2022

Pressure Drop Practical Report

Summary

The main purpose of this report is to study effect of the volumetric flow rate on the
energy losses due to friction, the effect of the pipe diameter on the energy losses
due to friction and the effect of the flow rate on the energy losses in the fittings. In
order to achieve the aims of the report, two methods were used which are the
experimental and analytical method. The effects of the frictional factor on the
diameter of the pipe, the material of the pipe, Reynolds’s number and flow rate of the
fluid were determined. Based on the findings a graphical representation of the
relationship between the pressure drop and volumetric flow rate, it was observed that
pressure drop is inversely proportional to volumetric flow rate. The pipe diameter
was obtained to have an inverse relationship with the friction factor. Both previously
mentioned methods provided coherent results and were proven to be effective in
determining the mentioned aims. However, from the results, it was evident that the
analytical method provided results that was in alignment with the obtained theory
Table of Contents
Letter of transmittal..................................................................................................... 1
Summary.....................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................. 4
Theory......................................................................................................................... 5
Experimental methods................................................................................................ 7
Equipment preparation procedure...........................................................................8
Measuring pressure drop due pipeline fittings procedure........................................8
Shutdown procedure................................................................................................8
Results and Discussion...............................................................................................9
Discussion............................................................................................................. 13
Conclusion................................................................................................................ 14
Acknowledgements...................................................................................................15
References................................................................................................................16
Appendices............................................................................................................... 17
Appendix 1: Raw data............................................................................................17
Appendix 2: Sample of calculations.......................................................................19
Appendix 3: Nomenclature.....................................................................................21

1
Introduction

Pressure drop is the difference in total pressure between two points of the fluid.
Pressure drop occurs when frictional forces, caused by the resistance to flow act on
fluid as it flows through the tube. The main determinants of the resistance to fluid
flow are fluid velocity through the pipe and the viscosity. A piping network containing
high relative roughness rating as well as many pipe fittings and joints, tube
convergence, divergence, turns and surface roughness and other physical properties
affect pressure drop. High flow velocities and/ or high fluid viscosities result in a
larger pressure drop across a section of the pipe or valve. (CSI Store, 2022)

Moreover, the friction loss in a uniform straight section of pipe, known as "major
loss", is caused by the effects of viscosity, the movement of fluid molecules against
each other or against the wall of the pipe. In laminar flow, losses are proportional to
fluid velocity, which velocity varies smoothly between the bulk of the fluid and the
pipe surface. The roughness of the pipe surface influences neither the fluid flow nor
the friction loss. In turbulent flow, losses are proportional to the square of the fluid
velocity here, a layer of chaotic eddies and vortices near the pipe surface, called the
viscous sub-layer, forms the transition to the bulk flow. Factors other than straight
pipe flow induce friction loss; these are known as “minor loss”. (Subramanian)

Blasius equation is used in the industry for finding losses related to the flow of fluid
through pipes. The approach is called the analysis approach. The other method is
the experimental approach. These methods will play a pivotal role in working towards
achieving the aim and objectives of this report. Attempt is made here through
analytical analysis to find out the friction factor related to pipe flow because the
influence of these two parameters need to be understood for estimation of frictional
losses.

2
Theory

Pressure drop or head loss occurs in all piping systems because of elevation
changes. Pressure drop due to friction is a result of the viscosity of the fluid in the
pipe such that when the viscosity is greater the higher the pressure of the system to
accelerate the fluid in the system. (Prof F. A. Holland, 1995) The pressure loss can
be characterised using the equation below:
2
L ρu ………………………………………………………………Equation 1
∆ P f =4 f
D 2g

Where the ∆ P f is the pressure drop due to friction in (Pa)

f Dimensionless friction factor

L Is the length of the pipe in (m)

u Velocity of the fluid in (m/s)

D The inside diameter of the pipe in (m)

g Is the gravitational constant in (m/s2)

The resistance to flow in a pipe network causes loss in the pressure had along the
flow. The overall head loss across the pipe network consists of major losses and
minor losses. Major losses refer to the losses in pressure haed of the flow due to
friction effects and can be determined using the Darcy- Weisbach equation:
2
Lu ……………………………………………………………………...Equation 2
h m=f
2 Dg
Where hm are major losses in (m)

f is the Darcy’s friction factor (dimensionless)

L is a length of the pipe (m)

u is a flow velocity (m/s)

D is inner diameter of the pipe (m)

g is a gravitational constant (m/s2)

3
The friction factor for the smooth pipe can be determined by the equation known as
Blasius formula, this equation is used for turbulent flow in smooth pipes:
−0.25
f =0.079 ℜ …………………………………………………………….Equation 3

Where Re is a Reynolds number which is determined using the following equation:

ρuD
ℜ= …………………………………………………………………….Equation 4
μ

Where ρ is the density of the fluid in (kg/m3),

u is a flow velocity (m/s),

D is inner diameter of the pipe (m),

µ is a viscosity of the fluid (Pa.s)

Minor losses are the losses that occur in fittings, expansions, contractions. Fittings
commonly used in the industry include bends, tees, elbows, unions, and of course,
valves used to control flow. Minor losses due to sudden contraction and expansion
can be determined by:
2
u ; …………………………………………………………………Equation 5
h m=K L
2g
Where KL is loss coefficient and is dimensionless

[ ]
2
d2
For sudden expansion loss coefficient is calculated using this equation: K L= 1− 2 ;
D
(Equation 6) and the loss coeffiecient for sudden contraction is determined by:

[ ]
2
d
K L=0.42 1− 2 (Equation 7);
D

where d & D is diameter smaller and larger pipe respectively.

4
Experimental methods

The experiment was performed using equipment of the cycle (PILOT PLANT
MOD.DYFA/EV), which has different pipelines with different diameters and material.
The experiment was conducted by evaluating each pipe using different flow rate
ranging from 20 to 70m3/h, and then the pressure drop, and the liquid temperature
were taken.

Figure 1: Pilot Plant MOD.DYFA/EV

5
Equipment preparation procedure

The plant was connected with the mains (single-phase +G), network through the
valve V17; as well as the compressor and the pressure set was reduced to 1.4 bar.
The selector AUT/PC was switched to AUT. Valves V1 to V19 were closed. Valve
V17 was opened and tank D1 was filled to 95% of its capacity. The angle valve V16
was opened and the controller was switched on to manual mode pushbutton. The
flow was set to 30% with the pushbutton and the pump G1 was started. The
hydraulic circuit of all the air was bleed in all pipes. After bleeding the hydraulic
circuit of all the air, the by-pass valve V46 was opened to prevent Hg from flowing
out.

Measuring pressure drop due pipeline fittings procedure

Pipeline 1 (DN25 Stainless steel) was selected by opening its respective valves V16
and closing all other valves. Valves V20, V21, V44 and V45 were opened until the
measuring circuit was bled of all the air. Valves V44 and V45 were closed; valves
V34 and V35 were opened and valve V46 was closed. The flow rate was set to
2m3/hr by adjusting the pneumatic valve FV1. When the flow rate was fixed; readings
of pressure drop on the differential gauge was taken and the temperature of the
liquid as well. The flow rate of the liquid was varied by adjusting the pneumatic valve
from 20 to 80% and pressure drop for each flow rate was read and the liquid
temperature. After taking all sets of readings, the pipeline was changed until five
other pipelines with different diameter and material were used. The valves respective
of the pipeline were opened while other valves were closed, the flow rate of the liquid
was adjusted and the pressure drop readings were taken.

Shutdown procedure

Pump G1 was stopped, the socket was disconnected from mains and the
compressor was switched off.

6
Results and Discussion

DN25: STAINLESS STEEL (Inner diameter= 0.0296m)

∆Pf (Pa) Q u (m/s) f Re f hL (m)

(m3/s) (experimental) (Analytical)
79993.42 0.0055 8.04 0.022965 2.48E+05 0.003541 2.04
78393.55 0.0082 11.91 0.010244 3.76E+05 0.003190 2.00
74660.53 0.0111 16.15 0.005306 5.10E+05 0.002956 1.91
70660.86 0.0138 20.11 0.003240 6.35E+05 0.002798 1.81
62128.22 0.0166 24.19 0.001969 7.64E+05 0.002672 1.59
53995.56 0.0193 28.11 0.001268 9.09E+05 0.002559 1.38
Table 1: Pipeline 1 (DN25 Stainless steel) Results

DN15: GLASS (Inner diameter= 0.017m)

∆Pf (Pa) Q u (m/s) f Re f hL (m)

(m3/s) (experimental) (Analytical)
88259.41 0.0055 24.24 0.001600 4.50E+05 0.003050 2.26
80260.07 0.0083 36.49 0.000642 6.77E+05 0.002754 2.05
70127.57 0.0110 48.36 0.000319 9.20E+05 0.002551 1.79
55728.75 0.0138 60.85 0.000160 1.16E+06 0.002408 1.42
36397.01 0.0166 73.34 0.000072 1.40E+06 0.002299 0.93
Table 2: Pipeline 2 (DN15 Glass) results

DN15: STAINLESS STEEL (Inner diameter= 0.0183)

∆Pf (Pa) Q u (m/s) f Re f hL (m)

(m3/s) (experimental) (Analytical)
77326.97 0.0055 20.82 0.002048 4.45E+05 0.003060 1.98
71994.08 0.0082 31.28 0.000845 6.68E+05 0.002763 1.84
66527.86 0.0110 41.95 0.000434 8.96E+05 0.002568 1.70
57595.26 0.0138 52.51 0.000240 1.12E+06 0.002428 1.47
45329.61 0.0166 63.19 0.000130 1.38E+06 0.002305 1.16
29730.89 0.0193 73.44 0.000063 1.60E+06 0.002220 0.76
Table 3: Pipeline 3 (DN 15 Stainless steel) Results

7
DN25: GLASS (Inner diameter= 0.026m)

∆Pf (Pa) Q u (m/s) f Re f hL (m)

(m3/s) (experimental) (Analytical)
85992.93 0.0054 10.26 0.013323 3.18E+05 0.003326 2.20
85326.32 0.0083 15.55 0.005757 4.82E+05 0.002998 2.18
83859.77 0.0110 20.68 0.003199 6.42E+05 0.002791 2.14
80393.39 0.0137 25.81 0.001969 8.01E+05 0.002641 2.06
75060.49 0.0166 31.25 0.001254 9.91E+05 0.002504 1.92
69994.24 0.0194 36.54 0.000855 1.16E+06 0.002408 1.79
Table 4: Pipeline 4 (DN25 Glass) results

DIVERGING (DN25/DN50)
∆Pf(mmHg) Q (m3/s) u1(m/s) u2(m/s) KL hm (m)

83193.16 0.0055 10.42 2.60 0.5 0.12

6
81726.61 0.0082 15.44 3.86 0.5 0.25
6
80526.71 0.0111 20.83 5.21 0.5 0.46
6
77593.62 0.0138 25.91 6.48 0.5 0.72
6
73593.95 0.0166 31.25 7.81 0.5 1.04
6
69460.95 0.0193 36.43 9.11 0.5 1.42
6
Table 5: Pipeline 5 (Stainless steel) diverging results

CONVERGING (DN50/DN25)
∆Pf(mmHg) Q (m3/s) u1(m/s) u2(m/s) KL hm (m)

59861.74 0.0054 2.55 10.21 0.32 1.00

59595.10 0.0082 3.85 15.39 0.32 2.26
59328.45 0.0110 5.20 20.78 0.32 4.13
58128.55 0.0138 6.52 26.07 0.32 6.49
53862.24 0.0165 7.79 31.15 0.32 9.27
52529.01 0.0193 9.07 36.28 0.32 12.58
Table 6: Pipeline 5 (stainless Steel) converging results

8
Effect of volumetric flowrate on pressure drop

Flowrate vs pressure drop

90000.00 DN 25
80000.00 Stainless
70000.00 steel
pressure drop (Pa)

60000.00
50000.00
40000.00
30000.00
20000.00
10000.00
0.00
0.0000 0.0050 0.0100 0.0150 0.0200 0.0250
Volumetric flowrate (m3/s)

Figure 2: Effect of flowrate on pressure drop (DN25 Stainless steel)

DN 15: ...
Flowrate vs pressure drop
100000.00
90000.00
80000.00
Pressure drop (Pa)

70000.00
60000.00
50000.00
40000.00
30000.00
20000.00
10000.00
0.00
0.0000 0.0050 0.0100 0.0150 0.0200
Volumetric flowrate (m3/s)

Figure 3: Flowrate vs pressure drop (DN15 Glass)

9
 Flowrate vs Pressure drop
90000.00 DN 15:
80000.00 Stainless
70000.00 steel
Pressure drop (Pa)

60000.00
50000.00
40000.00
30000.00
20000.00
10000.00
0.00
0.0000 0.0050 0.0100 0.0150 0.0200 0.0250
Volumetric flowrate (m3/s)

Figure 4: Flowrate vs Pressure drop (DN15 Stainless steel)

DN 25: ...
Flowrate vs pressure drop
100000.00
90000.00
80000.00
Pressure drop (Pa)

70000.00
60000.00
50000.00
40000.00
30000.00
20000.00
10000.00
0.00
0.0000 0.0050 0.0100 0.0150 0.0200 0.0250
Volumetric flowrate (m3/s)

Figure 5: Flowrate vs Pressure drop (DN25 Glass)

10
Discussion

The friction factor both experimental & analytical and energy losses due to friction
are indirectly proportional to volumetric flow rate. The results of velocity, Reynolds
number, friction factor and head losses calculated in pipeline 1 to 4 are shown in
Table 1 to 4.

It was observed that pressure drop decreases when the volumetric flow rate is
increasing; the effect of volumetric flow rate on pressure drop is shown on figure 2 to
5.

It was observed that the velocity is indirectly proportional to the diameter of the pipe
and this was discovered by comparing DN15 stainless steel and DN25 stainless
steel results shown in Table 1 and table 3 respectively.

For stainless steel fittings (DN25 and DN15) the average head loss dropped as we
the inner diameter of the fitting is reduced.

For glass fittings (DN15 and DN25) the head loss did not change as the diameter
changes, the average head loss for both fittings was found to be 1.69m.

On diverging fittings the differential pressure is higher than the converging.

On the converging fitting the minor head loss were found to be higher than the those
on diverging fitting.

11
Conclusion

The effect of frictional factor in various pipelines was successfully demonstrated

through both the analytical method and the experimental method. Results displayed
from Figures (2-5) and Tables (1-4) in the practical show that volumetric flow rate is
inversely proportional to the pressure drop and frictional factor. It was found that the
Reynolds number is indirectly proportional to the pressure drop but directly
proportional to volumetric flow rate. The velocity of the fluid for the pipes with small
diameter is higher than of the pipe with the larger diameter. The pipe with same
material but larger diameter has high pressure drop but lower velocity and vice
versa. The pressure drop for pipe with glass material is higher than of stainless steel
pipe.

12
Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge our lab demonstrator; his guidance has carried us
through all the stages from conducting the practical and writing of the report. We
would like to thank our lecture Mr S Khumalo for exposing us to this scope of the
study.

13
References

(2022, may 11). Retrieved 06 02, 2022, from CSI Store.

Prof F. A. Holland, D. R. (1995). Fluid flow for chemical engineers. Auckland Boston Johannesburg:
British Labrary Catalogulng.

Subramanian, R. S. (n.d.). Minor Losses. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Clarkson University.

14
Appendices
Appendix 1: Raw data

DN25: STAINLESS STEEL (Inner diameter= 0.0296m)

∆Pf(mmHg) Flowrate (m3/hr) Temperature(ºC) ρ (kg/m3) µ (Pa.s)

600 19.9 22 997.6 9.58E-04
588 29.5 23 997.4 9.35E-04
560 40 23 997.4 9.35E-04
530 49.8 23 997.4 9.35E-04
466 59.9 23 997.4 9.35E-04
405 69.6 24 997.2 9.13E-04

DN15: GLASS (Inner diameter= 0.017m)

Temperature(ºC
∆Pf(mmHg) Flowrate(m3/hr) ρ (kg/m3) µ (Pa.s)
)
662 19.8 24 997.2 9.13E-04
602 29.8 24 997.2 9.13E-04
526 39.5 25 997 8.91E-04
418 49.7 25 997 8.91E-04
273 59.9 25 997 8.91E-04

DN15: STAINLESS STEEL (Inner diameter= 0.0183)

Temperature(ºC
∆Pf(mmHg) Flowrate(m3/hr) ρ (kg/m3) µ (Pa.s)
)
580 19.7 27 996.6 8.54E-04
540 29.6 27 996.6 8.54E-04
499 39.7 27 996.6 8.54E-04
432 49.7 27 996.6 8.54E-04
340 59.8 28 996.4 8.35E-04
223 69.5 28 996.4 8.35E-04

DN25: GLASS (Inner diameter= 0.026m)

15
 Temperature(ºC
∆Pf(mmHg) Flowrate(m3/hr) ρ (kg/m3) µ (Pa.s)
)
645 19.6 28 996.4 8.35E-04
640 29.7 28 996.4 8.35E-04
629 39.5 28 996.4 8.35E-04
603 49.3 28 996.4 8.35E-04
563 59.7 29 996.2 8.17E-04
525 69.8 29 996.2 8.17E-04

DIVERGING (DN25/DN50)
Temperature(ºC
∆Pf(mmHg) Flowrate(m3/hr) ρ (kg/m3) µ E-03 (Pa.s)
)
624 19.9 29 996.2 0.817
613 29.5 29 996.2 0.817
604 39.8 29 996.2 0.817
582 49.5 29 996.2 0.817
552 59.7 29 996.2 0.817
521 69.6 29 996.2 0.817

CONVERGING (DN50/DN25)
Temperature(ºC
∆Pf(mmHg) Flowrate(m3/hr) ρ (kg/m3) µ E-03 (Pa.s)
)
449 19.5 30 996 0.798
447 29.4 30 996 0.798
445 39.7 30 996 0.798
436 49.8 30 996 0.798
404 59.5 30 996 0.798
394 69.3 30 996 0.798

Appendix 2: Sample of calculations

Pressure drop was converted from mmHg to Pa

16
 600 mmHg ×1 atm ×101325 Pa
∆ P= = 79993.42 Pa
760 mmHg× 1 atm

Volumetric flowrate was also converted to m3/s

3
19.9 m 1 hr 3
= × =0.0055 m / s
hr 3600 s

The velocity was determined using the equation below:

Q
u=
A

4Q
u= 2
πD

4(0.0055)
u=
π (0.0296)2

∴ u=8.04 m/s

Experimental fanning friction factor was determined by:

2
4 fLρ u
∆ Pf=
2D

2 ∆ Pf D
f= 2
4 Lρu

2(79993.42)(0.0296)
f=
4 (0.8)(997.6)(8.04)2

f =¿0.022965

Analytical friction factor calculations:

Reynolds number was determined first using the equation below:

ρuD
ℜ=
μ

997.6 ×8.04 × 0.0296

ℜ=
0.000958

ℜ=¿248E+05

Re> 100000 (turbulent flow)

17
Since the flow regime is turbulent in smooth pipes, then the Blasius equation was
used to determine friction factor:

0.079
f= 0.25
ℜ

0.079
f= 0.25
248000

f = 0.003541

The head loss due to friction was determined:

2
fL u
h L=
2 Dg
2
0.022965 × 0.8 ×8.04
h L=
2 ×0.0296 × 9.81

h L =2.04 m

Minor losses due to sudden contraction and sudden expansion:

Loss coefficient for sudden expansion was determined by:

[ ]
2
d2
K L= 1− 2
D

[ ]
2
0.02962
K L= 1−
0.05922

KL = 0.56

Sudden contraction loss coefficient was determined by:

[ ]
2
d
K L=0.42 1− 2
D

K L=0.42 1−
[ ] 0.02962
0.05922

KL = 0.32

Minor losses were determined by:

2
u
h m=K L
2g

18
Appendix 3: Nomenclature

Symbol Name SI Units

∆ Pf Pressure drop due to friction Pa

µ Viscosity Pa.s

D Diameter m

f Friction factor Dimensionless

g Gravitational constant m/s2

hL Head loss m

hm Minor losses m

KL loss coefficient Dimensionless

L Length m

Q Volumetric flowrate m3/s

Re Reynolds Number Dimensionless

u Velocity m/s

ρ Density kg/m3

19