Experiment 02

Objective
To investigate the loss of head in pipe using bends and fittings friction apparatus

Experimental Setup
The equipment measures the pressure drops at various flow rates when water flow through
different pipe bends, and fittings. It is used with Hydraulic Bench. All bends and fittings are
connected in series with pressure tapping on both sides of each device. A water manometer with
a vent valve and a hand air pump is connected to these tapings. A valve at the outlet is used to
control outlet pressure.

Fig. 1 Bends and Fittings Apparatus

Theory
What is pipe friction and explain?
Pipe friction is the resistance to flow that occurs when a fluid moves through a pipe. It is caused
by the interaction of the fluid molecules with each other and with the pipe wall. Pipe friction is
an important factor in the design and operation of pipelines, as it can significantly reduce the
flow rate and pressure of the fluid.Pipe friction is characterized by the friction factor, which is a
dimensionless parameter that depends on the Reynolds number and the pipe roughness. The
Reynolds number is a measure of the relative importance of inertia and viscous forces in the
flow, while the pipe roughness is a measure of the irregularities on the pipe wall.

In laminar flow, the friction factor is inversely proportional to the Reynolds number. This means
that the friction factor decreases as the flow rate increases. In turbulent flow, the friction factor is
more complex and depends on both the Reynolds number and the pipe roughness.

The Darcy-Weisbach equation is a commonly used equation for calculating the head loss due to
pipe friction:

hf = f * L / D * V^2 / 2g

where:

• hf is the head loss due to pipe friction (m)

• f is the friction factor
• L is the length of the pipe (m)
• D is the diameter of the pipe (m)
• V is the average velocity of the fluid (m/s)
• g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s^2)

The friction factor can be determined using a variety of methods, including empirical charts, the
Moody diagram, and the Colebrook equation.

Pipe friction can be reduced by using a larger diameter pipe, a smoother pipe wall, or a lower
flow rate. However, these measures can also increase the cost of the pipeline system. Therefore,
 Figure 2

it is important to carefully consider the trade-offs between pipe friction and cost when designing
a pipeline system.

Here are some examples of pipe friction in fluid mechanics:

• Water flowing through a pipe to a faucet

• Oil flowing through a pipeline to a refinery
• Air flowing through a ventilation system
• Blood flowing through an artery
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of pipe friction are:

• Reduced flow rate and pressure: Pipe friction causes the flow rate and pressure of the
fluid to decrease. This can be a problem in applications where a high flow rate or
pressure is required.
• Increased energy consumption: Pumps and compressors must work harder to overcome
pipe friction. This can lead to increased energy consumption and operating costs.
• Increased wear and tear on equipment: Pipe friction can cause premature wear and tear on
pumps, compressors, and other equipment. This can lead to increased maintenance costs
and downtime.
• Noise and vibration: Pipe friction can generate noise and vibration. This can be a
nuisance and can also damage equipment.

In addition to these general disadvantages, pipe friction can also have specific disadvantages
depending on the application. For example, in a water distribution system, pipe friction can lead
to lower water pressure at the tap. In a heating system, pipe friction can reduce the efficiency of
the system and make it more difficult to heat the building.There are a number of ways to reduce
pipe friction, such as using larger diameter pipes, smoother pipe walls, and lower flow rates.
However, these measures can also increase the cost of the pipeline system. Therefore, it is
important to carefully consider the trade-offs between pipe friction and cost when designing a
pipeline system.

Here are some specific examples of the disadvantages of pipe friction in different applications:

• Water distribution systems: Pipe friction can lead to lower water pressure at the tap,
making it difficult to fill bathtubs, wash dishes, and water lawns.
• Heating systems: Pipe friction can reduce the efficiency of the system and make it more
difficult to heat the building.
• Industrial piping systems: Pipe friction can cause pressure loss in industrial piping
systems, which can reduce the flow rate of fluids and make it difficult to operate
equipment.
• Automotive cooling systems: Pipe friction can cause the engine to overheat in automotive
cooling systems.
• Aircraft fuel systems: Pipe friction can reduce the flow rate of fuel to the aircraft engine,
which can reduce the performance of the aircraft.
Explain pipe fitting types?
Pipe fittings come in a wide variety of forms, each with special characteristics and uses. Among
the most popular kinds of pipe fittings are:

• Elbows: Elbows are used to alter a pipe run's direction.

• Tees: Three pipes are connected together using tees.
• Crosses: Four pipes are connected together using crosses.
• Reducers: Reducers are utilized to join two pipes with various diameters.
• Caps: Caps are used to seal off a pipe run's termination.
• Plugs: Plugs are used to cover a pipe fitting's opening.
• Unions: Unions are used to link two pipes in a way that makes it simple to separate them.
• Using valves, you may regulate the flow of fluid through a pipe.
Straight pipes are the sort of pipe fitting that have the least head loss. Any elbow or tee that alters
the flow's direction will result in head loss. The type of fitting and the degree of the direction
change will determine how much head loss occurs.
In general, smooth interior surfaces of pipe fittings will result in less head loss than rough inside
surfaces. This occurs as a result of the fluid rubbing against the pipe wall as a result of the pipe's
roughness, which generates heat and friction

The head loss coefficients of a few popular pipe fittings are listed in the following table:
It is significant to remember that a pipe fitting's head loss coefficient might change based on the
maker and the fitting's particular design. The manufacturer's data sheet should always be
consulted to determine the precise head loss coefficient of a certain pipe fitting.

Pipe fitting head loss must be taken into account while constructing a piping system. Your piping
system can work more effectively if the appropriate pipe fittings are chosen and installed in a
way that reduces head loss.
 Figure 3

Experimental Procedure
1. Put the test set on the hydraulic bench, adjust leveling screws and connect water supply to
the bench outlet
2. Make sure system should be free of all air bubbles
3. Open the test set flow control valve, Open the bench valve and gate valve. Close the air
connector valve
4. Start the equipment. Connect the hose to air connector valve and open the air valve
5. Close the flow control valve and air connector. Switch of the system
6. Remove the hose, slowly open the air valve until height of manometer is achieved about
100-200mm. Close the air valve
7. Check that manometer height should be same before starting the experiment
8. Slowly open the flow control valve, take reading of manometer height
9. For flow rate use stop watch when it reaches a known volume, stop the stopwatch get the
reading
10. Drain the water and repeat experiment by increasing flow through flow control valve

Observations and Calculations

Test 01 Test 02 Test 03 Test 04 Test 05
Measuring
Hydraulic

Volume
Bench

Measuring Time
Flow Rate
 h1
Manometer Readings
h2
h3
h4
h5
h6
h7
h8
h12
Head Loss across

h23
h34
Fittings

h45
h56
h67
h78

Specimen Calculations

Conclusion
CLO-1
To measure & analyze different unknowns i.e. velocity, Head, using Flow meters.

Marks CLO-1 – Level P3 mapped to PLO2

0-3 Not able to perform experiment correctly by adjusting correct parameters

like flow rate, Pressure , Velocity to analyze key parameters in order to
Investigate head loss through different pipe fittings.

4-6 Able to perform experiment partially but major help is required in order to
adjust correct parameters like flow rate, Pressure Head and Velocity Head
to analyze key parameters in order to Investigate head loss through
different pipe fittings.

7-8 Able to perform experiment but minor help is required in order to adjust
 correct parameters like flow rate, Pressure Head and Velocity Head to
analyze key parameters in order to Investigate head loss through different
pipe fittings.

9-10 Able to perform experiment correctly by adjusting parameters like flow

rate, Pressure Head and Velocity Head to analyze key parameters in order
to Investigate head loss through different pipe fittings.