Pipe Systems

 If several pipes, having different diameters and lengths, are

connected together, they can form two types of pipe systems.
 In particular, if the pipes are connected in succession, as
shown in Figure a, the system is in series, whereas if the pipes
cause the flow to divide into different loops, Figure b, the
system is in parallel. We will now give each of these cases
separate treatment.

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 Pipes in Series
 The analysis of a pipe system in series is similar to that used
to analyze a single pipe.
 In this case, however, to satisfy continuity, the flow
through each pipe segment must be the same, so that for the
three-pipe system in Figure a, we require
Q = Q1 = Q2 = Q3
 Also, the total head loss for the system is equal to the sum of
the major head loss along each segment of pipe, plus all the
minor head losses for the system.

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 Therefore, the energy equation between A (in) and B (out)
becomes

where

 Compared to having a single pipe, as in the last section, the

problem here is more complex, because the friction factor
and the Reynolds number will be different for each pipe.
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 Pipes in Parallel
 Although it is possible for a parallel system to have several
loops, here we will consider a system having only one, as
shown in Figure b. If the problem requires finding the
pressure drop between A and B and the flow in each of the
pipes, then for continuity of flow, we require
QA = QB = Q1 = Q2
 If the energy equation is applied between A (in) and B (out),
then

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 Since the fluid will always take the path of least resistance,
the amount of flow through each branch pipe will
automatically adjust, to maintain the same head loss or
resistance to flow in each branch.
 Therefore, for each length we require
hL1= hL2
 Using this, the analysis of a single looped system is
straightforward and is based on satisfying the above
equations.

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 Of course, if a parallel system has
more than one loop, then it
becomes more difficult to analyze.
For example, consider a network
of pipes shown in the Figure.
 Such a system is representative of
the type used for large buildings,
industrial processes, or municipal
water supply systems.

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 Due to its complexity, the
direction of flow and its rate
within each loop may not be
certain, and so an iterative analysis
will be required for the solution.
 The most efficient method for
doing this is based upon matrix
algebra, using a computer.
 The details for applying it will not
be covered here; rather, it is
discussed in articles or books
related to the flow in pipe
networks. Ozgur Kisi
Example (Flow through Parallel Pipe Network)

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