armfield

FLUID FRICTION
MEASUREMENTS
C6
issue 11

The Armfield Fluid Friction Measurements unit provides a self-contained facility for the
detailed study of fluid friction head losses which occur when an incompressible fluid
flows through pipes, fittings and flow metering devices.

INSTRUCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

A wide range of measurements, demonstrations and training exercises are possible with
the equipment:
confirming the relationship between head loss due to fluid friction and velocity for flow of water
determining the head loss associated with flow through a variety of standard pipe fittings
determining the relationship between pipe friction coefficients and Reynolds'
number for flow through a pipe with roughened bore
demonstrating the application of differential head devices in the
measurement of flow rate and velocity
providing practical training on the use of manometers
enhancing understanding of the hydraulic principles involved 20
through the use of complementary computer software

15
DESCRIPTION

Pipe friction is one of the classic laboratory experiments Short samples of each size test pipe are provided loose
and has always found a place in the practical teaching so that the students can measure the exact diameter
of fluid mechanics. and determine the nature of the internal finish. The ratio
of the pipe diameter to the distance of the pressure
With this unit friction head losses in straight pipes of tappings from the ends of each pipe has been selected
very different sizes can be investigated over a range to minimise end and entry effects. A system of isolating
of Reynolds' numbers from 103 to 105, thereby covering valves is provided whereby the pipe to be tested can be
the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow regimes in selected without disconnecting or draining the system.
smooth pipes. In addition an artificially roughened pipe The arrangement allows tests to be conducted on
is supplied which, at the higher Reynolds' numbers, parallel pipe configurations. An all GRP floor standing
shows a clear departure from the typical smooth bore service module incorporates a sump tank and
pipe characteristics. volumetric flow measurement facility. Rapid and
accurate flow measurement is possible over the full
In addition to the equipment for the study of losses in working range of the apparatus. The level rise in the
straight pipes, a wide range of accessories are standard measuring tank is determined by an independent sight
including pipe fittings and control valves, a Venturi tube, gauge. A 250ml capacity glass measuring cylinder is
an orifice plate assembly and a Pitot tube. supplied for measuring the flow rate under laminar
conditions (very low flows). Ported manometer
The unit is fully instrumented and is supplied as a self- connection valves ensure rapid bleeding of all
contained facility. The test circuits are mounted on a interconnecting pipework.
substantial plastic laminated backboard strengthened
by a deep frame and carried on tubular stands. An Each pressure tapping is fitted with quick action self-
arrangement of six pipes provides facilities for testing sealing connections. Probe attachments with an
the following: adequate quantity of translucent polythene tubing are
smooth-bore pipes of various diameter provided so that any pair of pressure tappings can be
artificially roughened pipe rapidly connected to one of the two manometers
90 bend supplied. These are a 1m mercury manometer (see
90 elbow optional accessories p4) and a 1m pressurised water
45 elbow, 45Y, 90T manometer.
sudden enlargement
sudden contraction The unit includes a submersible water pump and the
gate valve necessary inter-connecting pipework between the
globe valve service module and backboard. A push button direct-
ball valve on-line motor starter is fitted incorporating overload
inline strainer protection.
Perspex Venturi
Perspex orifice meter
Perspex pipe section with a Pitot static tube

3.0 1.2 0.08

2.5 1.0 0.07

2.0 0.8 0.06
Head M H2O

Head M H2O

Friction Factor = 4f

1.5 0.6 0.05

1.0 0.4 0.04
0.5 0.2
0.03
0 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 0.02
Flow rate l/s Flow rate l/s 0.01
14mm 24mm
Flow Flow
24mm 20mm 103 104 105
21O 14O
O
45 bevel Reynolds Number Re

Examples of typical results obtained by comparing test data Moody diagram obtained from typical results
with published results
TECHNICAL DETAILS C6-301 WINDOWS PROGRAM FOR
FLUID FRICTION MEASUREMENTS
Test pipes:
Diameter: 1. 4.0mm I.D. x 6.0mm O.D. An optional item. This Windows based software has
been designed specifically for use with the Armfield
2. 7.0mm I.D. x 10mm O.D.
Fluid Friction Measurements unit offering a complete
3. 15.0mm I.D.(nom) x 21.5mm O.D. teaching package of coursework and laboratory
4. 17.0mm I.D. x 21.5mm O.D. investigation. The familiar Windows environment allows
Length: 1.925m the student to explore the principles of each accessory
quickly and easily, enabling him to contrast theory with
Distance between tappings: 1.0m and 0.54m
practical measurement, thus providing a good
Number of tapping points: 35 understanding of the principles involved.
The Software runs under the MS Windows3.1 or
Tanks: Windows95 operating systems and has been
designed for maximum flexibility and ease of use.
Vol. of sump tank: 160 litres
Comprehensive 'Help' screens guide the student
Vol. of flow measuring tank: 0 - 40 ltr for high flow rates through both the theoretical background and the
0 - 6 ltr for low flow rates practical investigation of the accessory in question.
Suggested laboratory investigations and further
questions for the student to answer are included in the
Submersible type pump:
software, together with all the information required to
Maximum head: 11m H2O set up and run the experiments.
Maximum flow: 3.9 litres/sec
Power: 0.55kW Minimum computer requirements:
486 processor, 3.5in floppy or CD-ROM drive,
4Mb RAM, 10Mb free hard disk space,
VGA monitor, Windows 3.1/95/98.
(This computer is not supplied by Armfield).

Head loss through an orifice plate Head loss through a smooth bore pipe

Head loss through a Venturi meter Head loss through a gate valve, and test
pipe samples
ORDERING SPECIFICATION RECOMMENDED INSTRUMENTS

A self-contained unit for the detailed study of fluid Stop watch

friction head losses which occur when an Vernier caliper
incompressible fluid flows through pipes, fittings
and flow metering devices.
SERVICES REQUIRED
A substantial free-standing frame and backboard
support test circuits comprising: Electrical supply
- smooth-bore pipes of various diameter C6-A: 220/240V, 1ph, 50Hz
- artificially roughened pipe C6-B: 120V, 1ph, 60Hz
- 90 bend
- 90 elbow
- 45 elbow, 45Y, 90T OVERALL DIMENSIONS
- sudden enlargement
- sudden contraction Height: 1.955m
- gate valve Width: 2.64m
- globe valve
Depth: 0.815m
- ball valve
- inline strainer
- Perspex Venturi
- Perspex orifice meter SHIPPING SPECIFICATION
- Perspex pipe section with a Pitot static tube
Volume: 2.8m3
Includes a GRP service module with volumetric Gross weight: 360kg
flow measurement, pump, starter, mercury and
water manometers.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Special features: For installations where the use of mercury is

suitable for studying Reynolds' numbers from undesirable or prohibited a digital pressure meter is
10 3 to nearly 10 5 available, ask for data sheet H12 MANOMETERS AND
a unique system of isolating valves, ported PRESSURE METERS.
quick release manometer connection valves
and self-sealing pressure tappings ensure fast
accurate results COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCTS
computer aided learning program available
C1 - Compressible Flow Bench
A user instruction manual provides installation, C2 - Subsonic Wind Tunnel
commissioning and maintenance data, together
C3 - Multi-pump Test Rig
with student exercises.
C4 - Multi-purpose Flume
C7 - Pipe Surge and Water Hammer
C9 - Flow Meter Demonstration Unit
C10 - Laminar Flow Table
Armfield Limited
Bridge House West Street Ringwood C11 - Flow in Pipe Networks
Hampshire England BH24 1DY F1-10 - Hydraulics Bench with accessories:
F1-18: Energy Losses in Pipes
Tel: +44 (0)1425 478781 F1-21: Flow Meter Demonstration
Fax: +44 (0)1425 470916 F1-22: Energy Losses in Bends
E mail: sales@armfield.co.uk F1-18-301:Windows Program for F1-18 Energy
URL: http://www.armfield.co.uk Losses in Pipes
F1-21-301: Windows Program for F1-21 Flow
USA Office: Meter Demonstration
F1-22-301: Windows Program for F1-22 Energy
Armfield Inc. Losses in Bends
510 N. Main Street Denison Iowa 51442
Tel: (712) 263-5885
Fax: (712) 263-8884 Specifications may change without notice
E mail: armfield@frontiernet.net 5k/0200/BS.