Chapter 2

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This experiment was performed to utilized the fluid flow apparatus and dealt with the

head losses in different fittings. The head losses in an abrupt change and smoothly contoured

change of direction of flow of fluid were compared. Three set-ups were used to do such

comparison.

The isolating valves for the pipe runs without bends were closed. First set up where the

pressure tapping’s across the elbow fitting were connected to the mercury manometer by the

laboratory technician. The researchers made sure that the isolating valve for the selected pipe

was fully opened. Before turning on the fluid flow apparatus, the flow control valve above

the pump was also closed. Upon starting, the control valve was carefully opened until all the air

is displaced from the pipeline. The control valve was closed again to re-zero the mercury

manometer. After calibrating the manometer, the researchers begun the to perform the

experiment. In this experiment 4 flow rate were used―170 gallons per hour, 270 gallons per

hour, 370 gallons per hour, and 470 gallons per hour. The manometer reading was recorded in

every flow rate given.

The same procedure for the second set up but this time the pressure tappings across the

tee fitting were connected to the mercury manometer―again by the laboratory technician. The

control valve was closed to re-zero the mercury manometer. After calibrating the manometer, the

researchers begun the to perform the second set up for this experiment. Again, a 170 gallons per

hour, 270 gallons per hour, 370 gallons per hour, and 470 gallons per hour. The manometer

reading was recorded in every flow rate given.

 The over-all or combination of the two fittings were used for the third set up, the pressure

tapping of the elbow and tee fitting were connected to the mercury manometer by the laboratory

technician. The control valve was closed to re-zero the mercury manometer. After calibrating the

manometer, the researchers begun the to perform the third set up for this experiment. Again, a

170 gallons per hour, 270 gallons per hour, 370 gallons per hour, and 470 gallons per hour. The

manometer reading was recorded in every flow rate given.

The temperature of water was measured from the start up to the end of the experiment.

The properties of water were evaluated at the mean temperature. The Reynolds number for each

flowrate was computed. The friction factor was obtained using the Churchill equation.

The experimental head losses for elbow, tee and overall were computed using

𝑔
P= 𝑔𝑐 𝑅𝑚(ρHg – ρH2O)

For the calculated values of elbow and tee fittings head loss,

Hft= Kf Va2
gc
For the head loss due to skin friction,

Hs= 2ρLV2f
gcDi

Since there is no direct formula, the overall calculated head loss was obtained by getting

the summation of the calculated head losses due to skin friction, elbow fittings and tee fittings.

The overall experimental and calculated head loss was graphed against the flowrate.