Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

The goal for any pumping system is for it to be as efficient as possible. This result to

reduced energy costs, maintenance downtime, and increase in productivity. An efficient

pumping system is designed to transfer fluid by means of the most direct and unobstructed

path possible (Dietzsch, n.d.). But there are some obstructions to this ideal model. As the

fluid moves through a pipeline, there are friction losses or head losses that represent the loss

of energy thus, decrease in efficiency of the system (Fitzpatrick, 2003). Energy loss due to

friction is dependent on a variety of factors, including the following:

 Friction between fluid and piping walls – rough interior surface leads to higher losses

 Viscosity of fluids – higher viscosity fluids have higher losses

 Turbulence created via sharp turn – such as a valve, fitting, or reducer

 Flow rate – high flow rates translate to high losses

 Pipe length – longer pipes and small diameter pipes have higher losses

Head loss due to friction can be calculated using

f × L × v2
h f riction =
2 gcD

where: f = fanning friction factor

L = length of the pipe

1
 2

v = velocity of the fluid

D = diameter of the pipe

Head loss due to fittings can be calculated using

k × v2 × ρ
h fittings =
2 gc

Where: k = loss coefficient of fitting (dimensionless).

In this experiment, the head loss due to fittings and head loss due to straight pipe was

computed. The result showed that as the flow rate increases the head loss increases. It was

also observed that the head loss in the abrupt change of flow is greater than that of the

smoothly contoured change of flow due to the turbulence created in the tee fittings for abrupt

flow. Considering the overall head loss, it was the highest head loss as expected due to the

addition of head loss in abrupt, smooth, and the straight pipe.

Based on the identified factors that cause friction loss, the researchers were able to

identify essential ways to reduce the friction loss of the piping system. That means a piping

configuration with the shortest possible piping runs, few or gentle pipe bends, minimal

obstructions and larger pipe diameters.