MT 330L Fluid Mechanics

Lab Manual

STUDENT NAME:
Muhammad Sohaib

SESSION:
MTS-F-21-A

ROLL NO: Lab No.

212002 5

DATE OF REPORT SUBMITTED: GRADE/POINTS:

12-03-2024
 Fluid Mechanics Lab

Lab No 05
Energy Losses in Bends and Fitting Apparatus

Objective

1. To determine the loss factors for flow through a range of pipe fittings
including bends, a contraction, an enlargement and a gate-valve.

Method
By measurement of head differences across each of a number of fittings connected in
series, over a range of steady flows.

Equipment

In order to complete the demonstration we need a number of pieces of equipment.

1. The F1-10 Hydraulics Bench which allows us to measure flow by timed volume
collection.

2. The F1-22 Energy Losses in Bends and Fittings Apparatus.

3. A stopwatch to allow us to determine the flow rate of water.

4. Clamps for pressure tapping connection tubes.

5. Spirit level.

6. Thermometer.

Technical Data

The following dimensions from the equipment are used in the appropriate
calculations. If required these values may be checked as part of the experimental
procedure and replaced with your own measurements.

Internal diameter of pipework d = 0.0183 m

Internal diameter of pipework at enlargement outlet and contraction inlet d =

0.0240 m

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Theory

The energy loss which occurs in a pipe fitting (so-called secondary loss) is commonly
expressed in terms of a head loss (h, metres) in the form:

Ah = Kv² / 2g

where K = the loss coefficient and y = mean velocity of flow into the fitting. Because
of the complexity of flow in many fittings, K is usually determined by experiment.
For the pipe fitting experiment, the head loss is calculated from two manometer
readings, taken before and after each fitting, and K is then determined as

K = Ah v²/2g

Due to the change in pipe cross-sectional area through the enlargement and
contraction, the system experiences an additional change in static pressure. This
change can be calculated as

v1²/2g - v2²/2g

To eliminate the effects of this area change on the measured head losses, this value
should be added to the head loss readings for the enlargement and the contraction.
Note that (h1 - h2) will be negative for the enlargement and v1²/2g - v2²/2g will be
negative for the contraction.

For the gate valve experiment, pressure difference before and after the gate is
measured directly using a pressure gauge. This can then be converted to an
equivalent head loss using the equation

1 bar 10.2 m water

The loss coefficient may then be calculated as above for the gate valve. Reynolds
number is a dimensionless number used to compare flow characteristics. A full
investigation of Reynolds number, and typical flow variation as it changes, can be
found in experiment F1-20 (Reynolds' Apparatus) or in a suitable fluids text book.

Procedure - Equipment Set up

Set up the losses apparatus on the hydraulic bench so that its base is horizontal
(this is necessary for accurate height measurements from the manometers). Connect

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the test rig inlet to the bench flow supply and run the outlet extension tube to the
volumetric tank and secure it in place.

Open the bench valve, the gate valve and the flow control valve and start the pump
to fill the test rig with water. In order to bleed air from pressure tapping points and
the manometers close both the bench valve and the test rig flow control valve and
open the air bleed screw and remove the cap from the adjacent air valve. Connect a
length of small bore tubing from the air valve to the volumetric tank. Now, open the
bench valve and allow flow through the manometers to purge all air from them;
then, tighten the air bleed screw and partly open both the bench valve and the test
rig flow control valve. Next, open the air bleed screw slightly to allow air to enter
the top of the manometers, re-tighten the screw when the manometer levels reach a
convenient height.

Check that all manometer levels are on scale at the maximum volume flow rate
required (approximately 17 litres/minute). These levels can be adjusted further by
using the air bleed screw and the hand pump supplied. The air bleed screw controls
the air flow through the air valve, so when using the hand pump, the bleed screw
must be open. To retain the hand pump pressure in the system, the screw must be
closed after pumping.

Procedure - Taking a Set of Results

It is not possible to make measurements on all fittings simultaneously and,

therefore, it is necessary to run two separate tests. Exercise A measures losses
across all pipe fittings except the gate valve. which should be kept fully open. Adjust
the flow from the bench control valve and, at a given flow rate, take height readings
from all of the manometers after the levels have steadied. In order to determine the
volume flow rate, you should carry out a timed volume collection using the
volumetric tank. This is achieved by closing the ball valve and measuring (with a
stopwatch) time taken to accumulate a known volume of fluid in the tank, which is
read from the sight glass. You should collect fluid for at least one minute to
minimise timing errors.

Repeat this procedure to give a total of at least five sets of measurements over a
flow range from approximately 8-17 litres per minute. Measure the outflow water
temperature at the lowest flow rate; this together with the table detailing the
Kinematic Viscosity of Water at Atmospheric Pressure is used to determine the
Reynolds number.

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Exercise B measures losses across the gate valve only. Clamp off the connecting
tubes to the mitre bend pressure tappings (to prevent air being drawn into the
system). Start with the gate valve closed and open fully both the bench valve and
the test rig flow control valve. Now open the gate valve by approximately 50% of one
turn (after taking up any backlash). For each of at least 5 flow rates, measure
pressure drop across the valve from the pressure gauge; adjust the flow rate by use
of the test rig flow control valve. Once measurements have started, do not adjust
the gate valve. Determine the volume flow rate by timed collection.

Repeat this procedure for the gate valve opened by approximately 70% of one turn
and then approximately 80% of one turn.

Repeat this procedure for the gate valve opened by approximately 70% of one turn
and then approximately 80% of one turn.

Application of Theory

For Exercise A, plot graphs of head loss (Ah) against dynamic head, and K against
volume flow rate Qt. For Exercise B, plot graphs of equivalent head loss (Ah)
against dynamic head, and K against Qt.

Comment on any relationships noticed. What is the dependence of head losses

across pipe fittings upon velocity? Examining the Reynolds number obtained, are
the flows laminar or turbulent? Is it justifiable to treat the loss coefficient as
constant for a given fitting? In Exercise B, how does the loss coefficient for a gate
valve vary with the extent of opening the valve?

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Applications:

Industrial Piping: For effective pump and compressor performance, reduce energy
losses in bends and fittings.

HVAC Systems: Reduce energy losses in bends and fittings to improve airflow
efficiency through optimized ductwork design. Gas and oil pipelines should be
designed with low energy loss in bends and fittings to ensure fluid transfer at a
reasonable cost.

Hydraulic Systems: For hydraulic systems in machinery to operate efficiently,

minimize energy losses in bends and fittings. Water Distribution: To maximize
water pressure, lower pump energy consumption, and guarantee effective water
distribution, control energy losses in bends and fittings.

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Source of error:
 Measurement Errors
 System Leakage:
 Flow Variations:

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this laboratory experiment underscores the crucial importance of
optimizing the design of bends and fittings to minimize energy losses in fluid
systems. Real-world applications have vividly showcased the significance of this
enhancement, leading to improved system performance and reduced operating costs
across various industries. Engineers will find this information especially valuable
as it underscores the financial and environmental benefits of minimizing energy
loss in bends and fittings for fluid systems, promoting sustainability and efficiency.