Experiment No.

HEAT LOSSES FROM BARE AND LAGGED PIPES

Course Code: MEP510L2 Program: BSME

Course Title: ME LABORATORY 3 Date Performed:
Section:ME51FA1 Date Submitted:
Leader: Instructor: Engr. Nelson Dela Pea Jr.
Members:

1. Objective:

The activity aims to provide knowledge on the calculation of heat losses from bare and lagged pipes.

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:
2.1 Explain the principles of heat loss and heat gain from bare and lagged pipes considering the
materials used in the system.
2.2 Apply the appropriate standards and tables in the calculation of heat losses to improve the
system efficiency.
2.3 Develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety and ability to follow
instruction.

3. Discussion:

A good pipe covering, in addition to being a good insulator, should be fireproof, waterproof, vermin proof,
odorless, and light in weight. It should also be mechanically strong and should suffer no loss of insulating
value due to time.

The only logical method for testing commercial pipe coverings is to mount these coverings on pipe of the size
for which they were intended. Extensive tests of commercial coverings have been made by various
investigators, and two general methods for heat measurement have been used. For steam-pipe coverings,
the most natural method is to fill the covered pipe with steam, to measure the heat content of the steam
entering and leaving the test section, and to condense and weigh the steam. A dead-end pipe is ordinarily
used, the test pipe itself acting as the steam condenser.

Movement of cooling water, brine, compressed air and steam is essential in any industrial complex. Fluid
movement takes place in piping due pressure difference. For carrying out study in these systems, knowledge
of pressure at various points is essential. For a given length of pipe, pressure drop can be measured or
calculated. Measurement of pressure drop is recommended if instruments of good accuracy are available
and measurement is practically possible. In systems where measurement is not possible, estimation of
pressure drop is recommended.
The measurements and estimations enables to take a decision whether the energy cost due to pressure drop
in existing piping system is more than the total cost of installing a new pipeline of same size or higher size in
order to reduce pressure drop. Recommended pipe size for steam systems is given to help in proper selection
and to verify whether existing piping is properly sized. As a general rule, the pressure drop should not
normally exceed 0.1 bar/50 m.

Piping if left bare can lose heat due to temperature difference between pipe surface temperature and ambient
temperature. The methods of measurements and calculations for estimation of heat losses and heat gain in
piping systems and insulation thickness are described. Measurements of fluid temperature and pipe surface
temperatures are necessary for above calculations.

Heat Loss Calculations:

Heat Loss from Pipes:

Simplified formula for calculating the heat transfer coefficient h (mW/cm2-K) are given below. This is useful
if the temperature difference between surface and the ambient is less than 150C.

For horizontal pipes, h = C1 + 0.005 (Th - Ta)

For vertical pipes, h = C2 + 0.009 (Th - Ta)

where:
h = heat transfer coefficient, (mW/cm2-C)
Th = hot surface temperature, C
Ta = ambient temperature, C

Using the coefficients C1 and C2 as given below:

Surface C1 C2
Aluminum, bright rolled 0.05 0.25 0.27
Aluminum, oxidized 0.13 0.31 0.33
Steel 0.15 0.32 0.34
Galvanized sheet metal, dusty 0.44 0.53 0.55
Non metallic surfaces 0.95 0.85 0.87

Area of pipe surface, A = x D x Leff, cm2

where:
D = pipe surface outside diameter, cm
Leff = effective length of pipeline, cm
Types of pipe insulation
Bare and Lagged Pipes
4. Materials and Equipment:

Bare and lagged pipe assembly

Personal protective equipment
Automation unit
Laser Thermometers
Steel tape
Outside calipers
Sling psychrometer
Psychrometric Chart
Log sheets

5. Procedure:

The ASME Test Code specifies that each run should be at least 1 hour long. If the time available for this
experiment necessitates shorter runs, all readings should be taken every 5 minutes.

1. A team leader should be elected or appointed from the group. The team leader must develop specific
log sheets to be used by each member assigned to take data. Accomplished log sheets should be
submitted together with this experiment.

2. Make sure to wear/use the personal protective equipment in the entire duration of the experiment.

3. With the assistance of the laboratory technician, set the main pressure of steam to 40 psig and
difference of 10psig. Set-up and install the automation unit by attaching it to the terminal for bare
and covered pipe assembly. Set the data collection default at 5 minute interval. Encode the instructor
and technician names in the automation system.

4. Fire the boiler.

5. When desired steam pressure is achieved, direct the steam to the Bare and Lagged pipe assembly
by opening and closing the corresponding valves in the steam line header.

6. With the drain valve open wide, turn the steam valve to allow steam to flow through the steam line
long enough to purge apparatus of all air. Close the drain valve. Measure the air properties inside
the boiler room. Plot the results on a psychrometric chart.

7. For the bare pipes, get the steam temperature and that of the outer surface of the pipe (both steam
inlet and outlet). Record the data on the log sheet. Determine the heat losses for each pipe.

8. For the lagged pipe, get the steam temperature, outer surface temperature of the pipe, and that of
outer surface of the covering (both steam inlet and outlet). Record the data on the log sheet. Identify
the insulation used. Determine the heat loss on the lagged pipe. With the bare pipe of same material,
compute the efficiency of the insulation.
 9. For the finned pipe, get the temperature of the outer surface of the pipe and that of the outermost
fin surface (both steam inlet and outlet). Record the data on the log sheet. Considering the total
surface area of the finned pipe, compute the heat removed. With the bare pipe of same material,
compute the efficiency of the fin.

10. Repeat the procedure for each bare and lagged pipes over a 2-hour period with readings every 5
minutes. Due to the large number of readings, much care is necessary in arranging and recording
the data.

11. Upon completion of data gathering, stop the automation unit, making sure that data collected is
stored in the hard drive. Print a hard copy. Data from automation unit when used in computation
and diagram must be marked and cited accordingly.

12. For all pipes tested, draw a temperature-length diagram, pipe cross section showing dimensions,
respective heat flow directions. Label each diagram properly.

The efficiency of the insulation is defined as follows:

(Heat lost from bare pipe) - (Heat lost from covered pipe)
E = x 100%
(Heat lost from bare pipe)

(Heat saved by insulation)

= x 100%
(Heat lost without insulation)

The heat-transfer coefficients to be calculated for each test pipe are:

over-all coefficient, U in over-all transmission equation; q = UAT

conductivity of the insulating material k in conduction equation; qL = kAT
outside-surface coefficient h in convection equation; q = hAT

The steam-side-surface coefficient and the contact resistance between covering and pipe may be neglected.

The value of U for a simple wall:

1
U=
1 L 1
+ +
h1 k h2

where:
 q = heat flow rate
A = area of surface on which heat transfer coefficient is based
T1 = higher temperature
T2 = lower temperature
MTD = mean temperature difference (arithmetic or logarithmic)
L = length of heat path
k = thermal conductivity
h = surface conductance
U = transmittance or over-all coefficient

Notes and Precautions:

1. The same amount of condensate should be accumulated each successive 20 minutes by a

given test pipe. If these amounts do not check after a reasonable warming-up period, look
for trouble.

2. Most likely the source of error is due to insufficient venting of air before starting. Make sure
that each test pipe is blown down thoroughly.

3. Use several thermometers for air temperature, place them on a level with the test section,
but protect them from radiation. A piece of aluminum foil makes a good shield for the
thermometer bulb.

4. Do not open doors or windows near the test unit during the conduct of the test.

6. Data and Results:

Table 1: Piping materials

Pipe Material

1 Galvanized iron

2 Black iron
Black iron pipe with insulation (Perlite
3 asbestos, outside aluminum)

4 Stainless Steel

5 Copper tube

6 Copper tube fins (nonmetallic)

This experiment used 5 minutes interval for gathering data. For measuring surface temperature in
every pipe we used laser thermometers and psychrometer for air temperature porperties.
Table 2: Pipe inlet
Inside Temperatures: (Reading based on temperature gauges)
Surface Temperatures: (Using infrared gun thermometer)

trials Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 Pipe 5 Pipe 6 Ambient

temperature
5mins 112.5 C 110 C 118 C 115 C 116 C 121 C 31 C
49psi 68.5 C 77.4 C 34.7 C 61.5 C 60.1 C 82.2 C
10mins 110 C 111 C 116 C 115 C 116 C 117 C 31 C
45psi 62.5 C 64.3 C 35 C 48.9 C 41.2 C 94.2 C
15mins 111 C 111 C 116 C 115 C 116 C 116 C 31 C
41psi 65.3 C 60.6 C 41.4 C 48.6 C 60.3 C 98 C
20mins 116 C 111 C 116 C 111 C 115 C 116 C 31 C
40psi 72.2 C 73.5 C 35.5 C 53.1 C 66.3 C 98.2 C
25mins 110 C 110 C 112 C 119 C 120 C 117 C 31 C
36psi 66.4 C 65 C 34.3 C 59.4 C 65 C 91.3 C
30mins 110 C 111 C 111 C 111 C 116 C 116 C 32 C
35psi 64.4 C 75.4 C 35.7 C 64.3 C 50.2 C 94.1 C
35mins 110 C 111 C 111 C 111 C 116 C 116 C 32 C
34psi 63.5 C 60.3 C 34.5 C 68.8 C 67.6 C 77.1 C
40mins 111 C 111 C 111 C 115 C 115 C 116 C 31.5 C
33psi 66.2 C 62.7 C 35.1 C 59.6 C 67.4 C 92.8 C
45mins 111 C 110 C 111 C 111 C 116 C 116 C 31 C
31psi 66.5 C 67 C 35.2 C 67 C 63.2 C 97.7 C
50mins 110 C 111 C 111 C 110 C 115 C 116 C 31.5 C
30psi 64.6 C 61.2 C 33.9 C 66.9 C 66.5 C 94.7 C
55mins 110 C 111 C 111 C 110 C 114 C 115 C 32 C
29psi 69.4 C 63.2 C 34.6 C 60.4 C 67.1 C 97.5 C
60mins 110 C 111 C 111 C 110 C 114 C 115 C 31.5 C
28psi 65.5 C 62.2 C 35.2 C 63.6 C 69.5 C 95.4 C
Table 3:Pipe inlet
Corresponding Inside Pressure (Using Steam Table)
Corresponding Surface Pressure (Using Steam Table)

trials Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 Pipe 5 Pipe 6 Ambient

KPa KPa KPa KPa KPa KPa temperature
5mins 153.277 143.376 186.404 169.177 174.768 205.039 31 C
49psi 29.2312 42.6385 5.5359 21.3721 20.0383 51.7996
10mins 143.376 148.259 174.768 169.177 174.768 180 .509 31 C
45psi 22.3704 23.4081 5.62862 11.6926 7.87012 82.1479
15mins 148.259 148.259 174.768 169.177 174.768 174.768 31 C
41psi 25.379 20.7915 7.95369 11.5183 20.2244 94.3902
20mins 174.768 148.259 174.768 148.259 169.177 174.768 31 C
40psi 34.2914 36.2363 5.78614 14.3812 26.5336 95.0743
25mins 143.376 143.376 153.277 192.455 192.455 180.509 31 C
36psi 26.6515 25.0411 5.41433 19.3984 25.0411 73.7196
30mins 143.376 148.259 148.259 148.259 174.768 174.768 32 C
35psi 34.3767 39.2458 5.85022 24.2674 12.4127 81.8445
35mins 143.376 148.259 148.259 148.259 174.768 174.768 32 C
34psi 23.4081 30.2244 5.4782 29.6164 28.1009 42.1144
40mins 148.259 148.259 148.259 169.177 169.177 174.768 31.5 C
33psi 26.4162 22.5748 5.65982 19.5794 27.8548 77.9842
45mins 148.259 143.376 148.259 148.259 174.768 174.768 31 C
31psi 26.7698 27.368 5.69118 27.368 23.0926 93.3718
50mins 143.376 148.259 148.259 143.376 169.177 174.768 31.5 C
30psi 34.5965 21.0801 5.29509 27.2475 26.7698 83.679
55mins 143.376 148.259 148.259 143.376 163.734 169.177 32 C
29psi 30.3998 23.0926 5.50529 20.318 27.489 92.6979
60mins 143.376 148.259 148.259 143.376 163.734 169.177 31.5 C
28psi 25.6065 22.0668 5.69118 23.5141 30.5321 85.8623
Table 4: Pipe outlet
Inside Temperatures: (Reading based on temperature gauges)
Surface Temperatures: (Using laser thermometers)

trials Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 Pipe 5 Pipe 6 Ambient

temperature
5mins 113 C 116 C 116 C 111 C 110 C 110 C 31 C
49psi 76.4 C 76 C 37 C 44 C 37.5 C 54.5 C
10mins 116 C 123 C 120 C 112 C 110 C 116 C 31 C
45psi 72.4 C 74 C 36.4 C 68 C 36.6 C 89.6 C
15mins 112 C 120 C 118 C 110 C 109 C 112 C 31 C
41psi 79.7 C 82.6 C 36.1 C 51.7 C 61.8 C 56.6 C
20mins 117 C 120 C 120 C 110 C 109 C 110 C 31 C
40psi 72.6 C 82.6 C 35.5 C 64.3 C 80.1 C 86.4 C
25mins 117 C 115 C 119 C 110 C 108 C 111 C 31 C
36psi 76.3 C 22.5 C 35.5 C 56.6 C 51.4 C 80 C
30mins 115 C 118 C 117 C 110 C 108 C 110 C 32 C
35psi 60 C 46.5 C 38.4 C 63.8 C 70 C 100.7 C
35mins 110 C 120 C 117 C 110 C 107 C 109 C 32 C
34psi 77.8 C 72.9 C 39.2 C 67.4 C 57.7 C 77.7 C
40mins 117 C 120 C 117 C 110 C 107 C 109 C 31.5 C
33psi 71.3 C 74.1 C 39.8 C 64.8 C 75 C 95.1 C
45mins 110 C 120 C 118 C 109 C 107 C 108 C 31 C
31psi 77.8 C 81 C 35.9 C 62.6 C 81.5 C 84 C
50mins 115 C 119 C 118 C 109 C 106 C 107 C 31.5 C
30psi 75.6 C 79 C 36 C 65.6 C 70.2 C 87.5 C
55mins 112 C 120 C 119 C 110 C 108 C 110 C 32 C
29psi 70.6 C 74.8 C 35.3 C 64.6 C 83 C 78.5 C
60mins 111 C 112 C 114 C 109 C 108 C 110 C 31.5 C
28psi 72.5 C 68.2 C 35.1 C 68.9 C 77.7 C 86.6 C
Table 4: Pipe Out
Corresponding Inside Pressure (Using Steam Table)
Corresponding Surface Pressure (Using Steam Table)

trials Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 Pipe 5 Pipe 6 Ambient

KPa KPa KPa KPa KPa KPa temperature
5mins 158.435 174.768 174.768 148.259 143.376 143.376 31 C
49psi 41.253 40.2389 6.28185 9.1118 6.45505 15.3877
10mins 174.768 218.287 198.665 153.277 143.376 174.768 31 C
45psi 34.5847 37.0088 6.07933 28.5986 6.1462 69.1229
15mins 153.277 198.665 186.404 143.376 138.626 153.277 31 C
41psi 46.8417 52.8422 5.9802 13.4317 21.6675 17.01
20mins 180.509 198.665 198.665 143.376 138.626 143.376 31 C
40psi 34.8802 52.6323 5.78614 24.2674 47.607 61.1176
25mins 180.509 169.177 192.455 143.376 134.007 148.259 31 C
36psi 40.7433 2.72697 5.78614 17.01 13.2353 47.4147
30mins 169.177 186.404 180.509 143.376 134.007 143.376 32 C
35psi 19.9458 10.3595 6.77724 23.7272 31.2006 103.978
35mins 143.376 198.665 180.509 143.376 129.514 138.626 32 C
34psi 43.3458 35.3274 7.07521 27.8548 17.9165 43.168
40mins 180.509 198.665 180.509 143.376 129.514 138.626 31.5 C
33psi 32.9971 37.1649 7.30605 24.8179 38.5954 84.9208
45mins 143.376 198.665 186.404 138.626 129.514 134.007 31 C
31psi 43.3458 49.3676 5.9149 22.4724 50.369 55.6355
50mins 169.177 192.455 186.404 138.626 125.147 129.514 31.5 C
30psi 39.5745 45.5271 5.94747 25.7208 31.4715 63.777
55mins 153.277 198.665 192.455 143.376 134.007 143.376 32 C
29psi 32.0192 38.2735 5.72268 24.5965 53.4762 44.6073
60mins 148.259 153.277 163.734 138.626 134.007 143.376 31.5 C
28psi 34.7322 28.8502 5.65982 29.7456 43.168 61.5941
Computation:

Heat Loss Calculations:

=

+

Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD):

=
( )

Note: use LMTD if >2

Arithmetic Mean Temperature Difference (AMTD):

+
=


Note: use AMTD if 2 with 4% error

Table 35:

Mean Inside Temperature

Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 Pipe 5 Pipe 6
Inlet 102.5 102.4167 100.8333 97.25 101.5833 101.1667
Outlet 100.4167 101.6667 100.8333 98.91667 108.0392 96.33333

Mean Surface Temperature

Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 Pipe 5 Pipe 6
Inlet 55.85 54.375 34.29167 47.975 46.03333 60.15
Outlet 70.45833 73.125 36.16667 59.62667 64.95833 74.675

For Pipe 1:

= (. . ) = .
= (. . ) = .

.
= = .
.
Such that;

. < 2

Therefore we use AMTD:

. + .
= = .

Summary MTD outputs:

Table 36:

tmax /
Pipe Tmax Tmin MTD
tmin

1 46.65 29.95837 1.557161 38.30419

2 48.0417 28.5417 1.683211 38.2917
3 66.54163 64.66663 1.028995 65.60413
4 49.275 39.29 1.254136 44.2825
5 55.54997 43.08087 1.289435 49.31542
6 41.0167 21.65833 1.893807 31.33752

Inside and Outside Pipe Diameters

Table 37:

Thermal
Pipe Number Pipe Material Outside Inside Diamater, Conductivity, k
Diamater, Do (m) Di (m)
.
1 Galvanized Iron 0.0334 0.02654 80.2
2 Black Iron 0.0334 0.02664 80.2
3 Black Iron 0.0334 0.02664 80.2
Perlite Asbestos 0.12652 0.0334 0.02
Aluminum 0.012664 0.012652 205
4 Stainless Steel 0.0334 0.02664 15.1
5 Copper Tube 0.02858 0.025281 401
6 Copper Tube 0.02958 0.02858 401
with Fins
Outside Surface Conductance (ho)

Since the pipes are in horizontal position then we use the equation:

= 1 + 0.005 ( )

Pipe 1: @ Entry

1 = 0.53
= 55.85
= 30

= 0.53 + 0.005 (55.85 30) = 6.5925
2

Pipe 1: @ Outlet

1 = 0.53
= 70.45833
= 30

= 0.53 + 0.005 (70.45833 30) = 7.3229
2
Summary:

Table 38: @ Pipe Inlet

Pipe C1 Th Ta

2

1 0.53 55.85 30 6.5925

2 0.32 54.375 30 4.41875
3 0.32 34.29167 30 3.4146
4 0.32 47.975 30 4.09675
5 0.85 46.03333 30 9.3017
6 0.85 60.15 30 10.0075
Table 39: @ Pipe Outlet

Pipe C1 Th Ta

2

1 0.53 70.45833 30.5 7.2979

2 0.32 73.125 30.5 7.43125
3 0.32 36.16667 30.5 5.5833
4 0.32 59.62667 30.5 4.09675
5 0.85 64.95833 30.5 10.2229
6 0.85 74.675 30 10.7338

Surface Area

For Pipe 1 to 5

= .

Summary:

Table 40:

Pipe . Surface Area

2
1 0.0334 2.34 0.245

2 0.0334 2.34 0.245

3 0.12664 2.34 0.931

4 0.0334 2.34 0.246

5 0.02858 2.34 0.210

For Pipe 6 (Copper Tube with fins)

= + = (2) ( ) ( 2 2 )(. ) + ()( )(. )
4
Such that:

For the number of fins ( )

=
.

Where:

= 32
= 0.1
. = 2.33

32
= (2.33)
0.1

= 746

= (2) ( ) [(0.02958 )2 (0.02858 )2 ](746) + ()(0.02858)(2.33)
4
= 0.277353 2

f in = tanh(mL) mL (2) where m = (hC/KA) h = film heat transfer coefficient from the fin surface
[Kcal/hrm2C ] C = circumference of the fin [m] K = thermal conductivity of fin material [Kcal/hr mC ] A =
cross-sectional area of fin [m2 ]

Where;

=

(10/2)()(.02958)
= (401/)(0.2773532) x 2.33m

mL = .273
 10
=
. 273

= 64.59%

(Finned tube must be 50 75%)

Heat Loss Calculation

Pipe Inlet:

Pipe 1

38.30419
= 0.0334 m
1
0.02654 m
+
2(80.2 )(2.34m) (0.2452 )(6.5925 2 )
.

= 61.85

Pipe

1 61.85

2 41.46

3 7.9049

4 44.58

5 96.33

8. Conclusion and Recommendation:

After gathering the data from the experiment, We were able to compute for the heat loss from the bare and
covered pipes. We learn more in the principles of heat loss and heat gain from bare and covered pipe. We
were able to get the heat loss by measuring the size, temperature and pressure of the pipe. We also
learned how to compute efficiency of finned pipes.

Recommendation
We recommend getting new laser thermometer so we can able to get more accurate measurement of the
surface temperature of the pipes.

9. Assessment Rubric:
TIP-VPAA054D
Revision Status/Date:0/2009 September 09

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

RUBRIC FOR LABORATORY PERFORMANCE
CRITERIA BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT SCORE
1 2 3
Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate needed demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
skills. skills. skills.
Experimental Members are unable to Members are able to Members are able to
Set-up set-up the materials. set-up the materials set-up the material with
with supervision. minimum supervision.
Process Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.

Safety Members do not follow Members follow safety Members follow safety
Precautions safety precautions. precautions most of the precautions at all
time. times.
Work Habits
Time Members do not finish Members finish on timeMembers finish ahead
Management/ on time with incomplete with incomplete data. of time with complete
Conduct of data. data and time to revise
Experiment data.
Cooperative Members do not know Members have defined Members are on tasks
and their tasks and have no responsibilities most of and have
Teamwork defined responsibilities. the time. Group responsibilities at all
Group conflicts have to conflicts are times. Group conflicts
be settled by the cooperatively managed are cooperatively
teacher. most of the time. managed at all times.
Neatness and Messy workplace during Clean and orderly Clean and orderly
Orderliness and after the workplace with workplace at all times
experiment. occasional mess during during and after the
and after the experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do Members require Members require Members do not need
independent supervision by the occasional supervision to be supervised by the
work teacher. by the teacher. teacher.
Other Comments/Observations:
TOTAL SCORE

RATING=

x 100%