Abstract

Title: Reynolds Apparatus, Design, Fabrication and Experiment

The study focused on the design, fabrication and experiment of Reynolds Apparatus which is used
for determination of different regimes of flow (laminar, transitional and turbulent). It was designed
for laboratory scale and intended for the use of Chemical Engineering student in Bicol University.
Preliminary surveys were conducted wherein designs of Reynolds Apparatus from different
schools namely, UP Diliman and De LaSalle University, were taken into account. The important
parts of the apparatus are the glass tube, supply tank, and discharge and outflow valve.
The study attempted to answer the following problems: (1) How will the apparatus be designed?
(2) What are the important part of the apparatus? (3) What are the capabilities and limitations of
the apparatus? (4) How does Reynolds number characterize each flow regime?
In the light of the findings obtained, the following recommendations were made:
1. The monometer, which measures pressure drop, can be modified since mercury is too
heavy to read pressure differences.
2. An orifice meter can be added to the design.
3. A reservoir made of galvanized iron sheet with a larger volume can be used in place of the
plastic catch basin.
4. A sight glass with graduation can be placed in the tank.
Thought the system is functional, its efficiency and accuracy can still be increased by:
a. Maintaining the contact head at the same time eliminating vibrations and disturbances
caused by pump or flowing water.
b. Lengthening the pipe to eliminate the sudden contraction or increased in pressure at the
entrance and exit points.
c. Data should be obtained at decreasing flow rates.
d. Leaks in the system must be eliminated as much as possible.
e. Closed system must be observed to save water.

Chapter I
THE DESIGN PROBLEM
Introduction
The principle of momentum transport which occurs in flowing gases and liquids under fluid
mechanics or fluid flow, is what the researchers are interested with. It can be classified into two,
molecular momentum transport or laminar flow (fluid moves in laminas and smoothly slides with
one another) and turbulent momentum (very erratic motion of fluid particles).
Reynolds experiment which was pioneered by Osborne Reynolds in 1883 demonstrated
the qualitative difference between laminar and turbulent flow. His name perpetuated in the
Reynolds Number which provides a criterion for dynamic similarity and hence for correct
modelling in many fluid flow experiments.

Chapter II
Reynolds Apparatus Design, Fabrication and Experiment
Design
Project Description
Reynolds apparatus major parts are: supply tank, glass tube, manometer, and catch basin. Its
auxiliary parts are: pump, separatory funnel, iron stand, glass tubing fluorescent light and valves.
Each of these parts has their distinct functions and purposes:
 Supply tank is divided into two sections. The first part is the calming section wherein rocks
and pebbles will be placed to reduce the bubbling in the glass tube. The tank I made of
galvanized iron sheet with thickness of Gauge 16. Its dimension are 48 inches long, 14
inches wide and 18 inches high.
Glass Tube is utilized as an observing medium for the visualization of the different regimes
of the fluid. Dimensions are 3 inches inside diameter and 48 inches long.
Manometer measures pressure differences with the used of heavy fluids, such as mercury.
The researchers utilized 10 mm bent glass tubing with mercury inside and mounted in a
wood.
Separatory Funnel, a 500-ml separatory funnel is used as the reservoir of methylene blue
dye.
Glass tubing serves as a connecting passage of the dye. It was provided with an injection
needle at the tip. It is 5 mm in diameter and 10 feet long.
Valves are used to slow down or stop the flow of a fluid. The apparatus is equipped with
gate valves which served as inflow, outflow and drain. Their dimeter at the opening through
which the fluid passes is nearly the same as that of the pipe, and the direction of the flow
does not change. As a result, a wide-open gate valve introduces only a small pressure drop.
The disk is tapered and fits into a tapered seat; when the valve is opened, the disk rises into
the bonnet, completely out of the path of the fluid.
Fittings and other piping auxiliaries threaded fittings such as elbows, tees and plastic hose
are used in the piping systems to connect pieces of pipe together, change the direction of
flow, regulate the flow, or obtain desired conditions in a flow system.
Flanges are employed for piping connections with inches pipe diameter or larger, while
screwed fittings are commonly used for smaller sizes.
Pump is used to transfer fluids from one location to another powered from an outside
source. A 0.5 horsepower centrifugal-type pump with 220 V power was used.
These are the factors that influenced pump selection:
1. The size of the pump depends on the amount of fluid to be pumped.
2. The density and viscosity of fluid influenced the power requirement to be pumped; as well
as corrosive properties determine the acceptable materials for construction.
3. Determination of the power requirement will be based on the increase in pressure of the
fluid due to work input of pump which is affected by the inlet and downstream- reservoir
pressures, change in vertical height of the delivery line and frictional effects.
4. Type of flow distribution.
5. Type of power supply. Cost and mechanical efficiency of the pump.

Catch Basin, a 95-Liter plastic reservoir was used as catch basin.

Set of Fluorescent Light illuminates the glass tube when experiments are performed in
order to clearly observe the behavior of the dye.

Design Conditions and Parameters

Several parameters were taken into consideration for the development of the design. They
are the following:
Simplicity of the apparatus
Easy disengaging units
Strength of materials
Durability of the apparatus
Properties of the materials
Availability of the materials
Safety in its operation and maintenance
Convenience in its operation
Efficiency of the machine
 Low cost design, and
Minimal manual work
Design Basis
The design was based on the existing Reynolds Apparatus in University of the Philippines
Manila and De LaSalle University. However, modifications are made due to severe and higher
costs of raw materials and suitability of laboratory conditions.
Capabilities and Limitations
It allowed the researchers to visually observe the three flow regimes (laminar, transitional,
and turbulent flows). It is capable of measuring the volume, velocity and volumetric flow rate at
different flow regimes and enabled the researchers to calculate the Reynolds number. It does not
measure pressure drop.
Fabrication
Fabrication of the equipment was done with the aid of skilled persons. It started with the
procurement of the supplies and materials from hardware and stores.
The component parts were visually inspected for defects, tested for quality then fabricated
into the desired shapes. They were measured using steel type ruler giving appropriate allowance
for machinery operations. Correctly trimmed materials undergo joining operations by following
drawing specifications. Then the assembled apparatus was subjected to metal polishing to remove
surface imperfections like weld, sputtering and corrosion. Finished products were properly
inspected for quality, durability and efficiency.
Fabrication of Tank, Framework and Support
1. Materials needed such as angular bars, round bars, galvanized iron and other metals were
gathered.
2. The tools and instruments needed for the fabrication of framework were selected and
prepared.
3. The materials were measured and cut in the specified dimension.
4. The sharp edge using portable grinder or files were removed.
5. Correctly measured and trimmed materials had undergone joining operations. Permanent
joineries were fully welded as per design specifications using electric arc welding.
6. Removable parts (glass, separatory funnel) were fastened by bolts and nuts and holes will
be made by a portable drill.
7. The joints were cleaned thoroughly, using portable grinder and files.
8. Primer paints were applied to the duly finished frame for corrosion resistance.
9. Moving parts were lubricated for wear resistance and efficient operation.
10. Finished apparatus was inspected and tested for quality, durability and efficiency.