Graph 1

(Data from Group 4)

Friction losses arises from the following:
• Friction between the pipe wall and the fluid
• Friction between the layers of the fluid
• Friction loss as the fluid passes through any pipe fittings, bend, valves
or components
• Fluid head added by the pump
 Graph 2a-i
(Data from Group 5)
 Graph 2a-ii
(Data from Group 1)
 Theoretical Pressure Drop vs. Volumetric Flow Rate
9000

8000

7000

6000
Pressure Drop (Pa)

5000
w/o fittings
Elbows
Tee
4000

3000

2000

1000

0
350 400 450 500 550 600

Volumetric Flow Rate (gal/hr)

Graph 2b
(Data from Group 4)
Answers to Questions
 1. Based on the result of the experiment, which between form
friction and skin friction contributes more to the total mechanical
energy losses? Prove your answer by showing a comparative
tabulation of pertinent data.
Form friction is the friction losses due to the geometrical characteristics of the piping system, this
includes the fittings, valves, bends, etc. Skin friction if the friction losses accounted by the
roughness of the pipe causing shear with the boundary layer of the fluid.
Based of the data recorded in the experiment, the contribution to friction losses of the form friction
is significantly higher than the contributions of the skin friction.

Straight Pipes 90° Elbow Tee Fittings

Average Friction Loss Average Friction Average Friction
q (gal/hr) (J/kg) q (gal/hr) Loss (J/kg) q (gal/hr) Loss (J/kg)
400 0.308688 400 0.978384 400 0.978384
440 0.292338 440 1.512091333 440 1.512091333
480 0.571599333 480 1.55652 480 1.55652
520 1.026126 520 3.294198 520 3.294198
560 1.375362 560 4.097637 560 4.097637
2. In case where the changes in the potential energy and the kinetic
energy are considerable, how would the total mechanical energy
losses be affected? Prove your answer using mathematical energy
representations
Mechanical Energy Balance:

When positive potential energy exists in the piping system, the magnitude of total mechanical
energy loss will increase due to gravity which causes a downward acceleration of fluid. Therefore,
the fluid demands more energy to go a certain height because of the drag. Similarly, positive kinetic
energy adds to the total mechanical energy loss. When a fluid’s velocity increases, there is greater
drag force. As for that, the liquid experiences more friction from the surface of the pipes. There is
more work done to overcome friction, or energy loss, when there are kinetic and potential energies
in the piping system.
3. In cases where there is desired flow rate, what design
considerations must be specified in the pipe system if the mechanical
energy losses were to be minimum? Discuss your answer briefly.

For the mechanical energy losses to be of low value, the value of surface roughness of the pipe
must be minimal. The properties of the fluid to be carried in the pipe must be known. The pipe in
which the fluid will flow must be designed to have the minimum length and minimum number of
elbows, tees, valves, fittings, and other unnecessary obstructions to limit the disturbance of the
flow of fluid. Pipes with relatively large diameter must be used for turbulent flows as pipes with
smaller diameter can accumulate more resistance. [1] The pipe wall thickness and stress analysis
must also be considered. [2]
References
[1] Diettzch, C. (2011). Minimizing Pumping-System Friction Loss. Retrieved March 4, 2019 from
https://www.pumpsandsystems.com/topics/piping/minimizing-pumping-system-friction-loss.
[2] Henriquez, J. E & Aguirre, L. A (2011). Piping Design: The Fundamentals. Retrieved March 4,
2019.