MANIPAL UNIVERSITY

Jaipur

Department of Chemical Engineering

CE2130- TRANSPORT PHENOMENA
LABORATORY- 2 nd YEAR, 3rd SEMESTER,
2023

EXPERIMENT #7

REYNOLD’S APPARATUS

INSTRUCTOR- DR. ANEES AHMED YUNUS KHAN & DR. HARSH PANDEY

PERFORMED BY- SHASWAT GOYAL (229101002)

EXPERIMENT CARRIED ON: 25th October 2023
REPORT SUBMITTED ON: 2 n d November 2023
PRELAB ___________ (10)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ___________ (10)
OBJECITIVES/INTRODUCTION/SCOPE/PROCEDURE ___________ (30)
RESULTS & DISCUSSION ___________ (30)
CONCLUSION ___________ (5)
REFERENCES ___________ (5)
APPENDIX
a) Original data, sample calculations, other information ____________ (5)

GENERAL COMPLETENESS
a) Conciseness and neatness ____________ (5)

TOTAL (100) ____________

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................
2. OBJECTIVE..........................................................................................................
3. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................
4. THEORY & EXPERIMENTAL SETUP…………………………………………...
5. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE & RESULTS.................................................................
6. DISCUSSION.......................................................................................................
7. PRECAUTIONS...................................................................................................
8. CONCLUSION....................................................................................................
9. REFERENCES....................................................................................................
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The objective of this experiment is to investigate and observe the flow characteristics,
including laminar, transitional, and turbulent regimes, within a fluid using the Reynolds
apparatus. This laboratory setup, commonly employed in the field of fluid mechanics, is
designed to determine the Reynolds number of the fluid flow.
The Reynolds number, a dimensionless parameter in viscous flow, is calculated by dividing
the fluid density, fluid velocity, and conduit diameter by the kinematic viscosity of the fluid.
A Reynolds number (Re) less than 2100 signifies laminar flow, while a Re between 2100 and
4200 indicates transitional flow. When Re exceeds 4200, it is considered turbulent flow.
Furthermore, the fluid's inherent properties play a critical role in determining its flow
behaviour. Fluids with higher viscosity tend to exhibit laminar flow due to their lower flow
velocities, while fluids with lower viscosity typically result in turbulent flow as they have
higher flow velocities.
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the flow characteristics, including laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow
regimes, using a Reynolds apparatus.

INTRODUCTION:
The Reynolds apparatus experiment, named in recognition of the pioneering scientist
Osborne Reynolds, holds a central place in the study of fluid mechanics. It serves as a vital
tool for exploring the transition from laminar to turbulent flow within cylindrical pipes or
conduits, contributing significantly to our understanding of fluid dynamics.
At its core, the Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless parameter that plays a pivotal role
in understanding viscous flow. It is calculated using the formula Re = ρvd/μ, where:
 ρ represents the fluid density.
 v is the fluid velocity.
 d is the diameter of the pipe.
 μ stands for the kinematic viscosity of the fluid.
The Reynolds number is not just a numerical value; it is a critical threshold that demarcates
different flow regimes. Its value depends on various factors, including the properties of the
fluid (density and viscosity), the diameter of the pipe through which the fluid flows, and the
velocity of the fluid.
To visually illustrate these flow regimes, the Reynolds apparatus employs a straightforward
yet effective technique. It introduces coloured tracers into the flowing fluid, allowing
observers to visualize and comprehend fluid velocity patterns. When these tracers form a
straight line, it signifies laminar flow. Conversely, when the flow causes the line to distort
into turbulent patterns, it indicates a shift to turbulent flow.
If the Reynolds number (Re) is less than 2100, the flow is classified as laminar. If Re falls
within the range of 2100 to 4200, it is considered transitional, and if Re exceeds 4200, the
flow is characterized as turbulent. This categorization provides a valuable framework for
understanding and predicting fluid behaviour in various practical applications.
 (A) (B) (C)

FIG 1: TYPES OF FLOW IN A CYLINDRICAL PIPE

THEORY & EXPERIMENTAL SETUP:

In the early stages of investigating fluid flow in pipes, researchers made a significant
observation: there are two distinct flow regimes. When the flow rates are low, a smooth and
orderly flow called "laminar flow" prevails. In this regime, fluid layers move in a coordinated
manner, with particles staying within their respective layers. There are no visible swirls or
eddies, and the layers of fluid glide past each other without much disruption.
However, at higher flow rates, a different flow regime emerges, known as "turbulent flow." In
this regime, the fluid behaves erratically, characterized by the formation of eddies and
vortices. These turbulent features lead to a haphazard mixing of fluid particles across the
pipe's cross-section, resulting in a chaotic flow pattern.
The presence of these two flow regimes can be clearly demonstrated through experiments
originally conducted by Osborne Reynolds. His apparatus, illustrated in Figure 2, involves a
transparent tube connected to a constant head tank filled with water as the test fluid. At the
tube's opposite end, a valve and flow meter control and measure the flow rate. Dye is
introduced into the water at the tube's inlet, allowing observation of the resulting flow
pattern. At low flow rates, the flow pattern resembles Figure 1(A), with the dye forming a
single, regular line in the tube. Lateral mixing is minimal, and this orderly flow is termed
"laminar" or "viscous flow."
However, as the water flow rate surpasses a certain threshold, the dye disperses and
thoroughly mixes with the water, as seen in Figure 1(C). This results from the unpredictable
behaviour of the fluid within the pipe, and this type of flow is referred to as "turbulent flow."
 FIG 2: REYNOLD’S APPARATUS

DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIMENTAL SETUP:

1. PUMP: In laboratory settings, pumps are commonly employed to generate suction for
processes like sample filtration or aspiration. They're also utilized to lower vapor
pressure in instruments such as rotary evaporators and laboratory ovens.
2. CONTROL PANEL: Control panels are utilized to house instruments designed for
measurement, monitoring, protection, detection, and the management of processes.
3. CONTROL VALVE: An essential component of control systems, the control valve is
responsible for manipulating the flow of various fluids like gas, steam, water, or
chemicals. Its purpose is to offset disturbances and maintain the controlled process
variable as close as possible to the desired set point.
4. BYPASS VALVE: Pressure bypass valves play a crucial role in regulating pressure
within a system by diverting a portion of the flow. Typically, they reroute fluid from
the outlet of a pump back to the reservoir.
5. DRAIN VALVE: Drain valves are used to remove substances from process lines and
storage tanks. They find application in scenarios like compressed air systems, where
liquids, gases, or slurries need to be drained from or drained into the system.
6. DYE TANK: The dye tank is a reservoir positioned atop an overhead tank, allowing
the injection of a blue dye (such as potassium permanganate) into water. This
facilitates the observation of flow conditions.
7. GLASS TUBE: A glass tube is a cylindrical pipe with one end featuring a bell mouth,
followed by a straight pipe. It provides a means to determine whether the flow
exhibits laminar, transition, or turbulent characteristics.

PROCEDURE:
1. Start the pump and slightly open both the flow control valve of the apparatus and the
bench valve. Allow the head tank to fill with water, ensuring that the flow
visualization pipe is adequately filled. Once the water level in the head tank reaches
the overflow tube, adjust the bench control valve to create a controlled, low overflow
rate.
2. While making sure the dye control valve is closed, add blue dye to the dye reservoir
until it's filled to approximately two-thirds of its capacity. Attach the needle, hold the
dye assembly over a laboratory sink, and open the valve to ensure that the dye flows
freely.
3. After closing the dye control valve, mount the dye injector on the head tank and lower
it until the needle's tip is slightly above the bell mouth and perfectly centered on its
axis.
4. Adjust the bench valve and flow control valve to reduce the overflow rate to a
minimal level, and let the apparatus stand for at least five minutes.
5. Modify the flow control valve to achieve a slow trickle outflow, then adjust the dye
control valve until a slow flow with clear dye indication is achieved.
6. Measure the volumetric flow rate by collecting water for a specified duration.
7. Observe the flow patterns and document them through photographs or hand sketches,
as necessary to classify the flow regime.
8. Increase the flow rate by opening the flow control valve. Repeat the experiment to
visualize transitional flow and then, at higher flow rates, turbulent flow. Turbulent
flow is characterized by continuous and rapid mixing of the dye. Aim to observe each
flow regime two or three times, totalling eight readings.
9. As the flow rate increases, adjust the bench valve to maintain a constant water level in
the head tank.
 OBSERVATION TABLE:

Given Data;
ρ = Density of water = 1000 kg/m 3
μ = Viscosity of water at 25° C = 1x10^-3 kg/m sec
D = Diameter of pipe = 0.0248 m
A1 = Area of measuring Tank = 0.04 m2
A2 = Area of the pipe = 4.83 x 10^-4 m2

Sr. Density Viscosity Time Volumetric Flow Velocity Reynolds Type Of Flow
No, (kg/m3) (kg/m (s) Rate ( x 10−5 m3/sec) (m/sec) No.
sec)
1 1000 0.001 30 3.34 0.068 1711.2 Laminar
2 1000 0.001 20 5.8 0.120 2976 Transition
3 1000 0.001 20 6.6 0.136 3372.8 Transition
4 1000 0.001 15 9.6 0.198 4916.4 Turbulent

DISCUSSION:
One of the recorded readings resulted in laminar flow, characterized by smooth and
predictable fluid motion. The appearance of laminar flow aligns with theoretical expectations
at lower Reynolds numbers, where viscous forces dominate. This observation serves as a
validation of the experimental setup and reaffirms the connection between low Reynolds
numbers and laminar flow.
Another reading displayed turbulent flow, indicative of chaotic and irregular fluid motion.
This occurrence corresponds to higher Reynolds numbers, where inertial forces predominate.
The identification of turbulent flow is crucial as it highlights the transition point where
viscous forces become less influential compared to inertial forces.
The two remaining readings indicate a transition between laminar and turbulent flow regimes.
This transition zone is particularly interesting as it marks the boundary where the relative
strengths of viscous and inertial forces are comparable. Analysing the characteristics of
transition flow provides valuable data on the behaviour of fluid as it shifts from an orderly to
a more chaotic state.
PRECAUTION:
1. Safely managing water and electrical equipment to avert accidents.
2. Employing personal protective gear, such as laboratory coats and safety glasses.
3. Exercising caution when making adjustments to flow rates and dealing with
pressurized elements.
4. Ensure a consistent and uninterrupted water flow.
5. Minimize the risk of human error when recording measurements.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the Reynolds' experiment serves as a foundational investigation into the realm
of fluid dynamics, providing valuable insights into the shift from laminar to turbulent flow
within a cylindrical pipe. The analysis of the pivotal Reynolds number, marking this
transition, equips researchers and engineers with essential information for making well-
informed choices concerning fluid flow characteristics, operational efficiency, and energy
utilization across diverse applications.

REFERENCES:
1. Transport phenomena 2nd edition by R. Byron Bird, Warren.E. Stewart, Edwin N.
Lightfoot
2. https://uta.pressbooks.pub/appliedfluidmechanics/chapter/experiment-7/
3. https://eerc03-iiith.vlabs.ac.in/exp/reynolds/docs/7.Reynolds_experiment
4. https://www.sjsu.edu/firstintheworld/docs/workshop_gp_lp_2019/
cpp_2019/Petrie_LP_CE3140