Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications

CHPTER THREE
Fluid Static and Its Applications
3.1 Introduction
Static fluids means that the fluids are at rest.
The pressure in a static fluid is familiar as a surface force exerted by the fluid
ageist a unit area of the wall of its container. Pressure also exists at every point within a
volume of fluid. It is a scalar quantity; at any given point its magnitude is the same in all
directions.
Po
3.2 Pressure in a Fluid
In Figure (1) a stationary column of fluid of height
Ao
(h2) and cross-sectional area A, where A=Ao=A1=A2, is
shown. The pressure above the fluid is Po, it could be the P1
pressure of atmosphere above the fluid. The fluid at any h1
point, say h1, must support all the fluid above it. It can be
A1
shown that the forces at any point in a nonmoving or static 1 h2
fluid must be the same in all directions. Also, for a fluid at
rest, the pressure or (force / unit area) in the same at all h3
P2
points with the same elevation. For example, at h1 from
the top, the pressure is the same at all points on the cross-
sectional area A1. A2 2

The total mass of fluid for h2, height and ρ density Figure (1): Pressure in a static fluid.
is: - (h2 A ρ) (kg)
But from Newton’s 2nd law in motion the total force of the fluid on area (A) due to the
fluid only is: - (h2 A ρ g) (N) i.e. F = h2 A ρ g (N)
The pressure is defined as (P = F/A = h2 ρ g) (N/m2 or Pa)
This is the pressure on A2 due to the weight of the fluid column above it. However to get
the total pressure P2 on A2, the pressure Po on the top of the fluid must be added,
i.e. P2 = h2 ρ g + Po (N/m2 or Pa)
Thus to calculate P1, P1 = h1 ρ g + Po (N/m2 or Pa)
The pressure difference between points  and  is: -
P2 – P1 = (h2 ρ g + Po) – (h1 ρ g + Po)
⇒ P2 – P1 = (h2 – h1) ρ g SI units
P2 – P1 = (h2 – h1) ρ g / gc English units
Since it is vertical height of a fluid that determines the pressure in a fluid, the
shape of the vessel does not affect the pressure. For example in Figure (2) the pressure
P1 at the bottom of all three vessels is the same and equal to (h1 ρ g + Po).

1-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications
Po Po Po Po

ρ h1
ρ ρ ρ
P1 P1 P1 P1

Figure (2): Pressure in vessel of various shapes.

3.3 Absolute and Relative Pressure
The term pressure is sometimes associated with different terms such as
atmospheric, gauge, absolute, and vacuum. The meanings of these terms have to be
understood well before solving problems in hydraulic and fluid mechanics.
1- Atmospheric Pressure
It is the pressure exerted by atmospheric air on the earth due to its weight. This
pressure is change as the density of air varies according to the altitudes. Greater the
height lesser the density. Also it may vary because of the temperature and humidity of
air. Hence for all purposes of calculations the pressure exerted by air at sea level is
taken as standard and that is equal to: -
1 atm = 1.01325 bar = 101.325 kPa = 10.328 m H2o = 760 torr (mm Hg) = 14.7 psi
2- Gauge Pressure or Positive Pressure
It is the pressure recorded by an instrument. This is always above atmospheric. The
zero mark of the dial will have been adjusted to atmospheric pressure.
3- Vacuum Pressure or Negative Pressure
This pressure is caused either artificially or by flow conditions. The pressure
intensity will be less than the atmospheric pressure whenever vacuum is formed.
4- Absolute Pressure
Absolute pressure is the algebraic sum of atmospheric pressure and gauge pressure.
Atmospheric pressure is usually considered as the datum line and all other pressures are
recorded either above or below it.
Gauge pressure line

Pg
Atmospheric pressure line

1atm + Pg Pv
Vacuum pressure line
1 atm
1atm - Pv
Absolute zero pressure line

2-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications
Absolute Pressure = Atmospheric Pressure + Gauge Pressure
Absolute Pressure = Atmospheric Pressure – Vacuum Pressure
For example if the vacuum pressure is 0.3 atm ⇒ absolute pressure = 1.0 – 0.3 = 0.7 atm
Note: -
Barometric pressure is the pressure that recorded from the barometer (apparatus used to
measure atmospheric pressure).
3.4 Head of Fluid

Pressures are given in many different sets of units, such as N/m2, or Pa, dyne/cm2, psi,
lbf/ft2. However a common method of expressing pressures is in terms of head (m, cm,
mm, in, or ft) of a particular fluid. This height or head of the given fluid will exert the
same pressure as the pressures it represents. P = h ρ g.
Example -3.1-
A large storage tank contains oil having a density of 917 kg/m3. The tank is 3.66 m tall
and vented (open) to the atmosphere of 1 atm at the top. The tank is filled with oil to a
depth of 3.05 m (10 ft) and also contains 0.61 m (2 ft) of water in the bottom of the tank.
Calculate the pressure in Pa and psia at 3.05 m from the top of the tank and at the
bottom. And calculate the gauge pressure at the bottom of the tank.
Solution:
Po= 1 atm
Po = 1 atm = 14.696 psia = 1.01325 x 105 Pa
P1 = h1 ρoil g + Po
= 3.05 m (917 kg/m3) 9.81 m/s2 + 1.01325 x 105 Pa
= 1.28762 x 105 Pa Oil P
1
h1=3.05m
5 5
P1 = 1.28762 x 10 Pa (14.696 psia/1.01325 x 10 Pa)
P2
= 18.675 psia
Water h2=0.61m
or
P1 = h1 ρoil g + Po
= 10 ft m [917 kg/m3 (62.43 lb/ft3/1000 kg/m3)] (32.174 ft/s2/32.174 lb.ft/lbf.s2)
1/144 ft2/in2 +14.696 = 18.675 psia

P2 = P1 + h2 ρwater g
= 1.28762 x 105 Pa + 0.61 m (1000 kg/m3) 9.81 m/s2
= 1.347461 x 105 Pa
P2 = 1.347461 x 105 Pa (14.696 psia/1.01325 x 105 Pa)
= 19.5433 psia
The gauge pressure = abs – atm
= 33421.1 Pa = 4.9472 psig

3-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications
Example -3.2-
Convert the pressure of [ 1 atm =101.325 kPa] to
a- head of water in (m) at 4°C
b- head of Hg in (m) at 0°C
Solution:
a- The density of water at 4°C is approximatly1000 kg/m3
h = P / ρwater g = 1.01325 x 105 Pa/(1000 kg/m3 x 9.81m/s2) =10.33 m H2o
b- The density of mercury at 0°C is approximatly13595.5 kg/m3
h = P / ρmercury g = 1.01325 x 105 Pa/(13595.5 kg/m3 x 9.81m/s2) =0.76 m Hg
or
P = (h ρ g) water = (h ρ g) mercury ⇒ hHg = hwater (ρwater / ρHg)
hHg = 10.33 (1000 / 13595.5) = 0.76 m Hg
Example -3.3-
Find the static head of a liquid of sp.gr. 0.8 and pressure equivalent to 5 x 104 Pa.
Solution:
ρ = 0.8 (1000) = 800 kg/m3
h = P / ρ g = 5x104/(800 x 9.81) = 6.37 m H2o

3.5 Measurement of Fluid Pressure

In chemical and other industrial processing plants it is often to measure and control the
pressure in vessel or process and/or the liquid level
vessel.
The pressure measuring devices are: -
1- Piezometer tube
The piezometer consists a tube open at one end to
atmosphere, the other end is capable of being inserted h
into vessel or pipe of which pressure is to be measured.
The height to which liquid rises up in the vertical tube
gives the pressure head directly.
i.e. P = h ρ g
Piezometer is used for measuring moderate pressures. It
is meant for measuring gauge pressure only as the end is
open to atmosphere. It cannot be used for vacuum
pressures. Figure (3): The Piezometer
2- Manometers
The manometer is an improved (modified) form of a piezometer. It can be used for
measurement of comparatively high pressures and of both gauge and vacuum
pressures.
Following are the various types of manometers: -
a- Simple manometer b- The well type manometer
c- Inclined manometer d- The inverted manometer
e- The two-liquid manometer
4-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim
Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications

a- Simple manometer
1 2
It consists of a transparent U-tube containing P1 P2
the fluid A of density (ρA) whose pressure is
to be measured and an immiscible fluid (B) A
of higher density (ρB). The limbs are
connected to the two points between which
the pressure difference (P2 - P1) is required;
the connecting leads should be completely
full of fluid A. If P2 is greater than P1, the a hm
a
interface between the two liquids in limb 
will be depressed a distance (hm) (say)
below that in limb .
The pressure at the level a — a must be the B
same in each of the limbs and, therefore:
P2 + Zm ρA g = P1 + (Zm– hm) ρA g + hm ρB g
⇒ Δp = P2 – P1 = hm (ρB – ρA) g
If fluid A is a gas, the density ρA will
normally be small compared with the Figure (4): The simple manometer
density of the manometer fluid pm so that:
Δp = P2 – P1 = hm ρB g 1
b- The well-type manometer P1
In order to avoid the inconvenience of
having to read two limbs, and in order to 2 Area = Ac
measure low pressures, where accuracy id P2
of much importance, the well-type
manometer shown in Figure (5) can be Area = Aw
used. If Aw and Ac are the cross-sectional hm
areas of the well and the column and hm is
the increase in the level of the column and
Initial level
hw the decrease in the level of the well, hw
then:
P2 = P1 + (hm + hw) ρ g
or: Δp = P2 – P1 = (hm + hw) ρ g Figure (5): The well-type manometer
The quantity of liquid expelled from the well is equal to the quantity pushed into the
column so that:
Aw hw = Ac hm ⇒ hw = (Ac/Aw) hm
⇒ Δp = P2 – P1 = ρ g hm (1 + Ac/Aw)
If the well is large in comparison to the column then:
i.e. (Ac/Aw) →≈0 ⇒ Δp = P2 – P1 = ρ g hm

5-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications
c- The inclined manometer
Pressure
Shown in Figure (6) enables the
sensitivity of the manometers
described previously to be increased L
by measuring the length of the column
hm
of liquid. If θ is the angle of inclination
of the manometer (typically about 10-
20°) and L is the movement of the θ
column of liquid along the limb, then:
hm = L sin θ Figure (6): The inclined manometer
If θ = 10°, the manometer reading L is increased by about 5.7
times compared with the reading hm which would have been A
obtained from a simple manometer.
d- The inverted manometer
Figure (7) is used for measuring pressure differences in
liquids. The space above the liquid in the manometer is filled h
with air, which can be admitted or expelled through the tap A
in order to adjust the level of the liquid in the manometer.
e- The two-liquid manometer
Small differences in pressure in gases are often measured with
a manometer of the form shown in Figure 6.5. The reservoir at
the top of each limb is of a sufficiently large cross-section for P P
the liquid level to remain approximately Figure (6): The inverted manometer
the on each side of the manometer. P1 P2
The difference in pressure is then given by:
Δp = P2 – P1 = hm (ρm1 - ρm2) g
where ρm1 and ρm2 are the densities of the two manometer
liquids. The sensitivity of the instrument is very high if the
densities of the two liquids are nearly the same. To obtain
accurate readings it is necessary to choose liquids, which ρm1
give sharp interfaces: paraffin oil and industrial alcohol are
commonly used.

hm

Figure (7): The two-liquid manometer

ρm2

6-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications

3- Mechanical Gauges
Whenever a very high fluid pressure is to be
measured, and a very great sensitivity a
mechanical gauge is best suited for these
purposes. They are also designed to read vacuum
pressure. A mechanical gauge is also used for
measurement of pressure in boilers or other
pipes, where tube manometer cannot be
conveniently used.
There are many types of gauge available in the
market. But the principle on which all these
gauge work is almost the same. The followings
are some of the important types of mechanical
gauges: -
1- The Bourdon gauge
2- Diaphragm pressure gauge
3- Dead weight pressure gauge
The Bourdon gauge
The pressure to be measured is applied to a
curved tube, oval in cross-section, and the
deflection of the end of the tube is communicated
through a system of levers to a recording needle.
This gauge is widely used for steam and
compressed gases, and frequently forms the
indicating element on flow controllers. The
simple form of the gauge is illustrated in Figures
(7a) and (7b). Figure (7c) shows a Bourdon type
gauge with the sensing element in the form of a
helix; this instrument has a very much greater
sensitivity and is suitable for very high pressures.
It may be noted that the pressure measuring
devices of category (2) all measure a pressure
difference (Δp = P2 – P1). In the case of the Bourdon
gauge (1) of category (3), the pressure indicated is
the difference between that communicated by the
system to the tube and the external (ambient)
pressure, and this is usually referred to as the gauge
pressure. It is then necessary to add on Figure (7) Bourdon gauge
the ambient pressure in order to obtain
the (absolute) pressure.
Gauge pressures are not, however, used in the SI System of units.

7-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications
Example -3.4-
Po
A simple manometer is used to measure the
pressure of oil sp.gr. 0.8 flowing in a pipeline.
Its right limb is open to atmosphere and the
left limb is connected to the pipe. The center
of the pipe is 9.0 cm below the level of the
mercury in the right limb. If the difference of
the mercury level in the two limbs is 15 cm,
9 cm
determine the absolute and the gauge
pressures of the oil in the pipe. 15 cm
Solution:
ρ = 0.8 (1000) = 800 kg/m3 Pa
P1 = P2
P1 = (0.15 –0.0 9)m(800 kg/m3)9.81m/s2+ Pa
P2 = (0.15) m (13600 kg/m3) 9.81 m/s2 + Po P1 1
Pa = 15 (13600) 9.81 + Po + [(15 – 9)cm 2 P2
(800 kg/m3) 9.81 m/s2]
= 1.20866 x 105 Pa (Absolute pressure)
The gauge press. = Abs. press. – Atm. Press.
= 1.20866 x 105 - 1.0325 x 105
= 1.9541 x 104 Pa
Example -3.5-
The following Figure shows a Po
manometer connected to the
pipeline containing oil of sp.gr. 0.8.
Determine the absolute pressure of
the oil in the pipe, and the gauge
pressure.
Solution:   h1 =25 cm
ρa = 0.8 (1000) = 800 kg/m3 P1 P2
P1 = P2 h2 =75 cm
Pa
P1 = Pa – h2 ρa g ρa
P2 = Po + h1 ρm g
⇒ Pa = Po + h1 ρm g + h2 ρa g
= 1.0325 x 105 + (0.25) m ρm mercury
(13600 kg/m3) 9.81 m/s2 +
(0.75) m (800 kg/m3) 9.81 m/s2
= 1.40565 x 105 Pa

8-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications
Example -3.6-
A conical vessel is connected to a U-tube having
mercury and water as shown in the Figure. When
the vessel is empty the manometer reads 0.25 m.
3.5 m
find the reading in manometer, when the vessel is
full of water. Po
Solution:
P 1 = P2
P1 = (0.25 + H) ρw g + Po
P2 = 0.25 ρm g +Po H
⇒ (0.25 + H) ρw g + Po = 0.25 ρm g +Po
⇒ H = 0.25 (ρm – ρw)/ ρw P1  25 cm
 P2
= 0.25 (12600 /1000) = 3.15 m
ρm mercury
When the vessel is full of water, let the mercury
level in the left limp go down by (x) meter and the mercury level in the right limp go to
up by the same amount (x) meter.
i.e. the reading manometer = (0.25 + 2x)
P1 = P2
P1 = (0.25 + x +H + 3.5) ρw g + Po
P2 = (0.25 + 2x) ρm g +Po
⇒ (0.25 + x +H + 3.5) ρw g + Po = (0.25 + 2x) ρm g +Po
⇒ 6.9 + x = (0.25 + 2x) (ρm/ ρw) ⇒ x = 0.1431 m
The manometer reading = 0.25 + 2 (0.1431) = 0.536 m
Example -3.7- Po
The following Figure shows a
compound manometer connected to the
pipeline containing oil of sp.gr. 0.8. Pa
Calculate Pa. ρa
Solution: 40 cm
ρa = 0.8 (1000) = 800 kg/m3 30 cm
Pa + 0.4 ρa g – 0.3 ρm g + 0.3 ρa g –
0.3 ρm g – Po = 0
⇒ Pa = Po + 0.7 ρa g – 0.6 ρm g
= 1.01325 x 105 – 0.7 (800)
9.81 + 0.6 (13600) 9.81
= 1.75881 x 105 Pa
ρm mercury

9-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications
Example -3.8-
A differential manometer is
connected to two pipes as shown in PA
Figure. The pipe A is containing ρa 2.5m PB
carbon tetrachloride sp.gr. = 1.594
1m ρb
and the pipe B is contain an oil of P2
sp.gr. = 0.8. Find the difference of h P1
mercury level if the pressure
difference in the two pipes be 0.8
kg/cm2.
Solution:
P1 = P2
P1 = PB + (1 + h) ρb g
P2 = PA + 3.5 ρa g + h ρm g ρm mercury

⇒ PA – PB = 3.5 ρa g + h ρm g - (1 + h) ρb g = (0.8 kg/cm2) (9.81 m/s2) (104 cm2/m2)

⇒ 7.848 x104 = 3.5 (1594) 9.81 + h (13600) 9.81- (1+h) 800 (9.81)
⇒h = 25.16 cm.

Example -3.9- BAir

A differential manometer is connected to Water
two pipes as shown in Figure. At B the air
pressure is 1.0 kg/cm2 (abs), find the
absolute pressure at A.
Solution: 50cm
P1 = P2
P1 = Pair + 0.5 ρw g Oil
P2 = PA + 0.1 ρa g + 0.05 ρm g A 10cm
⇒PA = Pair + 0.5 ρw g – 0.1 ρa g – 0.05 ρm g P2
5cm P1
⇒ Pair = (1.0 kg/cm PB) (9.81m/s )
2 2

(104 cm2/ m2)

ρm mercury
= 9.81 x104 Pa

∴PA = 9.81 x104 Pa + 0.5 (1000) 9.81 – 0.1 (900) 9.81 – 0.05 (13600) 9.81
= 9.54513 x104 Pa

10-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications

Example -3.10-
A Micromanometer, having ratio of Po
basin to limb areas as 40, was used to
determine the pressure in a pipe
containing water. Determine the Ac
pressure in the pipe for the manometer A
reading shown in Figure. Aw h2=8cm
Solution:
h1=5cm
P1 = P2
Basin (well)
P1 = Po + h2 ρm g
2 1
P2 = PA + h1 ρw g
⇒ PA = Po + h2 ρm g – h1 ρw g
= 1.01325x105 +0.08 (13600) 9.81–
0.05 (1000) 9.81
= 1.11507 x105 Pa ρm mercury
Note:
If h2 and h1 are the heights from initial level, the ratio (Aw/Ac) will enter in calculation.

Example -3.11- 
An inverted manometer, when connected to sp.gr. = 0.9
two pipes A and B, gives the readings as
shown in Figure. Determine the pressure in 15 cm
tube B, if the pressure in pipe A 1.0 kg/cm2.
Solution: 80 cm
PA– 0.8 ρw g + 0.15 ρ1 g + 0.5 ρ2 g – PB = 0 50 cm
B
⇒ PB = PA – [0.8 (1000) – 0.15 (800) – 0.5 Oil
(900)] 9.81 A
PA = 1.0 kg/cm2 x 9.81 x 104 =9.81 x 104 Pa 
Water sp.gr. = 0.9
∴PA = 9.58437 x104 Pa

11-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications

Example -3.12-
Two pipes, one carrying toluene of
sp.gr. = 0.875, and the other carrying Water
water are placed at a difference of level of
2.5 m. the pipes are connected by a U-
tube manometer carrying liquid of sp.gr. sp.gr. = 0.875
3.5m
= 1.2. The level of the liquid in the 5.0m
manometer is 3.5 m higher in the right A 1.0 m
limb than the lower level of toluene in the 2.5m
limb of the manometer. Find the
B
difference of pressure in the two pipes.
Solution: sp.gr. = 1.2
T ≡ Toluene, W ≡ Water, L ≡ Liquid
PA+ 3.5 ρT g – 3.5 ρL g + 5 ρW g – PB = 0

⇒ PA – PB = [3.5 (1200) – 3.5 (875) –5 (1000)] 9.81

= – 3862.5 Pa
⇒ PB – PA = 3862.5 Pa
Example -3.13-
A closed tank contains 0.5 m of mercury, 1.5 m of water, 2.5
Air
m of oil of sp.gr. = 0.8 and air space above the oil. If the
pressure at the bottom of the tank is 2.943 bar gauge, what
should be the reading of mechanical gauge at the top of the
2.5 m
tank. Oil
Solution:
Pressure due to 0.5 m of mercury
Pm = 0.5 (13600) 9.81 = 0.66708 bar Water 1.5 m
Pressure due to 1.5 m of water Mercury 0.5 m
Pw = 1.5 (1000) 9.81 = 0.14715 bar
Pressure due to 2.5 m of oil
PO = 2.5 (800) 9.81 = 0.19620 bar
Pressure at the bottom of the tank = Pm + Pw + PO + PAir

⇒ 2.943 = 0.66708 bar + 0.14715 bar + 0.19620 bar + PAir

⇒ PAir = 1.93257 bar

12-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications

Home Work
P.3.1
Two pipes A and B carrying water are connected by a
x
connecting tube as shown in Figure,
a- If the manometric liquid is oil of sp.gr. = 0.8, find the
y
difference in pressure intensity at A and B when the
difference in level between the two pipes be (h = 2 m) A
and (x = 40 cm).
b- If mercury is used instead of water in the pipes A and
B and the oil used in the manometer has sp.gr. = 1.5, h
find the difference in pressure intensity at A and B
when (h = 50 cm) and (x = 100 cm).
Ans. a- PB-PA =18835.2 Pa, b- PB-PA =51993 Pa B

0.34 kg/cm2 0.15 kg/cm2

P.3.2 A
A closed vessel is divided into two Air
B
compartments. These compartments contain Oil Air
oil and water as shown in Figure. Determine 4m sp.gr.=0.8
the value of (h). Water 1m
Ans. h = 4.5 m

Liquid h
sp.gr.=1.6

P.3.3
Oil of sp.gr. = 0.9 flows through a vertical pipe (upwards). Two points A and B one
above the other 40 cm apart in a pipe are connected by a U-tube carrying mercury. If
the difference of pressure between A and B is 0.2 kg/cm2,
1- Find the reading of the manometer.
2- If the oil flows through a horizontal pipe, find the reading in manometer for the
same difference in pressure between A and B.
Ans. 1- R = 0.12913 m, 2- R = 0.1575 m,

P.3.4
A mercury U-tube manometer is used to measure the pressure drop across an orifice
in pipe. If the liquid that flowing through the orifice is brine of sp.gr. 1.26 and
upstream pressure is 2 psig and the downstream pressure is (10 in Hg) vacuum, find
the reading of manometer.
Ans. R = 394 mm Hg
13-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim
Chapter Three Fluid Flow Fluid Statics and Its Applications

P.3.5
Three pipes A, B, and C at the same level connected by a multiple differential
manometer shows the readings as show in Figure. Find the differential of pressure
heads in terms of water column between A and B, between A and C, and between B
and C.

A B C

150 cm
h Water
130 cm

20 cm

Mercury

Ans. PA-PB =1.359666 bar = 13.86 m H2o

PA-PC =1.606878 bar = 16.38 m H2o
PB-PC =0.247212 bar = 2.52 m H2o

14-Ch.3 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim