Mutah University

Chemical Engineering Department

Fluid Mechanics Lab - Experiment #3

Pressure Losses in a Straight Pipe

Student name: Rayan Othman Al Masri

Student number: 120210414078

Instructor: Dr. Rasha .Hajarat

Table of contents

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Introduction & theory

1- Objectives …………………………………………………………………………………..

2- Background & theory…………………………………………………………………….

Apparatus& Methodology …………………………………………………………………..

Calculation & Results…………………………………………………………………………..

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………..........

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….……..…..

Appendix…………………………………………………………………………………….….……

References…………………………………............................................................
• Abstract

The total energy loss in a pipe system is the sum of the major and minor
losses. Major losses are associated with frictional energy loss that is
caused by the viscous effects of the fluid and roughness of the pipe
wall. Major losses create a pressure drop along the pipe since the pressure
must work to overcome the frictional resistance. The purpose of this
experiment is to find pressure loss (head loss) for several pipe components
over a range of flow rates and compare the experimental findings to
theoretical calculations.
• Objectives

1. To introduce the concept of head loss.

2. To illustrate the various types of head losses.
3. To be able to calculate the value of energy loss by friction.
4. Understanding the concept of head loss and recognize the types of
head loss.

• There are two types of head loss: Major head loss, which is due to
friction in pipes and ducts.

• Minor head loss, which is due to components such as Bends - elbows

- valves - expansion or contraction. Minor head loss caused by
obstacles such as changes in shape.
5. Comparison between theoretical and experimental friction loss.
• Background & theory
Fluid flow within a system can be either laminar or turbulent. The
attributes of each flow type are different and the understanding of each is
necessary for the design of the fluid system.

In laminar flow, the properties of the fluid at each point of the flow remain
constant--including velocity and pressure. the flow path is divided into
several infinite layers, the fluid layers in laminar flow stay parallel to each
other without mixing or disrupting the path of the adjacent layers.

Turbulent effect is due to the irregularity or obstruction on the path of

the fluid flow. Unlike laminar flow, the fluid layers in turbulent flow can
cross paths due to the continuous change in the magnitude and direction of
the flow. Eddies or swirls can be observed in turbulent flow.

Laminar flow vs Turbulent flow

For an incompressible fluid flowing through a pipe the following equations
apply:

law of experiment:

𝑃1 𝑃2 𝑣1 2 𝑣2 2
− − − = 𝐹……… (2)
𝜌 𝜌 2 2

𝐹 𝑃1 − 𝑃2 𝑣1 2 − 𝑣2 2
ℎ𝑓𝑒𝑥𝑝 = = + … … … (3)
𝑔 𝜌𝑔 2𝑔

Head loss is a measure of the decrease in the total head (sum of height head,
velocity head, and pressure head) of a fluid as it moves through the fluid
system. Head loss is inevitable in true fluids.

Note: the heights of manometers measured in the Lab

First of all we have to find velocity from volumetric flow rate (Q) equ :

𝑄 = 𝑉𝐴

𝑄
𝑉=
𝐴

Where:

• V: Velocity of fluid
• A: section area
-This Part Divided for Two Parts

A- Head loss due to changes in area of the flow: Sudden expansion:

the head loss at a sudden expansion is given by the expression:

(𝑉2 − 𝑉1 )2
∆𝐻 =
2𝑔

Where:

• ∆𝐻: head loss at a sudden expansion

• 𝑔: gravity acceleration (9.8m/s^2)

B- Sudden contraction: the head loss at a sudden contraction is

given by the expression.

𝐾(𝑉2 )2
∆𝐻 =
2𝑔

Where:

• ∆𝐻: head loss at a sudden contraction

• 𝑘: dimensionless coefficient which depends upon the area ratio:

𝐷1 2 2
𝑘𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = (1 − 2)
𝐷2

𝜋𝐷 2
𝐴=
4
 • D: diameter of pipe

• V: velocity
The head loss in straight pipe circuit falls due to viscous resistance
extending throughout the total length of the circuit:

∆𝑥 𝑉 2
sℎ𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = −𝐹 ( )
8𝑔𝑟

Where:

• Ꞙ: is dimensionless constant which is a function of Reynolds

number of the flow and a roughness of the internal surface of the
pipe.
• ∆x: is the length of the pipe.
• v: is the velocity.
• r: is the radius of the pipe.

The Reynolds number and the pipe roughness are used to determine
the friction factor, f, from the Moody plot using the appropriate curve.
Once the friction factor is known, the major head loss can be calculated.
Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within
a fluid which is subjected to relative internal movement due to different
fluid velocities. A region where these forces change behavior is known
as a boundary layer, such as the bounding surface in the interior of a
pipe:

𝜌𝑉𝐷
𝑅𝑒 = … … … (1)
𝜇

Where:

• 𝜌 : is the density of water

• D : is the diameter
• V: is the velocity
• μ : is the viscosity of water

There are many factors that affect the fluid motion like diameter,
velocity and the viscosity of the fluid. The type of flow is determined
by a non-dimensional number called the Reynolds number for a pipe
flow.
 • According of the Reynolds number:

1) If the Reynolds number is less than 2000, then the flow is called
laminar flow.

2) If the Reynolds number is more than 4000, then the flow is called
turbulent flow.

3) If the Reynolds number is between 2000 and 4000, the flow will be
Oscillates between laminar and turbulent.

• Apparatus& Methodology
 Figure (1): Energy losses in pipe Fittings Apparatus

Part 1:

The following procedure assumes that the head losses of expansion (7,8) and
contraction (9,10):

[Link] on the hydraulic bench.

2. we open the valve at specified flowrate.

3. Adjust the flow and record its value.

4. Take h7, h8, h9 and h10 readings from the

height in the piezometer.

5. Repeat the same steps four more times.

Part 2
1. witch on the hydraulic bench.
2. Open fully the water control valve.

3. Adjust the flow and record its value.

4. Take h3 and h4 readings from the height in the piezometer.

5. Repeat the same steps four more times.

• Calculation & Results

Table 1: Flow rates and their corresponding manometer readings

Flow rate 𝑄 H3 (mm) H4 (mm)

250 570 530

280 570 520

480 565 485

520 565 455

620 560 410

Part 1

• Velocity
𝜋𝐷2 3.14 × (0.01362 )
𝐴1 = = = 0.145 × 10−3 𝑚2
4 4
1 1
𝑄 250 × ×
𝑉1 = = 3600 1000 = 0.4789 𝑚
𝐴 0.145 × 10−3 𝑠
𝑚 𝑚
𝑉2 = 0.5364 𝑉3 = 0.9195
𝑠 𝑠
𝑚 𝑚
𝑉4 =0.9962 𝑉5 = 1.188
𝑠 𝑠

• H experimental
H_(f(exp) )= =H3 -H4

H_f1= 570 -530 = 40mm

H_f2= 570 -520 = 50mm
H_f3 =565 -485 = 80mm
H_f4 = 565 -455 = 110mm
H_f5 = 560 -410 = 150mm
𝑃𝑉𝐷
• 𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇

D = 13.6mm
Length = 914.4mm

𝑅𝑒1 = 6513.04 𝑅𝑒2 = 7295.04

𝑅𝑒3 = 12505.2 𝑅𝑒4 = 13547.776

𝑅𝑒5 = 16156.8
 • F experimental

Fexp =(H(exp) D 2 g)/(L V²)

Fexp1 =(40×13.6×2×9.81)/(914.4×1000×0.4789²) =0.0508

Fexp2=0.0507 Fexp3 =0.0276.
Fexp4 =0.032347 Fexp5 =0.031014

• F theoretical:
Fth =0.316/Re^0.25

Fth1 =0.316/6513.04^0.25 = 0.03517

Fth2 =0.034192 Fth3 =0.02988

Fth4 =0.02929 Fth5 =0.02802

• H Theoretical:
H Theoretical= (F(th) L V²) / (2 D g)

H_f1theo= =(0.03517×914.4×0.47891²)/(13.6×2×9.81)=0.02764m
=27.6mm
H_f2theo= 0.0337m =33.7mm H_f3theo = 0.0865m
=86.57mm
H_f4theo=0.0996m =99.6mm H_f5theo =0.1355m=135.5mm
 • Discussion
Head loss refers to the decrease in pressure that occurs as fluid flows
through a pipe or channel. It's a measure of the energy lost due to friction,
turbulence, and other factors. Head loss affects fluid flow by decreasing the
pressure and energy of the fluid. This can result in a decrease in flow rate
and efficiency of the system. It's important to minimize head loss to
optimize fluid flow. The function of head loss is to measure the energy lost
in a fluid system due to factors like friction and turbulence. It helps us
understand the efficiency and performance of the system.
The Reynolds number has a significant effect on fluid flow. It determines
whether the flow is laminar or turbulent. In laminar flow, the fluid moves
smoothly in parallel layers with minimal mixing. In turbulent flow, there is
chaotic mixing and eddies, resulting in higher friction and energy losses.
The Reynolds number helps us understand the behavior of fluids and
design efficient systems.

• Conclusion:
The pressure drop in a pipe arises from friction between the fluid and the
pipe wall, changes in flow direction, blockages, and alterations in pipe
diameter. In a pipeline system consisting of multiple pipes, valves, and
fittings, the total pressure drop is the sum of the pressure drops in each
component. The minor loss decreases between the theoretical and the
experimental value or sudden contraction.
• Appendix:

Flow rates and their corresponding manometer readings

Flow rate 𝑄 H3 (mm) H4 (mm)

250 570 530

280 570 520

480 565 485

520 565 455

620 560 410

• References
1. Laboratory fluid sheet
2. Research Gate website author: Mansoor Keshavarz
3. Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineering by Noel de Nevers Page 191 figure 6.10
2nd edition
4. Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineers by Noel de Nerves 3rd edition, Ch.6, Page
(201), figure (6.16)