Head Loss Lab Report

MAJAK MARIAL CHOL-F22/143270/2021
5/7/23
HEAD LOST DUE TO FRICTION IN PIPES
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM AND MANUFACTURING

ENGINEERING
BSC. PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
FPE 232: FLUID MECHANICS II
EXPERIMENT 1: HEAD LOST BY FRICTION IN PIPES
PREPARED BY:
F22/143270/2021: MAJAK MARIAL CHOL DHOL
SUBMITTED TO: ENG. J. MWAKA
SUBMITTION DATE:
1
5/7/23
ABSTRACT
In this experiment, fluid friction apparatus is used to study the head losses in
straight pipes and pipe fittings with the incompressible fluid due to the friction
whereby the pipe fitting includes tees, elbows and bend. This is to calculate the
total pressure of the water required to transfer the fluid in the pipe from one point
to another. Reynold’s number calculated is used to determine whether the fluid
flow is either laminar or turbulent. Head loss in pipes is considered due to the
various environment and scenario in real life. Basically, the increase of friction in
the pipes is due to viscosity of the liquid will increase the head loss especially at
the fittings and this can lead to the decreasing of the flow rate.
OBJECTIVES
 To confirm the Darcy Weisbach Equation
 To find coefficient of friction (f)

 To find n.
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5/7/23
INTRODUCTION
Pressure drop or head loss in pipes is due to eddy currents caused by friction
between the pipe’s inner surface, as a result of its roughness, and the fluid it
contains. The frictional force acts tangential to the motion of the fluid and results
in a decrease in the overall energy of the fluid in motion. The study of the frictional
force between a moving fluid and the walls of a pipe and the energy loss associated
with it has numerous engineering applications in industry
The results of this experiment could be used in the oil pipe system design and
pump design industries where knowledge of different magnitudes of pressure drop
for different types of fluid flow is imperative to their work. In pipe system design,
the pressure drop between two locations determines the minimum acceptable
cross-sectional area of the pipeline given the flow rate requirements for a desired
output in a system.
Engineers in the oil pipe system design industry also use their knowledge of
pressure drops in piping networks to produce the most economical balance
between installation costs of the piping system and operational costs of the pumps
system.
In oil pump design, the knowledge of pressure drop is crucial to determining the
size of the pumps. After engineering calculations to find out the type of oil flow
using the dimensionless Reynolds Number, the pressure drop or head loss between
two points is determined. This value of pressure drop is then accounted for by the
pumps as the amount of power loss due to frictional losses in the pipe is the power
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5/7/23
required to be added to the system by the booster pumps. These booster pumps will
be placed at points in the pipe system where maximum pressure drops occur.
This pipe friction experiment aims to investigate the magnitude of pressure drop
for a broad range of flow rates that represent laminar, transitional and fully
turbulent types of flow and to calculate an estimate for the critical Reynold’s
number where the flow changes from laminar to turbulent in nature.
THEORY
The type of fluid flow in a system is found by calculation of the dimensionless

Reynolds Number (ratio between inertial forces and viscous forces):
ρVD
R eD=
μ
The critical or transitional value of R e D , where the fluid changes from laminar to
turbulent in nature, is considered to be around 2000.
Generally, there are three types of fluid flow in pipes:
 Laminar flow
 Transient or transitional Flow
 Turbulent
Laminar flow occurs mainly in pipes with small-cross-sectional area, at low fluid
flow velocities or with fluids of relatively high density. It is the flow in which
viscous forces dominate inertial forces. Laminar flow is a smooth steady flow of a
fluid where its particles move in layers that do not mix and are parallel to the wall.
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5/7/23
Shear stress depends solely on viscosity and is independent of density. Occurs

below Re=2000
Turbulent flow occurs generally at high flow rates, in pipes with larger cross-
sectional areas or with fluids of relatively low density. It is the flow in which
inertial forces dominate viscous forces. Eddies and wakes mean the layers of
particles are now mixed and the flow’s behavior is unpredictable. Shear stress for
turbulent flow is directly related to the fluid’s density. Occurs above Re= 2000
Transient flow occurs when turbulent and laminar flows occur simultaneously with
turbulence in the middle of the flow and laminar flow at the sides. This occurs
around Re= 2000.
The energy loss due to friction between the pipe’s inner surface and the fluid it
contains can be derived from the Bernoulli’s Equation which describes the
different forms of energy involved in the fluid.
Fig. 1: Illustration of fully developed flow along a pipe
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5/7/23
( )( )
2 2
p1 V 1 p2 V 2
+ + Z1 = + +Z +hf ¿
γ 2g γ 2g 2 ¿
Where:
 p = Static Pressure in N/m2

 γ = ρg = Specific weight of the fluid in N/m3
 V = Average Velocity of the fluid in the pipe in m/s
 Z = Elevation in pipe in m
 h f = Energy loss per unit weight of fluid in Nm
 g = Acceleration due to gravity in m/s2
The value of ΔZ (Z2 – Z1) is zero since Z1 = Z2. The change in fluid velocity is
negligible, therefore, V2-V1= 0. Factoring these conditions into the Bernoulli’s
Equation and rearranging to make h f the subject of the formula will give us an
expression to calculate the total head loss:
p1 p 2
hf = −
γ γ
In turbulent flow, the surface roughness of the pipe has a significant effect on the
head loss but in turbulent flow, the surface roughness of the pipe has negligible
effect on the head loss.
Through experimental observations, Darcy and Weisbach developed an expression

to calculate the energy loss in both laminar and turbulent flow:
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5/7/23
Rearranging the expression allows us to calculate the friction factor, f , which

relates the head loss to the fluid’s flow velocity:
hf
f=
LV 2
4
2 Dg
 f = Frictional Factor, Dimensionless

 h f = Head loss in m
 L = Length of test pipe in m
 V = Velocity of the fluid in m/s
 D = Diameter of pipe in m
 g= acceleration due to gravity in m/s2
Moreover, for turbulent flow, the relationship between hf and V takes: hf= K . vn
Where K is a loss coefficient and n ranges from 1.7 to 2.0 (depending on the value
of Re and D). This equation can be written as: Log hf= Log K + n Log V
In order to find K and n experimentally, using graph.
The friction factor can then be compared to the Moody Diagram using the values
of surface roughness and Reynold’s Number to reflect how close the experimental
value was to the theoretical value of friction factor. The Moody Diagram is a
graph that reflects the relationship between surface roughness, Friction factor and
Reynold’s Number.
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5/7/23
Fig. 2:
Moody diagram
APPARATUS/EQUIPMENTS
1) Stopwatch- To measure
time taken for water to
be collected.
8
5/7/23
2) Measuring Beaker- To
measure volume of
water collected
3) Hydraulic Bench: A vertical

piping system with 3 valves
in the rear to switch
between different types of
flow. A hydraulic motor
pumps water up the pipe
and into the head tank with
the stilling matter for
laminar flow. The motor is
connected directly to the
test pipe by adjusting the
valves to obtain a higher
flow rate. (Turbulent flow)
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP.
Fig. 3: Schmatic of experimet Apparatus
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5/7/23
PROCEDURES
 Two Points a distance L apart are connected to a u tube manometer which

may contain a red gauge fluid of specific gravity 2 or as indicated on the
board. In either case, the tubes connecting the manometer are first bled of
air.
 The rate of discharge may be measured by collecting the water in a bucket
and weighing it, or by collecting the water in a measuring cylinder. In each
case a timed interval is noted.
 The pipe is connected to a constant head tank, and the water allowed to flow
at its maximum rate by turning the valve.
 The reading on the gauge when steady is noted and so tis the discharge.
 The rate of discharge is measured again at the same head reading.
 This is repeated 12 times; the head being reduced by approximately constant
intervals to the minimum.
TABLE OF RESULTS
h1 h2 hm hf Volume Time Discharge Velocit Log(v) Log

(m) (m) (m) (m) (m3) (s) (Q) (m3/s) y (v) (hf)
(m/s)
1.20 0.53 0.67 1.32 9.50E-04 20.29 4.68E-05 1.53 0.18 0.12
1.18 0.55 0.63 1.24 1.11E-03 25.17 4.41E-05 1.44 0.16 0.09
1.16 0.58 0.58 1.16 1.13E-03 26.04 4.34E-05 1.41 0.15 0.06
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5/7/23
1.14 0.59 0.55 1.08 1.24E-03 30.87 4.02E-05 1.31 0.12 0.03
1.12 0.61 0.51 1.01 1.30E-03 32.64 3.98E-05 1.30 0.11 0.00
1.10 0.63 0.47 0.93 6.80E-04 17.59 3.87E-05 1.26 0.10 -0.03
1.08 0.66 0.42 0.84 7.20E-04 20.12 3.58E-05 1.17 0.07 -0.08
1.06 0.67 0.39 0.77 6.90E-04 20.38 3.39E-05 1.10 0.04 -0.11
1.04 0.69 0.35 0.69 5.90E-04 19.05 3.10E-05 1.01 0.00 -0.16
1.02 0.71 0.31 0.62 5.90E-04 20.02 2.95E-05 0.96 -0.02 -0.21
1.00 0.72 0.28 0.54 6.80E-04 24.84 2.74E-05 0.89 -0.05 -0.27
0.98 0.75 0.23 0.47 1.09E-03 42.28 2.58E-05 0.84 -0.08 -0.33
Specific gravity of manometric fluid(s) = 2.97

diameter of pipe = 0.00625m
cross sectional Area of pipe = 3.068x10^-5 m2
hf(head loss) = (s-1)xhm
discharge(q) per second = volume(V)/time(t)
Velocity = discharge/cross sectional area
Length of pipe (l) = 2m
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5/7/23
Log(hf) against Log (v)

0.20
f(x) = 1.70180874876203
0.10 x − 0.18496450055904
0.00
-0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20
log (hf)
-0.10
-0.20
-0.30
-0.40
log (v)
CALCULATIONS
Let 4fL
/2gd = k
 Hf = kvn
Loghf = log k + logvn
Log hf = nlogv + logk
This is in the form of y = m(x)+c
Therefore; gradient of loghf against logv = n
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5/7/23
From the graph, n = 1.7018 ≈ 2
჻ n=2
y- intercept = -0.185
 Logk = -0.185
 K = 0.6531
» 4fL2gd = 0.6531
f = (0.6531*2*g*d)/(4L) = (0.6531*2*9.81*0.00625)/(4*2) = 0.01001 ≈ 0.01
჻ F = 0.01
DISCUSSION
Percentage error n
n(experimental )−n( theory) 1.7018−2

×100 % = ×100 % = 14%
n(theory ) 2
Possible sources of error are;
1) Human Error: Parallax error while reading the levels of manometric fluid in the
manometer and the volume of water in the measuring beaker.
2) Delay in recording the time taken for a volume of water to be collected.
3) Diameter of test pipe: The diameter of the test pipe might vary slightly through
its length which would greatly affect the accuracy of the readings as the
readings are very susceptible to changes in pipe diameter. This is because the
diameter affects the flow rate calculation and in turn, the calculation for the
friction factor which is directly related to the square of the flow velocity.
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5/7/23
4) Fluctuations in Manometer: Air bubbles could have been formed during the
calibration of the manometer which would lead to an error in the readings for
pressure difference.
Precautions:
1) Ensure test-pipe is properly fit into the head tank.

2) Check if the heights of manometric fluid in the columns are the same.
3) Ensure pipe doesn’t touch the water in the measuring beaker.
4) Practice caution while handling the flexible tube delivering water into the
measuring beaker in order to avoid causing back pressure.
Improvements:
1) Place measuring beaker at an appropriate height to avoid parallax error

rather than a relatively low height in the sink.
2) Use a stand to hold the delivery tube in order to avoid causing unwanted
fluctuations in pressure difference due to varying elevation.
CONCLUSION
The objectives of the experiment were achieved successfully, however not to a full
extent. The objective for finding f(coefficient of friction) was achieved
successfully, however the objective for finding n was achieved but not to a level of
high accuracy. The theoretical Darcy-Weisbach equation is written as:
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5/7/23
Hence, our calculated value of n (1.7018) had an accuracy level of 86%, thus it is
not highly accurate. This could be due to errors discussed above.
Therefore, in summary, the experiment conducted was successful as it showed us
how head is lost due to friction and the objectives were achieved to a good level of
accuracy.
REFERENCES
[1] http://www.mvsengineering.com/files/Subsurface-Book/MVS-
SVE_Chapter02.pdf
[2] http://www.engineersedge.com/fluid_flow/pressure_drop/pipe-friction-
calculation.htm
[3]http://www.ipt.ntnu.no/~jsg/undervisning/prosessering/kompendium/
ErrorAnalysisStrupstad.pdf
[4] Engineeringtoolbox.com, (2014). Moody Diagram. [online] Available at:
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/moody-diagram-d_618.html
[5] Anon, (2014). [online] Available at:
http://www.eng.auburn.edu/~tplacek/courses/3600/colebrook.pdf
***THE END***
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MAJAK MARIAL CHOL-F22/143270/2021

DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM AND MANUFACTURING

BSC. PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

FPE 232: FLUID MECHANICS II

EXPERIMENT 1: HEAD LOST BY FRICTION IN PIPES

F22/143270/2021: MAJAK MARIAL CHOL DHOL

SUBMITTED TO: ENG. J. MWAKA

 To confirm the Darcy Weisbach Equation

 To find coefficient of friction (f)

The type of fluid flow in a system is found by calculation of the dimensionless

Generally, there are three types of fluid flow in pipes:

Shear stress depends solely on viscosity and is independent of density. Occurs

Fig. 1: Illustration of fully developed flow along a pipe

 p = Static Pressure in N/m2

Through experimental observations, Darcy and Weisbach developed an expression

Rearranging the expression allows us to calculate the friction factor, f , which

 f = Frictional Factor, Dimensionless

3) Hydraulic Bench: A vertical

Fig. 3: Schmatic of experimet Apparatus

 Two Points a distance L apart are connected to a u tube manometer which

h1 h2 hm hf Volume Time Discharge Velocit Log(v) Log

Specific gravity of manometric fluid(s) = 2.97

Log(hf) against Log (v)

Loghf = log k + logvn

Log hf = nlogv + logk

This is in the form of y = m(x)+c

Therefore; gradient of loghf against logv = n

From the graph, n = 1.7018 ≈ 2

f = (0.6531*2*g*d)/(4L) = (0.6531*2*9.81*0.00625)/(4*2) = 0.01001 ≈ 0.01

n(experimental )−n( theory) 1.7018−2

Possible sources of error are;

1) Ensure test-pipe is properly fit into the head tank.

1) Place measuring beaker at an appropriate height to avoid parallax error

[4] Engineeringtoolbox.com, (2014). Moody Diagram. [online] Available at:

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f = (0.65312g*d)/(4L) = (0.653129.810.00625)/(42) = 0.01001 ≈ 0.01