Experiment 03
Objective:
To determine the loss factor for flow through a range of pipe fittings.
Experimental Apparatus:
The equipment measures the pressure drops at various flow rates when water flow through
different pipe bends, and fittings. It is used with Hydraulic Bench. All bends and fittings are
connected in series with pressure tapping on both sides of each device. A water manometer with
a vent valve and a hand air pump is connected to these tapings. A valve at the outlet is used to
control outlet pressure.
Fig. 1 Bends and Fittings Apparatus
Theory:
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Fluid flow through pipe fittings experiences energy losses due to various factors such as
sudden changes in direction, flow separation, and turbulence. These losses are quantified by the
loss factor (K), which is a dimensionless parameter used in head loss calculations.
Bernoulli's Equation:
The total head loss (h_L) in a pipe system is the sum of the major and minor losses. Major losses
are associated with frictional energy loss due to the viscous effects of the fluid and roughness of
the pipe wall. Minor losses are caused by localized flow disturbances at fittings, valves, bends,
and other obstructions.
Bernoulli's equation relates the total head (H) at two points along a streamline to the pressure,
velocity, and elevation:
H = p / (ρg) + v^2 / (2g) + z
where:
H - Total head (m)
p - Pressure (Pa)
ρ - Fluid density (kg/m^3)
g - Acceleration due to gravity (m/s^2)
v - Velocity (m/s)
z - Elevation (m)
The head loss due to a fitting can be expressed as:
h_L = K * (v^2 / (2g))
where:
K - Loss factor (dimensionless)
Darcy-Weisbach Equation:
For flow in straight pipes, the head loss due to friction can be calculated using the Darcy-
Weisbach equation:
h_f = f * L / D * (v^2 / (2g))
where:
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h_f - Head loss due to friction (m)
f - Friction factor (dimensionless)
L - Pipe length (m)
D - Pipe diameter (m)
Minor Loss Coefficient:
The minor loss coefficient (K) for a fitting depends on the type of fitting, its geometry, and the
Reynolds number (Re). The Reynolds number is a dimensionless parameter that indicates
whether the flow is laminar, transitional, or turbulent.
Re = ρvd / μ
where:
μ - Dynamic viscosity of the fluid (Pa·s)
K values for various fittings can be obtained from tables or charts. The Moody diagram is a
commonly used tool that relates the friction factor (f) to Reynolds number (Re) and relative
roughness of the pipe.
Definitions:
1. Loss factor (K): A dimensionless parameter that quantifies the head loss due to a fitting.
2. Head loss (h_L): The energy loss due to friction and flow disturbances in a pipe system.
3. Major loss: Energy loss due to friction in straight pipes.
4. Minor loss: Energy loss due to localized flow disturbances at fittings, valves, bends, etc.
5. Reynolds number (Re): A dimensionless parameter that indicates the flow regime
(laminar, transitional, or turbulent).
6. Friction factor (f): A dimensionless parameter that describes the frictional resistance to
flow in a pipe.
7. Moody diagram: A graphical tool used to determine the friction factor based on
Reynolds number and relative roughness of the pipe.
Formulas used :
Bernoulli's equation: H = p / (ρg) + v^2 / (2g) + z
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Head loss due to fitting: h_L = K * (v^2 / (2g))
Darcy-Weisbach equation: h_f = f * L / D * (v^2 / (2g))
Reynolds number: Re = ρvd / μ
Experimental Procedure:
1. Adjust the flow from bench control valve.
2. After this, all the manometers show a steady value. Take readings from the manometer.
3. In order to determine the volume flow rate, carry out a timed volume collection using
the volumetric tank. Close the passage to the drain valve. Using stop watch measure the
time taken to accumulate known volume into the tank.
4. Collect fluid for at least one minute to minimize timing errors.
5. Repeat this procedure to give a total of at least five sets of measurements over a flow
range.
Observations and Calculations:
1-2 Sudden expansion
2-3 Sudden contraction
3-4 Miter bend
4-5 Small radius bend
5-6 Large radius bend
6-7 Elbow 45°
7-8 Elbow
9-10 Gate Valve (optional)
Fig. 2 Schematic of the Apparatus
∆h
Loss factor ( K ¿¿ L)= 2
¿
v
2g
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Volume Flow
Head Velocit
h1 h2 Time Collecte rate
FITTINGS loss y v2 / 2g
(m) (m) T (sec) d Qt KL
Δh (m) v (m/s)
V (m3) (m3/s)
Enlargement
Contraction
Miter Bend
Short Bend
Large Bend
Elbow 450
Elbow
Specimen Calculations
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Discussion:
Flow Fitting Experiment: Key Points:
Experiment revealed how fitting geometry and flow regime affect head loss.
Higher velocities lead to greater energy loss.
Results aligned with theoretical models.
Future investigations could involve pipe roughness and CFD simulations.
Studying head loss is crucial for optimizing pipe system design.
This experiment highlighted the importance of considering head losses in pipe system design.
Accurately determining K for various fittings helps engineers optimize designs for efficient flow
and minimize energy consumption. This experiment provides a valuable foundation for further
research into flow characteristics and head loss in complex piping systems.
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