University of Santo Tomas CHE 2116:

Faculty of Engineering CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Department of Chemical Engineering LABORATORY 2
Post-Lab Written Report
Date Performed: 04/02/2021
Name: CORALDE, JOHN LEREE B.
Date Submitted: 05/29/2021
Instructor:
Section: 3CHEB Group No: 5 Engr. Rose Mardie P. Pacia
Engr. Noel Sabarillo, M.Sc.

Experiment 4: MECHANICAL ENERGY LOSSES IN STRAIGHT PIPES

I. INTRODUCTION
In many practical applications, fluid flow inside ducts, channels and pipes are significant. More
commonly they are used in heating or cooling applications as well as fluid distribution. [1] The flow of a fluid
is often categorized by its Reynold’s Number. Fluid Flow having a Reynold’s Number less than 2000 are
classified as being in Laminar flow. It is also referred to as streamline or viscous flow which is characterized
by the smooth flow of the fluid in layers that do not mix and fluid particles that move in discrete and
predictable paths. Fluid Flow having a Reynold’s Number more than 3500 are classified as being in
Turbulent flow. It is characterized by the irregular movement of particles in the fluid often looking as eddies
and swirls that mix layers of fluid together. Fluid flow in between the Reynold’s Number of 2000 and 3500
are said to be under Transitional Flow. [2]
Friction is usually considered in these flows because of its significance – it describes a resistance
to relative motion: when one layer of fluid is moving with respect to an adjacent layer, friction exists between
the layers. [3] A fluid flowing through a pipe contacts the pipe wall – which has a certain surface roughness.
The amount of roughness affects the drag on the fluid affecting its flow. Flow of fluid through a pipe is
resisted by viscous shear stresses within the fluid and the turbulence that occurs along the internal pipe
wall, which is dependent on the roughness of the pipe material. [4] This in turn becomes the phenomenon
known as Viscous Dissipation which where mechanical energy is transformed into heat and internal energy
due to fluid’s viscosity that gives rise to frictional force. It tends to inhibit the relative motion of the
neighboring fluid. [5]
This transformation into heat is considered as a loss of mechanical energy of the system – which
is the pipe and the fluid. Specifically, this is classified as the head loss due to friction which is an important
energy loss in Equation 1. Along with the pressure drop, the change in pipe elevation, and the changes in
kinetics energy, the head loss due to friction – also known as the major loss - is important to quantify the
needed shaft work for pumps and other equipment to be able to operate [6].

𝑔 Δ𝑣 2 Equation 1. Mechanical Energy Balance

Δ𝑧 + + 𝑉Δ𝑃 + ∑𝐹 = 𝑊𝑠
𝑔𝑐 2𝑔𝑐 Equation

The cost of operation also takes account of the effects of the mechanical energy losses. The cost
is directly proportionally to the shaft work. The more work the energy the pump or equipment requires which
increases the cost [7]. In designing industrial piping systems, this is a red flag as engineers want a system
that will minimize expenses over the long term. Excessive energy consumption increases costs and hurts
Experiment 4: MECHANICAL ENERGY LOSSES IN STRAIGHT PIPES

the bottom line. Piping system design attempts to maximize energy usage by minimizing resistance to the
fluid flow.
The objective of this experiment were to measure the mechanical energy losses in a straight,
horizontal and constant-diameter piping system as well as to determine the effect of varying pipe diameter
to the mechanical energy losses using simulation data.

II. METHODOLOGY
The experiment was done online using a virtual flash simulator by the SOLE Virtual Labs. In the first
part, the setup is shown in Figure 1. A pipe diameter is then selected from the drop-down list, to start, 50-
mm was chosen. The inlet valve was opened which allowed water to flow through the selected pipeline.
The nanometer was changed from isolate position to air-vent position to remove the air inside the pipe.
After some time, the nanometer was changed from the air-vent position to the read position, and then the
exit valve was opened to allow the water to flow out. The readings from the manometer was recorded. After
closing the exit valve, the time for the water inside the tank to rise by 10 cm was recorded. The recorded
quantities were used to calculate the volumetric flow rate, the velocity of the water, and the analytical friction
factor.
The simulator was then reset and another 2 trials were done for the 50-mm diameter pipe. The
simulator was again reset but this time selecting a different pipe diameter (15-mm, 20-mm, 25-mm, 40-
mm) and the whole process repeats.

Figure 1. Experimental Setup

CORALDE, JOHN LEREE B. 2

Experiment 4: MECHANICAL ENERGY LOSSES IN STRAIGHT PIPES

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Average Volumetric Rate vs Pipe Diameter

1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Figure 1. Average Volumetric Rate vs. Pipe Diameter graph

It can be observed from Figure 1 that the volumetric rate of the fluid is directly proportional to the
pipe diameter. An increase the in diameter of the pipe would in turn increase the volumetric flow rate of
the fluid. This can be explained by looking at the Equation 1, where it describes that the volumetric flow
rate is dependent on the cross sectional area of the fluid flow as well as its velocity. [1]

𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 𝑆𝑣 Equation 2. Volumetric Flow Rate Equation

Where S is the cross sectional area and v is the velocity. From the cross sectional area, the pipe
diameter directly influences it, supporting the trend seen in the graph.

Head Loss vs. Volumetric Flow Rate

180
160
140
120 15

100 20

80 25

60 40

40 50

20
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Figure 2. Head Loss vs. Volumetric Flow Rate graph for all the trials of each Pipe

CORALDE, JOHN LEREE B. 3

Experiment 4: MECHANICAL ENERGY LOSSES IN STRAIGHT PIPES

Figure 2 describes the direct relationship of the head loss (pressure loss) of the fluid and its
volumetric flow rate. This relationship is validated by Equation 2:

8𝜌𝑓𝐿𝑄2 Equation 3. Derivation from Darcy-Weisbach

∆𝑝 =
𝜋 2 𝐷5 Relationship

Where it shows that when the diameter of the pipe is kept constant, the pressure loss increases
with an increase with the volumetric flow rate. It can also be observed that at lower piper diameter, the
incline of the graph is much steeper which follows the theory. [2]

Mechanical Energy Loss vs Volumetric Flow Rate

114

112

110
15
108
20
106
25
104
40
102 50
100

98
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Figure 3. Mechanical Energy Loss vs. Volumetric Flow Rate graph for all trials of each Pipe

Mechanical Energy Loss vs Head Loss

114

112

110
15
108
20
106
25
104 40

102 50

100

98
0 50 100 150 200

Figure 4. Mechanical Energy Loss vs. Head Loss for all trials of each Pipe

CORALDE, JOHN LEREE B. 4

Experiment 4: MECHANICAL ENERGY LOSSES IN STRAIGHT PIPES

It can be observed from both Figure 3 and Figure 4 that the mechanical energy loss has no
relationship with both the head loss and volumetric flow rate. This should not be the case which can be
explained by looking at Equation 1, the mechanical energy balance equation
The head loss of the system differs from the mechanical energy loss because it only account for
the loss in pressure from a reference point. Mechanical energy loss in this context only considers the line
friction loss which is just the pipe, but in reality – based on the setup – the mechanical energy loss should
also account for the friction losses due to the fittings, valves, and meters as well as from sudden
contraction and expansion in the pipe. This explains that even though the head loss and volumetric flow
rate show a direct relationship, both do not show a correlation with the mechanical energy loss because
it only accounts for the frictional losses in the pipe itself.
However, there is clear evidence that the pipe diameter itself has a direct correlation with both
the head loss and mechanical energy loss. This is supported by Figure 1 and 2 as well as the equation
for frictional head loss:
𝑓 ′ 𝑣 2 ∑(𝐿⁄𝐷 ) Equation 4. The Fanny-Darcy Equation for
𝐹𝐿 =
2𝑔𝑐 Friction Losses

IV. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

1. In cases where the changes in potential energy and kinetic energy are considerable, how would the total
mechanical energy losses be affected? Explain and prove using mathematical energy representations.
Answer:
In cases where there is a variation in Kinetic Energy, it indicates that there had been a change in
the diameter of the pipe. Two occurrences may occur: either a contraction or expansion. In contraction,
the final velocity of the fluid will increase which will increase the energy loss while the opposite happens
in expansion [3]. Below represents the change in Kinetic Energy is both scenarios:
∆𝑣 2 𝑣22 −𝑣12
Contraction: =+
2 2
∆𝑣 2 𝑣22 −𝑣12
Expansion: =−
2 2

In cases where there is a variation in Potential energy, it means that there had been a change
in the elevation of the pipe. If the fluid has a positive change in elevation, the energy losses will
increase because the fluid is going against gravity. If the fluid has a negative change in elevation, the
energy losses will decrease since the gravity is assisting the fluid to flow. Below represents the
relationship:
Lower to Higher Elevation 𝑔∆ℎ = 𝑔(+∆ℎ)
Higher to Lower Elevation: 𝑔∆ℎ = 𝑔(−∆ℎ)

2. In cases where there are fittings and valves added in the piping system, how would the total mechanical
energy losses be affected? Explain and prove using mathematical energy representations.
Answer:

CORALDE, JOHN LEREE B. 5

Experiment 4: MECHANICAL ENERGY LOSSES IN STRAIGHT PIPES

The presence of fittings and valves introduces additional sources of friction to the system thereby
increasing the energy losses. Equation 4 below takes account of the ratio of the specifications (L/D) of
each fittings and valves present in the system in calculating the total mechanical energy losses.
As seen from the equation, the f’ is the friction factor that is dependent on Reynolds Number (Nre)
- what range the fluid is flowing – and the roughness of the material.
3. In cases where there is a desired flow rate, what design considerations must be specified in the piping
system if the mechanical energy losses were to be minimum? Discuss briefly.
Answer:
If a desired flow rate is to be designed, one must take in consideration the diameter and length
of the pipe to be used. The diameter and length must be adjusted so that the energy losses will be limited.
This is supported by Equation 4 where it describes an indirect effect of pipe diameter and length to the
friction loss.

V. CONCLUSION
The experiment aimed to be able to measure the mechanical energy losses in a straight, horizontal
and constant-diameter piping system as well as to determine the effect of varying pipe diameter to the
mechanical energy losses using simulation data. The experiment is said to be successful since the
mechanical energy losses for each pipe system was able to be graphically presented and interpreted. The
variation in pipe diameter was said to have a positive or direct relationship with the mechanical energy
losses, where an increase in pipe diameter would in turn increase the mechanical energy loss of the system
However, the data showed that there is no correlation of head loss and mechanical energy loss which is
against theory. The errors may be attributed to the varying measures of the quantities by the simulation.

VI. REFERENCES
1. FLOW IN PIPES. Retrieved from https://www.kau.edu.sa/Files/0057863/Subjects/Chapter%208.pdf
2. Laminar and Turbulent Flow | Engineering Library. (2021). Retrieved May 22, 2021, from
Engineeringlibrary.org website: https://engineeringlibrary.org/reference/laminar-and-turbulent-fluid-flow-
doe-handbook
3. Flows with Friction. Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/~asmits/Bicycle_web/frictionflows.html
4. Pipe Flow Software. (2021). Pipe Friction Loss Calculations. Retrieved May 22, 2021, from
Pipeflow.com website: https://www.pipeflow.com/pipe-pressure-drop-calculations/pipe-friction-loss
5. Kunes, J. (2012). Dimensionless Physical Quantities in Science and Engineering. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124160132000038
6. DTK Hydronet Solutions. (2019, June 11). What are the Energy Losses (head losses) in Pipe Networks?
Retrieved May 22, 2021, from DTK Hydronet Solutio website: https://www.dtkhydronet.com/post/what-are-
the-energy-losses-head-losses-in-pipe-networks
7. Corzan, L. (2019). How fittings, valves and strainers affect pressure drop and head loss. Retrieved from
https://www.corzan.com/blog/how-fittings-valves-and-strainers-affect-pressuredrop-and-head-loss8.
Freezing Point Depression | Introduction to Chemistry. (2020). Lumenlearning.Com. https://courses.

CORALDE, JOHN LEREE B. 6

 Experiment 4: MECHANICAL ENERGY LOSSES IN STRAIGHT PIPES

lumenlearning.com/introchem/chapter/freezing-point depression/#:~:text=Freezing%20point%20
depression%20is%20the,forces%20start%20to%20take%20over.
8. Fluid Volumetric Flow Rate Equation - Engineers Edge. (2021). Retrieved May 22, 2021, from
Engineersedge.com website: https://www.engineersedge.com/fluid_flow/
volumeetric_flow_rate.htm#:~:text=The%20volumetric%20flow%20rate%20(V,average%20flow%20veloci
ty%20(v).
9. Relationship Between Pressure Drop and Flow Rate in a Pipeline - Engineered Software Knowledge
Base. (2021). Retrieved May 22, 2021, from Eng-software.com website: http://kb.eng-
software.com/eskb/ask-an-engineer/theory-equations-and-calculated-results-questions/relationship-
between-pressure-drop-and-flow-rate-in-a-pipeline
10. Pienaar, V. (2004). VISCOUS FLOW THROUGH SUDDEN CONTRACTIONS. Retrieved from website:
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/148364855.pdf

APPENDIX
Table 1. Data used to Calculate for the Mechanical Energy Loss
Head Loss, H
Pipe
Diameter Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Ave.
15 81.9 119.7 107.1 102.9
20 119.7 94.5 81.9 98.7
25 97.65 135.45 59.85 97.65
40 157.5 94.5 107.1 119.7
50 63 126 100.8 96.6
Volumetric Flow Rate, Qact
Pipe
Diameter Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Ave.
15 507.2463 593.2203 555.5555 552.0074
20 760.8695 693.0693 630.6306 694.8565
25 1158.94 1428.571 985.9154 1191.142
40 2187.5 1044.776 1166.667 1466.314
50 1000 1944.444 1458.333 1467.593
Velocity, v
Pipe
Diameter Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Ave.
15 287.1883 335.8643 314.5395 312.5307
20 242.3151 220.7227 200.8377 221.2918
25 236.2171 291.1738 200.9509 242.7806
40 174.164 83.1828 92.8874 116.7447
50 50.9554 99.0799 74.3099 74.78173
Friction Factor, f
Pipe
Diameter Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Ave.
15 0.0097 0.0104 0.0106 0.01

CORALDE, JOHN LEREE B. 7

Experiment 4: MECHANICAL ENERGY LOSSES IN STRAIGHT PIPES

20 0.0267 0.0254 0.0266 0.03

25 0.0286 0.0261 0.0242 0.03
40 0.1358 0.3573 0.3247 0.21
50 0.7934 0.4197 0.5969 0.65

CORALDE, JOHN LEREE B. 8