Fluid Friction in Pipes and Losses from Fittings

Objectives

To demonstrate the friction loss in pipes, valves and other fittings. To determine
experimentally the relationship between friction factor and Reynolds
number for flow of water in a pipe.

Experimental Setup

The main components for this test are pump and water storage tank, differential
manometer for measuring the head at different point along the pipe and across the
fittings, and volume flow meter for measuring the flow rate. The friction loss will be
measured across the fittings and a long the pipe of the following:

• Horizontal pipes, PVC (3/4 inch and ½ inch) and BP (3/4 inch)
• Regular elbow
• Tee section and sudden expansion and contraction.
• Gate valve, Globe valve, Ball valve and check valve.

The components are joined together with pressure taps across each loss components.

Theory

Dr. A. Al-Sarkhi 1
When a liquid flows from one point to another, part of the total energy is lost due to
friction between the liquid and the wall and the interaction of the liquid molecules. The
resulting head loss is called friction head (hL). the friction head between two points can
be expressed by
 P1 P2   V12 V22 
hL =  −  +  −  + (Z 1 − Z 2 ) -----------------------------------------(1)
 γ γ   2 g 2 g 
and the total energy of water at any point may be expressed as the total head at that point
ht where
Total head (ht) = Pressure head +velocity head + static head (elevation)
P V2
= hp + hv + hs = + + Z --------------------------------(2)
γ 2g
Pipe Friction

Fluid flow in a direction of decreasing pressure and the decrease in the pressure is caused
by the frictional loss in a pipe. The friction loss in a pipe depends on the type of the flow
(Laminar or turbulent) and the surface roughness of the pipe.
Friction loss for laminar flow in a pipe is given as

32 µLV hf
hf = or f = 64/Re ∝V ---------------------------------(3)
γD 2
L
where V is the average velocity and D is the pipe diameter and L is the pipe length = 1.25
m, γ is the specific weight and µ is the dynamic viscosity. But for the friction factor for
k
turbulent flow f is a function of Reynolds number ,Re ,and pipe roughness, s , the
D
following equation could be used
L V2 hf
hf = f ∝V 2 -----------------------------------------------------(4)
D 2g L

Consider a flow in a pipe and apply Bernoulli’s equation between any two points then
P1 V12 P V2
+
-------------------------(5) + Z1 = 2 + 2 + Z 2 + hL
γ 2g γ 2g
For horizontal pipe with constant diameter, Z1 = Z2 and V1 =V2 then Bernoulli’s equation
becomes
P1 P2
− = hL
γ γ
P1
Where: is the pressure head at point 1
γ
P2
is the pressure head at point 2
γ
hL is the head loss between 1 and 2 due to friction ≡ hf

Dr. A. Al-Sarkhi 2
 γ is the specific weight of the fluid = ρg

Friction Loss for Valves and Pipe Fittings

There is no established formula for friction of Valves and pipe fittings. However from
experimental results
V2
hL = K where K is a constant called fittings loss coefficient
2g

Procedure

• This experiment is used for measurement of friction or pressure loss when fluid
flow through various pipes, fittings or valves. Differential pressure is measured by
manometer. For low pressure use water manometer and for high pressure use
Mercury.
• Flow rate can be measured by measuring volume of liquid passed in certain
period of time using volume flow meter and stop watch. There are three volume
flow meters: X 0.0001 m3 = 0.1 Liter
X 0.001 m3 = 1 Liter
X 0.01 m3 = 10 Liter
• Open the flow control valve for high flow rate to purge air bubbles then reduce
the flow rate to about 10 lt/min.
• Time and record the volume flow rate using volume flow meter and stop watch.
• Take the measurements for 5,10,20,30,40, and 50 lt/min

Results

The following data should be taken

• Plot a graph of the head loss versus the average velocity for all pipes and identify
the laminar and turbulent zones on the graph.
• Confirm that the graph is a straight line for the laminar flow zone and hL~ Vn for
the turbulent flow.
• Plot a graph of log h versus log V and confirm that the graph is a straight line and
find the exponent n from the slop of this graph.

Dr. A. Al-Sarkhi 3
• Plot f versus Re.
• Find K for all fittings and compare with literature.
• Discuss any source of error in this experiment.

Dr. A. Al-Sarkhi 4