Energy Analysis of Pipes and Fittings

Laarni Duran1, Eymann Nowell Jala2, Krian Yu3

Abstract: There are many factors that contribute to the head losses of the pipe system namely the pipe
parts and the pipe fittings that composes the whole pipe system. This study aims to understand and
determine the head losses that the pipe fittings produced. The pipe fittings setup is given a specific head
to measure the pressure head, flow rate, and the amount of fluid passing through the pipe system. The
study also aims to plot the Hydraulic Grid Line and the Energy Grid Line along with the diagram of the pipe
system. The pressures on each fitting are measured on the manometers.

Keywords: Head Loss, Hydraulic Grid Line, Energy Grid Line, Head, Flowrate

Introduction offers wide applications in the field of fluid

The fluid in such applications is usually forced to
flow by the pump through a flow section. Friction
on pipes is directly related to the pressure drop
and the head loss inside the pipe system. The
pressure drop determines the need for the
pumping power on the pipe system to meet the
requirements of the said system. A typical piping
system involves pipes of different diameters
connected to each other by various fittings or
elbows to route the fluid, valves to control the
flow rate, and pumps to pressurize the fluid. [2]
Most fluids are transported in circular pipes. This
is because pipes with a circular cross-sectional
shape can withstand large pressure differences
between inside and outside without undergoing
distortion. On the other hand, the non-circular
pipes are usually used in applications such as
heating and cooling systems of the building
where the pressure differences on those systems
are relatively small. [2] Not only the shape
greater endurance on pressure differences but
also gives structural strength. [1] Due to the wide
variety of fluids used in modern industrial
processes, a single formula that can be used for
the flow of any pipe fluid provides specific
advantages. [1] Such equation is the Darcy-
Weisbach formula which can be derived in the
means of Dimensional Analysis. This formula
mechanics. [1]
Experimental Set-up
Experimental Methods
Safety is must be in high regard in doing the
experiment so avoid the potential slipping and
tripping hazard in the area. And one must take
extra precaution on climbing the ladder since it
may become wet and very slippery. Lastly, don’t
operate electrical switches under wet hands, so
one must dry his/her hands in performing the
experiment.
Priming the centrifugal pump is an important
step to this experiment to supply water to the
water tank. In the priming process, air may also
be present on the pump and must be removed
prior to the experiment since it can cause
cavitation on the pump blades. The process of
priming may take up to 5 minutes of operation
because axial pump alone cannot supply water
on the water tank.
To start priming the centrifugal pump, first, we
need the initial setup before turning on the
centrifugal pump. Close all the valves near the
axial pump. To close the valve, turning it
clockwise acts as the closing action, then
otherwise it will open the valve. Then turn on the
axial pump using the circuit breaker. Repeatedly Data Gathering
close and open the ball valve near the centrifugal
The friction function is a dimensionless quantity
pump to release the bubbles inside the system.
used in the Darcy-Weisbach equation to
Repeat it for 2-3 minutes. After releasing all the
determine the friction loss in a pipe flow. The
bubbles in the system, close the ball valve on the
flow pattern of the fluid can be predicted by
centrifugal pump. Open the circuit breaker
using the ratio of the inertial forces to the viscous
enclosure and turn it on. Then press the “ON”
forces acting upon it. The ratio is called Reynold’s
button which is indicated as a green color beside
Number.
the circuit breaker enclosure.
𝑉𝐷𝜌
After the centrifugal pump is primed, you can 𝑅𝑒 = 𝜇
(1)
now proceed to adjust the head of the water
Where V is the velocity of the fluid, D is the
tank according to the experimental procedure. A
diameter of the pipe, 𝜌 is the density of the fluid,
turning knob is located below the water tank. To
and 𝜇 is the viscosity value of the liquid.
increase the head of the water, rotate it
counterclockwise. To decrease the head, rotate Laminar flow is determined to Reynold’s value
it to clockwise direction. Set the head to 110 cm standard for laminar flow. If the value of
then measure the following parameters prior to Reynold’s number is 𝑅𝑒 < 2300 it is considered
the 1st pipeline: measure the height of the as Laminar flow. So then the friction factor for
upstream manometers in the fittings, measure the laminar flow is determined by this formula:
the height of the manometers on the fittings,
64
measure the diameter of the pipe outlet, and 𝑓= 𝑅𝑒
(2)
lastly measure the flow using the bucket with a
Where 𝑅𝑒 < 2300
timer. To measure the manometers, measure
the difference of the water tubes in terms of the Turbulent flow is determined to Reynold’s value
height of difference. To measure the flow rate of standard for turbulent flow. If the value of
the water, ready the timer, once the water starts Reynold’s number is 𝑅𝑒 > 4000 it is considered
to fill the bucket start the timer immediately. as Turbulent flow. So then the friction factor for
When the bucket is full, stop the timer the turbulent flow is determined by this formula:
immediately. Then that is your flow of the
1
volume of the water with respect to time. Repeat 𝑓 = 0.01(1 + 12𝑑); Rough Pipes (3)
the procedures on the 2nd and the 3rd pipeline. 1
Repeat the procedures with varying heads: 70 𝑓 = 0.005(1 + 12𝑑); Smooth Pipes (4)
cm and 35 cm.
Where d is pipe diameter
After doing all the gathering of the data, turn off
Energy Grade Line (EGL) represents the total
the centrifugal pump turning off the circuit
head of available to the fluid and can be
breaker. Then close the valves near the
expressed by this formula:
centrifugal pump and the axial pump.
2
𝑉𝑎𝑣𝑔
𝑃
𝐸𝐺𝐿 = 𝛾
+ 2𝑔
+𝑧 (5)

Where P is the static pressure, 𝛾 is the specific

2
weight of the fluid, 𝑉𝑎𝑣𝑔 is the flow velocity of
the fluid, g is the acceleration due to gravity,
and z is the elevation height.
Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL) represents the total
head of available to the fluid minus the velocity
head and can be expressed by this formula:
𝑃
𝐻𝐺𝐿 = 𝛾
+𝑧 (6)

Where P is the static pressure, 𝛾 is the specific

weight of the fluid, and z is the elevation height.

The Bernoulli Equation can be considered to be a

statement of the conservation of energy
principle appropriate for flowing fluids. Thus,
representing it by this formula:
𝑃1 𝑣1 2 𝑃2 𝑣2 2
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2 (7)
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔

Where P is the static pressure, 𝛾 is the specific

2
weight of the fluid, 𝑉𝑎𝑣𝑔 is the flow velocity of
the fluid, g is the acceleration due to gravity,
and z is the elevation height.
References:

[1] Crane. (1988). Flow of Fluids Through Valves,

Fittings & Pipe. USA: Vervante.

[2] Çengel, Y. A., & Cimbala, J. M. (2006). Fluid

Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications.
1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
10020: McGraw-HillHigher Education.