DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL: ENGINEERING

DEPARRTMENT: MECHANICAL

COURSE OF STUDY: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

NAME: BRIAN OTIENO ONGORO

REG NO: E023-01-1440/2021

UNIT: FLUID MECHANIC I

TITLE: FLOW THROUGH PIPES WITH DIFFERENT DIAMETERS

LECTURER: PARTICK WANJIRU

LAB TECHNICIAN: MR. NYAGA

DATE OF LAB: FRIDAY 13TH JANUARY, 2023

DATE OF SUBMISSION: THURSDAY 2nd JANUARY, 2023

 1. INTRODUCTION
In this lab, one experiments were performed in order to determine head losses in pipe
systems, observe how friction affects a flowing fluid as it travels through pipes of different
diameters for various flow rates. Whenever fluid is transported through pipes or fittings, it
experiences a head losses due to friction with the walls of the pipe and changing flow
direction through fitting geometry. It is critical to understand these losses so that the
appropriate placement of pumps, pipes, and fitting can be used.
2. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD
a. Objective: The objective of this lab was to measure the head loss versus discharge
for water flowing through individual pipes with different internal diameters.
b. Method: Data and results from this demonstration was by the method of measuring
the flowrate and the corresponding head loss (pressure loss) across pipes with
different diameters.
3. EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED
In order to complete the demonstration, the following equipment were used:
- C11- MKII Pipe Network Apparatus.
- F1- 10 Hydraulics Bench.
- Stop clock.
4. THEORY
Equipment Description:

Fig 1: F1- 10 Hydraulics Bench with C11- MKII Pipe Network Apparatus.
The Pipe Networks is a free-standing accessory to the F1-10 Hydraulics Bench which
demonstrates the characteristics of flow through different arrangements of pipes and the
effect of changes in pipe diameter on the flow through a particular network.
The permanent arrangement of PVC pipes and fittings is mounted on a free-standing
support frame designed to stand alongside an F1-10 Hydraulics Bench in use. Connection to
the F1-10 is via a reinforced flexible tube and threaded union with ‘O’ ring seal, enabling
connection to the F1-10 without the use of tools.
Isolating valves enable a wide range of different series, parallel and mixed pipe
configurations to be created without draining the system. Flow into the network and flow
out from the network at each outlet can be individually varied to change the characteristics
of the system.
All clear acrylic test pipes are installed using threaded unions with ‘O’ ring seals that allow
the pipes with different diameters to be repositioned without the use of tools.
Self-sealing quick release fittings at strategic points in the network allow rapid connection of
the digital hand-held pressure meter, allowing appropriate differential pressures to be
measured.
Flow leaving any of the outlets in the network is measured using the volumetric facility
incorporated on the F1-10 Hydraulics Bench.
Any pipe with diameter d and length L, carrying a flow rate Q will have a head loss of H f due
to friction along its length that is defined by the equation:

D = Inside diameter in m (0.006, 0.009, 0.01 or 0.014 as appropriate.

The actual head loss due to friction H1-2 can be measured using the hand held pressure
meter, and k can be determined from the equation :

There will be additional losses in the pipework and fittings between the test pipes. These
losses have been minimized on C11- MKII using large diameter components in comparison
with the bore of the test pipes. In real application the losses from the fittings are likely to be
more significant and will be necessary to include these losses in any calculations.