Losses In Piping System

1.0 Introduction

Losses due to the local disturbances of the flow in the conduits such as changes in cross
section, projecting gaskets, elbows, valves and similar items are called minor losses. In case
of a very long pipe, these losses are usually insignificant in comparison to the fluid friction in
the length considered. But In case of short pipes, these minor losses may actually be major
losses such as in suction pipe of a pump with strainer and foot valves.

Minor loss in diverging flow is much larger than that in converging flow. Minor losses
generally increase with an increase in the geometric distortion of the flow. Though minor
losses are usually confined to a very short length of path, the effects may not disappear for a
considerable distance downstream. It is insignificant in case of laminar flow.

Minor loss is generally express in one of the two ways

In terms of minor loss factor K

In terms length, equivalent to a certain length of straight pipe, usually expressed in
terms of number of pipe diameter.

2.0 Principles

Head loss at entrance:

Referring to the fig. as fluid from reservoir enters the pipe, the streamline tends to converge,
so at B there is maximum velocity and minimum pressure which is in the state of turbulence
but has very little forward motion. Between B and C fluid is in a very disturbed condition
because the stream expands and the velocity decreases while the pressure rises. From C to D
the flow is normal.

Loss of energy at entrance is distributed along the length AC. Increases turbulence and vortex
motion in this section of the pipe causes much greater friction loss compared to the
corresponding length of pipe where flow is normal as shown in diagram.

Of the total loss, a portion of h would be due to the normal pipe friction. Hence the
difference between this and the total loss is the value of extra loss at occurs at the entrance.
The loss of head at the entrance is given by

he = ke V2/2g

where ,

v = mean velocity of the pipe

ke = loss coefficient whose value depends on the condition at the entrance of the pipe.

The entrance loss is caused primarily by the turbulence created by the enlargement of the
stream after it passes through the section of vena contraction, which is formed immediately
after the edge of the entering mouth.

Values of the entrance loss coefficients have been determined experimentally. If the entrance
to the pipe is well rounded, then there is no contraction of the stream entering and the
coefficient of loss is correspondingly small.

For a square edged entrance, as shown in fig. ke has a value of around 0.5

Reentrant tube produces maximum contraction of the entering stream because streamlines
come from around the wall of the pipe as well as directly from fluid in front of the entrance.
The loss coefficients for reentrant tubes vary depending upon thickness of pipe wall and how
far pipe is projected , for very thin tubes ke =0.8
Loss of head due to sudden contraction:

There is a drop in pressure due to the increase in velocity and loss of energy in turbulence.
The loss fo head for sudden contraction is given by

he = ke V22/2g

Loss due to sudden expansion:

In sudden expansion, there is a rise in pressure due to decrease in velocity. There is an

excessive turbulence from C to F beyond which the flow is normal. The drop in pressure just
beyond section C is due to the fact that the pressure at the wall of the pipe is less than those in
the center of the pipe because of centrifugal effects.

The loss due to sudden expansion is greater than the loss due to a corresponding contraction.
This is because diverging paths of the flow tend to encourage the formation of eddies with the
flow. Moreover, separation of the flow from the wall of the pipe induces pockets of eddying
turbulence outside the flow region.In converging glow there is a dampening effect on eddy
formation and the conversion from pressure energy to kinetic energy is quite efficient.

The head loss due to suddent enlargement is given by

hx =(V1 V2)2/2g
3.0 Objectives

1) To determine the relationship between head loss and flow in the piping system.
2) To verify conversation of energy law in the piping system.
3) To compare experimental head loss to theorectical head loss.

4.0 Apparatus

1) Piping System ( long pipe section located at the dark blue pipeline; expansion and
contraction section located at the light blue pipeline).
2) Hydraulic bench.
3) A stop watch.