Fluid Design Project Report

Group 2
Manager: Junior James
A/Manager: Merilyn Morua
Members: Aquila Osborn,
Rotona Iobuna, Tamara Pala,
Chaira Meakoro, Phil Heri,
Ezekiel Ep, Bruckner Bill &
Christophilda Marai
Lecturer: Mr. R. Nigo
Due date: 11th April 2024
Contents
 Summary
-Brief summary of how the fluid dynamics design project was
carried out.

 Introduction
-An introduction to the topic of Fluid Dynamic Design Systems
and a brief introduction of the type of fluid system which the
design project comes under.

 Materials and Methods

-What was used during the measuring of lengths for pipes and
the steps taken during measurement taking.

 Results and Discussion

-Includes design, calculations of; system head, fluid power,
actual power and choice of the type of pump.

 Conclusion and Recommendation

 Reference
Summary:
This Fluid Design Project is aimed to help us experience and really understand the dynamics
of how the designing of an actual fluid transportation system in the industries of food, water
and biochemical.
During the project the team took measurements from site two which was the left side of the
Applied Science Building (if you are facing the building from the front). Starting from the
back where the reservoir is to be situated, along the left side of the building, the front left side
of the building, up to the top floor and ending next to the photocopier room which is the
supposed area at which the tap water is to be at. After the measurements were done, tasks
were then delegated among group members. Group Two (2) is made up of 10 members
respectively which is managed by a Manager (Junior James) and an Assistant Manager
(Merilyn Morua). Tasks were delegated the following way by team leaders:
 Design and measurement input-Phil Heri
 Costing of project- Bruckner Bill & Ezekiel Ep
 Calculation to determine appropriate pipe- Aquila Osborn, Junior James &
Christophilda Marai
 Report Writing- Merilyn Morua & Rotona Iobuna
 PowerPoint Presentation- Chaira Meakoro & Tamara Pala
The objective for this project is to measure, sketch or design possible pipeline routes and
report calculation of the costing of the project. The procedures taken in this project were
obtained through physical observation, sketching and surveying of the site concerned.
The project findings indicate that to transport 4.16666667 kgs-1 of water over a total distance
of 75.74 m, a 3KVA pump would be suitable to tolerate or overcome the resistance, required
to pump water to the front balcony of upstairs, next to CT 210. Furthermore, a total of 10
sockets, 6 smooth elbows 90O and a Gate Valve were utilized to minimize friction and energy
loss, thus improve the flow rate. Considering all this, the entire project would have a grand
total cost of K9,837.00

Introduction:
Fluid dynamics plays an important role in the design and optimization of systems within the
food, water and biochemical industries, falling under the domain of food engineering (R. P.
Chhabra & J. F. Richardson, 2008). Each of these industries rely on the precise manipulation
and control of fluids to ensure efficient processes, product quality, and safety. From the flow
of ingredients in food processing to the distribution of water in agricultural irrigation systems,
it is vital to understand fluid behavior (R. Darby, 2001). In addition, biochemical industries
such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, fluid dynamics controls processes like
fermentation and filtration. By incorporating the principles of fluids together with
engineering expertise, it enables these industries to enhance productivity, sustainability and
innovation (R. K. Sharma, & A. K. Datta, 2018).
Our fluid design project comes under Fluid Distribution Systems. It refers to the
infrastructure and mechanisms designed to convey fluids from a source to various points of
use. These systems are essential for supplying water, gases, or other liquids to residential,
commercial, and industrial areas. They typically involve a network of pipes, pumps, valves,
and storage facilities to ensure the efficient and reliable transportation of fluids (J. P. Tullis,
2002). In water distribution systems, water is sourced from reservoirs, wells, or treatment
plants and transported through a network of pipes to homes, businesses, and other facilities.
Pumping systems help maintain adequate pressure and flow rates, while valves control the
distribution and regulate flow direction. Additionally, storage tanks and reservoirs provide
backup supply and help manage demand fluctuations (AWWA., 2017).
According to ‘R. Y. Nigo, 2024’ Fluids can be classified with respect to either density or its
association with friction. Classification with respect to density includes incompressible and
compressible whereas classification with respect to friction involves ideal fluids and real
fluids.
When a fluid flows through pipes or processing equipment, there is a loss of energy and a
drop in pressure which are due to frictional resistance to flow. The loss of pressure in pipes is
determined by a number of factors including the density and viscosity of the fluid, the length
and diameter of the pipe and the number of bends, valves, etc., in the pipeline.

Transportation of water (fluid) through pipes is considered as an incompressible and real

fluids as it offers resistance to flow and also its density remains constant when pressure is
applied.

*In this report, it outlines the process and outcomes of the fluid design project, highlighting
the flow of water through suitable designed pump systems from the boiler house (reservoir),
through the NFTMC and main department building, up to the convergent point. From there,
the flow is elevated toward the top floor in which the tap is to be mounted.

Materials
10 m Tape Measure, Sticks

Method
Site two was marked with red ribbons prior to the practical work of going to measure. After
being briefed on the Project, the needed materials to measure were taken towards site two.
Two individuals were tasked with handling the tape measure, one to place sticks where the
tape measure ends, one to clear out obstacles during measuring, two to take images of the
whole project being carried out and the rest to record measurements and step in where help
was needed. Measurements began at the back of the Applied Science building in front of the
biogas plant where the source of water is to be situated and towards the Pilot Plant, behind
the Quality Assurance Lab, this was labelled as ‘Reservoir to Point A’. The next
measurements were taken from Point A (which was beside the Pilot Plant) along the left side
of the building which is past the Quality Assurance lab and Microbiology Lab to the front of
the building, this part of the measurement was labelled ‘Point A to Point B’. Then from Point
B measurements were taken alongside the front of the building towards the area where the
entrance ended, this was labelled ‘Point B to Point C’. At Point C measurements were taken
up towards the top floor of the building at which the first measurement of height was and
labelled ‘Point C to Point D’, from Point D the measurements of the length were taken along
the top floor and labelled ‘Point D to Point E’. The last measurement was the second height at
which the tap would be situated and labelled ‘Point E to Point F’. After the measurements
were taken, tasks were then delegated to each group members.
Note; Measurements were taken and labelled as points to make it easier to identify areas at
which an elbow would be placed.

Results and Discussion

Fluid System Design:
Design of the building was made with reference to the actual building. The design itself
indicates the measurement we took and as mentioned in the methods the elbows are put in
place of the points which were used to label. From the design it shows that along the left side
of the building (along the QA Lab and Microbiology Lab) measurements were not taken
beside the building directly but instead were taken further away since there were obstacles
which could not be easily removed and some of the structures of the building made it difficult
as well, therefore measurements were taken on the free area beside the left side of the
building.
 Project Design Calculations:

8 650 mm
38 150 mm

910 mm

3 280 mm
3 840 mm

9 710 mm
Figure: Sketch; Front View
 The blue arrow/ points indicate joints/elbows.
 All measurements are in millimetres as indicated in boxes.
 The line indicates pipeline (flow of water) having a diameter of 4 cm.
 The arrows indicate pipeline measurements.

FLUID PROJECT DESIGN CALCULATIONS

The problem thus involves transportation of water through a pipe diameter of 4cm which
flows at a rate of 15 tonnes per hour capacity. Estimate the;
 total system head
 fluid power, the actual power and the choice of the type of pump

Collecting Data:

G (kgs-1) = 4.16666667
D (m) = 0.04
LT (m): = 82.18
Pi: = 3.14
Density (kgm-3) = 1000
Viscosity (Pa. s-1) = 0.001
h (m): = 4.75
Lst (m) = 59.79

Assuming the density of water is 1000 kgm-3 and viscosity is 0.001 Pas-1
Since LT = Lstraight + Lfitting + Lelevation
Lfitting = n x D x ED

FITTING’S n EPD D Eq. L (m)

900 smooth 6 40 0.04 9.6
elbows
Gate valve 1 40 0.04 1.6

Total Lfitting 11.2

Hence, LT = Lfitting + Lstraight + Lelevation = 11.2 + 59.79 + 4.75 = 75.74

Efficiency = Fluid or theoretical power = 70
Actual Power

Rearranging gives
Actual Power = Fluid or theoretical power
70

Hence, Fluid or theoretical power

P fluid (W): = hp x G x g
hp is not given so we need to establish hp, but first we need to find the volumetric flow rate
G = Q ρ
4.1666667 = Q 1000
Q = 0.0041666667

hp = hpotential + hpressure + hvelocity + hfriction

Since, hpotential is 4.75 and hpressure is 0 we need to establish hvelocity and hfriction.

Therefore;

hvelocity = U2
2g

Hence, mean or average velocity

U= 4 x Q
3.14 x D x D
= 4x0.00416667
3.14x0.04x0.04
= 3.315727981 ms-1

Substitution gives

Hvelocity = ( 3.315727981)2
2 x 9.81
= 0.560349237 m

hfriction = 2 f u u LT
D g
= 2 x f x 3.315727981 x 3.315727981 x 75.74
0.04 x 9.81

f is unknown so we need to find f and in order to find f we need to know the flow regime.
Re = D ρ U
μ
= 0.04 x 1000 x 3.315727981
0.001

= 132629.1192

Since Re > 2500, the flow is turbulent, using:

f = 0.079 Re-0.25
= 0.079 x 132629.1192-0.25
= 0.00413965707

Substitution gives
hfriction = 2 x 0.00413965707 x 3.315727981 x 3.315727981 x 75.74
0.04 9.81
= 17.56430787

Now,
hp = 4.75 + 0 + 0.560349237 + 17. 56430787
= 22.87465711

Therefore, the total system head is 22.87m

Substituting hp value into Pfluid gives

Pfluid (W) = hp G g
= 22. 87465711 x 4.166667 x 9.81
= 935.0016101

Therefore, the fluid or theoretical power required is 935.00 W

Now, Actual Power = Fluid or theoretical power

70
= 935.0016101
0.7
= 1335.716586 W

The work requires a pump that operates more than 1335.72 W for this duty.
The work requires a pump that operates more than for this duty. Therefore, the
required pump is a 3 KVA pump.

The diameter of the pipeline used all throughout the project was 4 cm and the total pipeline
measurements was found to be 64.54 m (excluding the pipeline fittings total length), while
the fittings length was a total length of 75.74 m.
In the calculation, the elbows used were 6 x 90° smooth elbow and a gate valve. The
smooth elbows were used instead of square elbow in order to retain a smooth flow without
additional pressure drop. According to (Nigo, 2024), a constant pipeline diameter used all
throughout a project design minimizes the energy loss through friction and shock.
Consequently, various fittings and valves installed on the pipeline causes additional pressure
drop. In a short pipe with many fittings, the friction loss from these fittings could be greater
than in the straight pipe (Geankoplis, 1993). Apart from frictional losses in straight pipes,
frictional losses are common in corners, bends, exits and restrictions.

Apart from the calculation, the total system head, fluid power, the actual power and the
choice of the category of pump is influenced entirely by the mass flow rate, volumetric flow
rate, diameter of the pipe and total length of the pipe ( ).
Therefore, the calculated total system head loss, together with the fluid/theoretical power
required and the actual power of the pump were 22.87m, 935.00 W and 1335.72 W
respectively.

The total system head loss obtained is the sum of head loss due to potential, frictional,
pressure and velocity. However, pressure loss does not influence the total head loss since,
‘the pressure at the entry and exist points are exposed to atmospheric pressure, hence, the
change in pressure is assumed to be zero’ (Nigo, 2024).

From the calculations, the actual power is the core element that determines the type of pump
required to do the duty.

Material Cost of Design Project:

Number Item Quantity Unit Cost Amount (K) Supplier
(K)
1 6m Warehouse
Galvanized 11 90 990
pipe (40 mm)
2 Gate valve 1 49 49 Warehouse
3 Smooth 6 18 108 Warehouse
elbow 90O
4 Union joint / 10 9 90 warehouse
sockets
5 Pump (3Kw) 1 4500 4500 warehouse
Total Cost K 5,737.00

OTHER COST APART FROM MATERIALS

Number Item Amount (K)
6 Consultation, Labor and 3500
Report fee
7 Mobilization fee 600
Grand Total K 9,837.00

The total cost of the materials is K 5,737.00. The cost of each material varies from one shop
to another.

A pump of 3 kW was quoted simply because of the actual power value (required for the duty)
derived from the calculations. The galvanized pipe was connected throughout instead of PVC
or Plastic Plumbing Pipes. Also, one of the main disadvantages of PVC conduit includes its
physical weakness compared to metal. PVC can break and splinter when exposed to physical
stress. It also needs to be supported when installed in longer runs due to sagging.

The other costs apart from materials include consultancy, labor and report fee of K 3500 and
a mobilization fee of K 600. The grand total of K 9837 is the total cost of the project.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the calculated total system head loss, fluid/theoretical power required and the
actual power of the pump were 22.87m, 935.00 W and 1335.72 W respectively.

Furthermore, the pump required for the piping system is 3 kW and the total cost required for
the project is K 9837. Therefore, the result obtained corresponds to the aim of the project;
which is to supply water from the biodiesel plant (reservoir) to the balcony (front door),
opposite room CT210 where the tape (1 m with 90-degree smooth elbow) was positioned.

The project as a whole has been an eye opener, group two members have been able to put to
use what they have learnt from given lectures into an actual project which could be expected
in the working field. It has enabled individuals to acquire certain skills and has really
challenge the team in terms of communication, trust in each individual’s ability to provide
accurate and quality work, great team work and to enhance the ability to work efficiently
within each delegated tasks knowing that each task builds up and adds to the overall project
itself.

Recommendation:
When designing a fluid design project, one must take into consideration the following;

 The type of fluid used,

 The mass and volumetric flow rate,
 The diameter of the pipe,
 The type of elbows or fittings used,
 Total head loss due to velocity, potential pressure and frictional loss,
 Required pump for the project, and,
 Quality, quantity and cost of the materials.
The project can be upgraded by minimizing the elevation and fittings.

Therefore, since this project was done with accurate calculations according to the data we
were provided as well as the measurements we took and the reference of materials with
which we were given, all needed measures were carefully approached in order to create a
human friendly fluid system. Therefore, we group 2 confidently recommended this pipeline
design project but also encourage individuals to seek extra expert opinions if there are still
doubts.
Reference:
AWWA. (2017). M55: PE Pipe-Design and Installation. American Water Works Assiciation.
Chhabra, R. P., Richardson, J. F. (2008). Non-Newtonian flow in the process industries:
Fundamentals and engineering applications. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Darby, R. (2001). Chemical engineering fluid mechanics, CRC Press.
Geankoplis, C. J. (1993). Transport Processes and Unit Operations. New Jersey: Prentice-
Hall International. Inc.
Nigo, R. Y. (2024). FT311: FOOD ENGINEERING II; FLUID DYNAMICS, Applied
Sciences Department, University of Technology.

Sharma, R. K., & Datta, A. K. (2018). Introduction to food engineering, CRC Press.

Tullis, J. P. (2002). Hydraulics of pipelines: pumps, valves, cavitation, transients. ASCE

Publications.