MEHB221

Fluid Mechanics Lab

2012

Experiment No. 6
HEAD LOSS DUE TO PIPE FITTING
Objectives
To obtain a series of readings of head loss due to pipe fitting at different flow rates and to
determine the Loss Coefficient for sudden contraction and sudden enlargement of pipe
fitting.
Apparatus
Fluid Friction Apparatus, FM100.
Hydraulic Bench, FM110.
Summary of theory
Most pipe systems consist of more than straight pipes. The additional components like
inlet, outlet bends valves and etc. add to the overall head loss of the system.
The head loss that is caused by the inlets, outlets or fittings is expressed by the equation
below:
2

h = K
Where

2g

K
= loss coefficient for the fitting that is involved
2
u /2g = velocity head, hv

Losses can occur because of a change in pipe diameter. The loss of coefficient for a
sudden contraction, K is the function of the area ratio, A2/A1. This is shown in Figure 1.
The value of K changes gradually from one extreme of a sharp-edged entrance to the
other extreme of no area change. The loss coefficient for a sudden enlargement is the
function of area ratio of A1/A2. This is shown in Figure 2.
Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.

Open the inlet isolating valve.

Make sure that gate valve and globe valve are closed.
Open the isolating valve for the test pipe No. 2.
Insert the two manometer tubes (from digital pressure indicator) into the tapping
points for the sudden contraction manifold.

5. Switch on the main switch for hydraulic bench and digital pressure indicator.
6. Open fully the flow control valve and outlet control valve.
7. Switch on the pump of hydraulic bench.
8. Let the water flow through the system for a while.
9. Note down the reading on the differential pressure indicator.
10. Close the drain and use a stopwatch to time a certain amount of water flowing
into the measuring tank (take 10 liters).
11. Once it is done, open the drain and let the water flow into the sump tank.
12. Change the flow rate of water by adjusting outlet control valve to get different
differential pressure reading.
13. Again, take the differential pressure reading and measure the flow rate of water.
14. Obtain at least eight readings for various flow rates.
15. Switch off the pump.
16. Insert the two manometer tubes (from digital pressure indicator) into the tapping
points for the sudden enlargement manifold.
17. Repeat the experiment for sudden enlargement manifold (repeat procedure 6 to
procedure 14).
18. Switch off the pump and shut the isolating valve for test pipe No. 2.
19. Switch off the main switch and shut the inlet isolating valve.

Data, Observation and Results

Record the results of the experiment on the result sheet provided.

Calculate the flow rate (Q), velocity (u) and velocity head (hv).
-3

Q = V x 10
T
u = 4Q
2
d
2

hv = u
2g

Calculate the head loss (h) in mH2O.

Plot the graph of h versus hv for sudden contraction (Graph 1).
Plot the graph of h versus hv for sudden enlargement (Graph 2).
Draw a best fit line (straight line) through Graph 1 and Graph 2 and state the slope on
the graphs.

Analysis and Discussion

Explain about head loss in pipe (including head loss due to pipe fitting).
Comment on Graph 1 and Graph 2.
Calculate the experimental value for loss coefficient, K using Graph 1 (for sudden
contraction) and Graph 2 (for sudden enlargement).
Find the theoretical value for loss coefficient, K (use Figure 1 and Figure 2).
Compare and discuss the theoretical and experimental values for K.
List the possible sources of errors and safety precaution.

MEHB221

Fluid Mechanics Lab

2012

Example of Result Table

Sudden Contraction
D1 = 25 mm
D2 = 10 mm
Volume
V
(Liters)

Time
T
(s)

Flow rate
Q
3
(m /s)

Velocity
u
(m/s)

Velocity head
hv
(m H2O)

Head loss
(H) (mm
H2O)

Head loss
(h)
(m H2O)

Flow rate
Q
3
(m /s)

Velocity
u
(m/s)

Velocity head
hv
(m H2O)

Head loss
(H) (mm
H2O)

Head loss
(h)
(m H2O)

Sudden Enlargement
D1 = 10 mm
D2 = 25 mm
Volume
V
(Liters)

Time
T
(s)

2
4

6
10

Figure 3: Unit Construction for Fluid Friction Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM100)

1. Smooth Bore Pipes (6mm, 10mm, 17mm)

6. Outlet Control Valve

2. Artificial Roughen Pipe (17mm)

7. Inlet Isolating Valve

3. Manometer

8. Sudden Contraction

4. Gate Valve

9. Sudden Enlargement

5. Globe Valve

10. Differential Pressure