DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

M E LABORATORY 2

EXPERIMENT NO. 9

FRICTION LOSS IN PIPE FITTINGS,

VALVES AND TRANSISITONS

OBJECTIVES:
1. To determine the energy losses in a common pipe-fittings, valves
and transitions such as elbows, gate valves, pipe enlargement and
reducer.
2. To investigate the veracity of some known pipe friction loss coefficient
of these minor losses.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of the experiment the student will be able to:
1. Explain the minor losses and major losses for flow in pipes
2. Demonstrate how to measure minor losses in liquid flow by manometry.
3. Calculate the pressure loss and minor losses cause by pipe fittings.
4. Understand equivalent length method in determination of minor losses.

THEORY:
Losses due to the local disturbances of the flow in conduits such as changes in cross
section, projecting gaskets, elbows, valves, and similar items called “minor losses”.
Whenever the velocity of the flowing stream is altered either in direction or in
magnitude, eddy currents are set up and a loss of energy in excess of the pipe friction
in that same length is created. Thus, the flow of fluids through pipes fittings, valves,
etc., results in a friction loss or drop in pressure.
Theoretically, pipe friction is produced partly by viscous forces, and partly by the
dissipation of energy in turbulence and eddies. When the viscous forces predominate
below the critical Reynolds number), the pressure drop in the pipe is directly
proportional to the velocity. When inertia forces predominate (Reynolds number above
2,000 approx), the friction loss is proportional to the initial kinetic energy of the stream
or to the square of the velocity.
For most engineering applications for a given pipe or duct with its fittings, there are
three common ways of expressing the friction loss, in terms of (a) friction factor (b)
equivalent- length of a straight pipe and (c) velocity head. In practical design it is often
most convenient to account for the pressure loss in an entire assembly of pipe and
fittings in term of “equivalent-length”. It is common to express the pressure drop
through a fitting in terms of the velocity head some of these are illustrated in the figure
as shown.

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Head loss, HL in meter in SI unit (ft in imperial unit),

in term of Equivalent Length (Le),

where:
V = normally the higher velocity in pipe leading/leaving the fitting,
m/s ( also some cases V2 = ΔV2 )

Ke , Kc , Kf , KV = expansion-loss coef, contraction-loss coef, loss coef for

fitting, loss coef for valves respectively
HL = energy head has loss due to friction, meters.

Some typical pipe fittings that cause minor losses:

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 Valve

Generally, the component that affects flow that cause pressure drop (energy headloss),
• Changing the direction of flow
• Obstructing the flow
• Changing flow speed through varying cross sectional area
Some typical components in pipe system (see figures above),
• Bends, elbows, and tees
• Valves
• Sudden expansions or contractions
• Gradual expansions or contractions
• Entrance into pipe system from reservoir
• Exit from pipe system from reservoir

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 PROCEDURE:
Test set-up may include any transition pieces, valves or fittings as assigned by the
instructor. Static manometer connections should be available at each end of its total
length or at each transitions, valves or pipe fittings pieces. Using Pipe–Friction
Apparatus, check the necessary valves before starting the pump. Set the manometer
properly for possible reading of the respective pressure e.g. fluid static pressure head
at the entrance leading to and at the discharge end of the transition pieces, valves or
fittings. Start the pump and record the manometer readings and the volumetric flow
rate of the water discharge which determined though the collected volume of water
discharged over a specified time. Record the energy loss which is equivalent to the
drop of pressure as reflected in the manometer readings, exit and entrance point of
the transition, valve, and fitting pieces. Compute the respective loss coefficient of each
pieces. Compare the results with typical values given in the Tables and Charts from
the textbooks. Results could be verified by making reruns (by other performing group)
at different volumetric flow rate.

DETAILED PROCEDURE:

A. Head loss on Bend or Elbow:

1. Turn om flow control valve & set it for particular Flow rate

2. Close the drain valve & measure the time required for various cm rise in water level in measuring tank by stop watch

3. Note down the manometric readings

B. Head loss due to Venturi:

1. Replace the valve, elbow assembly securely.

2. Connect the supply hose from the Hydraulic Bench to inlet of the Venturi Meter and secure with a hose clip. Connect a hose

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to the control valve outlet and direct its free end into the central hole in the Bench.
3. With the air purge-valve closed, close the apparatus valve then open it by
about 1/3. Switch on the Bench and slowly open its valve until water starts to
flow. Allow the apparatus to fill with water. Continue to open the bench valve
until it is fully open. Close the apparatus valve fully. Couple the bicycle pump to
the purge salve and pump down until all the manometer read approximately 280
mm. Dislodge entrained air from the manometers by gentle tapping with the
fingers. Check that the water levels are constant. A steady rise in Levels will be
seen if the purge valve is leaking.
4. Check that the tube ferrules and the top manifold are free from water blockage, (this will suppress the manometer level).

C. Head loss due to Gate Valve:

1. Clamp off the connecting tubes to the mitre bend pressure tappings to prevent air being drawn into the system.
2. Open the bench valve and set the flow at the maximum flow in Part A (i.e., 17 liter/min); fully open the gate valve and flow
control valve.
3. Adjust the gate valve until 0.3 bar of head difference is achieved.
4. Determine the volumetric flow rate.
5. Repeat the experiment for 0.6 and 0.9 bars of pressure difference.

D. Head loss due to Reducer:

1. Start the water.

2. Then fluid is allowed to flow through the pipe in Reducer
3. Take manometer difference of each trial.
4. Take the time required for Various cm rise of water level in measuring tank

1. Label tapping points.

2. Record the dimensions. All dimensions are in mm.

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 3. TABULATED DATA AND RESULTS:

A. Head loss on Threaded Regular Elbow Pipe Internal Diameter - 19.05 mm

HEAD
TOTAL
VOLUME VOLUME LOSS
ELBOW HEAD
COLLECTED COLLECTED TIME (s) Q (m3/s) V (m/s) PER K
# LOSS
(m3) (mL) BEND
(mm)
(mm)
8.95426E- 0.000134 0.4725720 28.4867 10.2442
3-4 0.066478597
06 8.954260278 7 4 1 4 0.9
8.95426E- 0.2872883
5-6 0.109353297 8.188E-05 28.36 3.78599
06 8.954260278 3 0.9
8.95426E- 0.000149 0.5241692 28.5329 12.6033
10-11 0.059934695
06 8.954260278 4 9 9 7 0.9
8.95426E- 0.3375415 28.3882 5.22634
12-13 0.093072765 9.621E-05
06 8.954260278 6 6 4 0.9
8.95426E- 0.3450126 28.3928 5.46026
17-18 0.091057312 9.834E-05
06 8.954260278 7 4 4 0.9
0.1779585 28.3142 1.45271
19-20 0.00895426 176.5350951 5.072E-05
8954.260278 3 2 7 0.9
4.47713E- 0.1708237 28.3119 1.33856
21-22 0.091954202 4.869E-05
06 4.477130139 7 8 7 0.9
4.47713E- 0.1284995 28.3005 0.75743
23-24 0.122241414 3.663E-05
06 4.477130139 2 8 7 0.9

B. Head loss on Venturi Pipe Internal Diameter - 19.05 mm

HEAD
TOTAL
VOLUME VOLUME LOSS
VENTU HEAD
COLLECTE COLLECTE TIME (s) Q (m3/s) V (m/s) PER K
RI # LOSS
D (m3) D (mL) BEND
(mm)
(mm)
0.0289583 0.00017 0.00016 0.57742 28.2923 0.33987
7-9 2.896E-08
3 6 5 1 8 3 0.02
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 C. Head loss on Gate Valve (refer from measurements) Pipe Internal Diameter - 19.05 mm

HEAD
TOTAL
GATE VOLUME VOLUME LOSS
HEAD
VALVE COLLECTE COLLECTE TIME (s) Q (m3/s) V (m/s) PER K
LOSS
# D (m3) D (mL) BEND
(mm)
(mm)
1.83897E- 0.10309 0.00017 0.62583 28.3444 2.99443
14-16
05 18.38968 4 8 7 7 8 0.15

D. Head loss on Reducer (refer from measurements) Pipe Internal Diameter - 19.05 mm

HEAD
TOTAL
VOLUME VOLUME LOSS
REDUCE HEAD
COLLECTE COLLECTE TIME (s) Q (m3/s) V (m/s) PER K
R# LOSS
D (m3) D (mL) BEND
(mm)
(mm)
0.15602 9.69242E 0.76512 28.466 9.20927 0.30864
0-1 1.51E-05
15.12268 6 -05 9 4 8 2

COMPUTATION AND ANALYSIS:

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