CHAPTER 2: PIPE FLOW

References & Suggested reading

1. Solving problems in Fluid Mechanics
Vol 1. = J F Douglas
2. Solving problems in Fluid Mechanics
Vol 2. = J F Douglas
3. Fluid of Mechanics
J W Ireland
4. Fluid Mechanics 2 for Technicians
CF Frylinck
5. Fluid Mechanics: Fundamental & applications
Cengal & Cimbala
6. Principle of Fluid Mechanics
CF Meyer

PIPE FLOW
Flow Continuity:

1
2
Q1

Q2

Fig.1: Flow Continuity

The flow continuity principle states that:
THE MASS FLOW RATE IN ANY CLOSED SYSTEM REMAINS CONSTANT
ie:

Where

= v
A

Where:
v = flow velocity [m/s]
1

A = cross sectional area of flow [m]

Q = flow rate [m/s]

Flow Energy: Bernoulli, T.T.E.L., T.E.L., H.G.

Consider the sketch below:
1

T.T.E.L.

Fig.2.: Flow Energy variation.

BERNOULLIS Theorem states that:
THE TOTAL ENERGY OF EACH PARTICLE OF A BODY OF FLUID REMAINS CONSTANT
PROVIDED THAT NO ENERGY ENTERS OR LEAVES THE SYSTEM AT ANY POINT.
In terms of energy per unit weight (i.e. J/N = m)
H = H
Where:

Total Energy (height) H = p / pg v / 2g + z

and
p / pg =

Static Pressure (energy) head [m]

v / 2g =

Velocity (energy) head [m]

z=

Potential (energy) head [m]

Remember pipeline systems are used to transport fluid from one point to another.
Application of Bernoulli:
(a) For NO energy losses:

H1

p / plg + v / 2g + z

(b) Considering energy losses (

p / pg + v / 2g + z
) between (1) and (2):

H
P / pg +

H2

H +

/ 2g + z = p / pg +

Where:
H

Energy head lost between

reference points (1) and (2)

Note:
1. The straight line indicating the STATIC PRESSURE HEAD (h) above the centre line of the
pipe is called the HYDRAULIC GRADIENT (H.G.)
H.G. =

Hydraulic Gradient

2. The straight line indicating the TOTAL ENERGY HEAD (

) is referred to as the

T.E.L.
T.E.L. =

Total Energy Line

3. The straight line parallel to the DATUM LINE indicates the TOTAL ENERGY plus LOSSES
(i.e.
+ H); seeing that it conforms to Bernoullis law which considers no losses,
it is referred to as the total energy line without losses or the TOTAL THEORETICAL ENERGY
LINE.
T.T.E.L.

Total Theoretical Energy Line

4. The T.E.L. is always ABOVE the H.G. by the amount equal to the velocity head at that point.

Pipe Flow Energy Losses:

Pipe flow losses are due to: Shock Losses and Friction Losses.
Shock Losses:
This occurs as a result of a change in fluid momentum (velocity) at, for example: pipe couplings
such as bends, elbows, T-pieces, Y-pieces, valves, strainers, filters, etc.
These losses are always a function of the velocity head and is calculated by:
4

Where:

Loss Coefficient, determined by experiment

(b) Very often the shock loss is expressed in terms of an EQUIVALENT PIPE LENGTH (L) or
EQUIVALENT PIPE LENGTH TO DIAMETER RATIO (L/d). The total pipe length (or L/d
ratio) in the Darcy equation then becomes the actual pipe length plus all the equivalent
lengths. In this respect:
5

K = 4f (L / d)

Note:
1. The K values of the following pipe components are very often approximated by calculation.
T.T.E.L

1.1 Sudden Enlargement

TEL

6
h

Fig:3: Sudden Enlargement

- (a)

Most commonly used.

OR

At (a), the K1 - value is always LESS than 1.

At (b), the K - value is often GREATER than 1.
Sudden Contraction
T.T.E.L
T.E.L

Q
2

Fig: 4: Sudden Contraction

2. In practice the K-values are determined experimentally

Loss Coefficients for Pipe Fittings

Bends

Pipe Roughness (mm)

Valves

Cast Iron

0.25
3

Regular 90 Flanged

0,3

Check/Non-Return Valve
(ball)

3,5

Concrete

Regular 90
Threaded

1,5

Check/Non-Return Valve
(swing)

2,5

Copper

Long Radius 90
Flanged

0,2

Globe Valve (Fully Open)

Long Radius 90
Threaded

0,7

Gate Valve Fully Open

0,2

Regular 45
Threaded

0,4

Gate Valve Fully open

1,2

Long Radius 45
Flanged

0,2

Gate Valve Fully Open

Long Radius 45
Threaded

0,4

Gate Valve Fully Open

24

PVC

0.0057

Butterfly Valve Fully Open

90

0,9

Glass

smooth

Various

Drawn Tubing

0.12
0.0015

Epoxy Coated Steel

0.065

HDPE (High Density

Polyethylene)

0.007

Pipe Union/Coupling

0,08

Butterfly Valve 60

4,6

Galvanized Iron

Tee straight through

0,05

Butterfly Valve 45

10

Welded Steel

0.046

1,8

Butterfly Valve 30

90

Riveted Steel

Tee branch flow

Reducing
coupling/bush
Strainer

1
0.7

Ball Valve (Fully opened)

Angle Valve (Fully opened)

0
3.5

Stainless steel (304 and

316)
Uncoated seamless
steel

0.15

0.0048
0.045

3. If no information is available for reservoir inlet pipes, or any other sharp pipe reduction the
K-value is taken as K = 0,5 (i.e..

= 0,5V / 2g) because the average value of

= 0,6

4. Where the flow velocity is low (say V < 0,6 m/s) the shock losses are considered as MINOR
LOSSES and are very often neglected.
In high pressure systems where flow velocities are high, shock losses are very important and
must be allowed for.

Example:
A 0,3 m diameter pipe through which water flows at the rate of 0,283 m / s suddenly enlarges to 0,6
m in diameter. If the axis of the pipe is horizontal and the water in the vertical tube connected to the
larger pipe stands 0,36 m higher than the level in a tube connected to the smaller pipe, determine
the coefficient K if the shock loss is expressed as Kv / 2g, where v is the velocity in the smaller
pipe.
Answer:

0,496

Bernoulli at

1 +

0,36m

2 :

Q = 0,283m/s
d = 0,6m

d = 0,3m

Where:

And

Note P > P

Ref: JF Douglas (ref. 1)

Friction Losses:
This loss can be defined, when there is no potential and kinetic energy changes (i.e. in a horizontal
uniform diameter pipe), as follows:
T.T.E.L.
T.E.L.

H.G.

2
Q

l
Fig 5: Friction Losses

10

Bernoulli at 1 and 2 yields:

p1 v 21
p2 v 22
+ +2 = + +2 +h
pg 2 g 1 pg 2 g 2 l
hl=

p 1 p2
( v 1=v 2 ; 21=22 )
pg
8

Hence, the pressure drop in a system where there is no changes in potential and kinetic energies, is
referred to as FRICTION LOSS and is due to internal fluid friction and fluid to pipe friction (as will be
discussed later in greater detail) and is calculated by any of the following equations, which was
discussed in FLM 2.

The DArcy-Weissbach equation

9

Where:

f = DArcys coefficient of friction ( = 2gq/ pg)

l = pipe length (m)
v = flow velocity (m/s)
d = pipe diameter (m)
Q = flow rate (m/s)
g = gravitational acceleration (= 9.81 m/s)
h = Energy per unit weight lost in friction (m)

H.G.

Example:

Determine the loss of head due to friction in a new cast-iron pipe 360 m long and 150 m in dia,
which carries 42 dm / s.
d = 150 mm

11
l = 360m

Take f = 0.005.
Answer

Where:
=

OR

Ref: JF Douglas (ref. 1)

Note:
1. The answer differs slightly because

is an

approximation.
Can you explain the significance of this difference?
2.

can be found from the slope of the H.G.

i.e.
3. The slope of the H.G. is equal to the slope of the T.E.L.
b) The CHEZY formula:
10 m/s

12

Where:

C = CHEZYs Constant =
M = Hydraulic Mean Depth (H.M.D.) or
Hydraulic Radius

11

For ROUND pipes:

[m]

12

And
= Friction head lost per unit length
= Slope of the hydraulic gradient
v = velocity of flow

13

Example:
Using the Chezy formula, find the loss of head in a circular pipe 120 m long and 75 mm dia, when
the velocity of flow is 4.8 m / s.
Take C = 54,6 SI units.
Answer:

13

Ref: JF Douglas (ref. 1)

Note:
1. The Darcy and Chezy constants are complex values and depend
on:

the flow velocity of the fluid

the density and viscosity of the fluid and pipe roughness

2. Chezys equation is more commonly used for channel flow

Pipe (Mains) Systems:

1. Single Pipe Systems: Low Pressure Systems
1.1 Gravity Mains: Two-Reservoir System (Revision)
Consider the following system where the flow rate is constant in a uniform diameter pipe.

14

Fig. 6 Gravity Main

Note:
1. Piezo tubes installed all along the pipeline will give the STATIC PRESSURE, as at X. The
line connecting the levels will produce the H.G.
2. At point X, the total energy per unit weight, according to Bernoulli is:
p x V 2x
H x= + + Z x
pg 2 g
px
V2
+ Z x =H x x
pg
2g
i.e.

The T.E.L. is always above the H.G. by the amount equal to the velocity head.

3. To determine the difference in reservoir levels, take Bernoulli at A and B

2

PA V A
P V
+
+ Z A = E + E + Z B +h L
pg 2 g
pg 2 g
15

14

Equation 1.1.14 states that: THE DIFFERENCE IN LEVEL BETWEEN ANY TWO
RESERVOIRS, OPEN TO ATMOSPHERE, AND CONNECTED BY A PIPELINE IS DUE
(EQUAL) TO THE LOSSES IN THE SYSTEM.
4. The slope of the hydraulic gradient is given by:

Where:
l
L

=
=

Actual pipe length (m)

Pipe projection length (m)

The reason for working with the actual length, is that the slope, in practice is small; so that
tan i = sin i and it can be concluded that the H.G. is independent of the path followed by the
pipe.
5. If no information is given about in- and outlet losses, it can be ignored. Very often shock
losses are ignored because they are small compared with the friction loss and are referred to
as MINOR LOSSES in LOW pressure systems.
Example:
A 600 mm dia. Pipe, 1,2 km long carries 0.8 cumec water from a reservoir, whose surface level is 30
m above datum, to another reservoir whose surface level is 14 m above datum. The centre line of
the pipe runs through the following points.
Distance from reservoir
(m)
0
460 900 1200
------------------------------------------------------------------------------Height above datum
(m)
27
27
8
12

16

Calculate:
1. The pressure at these points if:
1.1 the water flows freely
1.2 when the stop valve before the lower reservoir is closed
2. The power loss as a result of friction
Solution:
1. When water flows freely: (consider only friction losses)
1.1

Where:

Hence:

17

Note also

Then:
2

i) Pressure a___ : Bernoulli between

3 : Bernoulli between 1
ii) Pressure a___

18

iii) Pressure a___ : Bernoulli between 1 +3 4 :

iv) Pressure 5a_5__ : Bernoulli between5 1

+5 5 :

1.2 With v/v closed, no flow losses occur and the pressure at the various points is the static
pressure dead.
eg. at:
2

19

2. Power loss due to friction =

The Syphon:
The siphon is a tube/pipe used to convey liquid over an obstruction from a higher to a lower point.

To find the pressure at E, take Bernoulli between A and E, then with datum through A:
2

PA V A
P V
+
+ Z A = E + E + Z E + hl AE
pg 2 g
pg 2 g

P E P A V 2E
=
+ Z E + hl AE
pg pg 2 g

Note:
20

1. If

is atmospheric pressure,

is given in absolute units.

2. Fluid loses energy at a uniform rate as is indicated by the H.G.

3. Hence at C and D the pressure will be atmospheric and between C and D the pressure will
be less than atmospheric with a maximum at E. By definition it can be stated that: A
SYPHON OCCURS WHERE THE PIPELINE RISES ABOVE ITS HYDRAULIC GRADIENT.
4. Seeing that a fluid boils when the fluid pressure is reduced to its Vapour Pressure, it is
recommended that great; care should be taken to prevent this situation, because at this point
the fluid separates (or cavitates) and flow stops or become intermittent.
5. A siphon therefore also exists with E lower than A

Pipeline open to Atmosphere:

Consider the system shown where water emerges from the pipe outlet with velocity, v m/s
under a static pressure head, H m

Take Bernoulli between A and B, then:

P A V 2A
PB V 2B
+
+ Z A = + + Z B +h l
pg 2 g
pg 2 g

15

(a)
21

i.e. Static Pressure Head = Outlet vel. Head + Energy head lost
Hence:

16

(b)

Note:
1. Eq. 15 is the same as eq. 16 but for different reasons.

2. It is important to recognize the difference between systems 1 and 2. In the two-reservoir

gravity system the outlet kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy and with the open
pipe the k.e. at outlet is not utilized and is sometimes referred to as UNUSED KINETIC
ENERGY.
Series Pipe Systems:

Fig. 9: Serie Pipe Main

22

In the system the in-and outflow is the same and constant, so that the difference in level,
causing the flow, also remains constant.

To find out what causes the difference in level, H, take Bernoulli at A and B.
P A V 2A
P B V 2B

+ + Z A = + +Z B+ hl
pg 2 g
pg 2 g

17

Hence, in this case:

Note then:
1. The difference in reservoir levels is equal to THE SUM of the different energy heads lost.
2. The flow rates in the different pipes remain constant i.e.
= .
Consider the following example and see how pipe design can be improved for better results.
Pipes in Parallel:

23

Fig. 10. Gravity Mains consisting of pipes in Parallel.

The system above assumes a constant flow situation. The flow being carried by three
different pipes in parallel.
By closing the isolating valves of any two pipes at a time; or having them all open, and
regulating the flow each time so that H remains the same; it can be shown, by taking
Bernoulli between A and B each time, that:
Or
1

= ..
Or
1

= ...

Hence, for pipes in parallel:

24

1. The TOTAL LOSS of the system is equal to the TOTAL LOSS OF ANY ONE PIPE in the
system.
18

i.e.

2. The FLOWRATE in the system is equal to the SUM OF THE FLOWRATE of each pipe in the
system.
i.e.
19

Example:
Two reservoirs are connected by three pipes laid in parallel, their diameter are respectively: d, 2d,
and 3d and they are all the same length. Assuming f to be the same for all the pipes, what will be
the discharge through the larger pipes if that through the smallest is 0.03 m / s.
Solution:
With reference to the sketch on p.19, neglecting minor losses:

And

Ref: JF Douglas
Pipes in Series-Parallel:
The principles of both series and parallel pipes are applicable.
25

Example:
A hydraulic pressure vessel contains oil under a pressure of 4 MPa. The vessel is connected to a
service reservoir by means of a 20 mm diameter horizontal pipeline which is 10 m long. The relative
density of the oil is 0.8. in order to meet an increase of 30% in oil demand it is decided to lay an
additional pipe 25 mm in diameter from the supply vessel in parallel to the existing pipe to join them
up at a suitable point.
Take f = 0.008 for all pipes and calculate the length of the additional pipe required. Ignore minor
loses and take the service reservoir level at the same height as that of the pressure vessel.

26

27

Solution:
Bernoulli between A & B yields:
P A pB
=H=h f
pg
And
H=

PA
4 X 106
=
=509.68 m ( PB =0 )
pg 0.8 X 103 X 91 8 1

For single (original pipeline):

For pipes in Series-Parallel:

(a)

Q3=Q1 +Q2=1.3 x 0.0078=0.0102 m3

s

(b) For parallel pipes 1 and 2 :

h f 1=h f 2

f 1 l 1 Q21 f 2 l 2 Q 22
=
3 d 51
3 d 52
Q1 d 1 52 25 52
=
=
=1.75
Q2 d 2
20

( ) ( )

Subject into

Q 1+

Q1
=0.0102
1.75

Q1 =0.0065 m

3
s

28

(c) For series system: 1

+ 2 in series with 3

h f 1=h f 3=H 2
F 3 l3 Q3

f 1 l 1 Q21 f 1 l 3 Q23

=
=H
3 d 51
3 d 53
2

0.008 x l 1 x 0.00652 0.008 x ( 10l 1 ) x 0.0102

=
=509.68
3 x 0.0255
3 x 0.025
11.46 l1 +86786.7 l 1=509.68
l 1=4.75

Branching Pipelines:
Consider the following situation:

29

Fig. 11: Branching Pipes

Consider unit weight of water flowing from A to C. It will lose energy in pipe 1 more than in pipe 3
and at any flow interruptions like at junction J.
According to Bernoulli at A and C:
P A / pg+V 2A / 2 g+ Z A=P c / pg+V 2c /2 g+ Z c +h LAC
Giving :

Z A Z c =h LAC =H AC

Hence:

H AC = Energy heads lost between AC

20

Note then that:

1.
2.
3.

H AC =h f 1+ hf 3

Minor losses ignored

H BC =hf 2 +h f 3
Q3=Q1 +Q2

4. It is a common mistake to regard the loss in the system as the sum of the losses in all the
pipes.

30

This is only true when pipes are in series i.e. when an element of fluid passes through all the
pipes, losing energy en route to the discharge, but obviously wrong when pipes are in parallel or
branching.

Example:
A high level reservoir supplies water to a reservoir of surface level 13 m below it through a pipeline
3 657.0 m long and 610 mm in diameter. It becomes necessary to supply a second reservoir with
surface level 15 m below the upper one by means of a branching pipe 1 220 m long, connected into
the main line 915 m from the top reservoir. Calculate the diameter of the branching pipe so that the
flow rate to both reservoirs are the same.
Take f = 0.006 and ignore minor losses.

Solution:

(a)

H AC =h f 1+hf 3
f 1 l1 Q21 f 3 l3 Q23
15=
=
3 d 51
3 d 53
0.006 x 915 x Q21 0.006 x 1220 x Q21

+
3 x 0.610 5
3 x d 53

31

2.44 Q 23 f 3 l 3 Q23
15=21.7 Q +
=
3 d 51
d53
2
1

(b)

H AB=h f 1 +h f 2
2

f l Q f l Q
13= 1 1 5 1 = 2 2 5 2
3 d1
3 d2
21.7 Q 21 +

0.006 x 2742 x Q 2
3 x 0.6105
2

13=21.7 Q1 +65.0 Q2

(c)

Q1=Q2 +Q3
But
Q2=Q3 ..(given)
Q1 =2Q2 +2 Q3

Subtract 3 into 2 :
13=21.7 Q21 +65.0

Q1
2

( )

Q 1 =

Q3 =

Q1 0.585
3
=
=0.293 m
2
2
s

Subtract

13
3
=0.5875 m
37.35
s

Q1+ Q3 into 1 :

15=21.7 x 0.585 2+

2.44 x 0.293
5
d3

0.209
=7.567
d 53
1

d=( 0.028 ) 5 =0.488 m ( 490 mm )

32

Pumping Mains:
In pump main lines energy losses occur in both inlet and delivery lines. Pump delivery lines can be
arranged in any combination discussed in section 1.2 so far.
The energy supplied by the prime mover per unit weight of fluid can be summarized as follows.
With reference to the sketch below:

33

Consider open suction and delivery

levels and let:

P1=Suctionlevel pressure
P2=Suctioninlet pressure
P3=Pump delivery pressure
P4 =Delivery line outlet pressure
v s=Suctioninlet velocity
v d =Pump outlet velocity
h s=Static Suctionhead
hls = Suction pipe losses
hd =Static delivery head
hld = Delivery pipe losses
For Suction side:
Bernoulli between 1 and 2.

P1 V 21
P2 V 22
+ + Z1= 2 + + Z 2 +hld
Vpg 2 g
pg 2 g
h s+ 2 +2hls
P 2 gV
0+0h s= Ps + s +0+] hls
pgs 2 g
=
pg

21

For Delivery side:

Bernoulli between 3 and 4.

2 V2
d
P3 V 23 Pd =h
P4+hV
4
+ + pg
Z3 = d + ld +Z
+h
pg 2 g
pg 2 g 2 g4 ld
2
Pd V d
+ +0=0+0+ hd +h ld
pg 2 g

22

Pressure rise across the pump:

P dP s
V 2s V 2d
=hs +h d +hld +
pg
2g

23

Note the following:

1.

H ms=Manometric Suction Head=Reading on suction gauge

Ps
V 2s
=hs +hls +
pg
2g

2.

H md=Manometric Devlivery Head=Reading on delivery gauge

34

Ps
V 2s
=hs +hls +
pg
2g

H m=H ms + H md

3.

H m=hs +hd +hls +hld +

V 2s V 2d
2g

This is the actual pressure head rise across the pump or the energy per unit weight
appearing in the fluid to overcome:
(a) the total static lift ( H l=h s +hd )
(b) all the losses (i.e. shock and friction) in both suction and delivery pipes,
(c) the velocity head change across the pump, often referred to as the LINE CORRECTION.
This is due to the fact that the inlet flange diameter is very often larger than the outlet
flange diameter.
4. Sometimes, when a line correction is applicable, some pump manufacturers refer to the
pressure head rise across the pump as the EFFECTIVE HEAD, H e
i.e.

H e =h s+ hd + hls +h ld +

V 2sV 2d
2g

And if the inlet and outlet branches of the pump is of the same diameter i.e.
H e =H m , hence:
(see Pumping Machinery P353)
5. If

P1P4

is not atmospheric, then:

2

H m=

v s+ v d , then

PaP1
V V s
+h + hd +h ls +h ld + d
pg
2g
s

24

6. To produce equation 1.2.10 above in a more practical form, the following can be considered:
6.1

hls =h fs +

kv ps
2g

6.2

hld =hfd +

kv pd
2g

35

Hence:
h

h
2
2
kv pd V 2pd V d V s
+[ fd+
]+
+
2g
2g 2g

P P1
Hm= 4
+ [ hs +h d ] +
pg

6.3 Very often the following are not applicable or can be neglected:
6.3.1 The line correction
6.3.2 The suction pressure, when open to atmosphere
6.4 Equation 1.2.10 then reduces to:
h

h
+[ fd+

25

kv pd V 2pd
]
+
2g 2g

P4
H m= + [ hs +h d ] +
pg

If the shock losses are small, they can be neglected as well.

Then:
H m=
Where:

P4
pg
h
h
h
h
V 2pd
2g

P4
V2
+ hs +h d +h fs +h fd + pd
pg
2g

26

= Delivery Pressure Head

=
=
=
=

Static Suction Head

Static Delivery Head
Suction Friction Head
Delivery Friction Head

= Reservoir inlet loss; this is only applicable when the pump delivers fluid to a
reservoir.

Example:
36

A centrifugal pump installed at a reservoir whose surface level is 6 m below datum, pumps water at
the rate of 450 m / h into a reservoir whose surface level is 36 m above datum. The suction pipe
diameter is 40 mm and is 10 m long. The first portion of the delivery pipe is 300 mm in diameter
and 1500 m long. The second portion of the line consists of two pipes in parallel each 1200 m long;
one being 150 mm in diameter, the other 200 mm in diameter.

Calculate:
1. The quantity of water delivered by each branch pipe.
2. The power required to drive the pump if it has an efficiency of 72%.
The losses due to all fittings may be ignored. Take:

hf=

0.024 lv
2 gd

for all pipes.

a) Water delivered by each branch?

Q1=Q2 +Q3
And

h f 2=h f 3 (Parallel Pipes)

37

f 2 l2 Q22 f 3 l3 Q23 l 2 l 3
=
3 d 52
3 d 53 f 2 f 3
Q2 d 2 5 0.15 5
=
=
=0.487
Q3 d 3 2
0.2 2

( ) ( )
2
6

Q1=0.487 Q3
Substitute 2

into1

Q1=450m3 /hr
3
0.125 m /s

Q1=0.487 Q3 +Q3
Q3 =0.08406 m3 /s

And
Q1=0.487 ( 0.08406 )
3

0.041 m / s
Power =

pgQ h m

P=pgQ [ hs+ hd+ hls+hld ] X

1
R

MINOR LOSSES IGNORED (EXIT AND ENTRY)

AT THE SUCTION*:

l=10 m; d=0.4 m ; Q1=0.125

m3
s

flQ 2 0.006 .10 ( 0.125 )

hfs = 5 =
=0.031 m
5

3d
3 ( 0.4 )
AT THE DELIVERY:

( h f 2=h f 3 ) hfd =

h f 1+hf 2 =hfd

fl1 Q21 fl 2 Q22 fl3 Q23

+
+
3 d 51 3 d52
3 d 53
38

0.006 .1500 ( 0.125 )2 0.006 .1200 ( 0.41 )2

+
3 ( 0.3 )5
3 ( 0.15 )5

= 19.29 + 52.98

0.006 .1200 ( 0.08406 )

5
3 ( 0.2 )

= 72.278m
hfs =0.031 m; h fd =72.278 m ; hs=6 m; h d=36 m
Q1=0.125 m3 /s ; R=0.72
IGNORE LINE CORRECTION:
P=pgQ [ hs+ hd+ hfs+hfd ] X

1 hs=6 m
R hd=36 m

= 194.68kN

Power Transmission by Pipelines:

Remember that Power is calculated by
1

P = p x Q
P = g Q H

Or

Where:
P = pressure or pressure drop [Pa]
Q = flow rate [m3 /s]
H = pressure head or pressure head lost [m]
= flued digtheid [kg/m3]
Variation of Power with Discharge:

39

Fig. 12: Variation of power with discharge.

Bernoulli between A and B shows that:
H=
Or

v2
+h
2g f

H=h p+ hf

Where:
H = Total head available
hp = Outlet velocity head or
Head at outlet available for generating power
flQ 2
h f = 5 = Friction head lost in supply pipe
3d
It is obvious that the friction head and power head varies with flow rate, controlled by the spear
valve situated in the outlet nozzle.
The curve alongside illustrates
the variation of hf and hp with Q
Note that Qmax is obtained with the
nozzle removed

Fig. 13 Variation of hf and hp with Q

40

( RT )

Transmission Efficiency:

Seeing that the power at pipe outlet is reduced by the losses in the pipeline, the pipeline efficiency
can be defined as follows:
Power at pipe outlet
Power at pipe inlet

Transmission Efficiency =

RT =

g Q hp
gQ H
hp
H

Eq. 1.3.2 into 1.3.3 gives:

RT =

H h p
h
=1 p
H
H

Example:
The input pressure of a system is 4600kPa. Determine the minimum number of pipes required to
transmit 170kW to a machine 3000m from the power station.
The efficiency of transmission is 90%. f (Darcy) = 0.0075
Solution

Let:
Q=Q ( number of pipes ; q=flow rate paper )

Then:
1

41

p2 Q=P0=170 x 103
When:
RT =

h p P2
= =0.92
H P1

P2 =0.9 x 4600=4140 kPa

P2 into 1
3

170
Q=
=0.0410 m s
4140

The loss in one pipe,

hf =

P2P1 flg2
= 5
pg
3d

5
3
3 d 5 ( p2 p 1 )
3 x 0.15 x ( 46004128 ) x 10
q=
=
pg x f x l
103 x 9.81 x 0.0075 x 3000

0.0217 m s
Q 0.0410
= =
=1.88
q 0.0217
2 pipes
Conditions for Maxim Power Transmission:
Because the friction loss varies parabolically with Q (i.e. h Q) it is obvious that the output power
Q and efficiency will also vary according to the law of the parabola. The curves are shown in fig. 1.3.3

42

Fig 14 (a) Power vs Q

Fig 14 (b) Efficiency vs Q

Fig 14 (a) illustrates that the maximum power is not transmitted at maximum flow but at some point
in between which can be determined as follows:
Power at pipe outlet:

P o= g Q h p

4 f l v2
2 gd

4f lv
2 gd

g v a H

g v a H v

)
3

dp
=0
dv

Maximum power is delivered when:

[ ( )]

dp
= g a H3 4 f l v =0
dv
2 gd
H=3 h f

So that:
For Maximum Power transmission:

1
hf= H
3

Example:
= 6900kPa
Calculate the maximum power available at the far end of a hydraulic pipeline 4.8 km long and 200
mm in diameter when water at 6900 kPa pressure is fed in at the near end. Take f = 0.007.
Solution:

Output power =

p2 Q= g Q h p

43

Where for maximum power:

H=3 h f
P1 3 f l Q 2
=
5
pg
3d

d 5 p1
0.25 x 6900 x 103
Q=
=
pgfl
10 3 x 9.81 x 0.007 x 4.5 x 103

0.0818 m

3
s

And
h p =Hh f
3 hf h f
h p =2h f
2

flQ2
0.007 x 4.8 x 10 3 x 0.08152
=2
3 d5
3 x 0.25

468.91 m

Output power,

P0=9.81 x 0.0818 x 468.91 kW

468.91 kW

44