HYDRAULIC LABORATORY MANUAL 2023

COURSE HYDRAULIC LABORATORY

COURSE CODE ECW 437
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY FULLY CLOSE
DEGREE OF OPEN ENDED (%) 0
PERIODOF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK
EXPERIMENT FRICTION LOSS IN PIPE

Introduction

The need for an open-ended laboratory activity is emphasized in enhancing

independent learning activities and inculcating creativity and innovation of
students. It is now a required element in an accreditation exercise as stipulated in
the EAC Manual 2012.

Objectives

To investigate on the head loss caused by pipe friction associated with the flow of
water through the different sizes and roughness of pipes.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:

1. Identify the type of flow when the water flows in various sizes and
roughness of pipes and at different flow rates.
2. Measure the friction factor, f for laminar and turbulent flow.
3. Plot a graph which shows the relationship between head loss and
discharge.

PREAMBLE Theoretical Background

The frictional resistance as fluid flows along a pipe creates a continuous loss of
energy or total head as the fluid moves downstream. The head loss due to vicious
effects in straight pipes is named as the friction head loss or the major head loss.
The head loss in a circular pipe running full due to friction can be estimated using
the following equation:

4𝑓𝐿𝑣 2 (i)
ℎ𝑓 =
2𝑑𝑔

Where
𝑄 (ii)
𝑣=
𝐴

The characteristics of flow in pipe can be describe by the Reynolds Number:

𝜌𝑣𝑑 (iii)
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇

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ECW437 HYDRAULIC LABORATORY MANUAL 2023

The Reynolds Number, Re determines whether the flow is laminar or turbulent. For
typical flows in smooth pipes, laminar flow conditions correspond to Re < 2000,
while turbulent flow corresponds to Re > 4000. For the laminar/turbulent regime,
the Reynolds Number, Re ranges from 2000 to 4000.

In addition, the types of flow that exist in a pipeline are called laminar flow at the
higher velocities, when hf is proportional to the velocity, v and turbulent flow at
higher velocities when hf is proportional to v2. However, for the transition phase in
between two types of flow, there is no definite relationship. The parameter that
affects the flow inside the pipes and the friction loss experienced is the friction
factor. For fully developed laminar flow, the friction factor can be described as
follows:
16 (iv)
𝑓=
𝑅𝑒

While for fully developed turbulent flow, the friction factor can be calculated from
the following equation:

2𝑑𝑔ℎ𝑓 (v)
𝑓=
4𝐿𝑣 2

Where
hf = Friction head loss (m)
f= Dimensionless friction factor
L= Length of pipe (m)
v= Velocity of flow (ms-1)
d= Internal diameter of pipe (m)
g= Acceleration due to earth’s gravity = 9.81 ms-2
Q= Discharge of flow (m3s-1)
A= Cross sectional area of pipe (m2)
Re = Reynolds Number
p= Density of fluid (kgm-3)
µ= Dynamic viscosity of fluid (Nsm-2 or kgm-1s-1)

Students are going to conduct an experiment on friction loss in pipes in order to

investigate the relationship between the head loss due to fluid friction and the
velocity for flow of water using different sizes and roughness of pipes. All readings
and data from the experiment should be tabulated accordingly. Then, students are
PROBLEM STATEMENT
required to plot a graph to show the relationship between the head loss and
velocity or discharge in normal and log graph papers. They are then required to
identify the type of pipes used in the experiment and give a brief discussion on the
graph produced for each type of pipe required.

Apparatus:
i. Pipe Friction Apparatus
ii. Vernier Calliper

Procedures:
WAYS AND MEANS i. Record the internal diameter of each test pipe.
ii. Switch on the pump of the apparatus.
iii. Open the valve to prime the pipe network with water.
iv. Open and close the appropriate valves to obtain flow through the
required test pipe.
v. Measure the discharge using the volumetric flow rate meter.

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ECW437 HYDRAULIC LABORATORY MANUAL 2023

vi. Measure the head loss between the tapping of the required test pipe
using the head loss meter.
vii. Get enough data points on different flow rates and head loss for
different types of pipes.

The group will be required to prepare and submit the technical report of the
laboratory results showing the data taken, analysis carried out and at least one
RESULTS
sample calculation. You are also required to discuss the results obtained. The
technical report should be submitted one week after the experiment is conducted.

DATA SHEET

Internal diameter of pipe, d = ________ mm

Length of pipe, L = ___________ m

Flow rate, Q (m3/s) Height of water level, Height of water level, Head loss, hf (m)
H1 (m) H2 (m)

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