Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Unit 6 Flow Through Complex Pipes: Structure
Unit 6 Flow Through Complex Pipes: Structure
Structure
6.1 Introduction
Objectives
6.1 INTRODUCTION
Fundamentals of flow through pipes were discussed in Unit 5. In this unit, you
will be introduced the flow through pipes in series, pipes in parallel, branch pipes
connecting three reservoirs, syphons, etc.
Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to
• conceptualise the situation of flow through complex pipes specially
when pipes are in series or parallel,
• explain “three reservoirs” and “four reservoir” problems under flow
through pipes, and
• describe use and application of siphons.
⎛ L ⎞ V2
H = h f 2 = f ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ 2
⎝ D2 ⎠ 2 g
⎛ L ⎞ V2
H = h f 3 = f ⎜⎜ 3 ⎟⎟ 3
⎝ D3 ⎠ 2 g
Knowing H, the values of V1, V2 and V3 may be obtained from the above
equations and hence the discharges Q1, Q2 and Q3 obtained.
Then Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 . . . (6.1)
(1)
(2)
A B
Q Q
(3)
2 gH
or V1 =
⎛L ⎞
f1 ⎜⎜ 1 ⎟⎟
⎝ D1 ⎠
2 gH
Q1 = A1 V1 = A1
⎛L ⎞
f1 ⎜⎜ 1 ⎟⎟
⎝ D1 ⎠
2g
or Q1 = A1 H = k1 H
⎛L ⎞
f1 ⎜⎜ 1 ⎟⎟
⎝ D1 ⎠
2g
where k1 = A1 = a constant for a pipe
⎛ L1 ⎞
f1 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ D1 ⎠
Similarly, Q2 = k 2 H and Q3 = k3 H
Therefore, Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
or Q = k1 H + k 2 H + k3 H
or Q = H (k1 + k 2 + k3 ) . . . (6.2)
As the discharge Q is known and k1, k2 and k3 are the constants, the value of H
may be obtained from Eq. (6.2). After H has been calculated, the discharge in
individual pipes may be obtained.
154
An approximate solution of the system of pipes in parallel can be obtained by Flow through
Complex Pipes
determining the percentage distribution of discharge. A reasonable value of the
loss of head H is assumed and the discharge in each pipe is found for the assumed
value of H. The distribution of discharge as the percentage of the total discharge
is worked out. It has been found that the percentage distribution of discharge does
not change much with the head. This means whatever be the total discharge, the
percentage distribution remains more or less constant. Thus from the percentage
distribution of discharge for assumed H, the discharge in each pipe can be
calculated for the given total discharge assuming that the percentage distribution
remains the same.
Example 6.1
Two reservoirs are connected by 2 pipes of the same length laid in parallel.
The diameters of the pipe are 10 cm and 30 cm respectively. If the
discharge through 10 cm diameter pipe is 0.01 cumecs, what will be the
discharge through 30 cm pipe? Assume that f is the same for both pipes.
Solution
For such problems, it is more convenient to express the Darcy-Weisbach
equation in terms of discharge as
L V2 L Q2 1
hf = f = f 2
×
D 2g D ⎛π 2⎞ 2g
⎜ D ⎟
⎝4 ⎠
16 f L Q2
or hf = × ×
π2 D5 2g
16 fL 1 16 fL 1
or 2
× × Q12 = × × Q22
2g π D15 2g π 2
D25
1 1
or 5
Q12 = 5
Q22
(0.1) (0.30)
SAQ 1
155
Fluid Mechanics
6.3 PIPES IN SERIES
Let us now consider the case when the pipes joining the two reservoirs are
connected in series. Figure 6.2 shows a system of three pipes in series. Total loss
of head (H) is given by
V32
H = hL1 + h f 1 + hL 2 + h f 2 + hL3 + h f 3 + . . . (6.3)
2g
where hL1, hL2 and hL3 are losses at entrance, contraction and enlargement,
respectively,
hf1, hf2 and hf3 are losses in three pipes due to friction, and
V3 is the velocity in pipe 3.
h f1
hL1
hL2 EGL h f
2 H
h L3
HGL h f3
(1)
J1
(2) J2 V32
(3)
2g
Figure 6.2
The hydraulic gradient line is below the energy gradient line, and the vertical
distance between the two lines is equal to the corresponding velocity head. The
reader should note a distinguishing characteristic between the two lines. The
energy gradient line always slopes down in the direction of flow, whereas the
hydraulic gradient line may rise or fall depending upon the velocity and pressure
changes. As the velocity in pipe 2 is more than the velocity in pipe 1, there is a
drop of the hydraulic gradient line at the junction point J1. On the other hand,
since the velocity in pipe 3 is less than that in pipe 2, the hydraulic gradient line
rises at the junction point J2.
For the pipe system shown, from continuity,
Q1 = Q2 = Q3 = Q
or A1 V1 = A2 V2 = A3 V3 = Q . . . (a)
156
Flow through
Example 6.2 Complex Pipes
Two reservoirs are connected by a pipe line consisting of two pipes, one of
15 cm diameter and length 6 m and the other of diameter 22.5 cm and 16 m
length. If the difference of water levels in the two reservoirs is 6 m,
calculate the discharge and draw the energy gradient line. Take f = 0 .04
hL1 h f1
hL2
H=6m
EGL h f2
V22
(2) 2g
(1)
Figure 6.3
Solution
Let the velocities in pipes 1 and 2 be V1 and V2, respectively.
From the continuity equation,
⎛π⎞ 2 ⎛π⎞ 2
⎜ ⎟ × 15 × V1 = ⎜ ⎟ × (22.5) × V2 or V1 = 2.25 V2
⎝4⎠ ⎝4⎠
Loss of head at entrance
⎛V 2 ⎞
hL1 = 0.5 ⎜ 1 ⎟
⎜ 2g ⎟
⎝ ⎠
0.5 ( 2.25 V2 ) 2 ⎛V 2 ⎞
or hL1 = = 2.53 ⎜ 2 ⎟
2g ⎜ 2g ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Loss of head due to friction in the pipe 1,
L1 V12
hf1 = f
D1 2 g
6 V12 V2 V2
h f 1 = 0.04 × = 1.6 1 = 8.1 2
0.15 2 g 2g 2g
V22 V2
or hL 2 = (2.25 − 1) 2 = 1.56 2
2g 2g
0.04 × 16 V22 V2
or hf 2 = × = 2.84 2
0.225 2g 2g
157
Fluid Mechanics
V22
Loss of head at exit =
2g
V22
Now hL1 + h f 1 + hL 2 + h f 2 + =6
2g
V22
(2.53 + 8.1 + 1.56 + 2.84 + 1) = 6 or V2 = 2.71 m/s
2g
π
Now Q = A2 V2 = × (0.225) 2 × 2.71 = 0.108 cumecs
4
Energy gradient line (EGL) is shown in Figure 6.3.
SAQ 2
h f1
A h f2
P B
(2)
(1) γ h f3
J
(3) C
⎛ L ⎞ V2 ⎛ L ⎞ V2
H 2 = h f 1 + h f 3 = f ⎜⎜ 1 ⎟⎟ 1 + f ⎜⎜ 3 ⎟⎟ 3 . . . (ii)
⎝ D1 ⎠ 2 g ⎝ D3 ⎠ 2 g
where H1 = Elevation at A – Elevation at B;
H2 = Elevation at A – Elevation at C,
and Q1 = Q2 + Q3 , assuming the flow from J to B
Example 6.3
(1)
70 m
(2) B
J
(3) C 30 m
15 m
Datum Line
Figure 6.5
Solution
To determine the direction of flow in pipe 2, let us assume that no flow
occurs in pipe 2. That is, the piezometric level at J is 30 m above the datum.
hf1 = 70 – 30 = 40
161
Fluid Mechanics
⎛ 1500 ⎞ V2
Therefore, 40 = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟ × 1 or V1 = 1.98 m/ sec
⎝ 0.3 ⎠ 19.62
π
Q1 = × 0.30 2 × 1.98 = 0.140 cumecs
4
Now hf3 = 30 – 15 =15
⎛ 1500 ⎞ V2
Therefore, 15 = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟ × 3 or V3 = 1.21 m/ sec
⎝ 0.3 ⎠ 19.62
π
Q3 = × 0.30 2 × 1.21 = 0.0855 cumecs
4
Since Q1 > Q3, the direction of flow is from J to B. The problem will first be
solved analytically.
Considering the flow from reservoir A to B,
⎛ 1500 ⎞ ⎛⎜ V1 V2 ⎞
2
40 = h f 1 + h f 2 = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟×⎜ + 2 ⎟
⎝ 0.3 ⎠ ⎝ 19.62 19.62 ⎟⎠
or V3 = 5.39 − V12
⎛ 1500 ⎞ V2
Therefore, 20 = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟ × 2 or V2 = 1.40 m/ sec
⎝ 0.3 ⎠ 19.62
π
Q2 = × 0.30 2 × 1.40 = 0.099 cumecs
4
Now hf3 = 50 – 15 = 35
⎛ 1500 ⎞ V32
Therefore, 35 = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟ × or V3 = 1.85 m/ sec
⎝ 0.3 ⎠ 19.62
π
Q3 = × 0.30 2 × 1.85 = 0.130 cumecs
4
Error = Q1 − (Q2 + Q3 )
Q1
0.20
0.10
Negative Positive
0.20 0.10 0 0.10 0.20
Figure 6.6
Similarly, assuming the level at J = 40 m above the datum, we get
Q1= 0.121 cumecs, Q2 = 0.07 cumecs, and Q3 = 0.11 cumecs
Error = Q1 − (Q2 + Q3 )
D
h
(1) J
Z1 (4)
B
(2) C Z4
Z (3)
Z2
Z3
Figure 6.7
Let h be the piezometric height at J. Let us denote the heights of liquid levels in
reservoirs about datum by Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 and the height of the junction J by Z.
Applying Bernoulli’s equation,
Z1 = Z + h + h f 1
⎛L ⎞ ⎛ V12 ⎞
or Z1 = Z + h + f ⎜⎜ 1 ⎟⎟ ⎜ ⎟ . . . (a)
⎜ 2g ⎟
⎝ D1 ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
Also Z2 + h f 2 = Z + h
or Z2 = Z + h − h f 2
⎛L ⎞ ⎛ V22 ⎞
or Z 2 = Z + h − f ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ ⎜ ⎟ . . . (b)
⎜ 2g ⎟
⎝ D2 ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
⎛L ⎞ ⎛ V32 ⎞
Likewise Z 3 = Z + h − f ⎜⎜ 3 ⎟⎟ ⎜ ⎟ . . . (c)
⎜ 2g ⎟
⎝ D3 ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
⎛L ⎞ ⎛ V42 ⎞
and Z 4 = Z + h − f ⎜⎜ 4 ⎟⎟ ⎜ ⎟ . . . (d)
⎜ 2g ⎟
⎝ D4 ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
164
Also from the continuity of flow, Flow through
Complex Pipes
Q1 = Q2 + Q3 + Q4
or V1 A1 = V2 A2 + V3 A3 + V4 A4 . . . (e)
Eqs. (a) to (e) may be solved for V1, V2, V3, V4 and h. After the velocities have
been determined, the discharge in each pipe can be calculated.
The problems can also be solved by trial and error. Different values of ‘h’ are
assumed till the flow conditions satisfy the continuity equation, i.e.
Q1 = Q2 + Q3 + Q4 .
6.6 SYPHONS
When a pipe is laid in such a manner that a part of it is above the hydraulic
gradient line, it is called a syphon pipe, or simply a syphon. Figure 6.8 shows a
pipe in which the part CDE is above the hydraulic gradient line (the vertical scale
is exaggerated in the figure). The pressure head at any point along the axis of the
pipe is equal to the distance between the hydraulic gradient line and the axis. It
follows that the pressure at points C and E is zero, i.e. the pressure is
atmospheric. The pressure in the reach CDE, where the pipeline is above the
hydraulic gradient line is, negative. The minimum pressure will be at the summit
point D where the vertical intercept between the point and the hydraulic gradient
line is maximum.
v2 hL
2g
D
C E.G.L. hf
v2
HGL. E 2g
A B
If the absolute pressure at the point D reaches the vapour pressure, cavitation
occurs and the gases are liberated. For water, the maximum height of summit
above the hydraulic gradient, for normal temperature and pressure, is about
7.80 m (i.e. vacuum pressure = 7.8 m of water and absolute pressure = 2.5 m of
water).
The discharge through a syphon may be obtained as in an ordinary pipe
connecting two reservoirs. Thus
V2
H = hL + h f +
2g
Example 6.4
C
A 3m
1.5 m 6m
B
HGL
200 m
800 m
Figure 6.9
The total length of the pipe is 800 m and rises to a maximum height of 3 m
above the level of water in the higher reservoir at a distance of 200 m from
the entrance. Find the discharge in the pipe and pressure at the highest
point. Take f = 0.04, and neglect minor losses.
Solution
⎛ L ⎞ ⎛ V ⎞⎟
2
H = hf = f ⎜ ⎟ ⎜
⎝ D ⎠ ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠
2
⎛ 800 ⎞ V
or 6 = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟×
⎝ 1 ⎠ 2g
V = 1.92 m/sec
π 2
Q = AV = × 1 × 1.92 = 1.51 cumecs
4
Loss of head upto point C, assuming uniform loss,
2
⎛ 200 ⎞ (1.92)
hL = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟× = 1.50 m
⎝ 1 ⎠ 2 × 9.81
Negative pressure at C = 3 + 1.50 = 4.50 m of water.
pc
= − 4.50 m of water
γ
A more accurate value of the negative pressure at C may be obtained by
applying Bernoullis’ equation to points A and C, taking datum at the
reservoir level at A,
pc V2
0= +3+ + hf
γ 2g
pc (1.92) 2
or 0= +3+ + 1.50
γ 2 × 9.81
pc
= − 4.69 m of water.
γ
It may be noted that the difference between the two values of the pressure at
C is due to the velocity head.
SAQ 4
166
A pipe 200 mm diameter and 1200 m long connects two reservoirs, one Flow through
Complex Pipes
being 30 m lower than the other. The pipe crosses a ridge whose summit is
2.5 m above the upper reservoir.
Determine the depth of the pipe apex below the ridge in order to ensure that
the pressure in the pipe does not fall below 7.80 (vacuum). The length of
the pipe from the upper reservoir to the pipe apex is 300 m. Take f = 0.03.
6.7 SUMMARY
• Flow through two or more parallel pipes is explained. In parallel pipes, the
loss of head is the same in all pipes. Discharge, Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + . . .
• Flow through two or more pipes in series is discussed. In such pipes, the
discharge is the same in all pipes. Loss of head, h f = h f 1 + h f 2 + h f 3 + . . .
• When branch pipes connect three or more reservoirs, the discharge cannot
be directly determined.
• In three-reservoir problems, the piezometric head at the junction point (J) of
the three pipes is important. This pressure should be determined from the
given flow conditions.
• If the piezometric head at the junction point cannot be determined directly,
it should be assumed. The assumed piezometric head should be corrected
till the continuity equation is satisfied.
• The flow through branch mains connecting four reservoirs can be
determined by trial and error. Alternatively, a digital computer can be used.
• A syphon pipe lies above the hydraulic gradient. The pressure in a syphon
pipe is negative.
• To avoid cavitation, the absolute pressure in a syphon pipe should be
greater than the vapour pressure.
SAQ 2
(a) For the pipes in series,
167
Fluid Mechanics ⎛ V12 ⎞ ⎛ 2⎞ ⎛ 2⎞
hf = f
L1 ⎜ ⎟ + f L2 ⎜ V2 ⎟ + f L3 ⎜ V3 ⎟
D1 ⎜ 2g ⎟ D2 ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠ D3 ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠
⎝ ⎠
From continuity equation,
π 2 π π
D1 V1 = D22 V2 = D32 V3
4 4 4
π π π
or × (0.15) 2 × V1 = × (0.10) 2 × V2 = × (0.20) 2 V3
4 4 4
2
⎛ 0.150 ⎞
Therefore, V2 = ⎜ ⎟ × V1 = 2.25 V1
⎝ 0.10 ⎠
2
⎛ 0.150 ⎞
V3 = ⎜ ⎟ × V1 = 0.5625 V1
⎝ 0.20 ⎠
0.04 V12
or 100 = [2000 + 7593.75 + 379.69]
2g
V1 = 2.22 m/s
π
Q= × (0.15) 2 × 2.22 = 0.0392 m 3 /s
4
(b) Let us express hf in terms of Q.
L V2 L Q2 1
hf = f . . = f . 2
×
D 2g D ⎛π 2⎞ 2g
⎜ D ⎟
⎝4 ⎠
16 fL Q2
= .
π2 × 2 g D5
Q2 16 fL
or hf = k 5
where k =
D π2 × 2 g
When the two pipes are connected in parallel,
Q12 Q22
H1 = k =k
D5 (2 D)5
5
⎛ 2D ⎞
or Q22 = Q12 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ D ⎠
or Q2 = 5.657 Q1
But Q1 + Q2 = Total discharge Q
168
Therefore, Q1 + 5.657 Q1 = Q Flow through
Complex Pipes
or Q1 = 0.15 Q
Q12 ⎛ (0.15 Q) 2 ⎞ 2
H1 = k = k × ⎜ ⎟ = 0.0225 k Q . . . (a)
D5 ⎜ D5 ⎟ D5
⎝ ⎠
When the two pipes are connected in series,
Q12 Q22
H2 = k +k
D5 (2 D)5
But Q1 = Q2 = Q
k Q2 ⎛ 1 ⎞ 33 Q 2
Therefore, H2 = ⎜ 1 + ⎟= k . . . (b)
D5 ⎝ 32 ⎠ 32 D 5
From Eqs. (a) and (b),
H2 33
= = 45.83
H1 32 × 0.0225
(c) Let D be the diameter of the single main and d be the diameter of each
smaller pipe in parallel.
L V2
hf = f . .
D 2g
2g h f D
or V =
fL
π 2 π 2g h f D
Q= D V = D2 . . . (a)
4 4 fL
π 2 2g h f d
Also q= d
4 fL
π 2 2g h f d
or Q= d ×2 . . . (b)
4 fL
or d 5 / 2 = 0.50 × ( D ) 5 / 2
d = (0.50) 2 / 5 × D
= 0.758 × 500
= 379 mm = 380 mm (say)
SAQ 3
Velocity in pipe 1,
169
Fluid Mechanics 0.10
V1 = = 1.415 m / s
⎛π⎞ 2
⎜ ⎟ × (0.30)
⎝4⎠
Loss of head in pipe 1,
1000 ⎛⎜ V12 ⎞⎟
h f 1 = 0.04 × ×
0.30 ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠
1000 (1.415) 2
= 0.04 × × = 13.6 m
0.30 19.62
Piezometric head at J = 50 – 13.6 = 36.4 m
Therefore, flow in pipe 2 is from J to B.
⎛ 1000 ⎞ ⎛⎜ V2 ⎞⎟
2
h f 2 = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟×⎜
⎝ 0.30 ⎠ ⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠
⎛ 1000 ⎞ V2
or 36.4 − 30 = 0.04 × ⎜ ⎟× 2
⎝ 0.30 ⎠ 19.62
or V2 = 0.942 m/s
π
Q2 = (0.30) 2 × 0.942 = 0.066 m 3 / s
4
Q3 = 0.10 − 0.066 = 0.034 m 3 / s
0.034
V3 = = 0.48 m / s
π 2
(0.3)
4
1000 ⎛⎜ (0.48) 2 ⎞⎟
h f3 = 0.04 × × = 1.56 m
0.30 ⎜⎝ 19.62 ⎟⎠
1200 V 2
or 30 = 0.03 × ×
0.20 2 g
V = 1.81 m/s
Applying Bernoulli’s theorem to a point on the water surface of the upper
reservoir and the pipe apex,
p V2
0= +x+ + hf
γ 2g
where p is the pressure at the pipe apex and x is the height of apex above
the water surface in the upper reservoir.
Substituting the values,
(1.81) 2 300 (1.81) 2
0 = − 7.80 + x + + 0.03 × ×
19.62 0.20 19.62
− x = − 7.80 + 0.17 + 7.51
170
or x = 0.12 m Flow through
Complex Pipes
Depth of the pipe apex below the ridge
= 2.50 – 0.12 = 2.38 m.
171