DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA (UPM)

LABORATORY MANUAL

ECH 3902 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY I

(AMALI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA I)
SEMESTER 1 2015/2016

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salmiaton Ali & Dr. Nordin Hj Sabli

Encik Mohamad Rezi bin Hamid

CONTENTS
EXPERIMENT 1: FLOW MEASUREMENTS (WATER) ..................................................................................... 2
EXPERIMENT 2: PUMP TEST RIG .................................................................................................................. 4
EXPERIMENT 3: FRICTION FACTOR IN CIRCULAR PIPES (MANUAL PRESSURE DROP CALCULATION) ...... 6
EXPERIMENT 4: MINOR LOSSES IN PIPES AND FITTINGS (MANUAL PRESSURE DROP CALCULATION) .. 10
EXPERIMENT 5: REFRIGERATION SYSTEM ................................................................................................. 13
EXPERIMENT 6: RHEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (OPEN ENDED) ........................................................................ 16
EXPERIMENT 7: PSYCHOMETRIC PROCESS HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM (COMPUTER LINKED AIR
CONDITIONING UNIT) ................................................................................................................................. 17
EXPERIMENT 8: FLOW MEASUREMENT (AIR)............................................................................................ 20
EXPERIMENT 9: MARCET BOILER ............................................................................................................... 21
EXPERIMENT 10: BENCH TOP COOLING TOWER....................................................................................... 23

1|Page

EXPERIMENT 1: FLOW MEASUREMENTS (WATER)

OBJECTIVE
To compare fluid volumetric flow rate measurement between venturi, orifice, rotameter and bench
device
To compare head loss between venturi and orifice
THEORY
The volumetric flow rate Q (m3/s) of any fluid through devices may be expressed by:

(2

/ )/(1 (

) (1.1)

where Cd is the discharge coefficient, A1 and A2 are the small and the large cross-sectional area (m2), p
is the pressure drop (Pa) and the is the fluid density (kg/m3)
A common engineering practice is to express the pressure drop as the loss of pressure head hL (meters
of fluid) and the acceleration of gravity, g (9.81ms-2)

= (1.2)
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
Start up
1. The schematic representation of the apparatus is shown in Figure 1-1.
2. Open fully the discharge valve of flow apparatus
3. Open mid-way the flow control valve of hydraulics bench. Make sure that the discharge hose is
directed to the sump tank (fiber glass) and that the drain valve of the collection tank is left open for
the flow to be discharged back to sump tank
4. Start the pump and allow the flow from the hydraulic bench to the apparatus. Observe the different
water levels in the manometer board
5. Now close gradually the discharge valve until it is fully closed. Observe that the different
manometer levels gradually reduce to a leveled datum. Note that the water still flows at a certain
pressure difference
6. Now fully open the flow control valve in the hydraulic bench. Observe the rising manometer levels.
7. Remove any trapped bubbles by either pressing gradually the plastic tube or taping lightly the glass
tube
8. Reduce the water supply by, in alteration, gradually reducing the flow apparatus valve until the
datum level of the manometer is reached
Experiment
1. Set a flow rate as measured by the rotameter
2. Close drain hole with the rod provided and obtain the collected water volume in sump tank for one
minute by using a stopwatch once the drain hole is fully closed
3. Once completed, open the drain hole to avoid spillage.
4. At the same flow rate:
4.1 Record the manometer reading to obtain the pressure difference in the venturi tube
4.2 Record the manometer reading to obtain the pressure difference in the orifice tube
5. Repeat procedure for different flow rates measured by the flow meter

2|Page

DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet

Figure 1-1: Installation drawing for flow meter demonstration apparatus

3|Page

EXPERIMENT 2: PUMP TEST RIG

OBJECTIVE
To measure the amount of head produced by a pump at different pump speed and different
volumetric flow rate
To analyze pump mechanical efficiency
THEORY
The theoretical power P (J/s) required to pump an incompressible fluid through a straight length of a
pipe with a cross-sectional area of A can be calculated from the definition of powers as the rate of
performing work (defined as differential force multiply with differential length)

) (2.1)
=

where Eqn. 2.1 was rewritten using the definitions of velocity u = l/t (m/s) and the volumetric flow
rate Q = Au (m3/s)
In practice, however, the actual pump requires power Pact that is higher than that calculated by Eqn.
2.1. Hence a common method to characterize the operating pump is through the so-called pump
efficiency, defined as:

(2.2)

A common engineering practice is to express the pressure drop as the loss of pressure head hL (meters
of fluid) and the acceleration of gravity, g (9.81 m/s2)

= (2.3)
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Start Up
1. Make sure that the water tank is at least half-filled
2. Switch on the power supply on the control panel. The instruments should light up.
3. Switch on the followings: pump P1, process Water
4. Fully open hand valves HV3 & HV4 and close hand valves HV5 & HV6
5. Fully turn (anti-clockwise) the speed-control potentiometer to the minimum value
6. PRECAUTIONS:
7.1 Never operate the pumps when there is no liquid in the pipeline: this may cause serious
damage to the pump.
7.2 Always monitor the direction of the motor impeller. It should follow the arrow direction on
the pump.
Experiment Part 1: Pump performance at a different pump speed
1. Press the start button of the pump

4|Page

2. Gradually turn (clockwise) the speed-control potentiometer to a maximum value (approximately

1700 RPM) : the pump should operate
3. Wait for a few seconds to allow for steady pumping rate
4. Adjust the water flow rate to 100% by opening/closing the check valve (this valve opening will not
be changed throughout the entire experiment part 1).
5. Once stabilized, record the flow rate, speed, power and pump head
6. Repeat Step 5 with your preset pump speeds
Experiment Part 2: Pump performance at a fixed pump speed
1. Press the start button of the pump
2. Set your pump speed by adjusting the speed-control potentiometer to the maximum value
3. Slowly adjust check valve fixed so that the flow rate is about 75% of the maximum value
4. Wait for a few seconds to allow for steady pumping rate
5. Once stabilized, record the flow rate, speed, power and pump head
6. Repeat Step 3 - 5 with your preset flow rates (% of the maximum). If required, set to other
intermediate readings
Experiment Part 3: Efficiency comparison between Single Stage and Multi-Stage Pump
1. Fully open hand valves HV5 & HV6 and close hand valves HV3 & HV4
2. Switch on the followings: pump P2, process Water
3. Fully turn (anti-clockwise) the speed-control potentiometer to the minimum value (choose only one
pump speed)
4. Gradually turn (clockwise) the speed-control potentiometer to your preset value: the pump should
operate
5. Wait for a few seconds to allow for steady pumping rate
6. Once stabilized, record the flow rate, speed, power and pump head
7. Turn off the pump. After that, turn off the system
DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
USEFUL INFORMATION
Maximum water pump head (100%)

= 6 bar

Maximum water flow rate (100%)

= 58.5 L/min

Maximum oil pump head (100%)

= 10 bar

Maximum oil flow rate (100%)

= 12 L/min

5|Page

EXPERIMENT 3: FRICTION FACTOR IN CIRCULAR PIPES (MANUAL PRESSURE DROP CALCULATION)

OBJECTIVE
To determine experimentally the friction factor in circular pipes that have different surface
roughness
To investigate the effect of water flow rate on pipe friction factor
THEORY
The friction factor can be calculated using Darcy-Weisbach equation:

(3.1)

where fD is friction factor, hL is head loss, l is length of pipe, v is velocity of the fluid flow. The
specifications of the pipe are tabulated in Table 3-1 below:

Type of Pipe
N.B. Smooth Surface
N.B. Roughened Surface

Table 3-1: List of pipe parameters

Length, l
Internal Diameter, D
(m)
(mm)
1
13.3
1
14.0

Roughness,
(mm)
0.000
0.020

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Start up
1. Figure 3-1 is the schematic drawing of the fluid flow unit
2. Connect the inlet of the variable area flow meter to an external pressurized supply
3. Connect the water outlet from the drain valve to a suitable drain
4. Open all valves on the unit except the vent valve
5. Turn on the water supply and allow water to flow through the apparatus
6. Close the water outlet valve slightly to provide some back pressure
7. Open the vent valve and allow air to escape until water starts to flow through the valve, and then
close the valve
8. Press down the center spindle of the non-return manometer connection fitted opposite the pitotstatic probe entry and allow any trapped air to escape
9. Close the angle seat valve
10. Close the ball valves on the line containing the component required for test
11. Adjust the flow rate to 400 L/hr
12. The next step follows the water manometer procedure
Procedure 2: Water manometer
1. Connect the two inlet pipes of the manometer to the inlet and outlet of smooth surface pipe (Figure
3-1)
2. Open the vent valve (Figure 3-2) and open the balancing valve on the manometer and vent the
manometer tubes of all air
3. Close the vent valve
4. Fix the pressure pump onto the manometer and pressurize the manometer until the water levels
in the tubes are at the zero level
5. Close the balancing valve.
6. Measure the pressure drop across the two tapping by the difference of height
7. If required, the pressurization of the manometers can be released by opening the vent valve
6|Page

8. Keeping the manometer at the same pipe section, change the flow rates to different flow rates and
measure the pressure drop values of each flow rate
Procedure 3: Roughened pipe
1. Unplug the two manometer inlet pipes and connect to the rough pipe section (Figure 3-1)
2. Repeat the Steps 3 to 8 in water manometer procedure
DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet

7|Page

Figure 3-1: Schematic view of the unit

8|Page

Figure 3-2: Water and mercury manometer

9|Page

EXPERIMENT 4: MINOR LOSSES IN PIPES AND FITTINGS (MANUAL PRESSURE DROP CALCULATION)
OBJECTIVE
To find the value of the loss coefficient for several different fitting in pipeline
To observe the effect of water flow rate on the value of loss coefficient.
THEORY
The loss coefficient, KL, can be calculated using Darcy-Weisbach equation:

/2 ) (3.2)

where hL is head loss, and v is velocity of the fluid flow.

Table 4-1: The pipe components and specification in the pipeline.
Components
Specifications
Sudden enlargement
13.3 mm to 23.5 mm
Sudden contraction
23.5 mm to 13.3 mm
4 elbows
90, threaded; diameter 13.3 mm
Ball valve
Normal Bore
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Start Up
1. To prepare the unit, use the startup procedures described in Experiment 3 (Start Up: Step 1 to 12)
2. Fully open the ball valve and close angle seat valve if student want to measure pressure drop for
component strainer, gate valve, and ball valve
3. Fully open angle seat valve and close ball valve if student want to measure pressure drop for
component 90O bend, elbow and angle seat valve
4. To measure orifice and venturi pressure drop open only one valve (angle seat valve or ball valve)
5. Connect the manometer inlet pipes to measure the pressure drop across the ball valve
6. Follow the water manometer procedure described in Experiment 3 (Water Manometer: Step 3 to
8)
7. Take readings for different flow rates
8. Repeat step 4 to 6 to measure pressure drop for different pipe fitting
DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet

10 | P a g e

Figure 4-1: Schematic view of the unit

11 | P a g e

Figure 4-2: Water and mercury manometer

12 | P a g e

EXPERIMENT 5: REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of condensing temperature and pressure on refrigeration rate and
condenser heat output
To determine the effect of evaporating temperature and pressure on refrigeration rate and
evaporator heat output
THEORY
A refrigerator is defined as a machine whose prime function is to remove heat from a low temperature
region. Since energy cannot be destroyed, the heat taken in a low temperature plus any other energy
input must be dissipated to the surroundings. The effect of increasing the condensing temperature on
many refrigeration systems is a reduction in the heat discharged from the condenser and in many cases
a smaller reduction in the refrigerating effect at the evaporator.
The rate of heat transfer from refrigerant to water in evaporator can be calculated by:

) (5.1)

Where Qe =heat transfer rate, me = mass flow rate, cp = specific heat of water. The rate of heat transfer
to water in condenser can be obtained from a similar equation as below

) (5.2)

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Start Up
1. Procedure 1: Normal Operation
2. The schematic drawing of the refrigeration system is shown in Figure 5-1
3. Check all the valves in close positions
4. First of all, turn on the cooling water supply and switch on the power to start the unit
5. Open the valves indicated in Figure 5-2 for normal operation. This allows vapor to be drawn from
the evaporator by the compressor and for the condensed liquid to return to the evaporator from
the condenser
6. Open water supply valve and adjust the control valves on the evaporator water flow meter and
condenser water flow meter between 20 to 30 g/s
7. Turn on the main switch and the compressor will start and the two internal lamps will light
Procedure 2: Air venting
1. A vent valve is situated on the top of the condenser and this allows air that has been admitted to
the system to be safely vented into void inside the instrument panel.
2. To vent air from the condenser, increase the condenser pressure to approximately 50 kN/m2 above
atmospheric pressure.
3. Close the control valve on the condenser water flow meter. This will cause the condenser pressure
to rise.
4. Once the 50 kN/m2 is reached, the vent valve should be briefly opened and the gas will make sound
when entering the void inside the panel.
5. Close the valve well before the gauge pressures until it reaches 0 kN/m2
Procedure 3: Main experiment
1. Set the evaporator water flow between 20 to 30 g/s and allow unit to run for about 15 to 20 minutes
2. Record all the system parameters
13 | P a g e

3. Reduce the condenser cooling water flow rate until the condenser pressure increases by
approximately 10 kN/m2
4. Allow the unit to stabilize and again record the parameters as in the table
5. Repeat for increasing condenser pressure until to the minimum readable value on the condenser
water flow meter is reached, or until the condenser pressure reaches 200 kN/m2 gauge pressure
DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet

Figure 5-1: Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration Unit R633

14 | P a g e

Figure 5-2: R633 Valve Position

15 | P a g e

EXPERIMENT 6: RHEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (OPEN ENDED)

OBJECTIVE
To quantitatively measure the viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid using Haake ViscoTester.
To design experiments to qualitatively observe the Weissenberg's, Kaye's and Swelling effects
exhibited by different type of fluids.
TASK
1. The lab group is required to bring two or more fluids for this experiment. The lab group will have
the freedom of selecting any kind of fluids that is available. On top of that, one fluid will be prepared
by the demonstrator each week
2. The lab group will use Haake Visco-Tester to determine whether the fluid is Newtonian or nonNewtonian fluid
3. For the second part, the lab group is required to design various experiments to test the behavior of
each fluid. The tools or apparatus that are needed for the experiment should be prepared by the
group. Beaker or any other laboratory apparatus should be available for use, but the student have
to notify the demonstrator first
4. The lab group will need to observe qualitatively the behavior of each fluid
DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet

16 | P a g e

EXPERIMENT 7: PSYCHOMETRIC PROCESS HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM (COMPUTER LINKED AIR
CONDITIONING UNIT)
OBJECTIVE
To carry out five thermodynamic processes of air and analyze initial and final air properties using
psychometric chart.
INTRODUCTION
The experiments consist of 5 parts:
Part 1:

Cooling process

Part 2:

Heating process

Part 3:

Humidification process

Part 4:

Cooling and dehumidification process

Part 5:

Heating and humidification process

THEORY
In this experiment, five types of thermodynamics processes are performed on the air-water-vapour
mixture using air conditioning unit. These processes include simple heating (raising air temperature),
simple cooling (lowering air temperature), humidifying (adding moisture), heating and humidifying
(raising air temperature and adding moisture) and dehumidifying (removing moisture). These can be
modelled using the steady-flow conservation of mass and conservation of energy principles:

:
:

,
,

(7.1)

(7.2)
(7.3)

The main parameters of interest include the air flow rate, enthalpy changes, power requirement, and
humidity changes. Note that the subscripts i and o denote the inlet and outlet states, respectively, and
that the water-mass conservation is written as the air-mass conservation via the absolute humidity
( = kg water vapour/kg dry air).
Of great convenience in determining the properties of moist air is the psychometric chart.
Determination of air properties requires measurements of two independent intensive properties, such
as the dry-bulb temperature and wet-bulb temperature.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Start Up
1. Read and understand the Hilton air conditioning system (Figure 7-1)
2. Before start experiment, make sure:
2.1 Study Hilton air conditioning system unit
2.2 The computer system is turned ON.
2.3 The computer software/application for air conditioning unit is running and displaying wet-bulb
temperature, dry-bulb temperature, and air flow rate
2.4 The fan is ON
2.5 Switch for compressor, air heater, water heater are OFF
2.6 Measuring cylinder is empty and clean
3. Choose the air mass flow rate. This can be done by regulating fan rotameter. Ideal air mass flow
rate for this experiment is between 100 g/s to 120 g/s

17 | P a g e

4. Measure and record air velocity in the data collection table. For simplicity, air flow rate will not be
changed throughout the entire experiment
Experiment
Part 1: Cooling process
1. Record initial wet-bulb and dry bulb temperature at inlet and outlet point
2. Turn on the compressor
3. Allow adequate stabilization time for the air cooling process. Monitor the wet-bulb and dry-bulb
temperature change until the system/process stabilized
4. Record final wet-bulb and dry-bulb at inlet and outlet point
Note: sampling light is turned on when new data is sent to the PC
5. Once completed, switch off the compressor and allow the system to return to its original wet-bulb
and dry-bulb temperature, roughly about 5 minutes
Part 2: Heating process
1. Record initial wet-bulb and dry bulb temperature at inlet and outlet point
2. Turn on air heater
3. Allow adequate stabilization time for the air heating process. Monitor the wet-bulb and dry-bulb
temperature change until the system/process stabilized
4. Record final wet-bulb and dry-bulb at inlet and outlet point
Note: sampling light is turned on when new data is sent to the PC
5. Once completed, switch off the air heater and allow the system to return to its original wet-bulb
and dry-bulb temperature, roughly about 5 minutes
Part 3: Humidification process
1. Record initial wet-bulb and dry bulb temperature at inlet and outlet point
2. Switch on the electric water heater to heat up the water in the tank. Water vapor will be sprayed
in the spraying section. Be alert of the formation of steam (indicating the formation of water vapor)
on the plastic based screen.
3. Allow adequate stabilization time for the air humidification process. Monitor the wet-bulb and drybulb temperature change until the system/process stabilized
4. Record final wet-bulb and dry-bulb at inlet and outlet point
Note: sampling light is turned on when new data is sent to the PC
5. Once completed, switch off the water heater and allow the system to return to its original wet-bulb
and dry-bulb temperature, roughly about 5 minutes
Part 4: Cooling and dehumidification process
1. Record initial wet-bulb and dry bulb temperature at inlet and outlet point
2. Switch on the electric water heater to heat up the water in the tank. Water vapor will be sprayed
in the spraying section. Be alert of the formation of steam (indicating the formation of water vapor)
on the plastic based screen.
3. At the same time switch on the compressor
4. Allow adequate stabilization time. Monitor the wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperature change until
the system/process stabilized
5. Once the process stabilized:
5.1 Find the rate of water removal. This can be done by collecting water condensate in the
measuring cylinder provided. Allow the condensate to drip until there is continuous dripping
as an indicator for process stabilization
5.2 Record wet-bulb and dry bulb temperature at inlet and outlet point Note: sampling light is
turned on when new data is sent to the PC

18 | P a g e

6. Once completed, switch off the compressor and electric water heater. Allow the system to return
to its original states, roughly about 5 minutes
Part 5: Heating and humidification process
1. Record initial wet-bulb and dry bulb temperature at inlet and outlet point
2. Switch on the electric water heater to heat up the water in the tank. Water vapor will be sprayed
in the spraying section. Be alert of the formation of steam (indicating the formation of water vapor)
on the plastic based screen.
3. At the same time, switch on the air heater
4. Allow adequate stabilization time. Monitor the wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperature change until
the system/process stabilized
5. Record final wet-bulb and dry-bulb at inlet and outlet point
Note: sampling light is turned on when new data is sent to the PC
6. Once completed, switch off the electric water heater and air heater. Allow the system to return to
its original wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperature, roughly about 5 minutes
DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Size of outlet opening, m2
Size of outlet opening, m2

: = 9.5 x 2 cm
: = 20.5 cm

Figure 7-1: Schematic diagram of Hilton air conditioning system unit

19 | P a g e

EXPERIMENT 8: FLOW MEASUREMENT (AIR)

OBJECTIVE
To compare volumetric flow rate of air measured using venturi with air the actual air flow rate
To observe the effect of air flow rate on pressure difference
THEORY
The volumetric flow rate Q (m3/s) of any fluid through devices may be expressed by:

(2

/ )/(1 (

) (8.1)

where Cd is the discharge coefficient, A1 and A2 are the small and the large cross-sectional area (m2), p
is the pressure drop (Pa) and the is the fluid density (kg/m3)
A common engineering practice is to express the pressure drop as the loss of pressure head hL (meters
of fluid) and the acceleration of gravity, g (9.81ms-2)

= (8.2)

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
Start up
1. Connect the blower/fan to electrical power supply
2. Make sure the damper is opened
3. Make sure hot wire anemometer is connected to the entire system and turned on
4. Turn on the blower
Experiment
1. Adjust the damper opening to 25%
2. Wait for a few minutes to allow the system to stabilize
3. Record the pressure difference and air velocity. Make sure to record the diameter of the venturi
tube and rectangular box
4. Repeat Step 2 3 with different damper opening
Shutdown
1. Turn off the blower/fan
2. Turn off the switch and disconnect electrical wire from the power supply
3. Clean the experiment area
DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet

20 | P a g e

EXPERIMENT 9: MARCET BOILER

OBJECTIVES
To establish the relationship between pressure (P) and temperature (T) values of saturated steam.
To compare the obtained saturated temperature (T) and pressure (P) with the steam table data.
To find heat of vaporization of water
INTRODUCTION
When the room pressure is constant, available liquid in the room will be heated until a certain condition
when no matter how much heat is given, the temperature will not increase and the liquid will start to
change into vapor. The temperature remains constant until all liquid is evaporated. Thus, any vapor
under conditions of thermal equilibrium with the liquid from which it originated, has a determined
temperature at each pressure level. This experiment is to establish the relationship between pressure
and temperature values of saturated wet steam.
THEORY
The water inside the boiler is heated up by the electrical resistance and starts to evaporate. As more
water changes phase from liquid to vapor, more vapor accumulates inside the boiler vessel and
increases the pressure imposed on the water surface. This pressure buildup tends to increase the
resistance faced by liquid molecules as they change into vapor, consequently increasing the saturation
pressure of the remaining liquid.
For a pure substances existing as a mixture of two phases, the Clapeyron relationship relates the
pressure, heat and expansion during a change of phase provided that the two phases are in equilibrium.
The Clapeyron relationship is:
=

(9.1)

Where;
vf = specific volume of water
P = absolute pressure
vg = specific volume of steam
hfg = latent heat of vaporization = hg - hf
hf = enthalpy of water
hg = enthalpy of steam

21 | P a g e

Figure 9-1: Marcet Boiler

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
Important Note: Students must demonstrate an understanding and adhere to safety related to the
operation of machines and workplace at all times.
Start Up
1. Setup the boiler for heating and cooling process
2. Make sure there is sufficient water inside the Marcet boiler
3. Make sure safety valve is open
Experiment
1. Start/turn on the Marcet boiler
2. After a while, steam will come out from the boiler. Closed the safety valve. This is to purge
trapped air inside the boiler
3. Start taking the readings of temperature and relative pressure at intervals of 1 bar, until a relative
pressure that you have chosen.
4. Turn off the Marcet boiler. Repeat the steps for cooling process
5. Process the results and analyze them.
DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet

22 | P a g e

EXPERIMENT 10: BENCH TOP COOLING TOWER

OBJECTIVE
To determine all End State Properties of the Air and H2O from charts and tables, and the
application of the steady flow equation to selected system to draw up energy and mass balances
(Part 1 and 2)
To study the effect of Cooling Load on Wet Bulb Approach (Part 3)
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Startup
1. Ensure that the drain cock at rear of load tank is closed, that all switches are off and that the water
control valve (at the bottom of the water flow meter) is fully open
2. Check that the unit is level
3. Remove the column (with cap in situ), then carefully pour 3.0 liter water through the square
opening into the basin
4. Refit the column and lightly tighten the knurled nuts
5. Switch on the mains so that the circulating pump runs. If the water flow is less than 40 gs-1, or if
the pump is noisy, switch off. It is probable the air is present in the pump.
6. To clear, raise the left hand end of the unit by about 500mm for about 30 sec. Repeat until a
satisfactory flow is achieved
(Note: The pump must not be allowed to run for a long period until the air has been eliminated)
7. Wetting of the distribution through may be expedited by removing the cap, then moistening the
sides with the aid of a tooth brush
8. Pour water into the make-up tank to the gauge mark
9. Remove the plugs from the manometer and check the fluid level. Using the plastic tube supplied,
connect the orifice pressure tapping point in the cap to the left-hand connection on the manometer
10. Fully open the fan inlet shutter and check that the manometer is operating correctly. (The
differential pressure should be about 16mm H2O. Note that this will be higher for units using a
60Hz supply, typically 23mm H2O)
11. Allow the unit to run for a few minutes for the float valve to adjust the level in the load tank. Top
up the make-up tank as required
12. Check the levels in the wet bulb thermometer reservoirs
13. The unit is now ready for use and may be set to the desired conditions
Note:
When the water flow rate is reduced there will be a reduction in the quantity of water held by the
packing and the level in the load tank will rise accordingly, closing the float valve. Although evaporation
will eventually restore the correct level in the load tank, the process can be accelerated by draining off
water from the load tank drain until the level in the make-up tank is seen to fall.
Part 1: Variable Air Flow Rate
1. The Bench Top Cooling Tower should be prepared, started and allowed to stabilize under the
following suggested conditions
Orifice differential
16 mm H2O
Water flow rate
40 gs-1
Cooling load
1.0 kW
(Note: Stability is reached when there is no further appreciable change in temperature, or flow rate)
2. At regular intervals over a measured period of say 10 minutes, all temperatures and flow rates
should be noted and the mean values entered on the observation sheet
23 | P a g e

3. At the commencement of this period, fill the make-up tanks to the gauge mark with distilled water
At the end of this period, refill the tank from a known quantity of distilled water in a measuring
cylinder
4. By difference, determine the quantity of makeup which has been supplied in the time interval
5. Repeat the observation for different air flow rates
Part 1: Different Water Flow Rate
1. The Bench Top Cooling Tower should be prepared, started and allowed to stabilize under the
following suggested conditions.
Orifice differential
16 mm H2O
Water flow rate
40 gs-1
Cooling load
1.0 kW
(Note: Stability is reached when there is no further appreciable change in temperature, or flow rate)
2. At regular intervals over a measured period of say 10 minutes, all temperatures and flow rates
should be noted and the mean values entered on the observation sheet
3. At the commencement of this period, fill the make-up tanks to the gauge mark with distilled water.
At the end of this period, refill the tank from a known quantity of distilled water in a measuring
cylinder
4. By difference, determine the quantity of makeup which has been supplied in the time interval
5. Repeat the observation for different water flow rates
Part 3: Different Cooling Load
1. The Bench Top Cooling Tower should be prepared, started and allowed to stabilize under the
following suggested conditions
Orifice differential
Water flow rate
Cooling load

16 mm H2O
40 gs-1
0 kW

2. While keeping the water and air flows constant, the load should be increased to 0.5 kW, and when
conditions have stabilized, the observations should be repeated
3. Similar tests should be made with cooling loads of 1.0 and 1.5kW
4. If required, the four tests may then be repeated at another constant air flow
Shutting Down
1. Reduce the level in the make-up tank to about 50 mm by running normally
2. Switch off both heaters
3. After about two minutes switch off all power supplies
4. If the unit is to be idle for several days it should be completely drained
Specimen Calculations
Using the wet and dry bulb temperatures, point A (air inlet) and B (air outlet) may be plotted on the
psychometric chart, and the following values read off:
Specific Enthalpy at A
Moisture content at A
Specific Enthalpy at B
Moisture content at B
Specific Volume at B
24 | P a g e

=
=
=
=
=

hA
A
hB
B
vaB

DATA COLLECTION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Please refer laboratory report collection booklet

Figure 10-1: Bench top cooling tower system

25 | P a g e