Faculty of G.P.

Vaishali 4th semester- 2020

9
Unit-5 FLOW THROUGH PIPES

5.1Friction Losses of Head in Pipes 5-2 Secondary Losses of Head in Pipes

5.3 Flow through Pipe Systems

5-1 Friction Losses of Head in Pipes:

There are many types of losses of head for flowing liquids such as friction, inlet
and outlet losses. The major loss is that due to frictional resistance of the pipe,
which depends on the inside roughness of the pipe. The common formula for
calculating the loss of head due to friction is Darcy’s one.

Darcy’s formula for friction loss of head:

For a flowing liquid, water in general, through a pipe, the horizontal forces on
water between two sections (1) and (2) are:

P1 A = P2 A + FR

P1= Pressure intensity at (1).

A = Cross sectional area of pipe. P2=
Pressure intensity at (2).
FR= Frictional Resistance at (2).

FR / A = (P1 / ) - (P2 / ) = hf

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Where, hf = Loss of pressure head due to friction.
= Specific gravity of water.

It is found experimentally that:

2
FR = Factor x Wetted Area x Velocity
2

FR = ( f / 2g) x ( d L) x v

Where, f = Friction coefficient.

d = Diameter of pipe.
L = Length of pipe.

hf = ( f / 2g) x ( d L) x v2 = 4 f * L * v1

( d2 /4) d*2g

hf = 4fLv2

2gd

It may be substituted for [v = Q / ( d2 /4)] in the last equation to get the head
loss for a known discharge. Thus,

hf = 32 f L Q 2

2gd5

1
2 x 9.81 x 1

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Note: In American practice and references, λ = f American = 4 f

Example 1:
A pipe 1 m diameter and 15 km long transmits water of velocity of 1 m/sec.
The friction coefficient of pipe is 0.005.
Calculate the head loss due to friction?

Solution

hf = 4fLv2

2gd
hf = 4x0.005x15000x 12 = 15.29 m
The Darcy – Weisbach equation relates the head loss (or pressure loss) due to
friction along a given length of a pipe to the average velocity of the fluid flow
for an incompressible fluid.

The friction coefficient f (or λ = 4 f) is not a constant and depends on the

parameters of the pipe and the velocity of the fluid flow, but it is known to high
accuracy within certain flow regimes.

For given conditions, it may be evaluated using various empirical or theoretical

relations, or it may be obtained from published charts.

Re (Reynolds Number) is a dimensionless number. Re = ρ v d

µ
For pipes, Laminar flow, Re < 2000

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Transitional flow, 2000 < Re < 4000
Turbulent flow, Re > 4000

For laminar flow,

Poiseuille law, (f = 64/Re) where Re is the Reynolds number .

For turbulent flow,

Methods for finding the friction coefficient f include using a diagram such as the
Moody chart, or solving equations such as the Colebrook–White equation.

Also, a variety of empirical equations valid only for certain flow regimes such
as the Hazen – Williams equation, which is significantly easier to use in
calculations. However, the generality of Darcy – Weisbach equation has made
it the preferred one.

The only difference of (hf) between laminar and turbulent flows is the empirical
value of (f).

Introducing the concept of smooth and rough pipes, as shown in Moody chart,
we find:

1) For laminar flow, f = 16 / Re

2) For transitional flow, pipes' flow lies outside this region.
3) For smooth turbulent (a limiting line of turbulent flow), all values of
relative roughness (ks/d) tend toward this line as R decreases. Blasius
equation: f = 0.079 / Re0.25

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4) For transitional turbulent, it is the region where (f) varies with both (k s/d)
& (Re). Most pipes lie in this region.
5) For rough turbulent, (f) is constant for given (k s/d) and is independent of
(Re).

Doing a large number of experiments for the turbulent region for commercial
pipes, Colebrook-White established the equation:

This equation is easily solved employing Moody chart.

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Moody Chart
λ = 4 f & values of ks are provided by pipe manufactures.

Pipe Material K, mm

Brass, Copper, Glass 0.003

Asbestos Cement 0.03

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Iron 0.06
Galvanised Iron 0.15
Plastic 0.03
Bitumen-lined Ductile Iron 0.03
Concrete-lined Ductile Iron 0.03

Example 2:

Water flows in a steel pipe (d = 40 mm, k = 0.045x10-3 m, µ = 0.001 k/ms) with

a rate of 1 lit/s.

Determine the friction coefficient and the head loss due to friction per meter
length of the pipe using:

1- Moody chart? 2- Smooth pipe formula?

Solution

v = Q / A = 0.001 / (π (0.04)2/4) = 0.796 m/s

Re = ρ v d / µ = (1000x0.796x0.04) / 0.001 = 31840 > 4000

Turbulent flow.

1. Moody chart:

k/d = 0.045x10-3 / 0.04 = 0.0011 & Re = 31840

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from the chart, f = 0.0065

hf = 4 f L v2 = 4x0.0065x1x(0.796)2 = 0.0209 m / m of pipe

2gd 2x9.81x0.04

2. Smooth pipe (Blasius equation):

f = 0.079 / Re0.25 = 0.079 / (31840) = 0.0059

hf = 4 f L v2 = 4x0.0059x1x(0.796)2 = 0.02 m / m of pipe

2gd 2x9.81x0.04

Another Solution:

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Faculty of G.P.Vaishali 4th semester- 2020

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Example 3:
The pipe of a syphon has 75 mm diameter and discharges
water to the atmosphere, as shown in figure.
Neglect all possible losses.
a. Determine the velocity of flow?
b. Find the discharge?
c. What is the absolute pressure at the point 2?

Solution

(a) Applying Bernoulli’s equation between (1) and (3), 2 + 0 + 0 = 0 + 0 +

(v23/2g)
v3 = 6.26 m/s

(b) Q = v3 x A = 6.26 x (π (0.075)2/4) = 0.028 m3/s

(c) Applying Bernoulli’s equation between (1) and (2),

2 + 0 + 0 = 3.4 + P2/ρg + (6.262/2g)
P2 = - 3.397 x (1000 x 9.81) = - 33327.8 N/m2 = - 33.33 kPa
P2abs = 64.77 kPa where, (Patm = 98.1 kN/m2)

5-2 Secondary Losses of Head in Pipes:

Any change in a pipe (in direction, in diameter, having a valve or other fitting)
will cause a loss of energy due to the disturbance in the flow.

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2
hs = K (v / 2g)

The velocity v is the velocity at the entry to the fitting. When the velocity
changes upstream and downstream the section, the larger velocity is generally
used.

Obstruction K

Tank Exit 0.5

Tank Entry 1.0

Smooth Bend 0.3

90º Elbow 0.9

45º Elbow 0.4

Standard T 1.8

Strainer 2.0

Angle Valve, wide open 5.0

Gate Valve: 0.2

Wide Open
3/4 open 1.2
1/2 open 5.6

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1/4 open 24.0

Sudden Enlargement 0.1

Sudden Contraction:

Area Ratio (A2/A1) = 0.2 0.4

Area Ratio (A2/A1) = 0.4 0.3
Area Ratio (A2/A1) = 0.6 0.2
Area Ratio (A2/A1) = 0.7 0.1

Example 4:
A pipe transmits water from a tank A to
point C that is lower than water level in
the tank by 4 m. The pipe is 100 mm
diameter and 15 m long.
The highest point on the pipe B is 1.5 m above water level in the tank and 5 m
long from the tank. The friction factor (4 f) is 0.08, with sharp inlet and outlet
to the pipe.
a. Determine the velocity of water leaving the pipe at C?
b. Calculate the pressure in the pipe at the point B?

Solution

(a) Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and C,

Head loss due to entry (tank exit, from table) = 0.5 (v2C/2g)

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Head loss due to exit into air without contraction = 0

4 f L v2 C
ZA + 0 + 0 = ZC + 0 + (v2C/2g) + 0.5 (v2C/2g) + 0 + 2gd

4 = (v2C/2g) x {1 + 0.5 + (4x0.08x15)/0.1}

vC = 1.26 m/s

(b) Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and B,

2 L
/2g) + 0.5 (v2B/2g) + 4f
v B
2

ZA + 0 + 0 = ZB + PB/ρg + (v B 2 g d

- 1.5 = PB/(1000x9.81) + (1.262/2x9.81) * {1 + 0.5 + (4x0.08x5)/0.1}

PB = - 28.61 kN/m2

5-3 Flow through Pipe Systems:

Pipes in Series:
Pipes in series are pipes with different diameters and lengths connected together
forming a pipe line. Consider pipes in series discharging water from a tank with
higher water level to another with lower water level, as shown in the figure.

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Neglecting secondary losses,
it is obvious that the total head
loss HL between the two tanks
is the sum of the friction losses
through the pipe line.

Friction losses through the pipe line are the sum of friction loss of each pipe.
HL = hf 1 + hf 2 + hf 3 + .....

HL = 4f1L1v1 2 + 4f2L2v2 2 + 4f3L3v3 2 + .....

2gd1 2gd2 2gd3

OR:

HL = 32f1L1Q 2 + 32f2L2Q 2 + 32f3L3Q 2 + .....

2 g d1 5 2 g d2 5 2 g d3 5

Pipes in Parallel:
Pipes in parallel are pipes with different diameters and same lengths, where
each pipe is connected separately to increase the discharge. Consider pipes in
parallel discharging water from a tank with higher water level to another with
lower water level, as shown in the figure.

Neglecting minor losses, it is

obvious that the total head loss
HL between the two tanks is the
same as the friction losses
through each pipe.

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The friction losses through all pipes are the same, and all pipes discharge water
independently.

HL = hf 1 = hf 2 = .....

L1 = L2 = L

HL = 4 f1 L v12 = 4 f2 L v22 = .....

2 g d1 2 g d2

HL = 32 f1 L Q1 2 = 32 f2 L Q2 2 = .....

2 g d1 5 2 g d2 5

Q = Q1 + Q2

Example 5:
A pipe, 40 m long, is connected to a water tank at one end and flows freely in
atmosphere at the other end. The diameter of pipe is 15 cm for first 25 m from
the tank, and then the diameter is suddenly enlarged to 30 cm. Height of water
in the tank is 8 m above the centre of pipe. Darcy’s coefficient is 0.01.
Determine the discharge neglecting minor losses?

Solution

Loss due to friction, hLf = hf1 + hf2

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hf = 2
32 f L Q f = 0.01
2gd5
2
Total losses, hT = Q ( 32 f L1 + 32 f L2 )
2 5 2 5
gd1 gd2

2
8 = Q ( (32x0.01) x (25) + )
2 5
g (0.15) g (0.3)
3

Q = 0.087 m /sec

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Faculty of G.P.Vaishali 4th semester- 2020

Example

15
6:
Two pipes are connected in parallel between two reservoirs that have difference
in levels of 3.5 m. The length, the diameter, and friction factor (4 f) are 2400 m,
1.2 m, and 0.026 for the first pipe and 2400 m, 1 m, and 0.019 for the second
pipe.

Calculate the total discharge between the two reservoirs?

Solution

HL = 32 f1 L Q1 2 = 32 f2 L Q2 2

2 g d1 5 2 g d2 5

3.5 = 32 f1 L Q1 2 = 8x0.026x2400xQ1 2

2 g d1 5 2x9.81 x1.2 5

Q1 = 1.29 m3/sec

3.5 = 32 f2 L Q2 2 = 8x0.019x2400xQ2 2

2 g d2 5 2x9.81 x1 5

Q2 = 0.96 m3/sec

Q = Q1 + Q2 = 1.29 + 0.96 = 2.25 m3/sec

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Faculty of G.P.Vaishali 4th semester- 2020

Example

14

7:

Two reservoirs have 6 m difference in water levels, and are connected by a pipe
60 cm diameter and 3000 m long. Then, the pipe branches into two pipes each
30 cm diameter and 1500 m long. The friction coefficient is 0.01.

Neglecting minor losses, determine the flow rates in the pipe system?

Solution

hf = hf1 + hf2

6 = hf1 + hf2

6 = k1 Q12 + k2 Q22

k1 = 32 f1 L1 = 32*0.01*3000 = 127.64

2 g d15 2*9.81*0.65

k2 = 32 f2 L2 = 32*0.01*1500 = 4084.48

2 g d2 5 2*9.81*0.35

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Example

15
k2 = 32 k1

6 = k1 Q12 + 32 k1 Q22

hf2 = hf3 & k2 = k3 Q2 = Q3

Q1 = Q2 + Q3 = 2 Q2

6 = k1 Q12 + 8 k1 Q12 = 9 k1 Q12 = (9 * 127.64) Q12 = 1148.76 Q12

Q1 = 0.072 m3/s

& Q2 = 0.036 m3/s

8:

Two tanks A and B have 70 m difference in water levels, and are connected by
a pipe 0.25 m diameter and 6 km long with 0.002 friction coefficient. The pipe
is tapped at its mid point to leak out 0.04 m 3/s flow rate. Minor losses are
ignored.

Determine the discharge leaving tank A?

Find the discharge entering tank B?

Solution

hf = hf1 + hf2

70 = hf1 + hf2

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Example

14
2 2
70 = k1 Q1 + k2 Q2

k1 = k2 = 32 f L = 32*0.002*3000 = 2032.7

2 g d5 2*9.81*0.255

70 = k1 Q12 + k1 Q22

Q1 = Q2 + Q3 = Q2 + 0.04

70 = k1 (Q2 + 0.04)2 + k1 Q22

= k1 (Q22 + 0.08 Q2 + 0.0016) + k1 Q22

= k1 Q22 + 0.08 k1 Q2 + 0.0016 k1 + k1 Q22

= 2 k1 Q22 + 0.08 k1 Q2 + 0.0016 k1

= 4065.4 Q22 + 162.6 Q2 + 3.25

0.0172 = Q22 + 0.04 Q2 + 0.0008

Q22 + 0.04 Q2 – 0.0164 = 0

Q2 = 0.11 m3/s & Q1 = 0.15 m3/s

9:

A tank transmits 100 L/s of water to the point C where the pressure is
maintained at 1.5 kg/cm2. The first part AB of the pipe line is 50 cm diameter
and 2.5 km long, and the second part BC is 25 cm diameter and 1.5 km long.
The friction coefficient is 0.005 and minor losses are ignored.

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Example

15
Assuming level at C is (0.0); find the water level (L) in the tank?

Solution

hC = PC / ᵧ = 1500 / 1 = 1500 cm = 15 m

hC = 15 = L – hfAB - hfBC

hfAB = 32 f1 L1 = 32*0.005*2500 = 1.32

2 g d15 2*9.81*0.55

hfBC = 32 f2 L2 = 32*0.005*1500 = 25.38

2 g d2 5 2*9.81*0.255

15 = L – 1.32 – 25.38

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Example

14
L = 41.7 m

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Example

16
10:
Three water tanks A, B and C with water surface levels (100.00), (50.00) and
(10.00) m are connected by pipes AJ, BJ and CJ to a common joint J of a level
(45.00) m. The three pipes have the same length, diameter and friction
coefficient.
a) Calculate the head at the joint J?
b) Determine the discharge in each pipe?

Solution

Assume, QAJ = QJB + QJC

Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and J:

HA = HJ + hf AJ

100 + 0 + 0 = HJ + hf AJ

100 - HJ = hf AJ = K Q2AJ

where, K = 32 f l / 2 g d5

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Q AJ = (100 - H J) 1/2 / (K) 1/2 .............. (1)

Similarly, applying Bernoulli’s equation between J and B:

HJ = HB + hf JB

HJ - 50 = hf JB = K Q2JB

QJB = (HJ - 50) 1/2 / (K) 1/2 .............. (2)

Also, applying Bernoulli’s equation between J and C:

HJ = HC + hf JC

HJ - 10 = hf JC = K Q2JC

QJC = (HJ - 10) 1/2 / (K) 1/2 .............. (3)

Solving equations 1, 2 and 3 by trial and error, we get:

Assumed HJ QAJ x (K)1/2 JB x (K)1/2 QJC x (K)1/2 (QJB+QJC)x(K)1/2

70 5.48 4.47 7.745 12.216

60 6.325 3.162 7.07 10.233
53 6.855 1.732 6.557 8.289
51 7 1 6.4 7.4

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50.5 7.036 0.707 6.364 7.07
50.45 7.039 0.671 6.36 7.031
50.4 7.043 0.632 6.356 6.988

50 7.071 0 6.324 6.324

From the table:

HJ = 50.45 m

QAJ = 7.039 / (K)1/2

QJB = 0.671 / (K)1/2

QJC = 6.36 / (K)1/2

It has to be noted that if HJ < 50, then the flow will be from B to J.

Exercise:

Three water tanks A, B and C are connected to a joint J by three pipes AJ, BJ
and CJ such that the water level in tank A is 40 m higher than tank B and 55 m
higher than tank C. Each pipe is 1500 m long, 0.3 m diameter and f = 0.01.

Calculate the discharges and directions of flow?

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Solution

Taking the water level in the tank C as a datum, the results are:

HJ = 18 m

QAJ = 0.134 m3/sec

QJB = 0.038 m3/sec

QJC = 0.094 m3/sec

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