HYDRAULIC

ENGINEERNIG (CVE 313)

FLOW THROUGH PIPES

Delivered by: Ing. Leticia Osae Adum,

loadum@atu.edu.gh
ATU, DoCE.
1
December, 2024.
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES

Simple pipe flow

A simple pipe flow refers to flow that takes place through a
single pipe with a constant diameter with no branches. A simple
pipe flow may include pumps, valves, bends and other fittings.
The figure below is an example of a simple pipe flow system.

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Simple pipe flow

Applying Bernoulli’s equation

𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑉22
+ + 𝑧1 + ℎ𝑝 = + + 𝑧2 + ℎ𝐿
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔

Where, ℎ𝑝 = 𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑

4𝑓𝐿𝑉 2 𝑉2
ℎ𝐿 = ℎ𝑓 + ℎ𝑚 =෍ +෍𝑘
𝐷 × 2𝑔 2𝑔

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Flow through Pipes connected in series
Pipes of different lengths and different diameters connected end
to end to form a pipeline are said to be connected in series.
Consider the diagram below;

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Flow through Pipes connected in series
According to the continuity equation,
𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = 𝐴3 𝑉3
Total head loss, ℎ𝐿 = 𝐻 = ℎ𝑖 + ℎ𝑓1 + ℎ𝑐 + ℎ𝑓2 + ℎ𝑒 + ℎ𝑓3 + ℎ𝑜
𝑉1 2
Where,ℎ𝑖 = ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 = 0.5
2𝑔
4𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2
ℎ𝑓1 = ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 1 =
𝐷1 × 2𝑔
𝑉2 2
ℎ𝑐 = ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 0.5
2𝑔
4𝑓2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2
ℎ𝑓2 = ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 2 =
𝐷2 × 2𝑔
(𝑉2 − 𝑉3 )2
ℎ𝑒 = ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 5
2𝑔
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Flow through Pipes connected in series
4𝑓3 𝐿3 𝑉3 2
ℎ𝑓3 = ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 3 =
𝐷3 × 2𝑔
𝑉3 2
ℎ𝑜 = ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 =
2𝑔
Substituting
𝐻
𝑉1 2 4𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 𝑉2 2 4𝑓2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2 (𝑉2 − 𝑉3 )2 4𝑓3 𝐿3 𝑉3 2 𝑉3 2
= 0.5 + + 0.5 + + + +
2𝑔 𝐷1 × 2𝑔 2𝑔 𝐷2 × 2𝑔 2𝑔 𝐷3 × 2𝑔 2𝑔

Assuming minor losses are negligible, then;

4𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 4𝑓2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2 4𝑓3 𝐿3 𝑉3 2
𝐻= + +
𝐷1 × 2𝑔 𝐷2 × 2𝑔 𝐷3 × 2𝑔
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Flow through Pipes connected in series
For pipe of the same material, 𝑓1 = 𝑓2 = 𝑓3 = 𝑓
4𝑓 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2 𝐿3 𝑉3 2
Then,𝐻 = + +
2𝑔 𝐷1 𝐷2 𝐷3

Examples
1. Three pipes are connected in series. The diameters of the
pipes are 300mm, 200mm, and 400mm with lengths of 450m,
225m, and 315m respectively. Given that the difference in water
surface levels in two tanks linked by the pipes is 18m, and the
coefficients of friction of the pipes are 0.0075, 0.0078, and
0.0072 respectively, calculate the rate of flow if;
i. Minor losses are considered
ii. Minor losses are neglected
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Flow through Pipes connected in series

Solution
Given
Diameter of 1st pipe 𝐷1 = 300𝑚𝑚 = 0.3𝑚
𝜋𝐷1 2 𝜋×0.32
Area of 1st pipe 𝐴1 = = = 0.0707𝑚2
4 4

Diameter of 2nd pipe 𝐷2 = 200𝑚𝑚 = 0.2𝑚

𝜋𝐷2 2 𝜋×0.22
Area of 2nd pipe 𝐴2 = = = 0.0314𝑚2
4 4
Diameter of 3rd pipe 𝐷3 = 400𝑚𝑚 = 0.4𝑚
𝜋𝐷3 2 𝜋×0.42
Area of 3rd pipe 𝐴3 = = = 0.1257𝑚2
4 4
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Flow through Pipes connected in series

Solution

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = 𝐴3 𝑉3

Expressing 𝑉2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉3 in terms of 𝑉1

𝐴1 𝑉1 0.0707
𝑉2 = = 𝑉1 = 2.2516𝑉1 ,
𝐴2 0.0314

𝐴1 𝑉1 0.0707
𝑉3 = = 𝑉1 = 0.5625𝑉1
𝐴3 0.1257

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Solution
i. Considering minor losses
𝑉1 2 4𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 𝑉2 2 4𝑓2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2 (𝑉2 − 𝑉3 )2 4𝑓3 𝐿3 𝑉3 2 𝑉3 2
𝐻 = 0.5 + + 0.5 + + + +
2𝑔 𝐷1 × 2𝑔 2𝑔 𝐷2 × 2𝑔 2𝑔 𝐷3 × 2𝑔 2𝑔

Substituting for 𝑉2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉3

1 2 4×0.0075×450×𝑉1 2
H= ൤0.5𝑉1 + + 0.5 2.2516𝑉1 2 +
2𝑔 0.3
4×0.0078×225× 2.2516𝑉1 2
+ (2.2516𝑉1 − 0.5625𝑉1 )2 +
0.2

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Flow through Pipes connected in series

Solution
𝑉1 2
18 = 259.77 ×
2 × 9.81
18 × 2 × 9.81
𝑉1 = = 1.166𝑚/𝑠
259.77

Rate of flow 𝑄 = 0.0707 × 1.166 = 0.0824𝑚3 /𝑠

ii. Neglecting minor losses
4𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 4𝑓2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2 4𝑓3 𝐿3 𝑉3 2
𝐻= + +
𝐷1 × 2𝑔 𝐷2 × 2𝑔 𝐷3 × 2𝑔

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Flow through Pipes connected in series

Solution
1 4 × 0.0075 × 450 × 𝑉1 2 4 × 0.0078 × 225 × 2.2516𝑉1 2
ቈ +
2𝑔 0.3 0.2

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Flow through Pipes connected in series

Example 2
Two reservoirs with a difference in elevation of 15m are
connected by three pipes in series. The pipes have lengths of
300m, 150m, and 200m with diameters of 30cm, 20cm, and
𝑓𝐿𝑉 2
25cm respectively. The friction factors (f) in the relation for
𝐷×2𝑔
the three pipes are 0.018,0.02, and 0.019 respectively. If
contractions and expansions are sudden, determine the flow
rate. Take co-efficient of contraction from diameter 30cm to
20cm as 0.24.

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Flow through Pipes connected in series
Solution
Given

Diameter of 1st pipe 𝐷1 = 30𝑐𝑚 = 0.3𝑚, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐿1 = 300𝑚

𝜋𝐷1 2 𝜋×0.32
Area of 1st pipe 𝐴1 = = = 0.0707𝑚2
4 4

Diameter of 2nd pipe 𝐷2 = 20𝑐𝑚 = 0.2𝑚, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐿2 = 150𝑚

𝜋𝐷2 2 𝜋×0.22
Area of 2nd pipe 𝐴2 = = = 0.0314𝑚2
4 4

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Flow through Pipes connected in series
Solution

Diameter of 3rd pipe 𝐷3 = 25𝑐𝑚 = 0.25𝑚, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐿3 = 200𝑚

𝜋𝐷3 2 𝜋×0.252
Area of 3rd pipe 𝐴3 = = = 0.049𝑚2
4 4

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = 𝐴3 𝑉3

Expressing 𝑉2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉3 in terms of 𝑉1

𝐴1 𝑉1 0.0707
𝑉2 = = 𝑉1 = 2.2516𝑉1 ,
𝐴2 0.0314

𝐴1 𝑉1 0.0707
𝑉3 = = 𝑉1 = 1.4429𝑉1 15
𝐴 0.049
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Flow through Pipes connected in series
Solution
i. Considering minor losses
2
𝑉1 2 𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 2.2516𝑉1 2 1 𝑓2 𝐿2 × 2.2516𝑉1 2
0.5 + + −1 +
2𝑔 𝐷1 × 2𝑔 2𝑔 𝐶𝑐 𝐷2 × 2𝑔
(2.2516𝑉1 − 1.4429𝑉1 )2 𝑓3 𝐿3 × 1.4429𝑉1 2 1.4429𝑉1 2
+ + + =𝐻
2𝑔 𝐷3 × 2𝑔 2𝑔

2
𝑉1 2 0.018 × 300 1 0.02 × 150 × 5.0625
൥0.5 + + 5.0625 −1 +
2𝑔 0.3 0.24 0.2

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Solution
𝑉1 = 1.5𝑚/𝑠
𝑄 = 1.5 × 0.0707 = 0.106𝑚3 /𝑠

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Equivalent pipe
For pipes in series or compound pipes made up of pipes of
different diameters and lengths, if a pipe of uniform diameter
having the same head loss and discharge as the series or
compound pipes, then the pipe as known as an equivalent
pipe. The diameter of such a pipe is referred to as the
equivalent diameter.
Let;
𝐿1 , 𝐿2 , 𝐿3 , 𝑒𝑡𝑐 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒𝑠 1, 2, 3 𝑒𝑡𝑐
𝐷1 , 𝐷2 , 𝐷3 , 𝑒𝑡𝑐 = 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒𝑠 1, 2, 3 𝑒𝑡𝑐

𝐻 = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠

𝐷 = 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒

𝐿 = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 18

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Equivalent pipe
Neglecting minor losses,
𝐻 = ℎ𝑓1 + ℎ𝑓2 + ℎ𝑓 3 + ⋯

4𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 4𝑓2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2 4𝑓3 𝐿3 𝑉3 2

𝐻= + + +⋯
𝐷1 × 2𝑔 𝐷2 × 2𝑔 𝐷3 × 2𝑔

From continuity
𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = 𝐴3 𝑉3
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑄 = × 𝐷1 × 𝑉1 = × 𝐷2 × 𝑉2 = × 𝐷3 2 × 𝑉3
2 2
4 4 4

4𝑄 4𝑄 4𝑄
𝑉1 = 2 , 𝑉2 = 2 , 𝑉3 =
𝜋𝐷1 𝜋𝐷2 𝜋𝐷3 2 19
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Equivalent pipe
For equivalent pipe,
4𝑄
𝑉=
𝜋𝐷2
Substituting,
2 2 2
4𝑄 2 4𝑄 4𝑄 4𝑄
4𝑓𝐿 4𝑓1 𝐿1 4𝑓2 𝐿2 4𝑓3 𝐿3
𝜋𝐷2 𝜋𝐷1 2 𝜋𝐷2 2 𝜋𝐷3 2
= + + +⋯
𝐷 × 2𝑔 𝐷1 × 2𝑔 𝐷2 × 2𝑔 𝐷3 × 2𝑔

Assuming same f value for all pipes,

𝐿 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿3
= + + +⋯
𝐷5 𝐷1 5 𝐷2 5 𝐷3 5

The equation above is known as Dupits’s equation.

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Equivalent pipe
Worked example

A system of three pipes connected in series have lengths

1,200m, 750m, and 600m, and diameters of 750mm, 600mm
and 450mm respectively.

i. Transform the system into an equivalent pipe of diameter

450mm

ii. Determine the equivalent diameter required if a pipe length

of 2,550m is to replace the system.
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Equivalent pipe
Solution
𝐿1 = 1200𝑚, 𝐷1 = 0.75𝑚
𝐿2 = 750𝑚, 𝐷2 = 0.6𝑚
𝐿3 = 600𝑚, 𝐷3 = 0.45𝑚
i. Given equivalent diameter of 450mm = 0.45m
For equivalent pipe,

𝐿 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿3
5
= 5+ 5+ 5
𝐷 𝐷1 𝐷2 𝐷3

𝐿 1200 750 600

5
= 5
+ 5
+
0.45 0.75 0.6 0.455
𝐿 = 871.3𝑚 22
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Equivalent pipe
Solution

Given length of equivalent pipe as 2,550m

2550 1200 750 600

5
= 5
+ 5
+
𝐷 0.75 0.6 0.455
𝐷 = 0.5578𝑚 = 557.8𝑚𝑚

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Flow through Pipes connected in Parallel

When a main pipe divides into two or more branches which
again join together downstream to form a single pipe, then the
branched pipes are said to be connected in parallel (compound
pipes). Consider the diagram below;

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Flow through Pipes connected in Parallel
𝑄 = 𝑄1 + 𝑄2
Head loss is the same in each pipe for pipes that are arranged in
parallel, head loss
4𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 4𝑓2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2
ie. ℎ𝑓 = =
𝐷1 ×2𝑔 𝐷2 ×2𝑔

Examples
1. The flow rate in a main pipe is 2m³/s. It branches into two
pipes which again join to form a single pipe after a distance of
1,000m. The diameters of the two branches are 0.8m and 0.6m.
Given the coefficient of friction of the parallel pipes to be 0.005,
find the rate of flow in each parallel pipe.

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Flow through Pipes connected in Parallel
Solution
Diameter of 1st pipe 𝐷1 = 0.8𝑚, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐿1 = 1,000𝑚
Diameter of 2nd pipe 𝐷2 = 0.6𝑚, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐿2 = 1,000𝑚
Discharge in main pipe, 𝑄 = 2𝑚3 /𝑠
Coefficients of friction, 𝑓1 = 𝑓2 = 0.005
For pipes connected in parallel,
4𝑓1 𝐿1 𝑉1 2 4𝑓2 𝐿2 𝑉2 2
ℎ𝑓 = =
𝐷1 × 2𝑔 𝐷2 × 2𝑔
Crossing out common terms
𝑉1 2 𝑉2 2
=
𝐷1 𝐷2
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Solution
Expressing 𝑉1 in terms of 𝑉2

0.8 × 𝑉2 2
𝑉1 = = 1.15𝑉2
0.6
Also
𝑄 = 𝑄1 + 𝑄2
𝜋
𝑄1 = × 0.82 × 1.15𝑉2 = 0.578𝑉2
4
𝜋
𝑄2 = × 0.62 × 𝑉2 = 0.283𝑉2
4

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Solution
Substituting
2 = 0.578𝑉2 + 0.283𝑉2

2
𝑉2 = = 2.32𝑚/𝑠
0.578 + 0.283

𝑉1 = 1.15𝑉2 = 1.15 × 2.32 = 2.67𝑚/𝑠

Therefore
𝜋
𝑄1 = × 0.82 × 2.67 = 1.342𝑚3 /𝑠
4
𝑄2 = 𝑄 − 𝑄1 = 2 − 1.342 = 0.658𝑚3 /𝑠
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Example 2.

A pipeline of diameter 600mm is 1.5km long. To increase the

discharge, another pipeline of the same diameter is introduced
parallel to the first in the second half of the of length. Given that
the head at the inlet is 300mm, calculate the increase in
discharge. Take f = 0.01 and ignore minor losses.

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Solution
For discharge when there is a single pipe, 𝑄
Given that
Coefficient of friction, 𝑓 = 0.01
Head at inlet ℎ = 300𝑚𝑚 = 0.3𝑚
Head at outlet ℎ𝑜 = 0
Then head loss due to friction, ℎ𝑓 = 0.3𝑚
4𝑓𝐿𝑉 2
ℎ𝑓 =
𝐷 × 2𝑔

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Solution

4 × 0.01 × 1500 × 𝑉 2
0.3 =
0.6 × 2 × 9.81

0.3 × 0.6 × 2 × 9.81

𝑉2 =
4 × 0.01 × 1500
𝑉 = 0.243𝑚/𝑠

𝜋
∴ 𝑄 = 𝐴 × 𝑉 = × 0.62 × 0.243 = 0.0687𝑚3 /𝑠
4

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Solution
When an additional pipe of same diameter is connected parallel
at 750m
Let
𝑄𝑚 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒
𝑄1 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒
𝑄2 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒
𝑄𝑚 = 𝑄1 + 𝑄2

But pipes in parallel are of the same diameter and length

𝑄𝑚
∴ 𝑄1 = 𝑄2 =
2
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Solution
Head loss due to friction through section 𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 0.3𝑚
Thus ℎ𝑓𝐴𝐵𝐶 = ℎ𝑓𝐴𝐵 + ℎ𝑓𝐵𝐶
4 × 0.01 × 750 × 𝑉𝐴𝐵 2
ℎ𝑓𝐴𝐵 =
0.6 × 2 × 9.81
𝑄𝑚 𝑄𝑚
𝑉𝐴𝐵 = =𝜋 = 3.54𝑄𝑚
𝐴 × 0.62
4
Substituting,
4 × 0.01 × 750 × (3.54𝑄𝑚 )2
ℎ𝑓𝐴𝐵 = = 3.19𝑄𝑚 2
0.6 × 2 × 9.81
33
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through Pipes connected in Parallel

Solution
4 × 0.01 × 750 × 𝑉𝐵𝐶 2
ℎ𝑓𝐵𝐶 =
0.6 × 2 × 9.81
𝑄1 𝑄𝑚
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = = 𝜋 = 1.77𝑄𝑚
𝐴 2 × × 0.62
4
Substituting
4 × 0.01 × 750 × (1.77𝑄𝑚 )2
ℎ𝑓𝐵𝐶 = = 7.98𝑄𝑚 2
0.6 × 2 × 9.81
∴ 0.3 = 3.19𝑄𝑚 2 + 7.98𝑄𝑚 2
𝑄𝑚 = 0.087𝑚3 /𝑠
Increase in discharge = 𝑄𝑚 − 𝑄 = 0.087 − 0.0687
= 0.0183𝑚3 /𝑠 34
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through Pipes connected in Parallel

Solution
4 × 0.01 × 750 × 𝑉𝐵𝐶 2
ℎ𝑓𝐵𝐶 =
0.6 × 2 × 9.81
𝑄1 𝑄𝑚
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = = 𝜋 = 1.77𝑄𝑚
𝐴 2 × × 0.62
4
Substituting
4 × 0.01 × 750 × (1.77𝑄𝑚 )2
ℎ𝑓𝐵𝐶 = = 7.98𝑄𝑚 2
0.6 × 2 × 9.81
∴ 0.3 = 3.19𝑄𝑚 2 + 7.98𝑄𝑚 2
𝑄𝑚 = 0.087𝑚3 /𝑠
Increase in discharge = 𝑄𝑚 − 𝑄 = 0.087 − 0.0687
= 0.0183𝑚3 /𝑠 35
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES

Flow through branched pipes

Worked Examples
Example 1
The water levels in the two reservoirs A and B are 104.5m and
100m respectively above the datum. A pipe joins each to a
common point D, where pressure is 98.1kN/m² gauge and height
is 83.5m above datum. Another pipe connects D to another tank
C. What will be the height of water level in tank C given that the
diameters of the pipes AD, BD, and CD are 300mm, 450mm,
and 600mm, and their lengths are 240m, 270m, and 300m
respectively. Assume pipes are of the same material. Take
coefficient of friction to be 0.0075.

36
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES

Flow through branched pipes

Worked Examples
Example 1
The water levels in the two reservoirs A and B are 104.5m and
100m respectively above the datum. A pipe joins each to a
common point D, where pressure is 98.1kN/m² gauge and height
is 83.5m above datum. Another pipe connects D to another tank
C. What will be the height of water level in tank C given that the
diameters of the pipes AD, BD, and CD are 300mm, 450mm,
and 600mm, and their lengths are 240m, 270m, and 300m
respectively. Assume pipes are of the same material. Take
coefficient of friction to be 0.0075.

37
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES

Flow through branched pipes

Solution
Water level in Reservoir A = 104.5𝑚
Water level in Reservoir B = 100𝑚

Pipe AD
Diameter, 𝐷𝐴𝐷 = 300𝑚𝑚 = 0.3𝑚
Length, 𝐿𝐴𝐷 = 240𝑚
Pipe BD
Diameter, 𝐷𝐵𝐷 = 450𝑚𝑚 = 0.45𝑚
Length, 𝐿𝐵𝐷 = 270𝑚
38
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes
Solution
Pipe CD
Length, 𝐿𝐶𝐷 = 300𝑚
Diameter, 𝐷𝐶𝐷 = 600𝑚𝑚 = 0.6𝑚

Coefficient of friction, 𝑓 = 0.0075

Pressure at point D,𝑝𝐷 = 98.1𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

𝑝𝐷 98.1
Pressure head at point 𝐷 = = = 10𝑚
𝛾 9.81

39
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes
Solution

40
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes
Solution
Piezometric head at point 𝐷 = 10 + 83.5 = 93.5𝑚
Headloss between A and D, ℎ𝑓𝐴𝐷 = 104.5 − 93.5 = 11𝑚
Headloss between B and D, ℎ𝑓𝐵𝐷 = 100 − 93.5 = 6.5𝑚
4𝑓𝐿𝑉 2
But ℎ𝑓 =
𝐷×2𝑔

Substituting,
4 × 0.0075 × 240 × 𝑉𝐴𝐷 2
ℎ𝑓𝐴𝐷 = 11 =
0.3 × 2 × 9.81
𝑉𝐴𝐷 = 3𝑚/𝑠

41
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes
Solution
4 × 0.0075 × 270 × 𝑉𝐵𝐷 2
ℎ𝑓𝐵𝐷 = 6.5 =
0.45 × 2 × 9.81
𝑉𝐵𝐷 = 2.66𝑚/𝑠
According to continuity equation,
𝜋 × 0.32 𝜋 × 0.452
𝑄𝐶𝐷 = 𝑄𝐴𝐷 + 𝑄𝐵𝐷 = ×3 + × 2.66
4 4
= 0.635𝑚3 /𝑠

𝑄𝐶𝐷 0.635
𝑉𝐶𝐷 = = 2 = 2.24𝑚/𝑠
𝐴𝐶𝐷 𝜋 × 0.6
4
42
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES

Flow through branched pipes

Solution

4×0.0075×300×2.242
Head loss from D to C, ℎ𝑓𝐷𝐶 = =
0.6×2×9.81

3.84𝑚

∴ 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝐶 = 93.5 − 3.84 = 89.66𝑚

43
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes
Example 2
The figure below shows three reservoirs connected by pipes.
Each pipe has a diameter of 300mm and a length of 1.5km. Find
the flow through each pipe. Take f=0.01.

44
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes
Solution
Diameter of each pipe, 𝐷1 = 𝐷2 = 𝐷3 = 300𝑚𝑚 = 0.3𝑚
Length of each pipe, 𝐿1 = 𝐿2 = 𝐿 = 1.5𝑘𝑚 = 1,500𝑚
Assuming no flow occurs in pipe 2, thus piezometric head is
30m,
Head loss in pipe 1, ℎ𝑓1 = 70 − 30 = 40𝑚
4𝑓𝐿𝑉 2
But ℎ𝑓 =
𝐷×2𝑔

4 × 0.01 × 1500 × 𝑉1 2
ℎ𝑓1 = 40 =
0.3 × 2 × 9.81
𝑉1 = 1.981𝑚/𝑠 45
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes
Solution
𝜋×0.32
Discharge through pipe 1, 𝑄1 = × 1.981 = 0.14𝑚3 /𝑠
4

Head loss in pipe 3, ℎ𝑓3 = 30 − 15 = 15𝑚

4 × 0.01 × 1500 × 𝑉3 2
ℎ𝑓3 = 15 =
0.3 × 2 × 9.81
𝑉3 = 1.213𝑚/𝑠
Discharge through pipe 3,

𝜋 × 0.32
𝑄3 = × 1.213 = 0.0857𝑚3 /𝑠
4
𝑄1 > 𝑄3 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐽 𝑡𝑜 𝐵 46
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes

Solution

Thus ℎ𝑓1 + ℎ𝑓2 = 40

4𝑓𝐿1 𝑉1 2 4𝑓𝐿2 𝑉2 2
40 = +
2𝑔𝐷1 2𝑔𝐷2

4 × 0.01 × 1500 × 𝑉1 2 4 × 0.01 × 1500 × 𝑉2 2

40 = +
2 × 9.81 × 0.3 2 × 9.81 × 0.3

40 = 10.2 𝑉1 2 + 𝑉2 2

𝑉2 = 3.92 − 𝑉1 2 47
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes

Solution
Flow from A to C
ℎ𝑓1 + ℎ𝑓3 = 70 − 15

4𝑓𝐿1 𝑉1 2 4𝑓𝐿3 𝑉3 2
55 = +
2𝑔𝐷1 2𝑔𝐷3

4 × 0.01 × 1500 × 𝑉1 2 4 × 0.01 × 1500 × 𝑉3 2

55 = +
2 × 9.81 × 0.3 2 × 9.81 × 0.3

𝑉3 = 5.39 − 𝑉1 2

48
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Flow through branched pipes
Solution
From continuity,
𝑄1 = 𝑄2 + 𝑄3
𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴3 𝑉3 + 𝐴2 𝑉2
But 𝐴1 = 𝐴3 + 𝐴2
𝑉1 = 𝑉2 + 𝑉3

𝑉1 = 3.92 − 𝑉1 2 + 5.39 − 𝑉1 2

By trial and error method,

𝑉1 ≅ 1.9𝑚/𝑠
𝑉2 = 3.92 − 1.92 = 0.56𝑚/𝑠
𝑉3 = 5.39 − 1.92 = 1.34𝑚/𝑠
49
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES

Flow through branched pipes

Solution
Therefore,

𝜋 × 0.32
𝑄1 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = × 1.9 = 0.134𝑚3 /𝑠
4

𝜋 × 0.32
𝑄2 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = × 0.56 = 0.0396𝑚3 /𝑠
4

𝜋 × 0.32
𝑄1 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = × 1.34 = 0.0947𝑚3 /𝑠
4

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 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Syphon
A syphon is a long bent pipe that is used to transfer water from a
reservoir at a higher elevation into another reservoir at lower elevation
when there is a hill separating the two reservoirs. A section of the pipe
maybe raised above the hydraulic gradient line. The highest point of a
syphon is called the summit (S), and pressure at this point is less
than atmospheric pressure. In theory, the pressure at point S can
reduce to -10.3m of water but in practice it is -7.6m of water. The
figure below gives an illustration of syphon phenomenon

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Syphon

Characteristics of syphon

 Point “S” is known as the summit.

 All Points above the HGL have pressure less than

atmospheric (negative value)

 If the absolute pressure is used, then the atmospheric

absolute pressure = 10.33 m

 It is important to maintain pressure at all points (above H.G.L.)

in a pipeline above the vapor pressure of water (not be less
than zero Absolute) 52
 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Syphon

Applications

Some practical application of syphon phenomenon include;

 To carry water from one reservoir to another reservoir

separated by a hill or high ground level.

 To take out the liquid from a tank which is not having outlet

 To empty a channel not provided with any outlet sluice

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Syphon

Worked example

The difference in elevation of two tank connected by a syphon

with a 200mm diameter is 15m. The syphon has a length of
400m and the summit is 3m above the water level in the upper
reservoir, and the inlet – leg is 120m long. Given the coefficient
of friction as 0.005, calculate the discharge through the syphon
and the pressure at the summit. Neglect all minor losses.

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 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Syphon
Solution
Elevational difference of tanks, 𝐻 = 15𝑚
Diameter of syphon,𝐷 = 200𝑚𝑚 = 0.2𝑚
Length of syphon, 𝐿 = 400𝑚
Distance from summit above water in upper reservoir. ℎ = 3𝑚
Length of inlet – leg, 𝑙 = 120𝑚

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 FLOW THROUGH PIPES
Syphon
Solution
Discharge through the syphon
From Bernoulli’s principle,
𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴 2 𝑃𝐵 𝑉𝐵 2
+ + 𝑧𝐴 = + + 𝑧𝐵 + ℎ𝑓
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔
𝑃𝐴 = 𝑃 = 𝑎𝑡𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒, 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵 = 0

Thus
0 + 0 + 𝑧𝐴 = 0 + 0 + 𝑧𝐵 + ℎ𝑓
ℎ𝑓 = 𝐻 = 15𝑚
𝑧𝐴 − 𝑧𝐵 = 15

56
Syphon
FLOW THROUGH PIPES

Solution
4𝑓𝐿𝑉 2
But ℎ𝑓 =
𝐷×2𝑔
4 × 0.005 × 400 × 𝑉 2
15 = , (𝑉
2 × 9.81 × 0.2
= 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑠𝑦𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛)
𝑉 = 2.7𝑚/𝑠
𝜋×0.22
Discharge through syphon, 𝑄 = 𝐴𝑉 = × 2.7 = 0.0848𝑚3 /𝑠
4

Pressure at summit
Applying Bernoulli’s principle between A and summit point, S
𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴 2 𝑃𝑆 𝑉𝑆 2
+ + 𝑧𝐴 = + + 𝑧𝑆 + ℎ𝑓
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔
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Syphon
𝑃𝑆 2.72 4 × 0.005 × 120 × 2.72
0+0+0= + +3+
𝛾 2 × 9.82 2 × 9.81 × 0.2
𝑃𝑆
0 = + 7.83
𝛾
𝑃𝑆
= −7.83𝑚, ∴ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑡
𝛾
= 7.83𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

58