INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL CONTENTS

This laboratory manual is intended to guide you through several experiments in the study of engineering
Applied Hydraulics. Because of the nature of the course and laboratory facilities, you may be required to
perform some experiments on material not yet covered in the classroom. This requires an extra effort on
your part to read the relevant sections of the textbook, as well as the lab manual, before you come to the
lab. Being prepared will assist you in understanding the experimental work and allow you to finish in the
allotted time. As such, you will be evaluated on your ability to correctly complete the experiment and
analysis, as well as your ability to clearly communicate your methodology, results, and ideas to others.
Your ability to work as a team will be very important in the laboratory. Keep in mind that you do have a
time constraint and need to be both accurate and efficient in your work. Try identifying the
responsibilities of each group member before you begin an experiment. Some responsibilities include
recording the data, obtaining measurements, adjusting an apparatus between measurements.

This Practical Manual will be revolving mainly around two types of Experiments i.e. Major Loss and
Minor Loss.

Major losses are due to roughness or frictional effects of surface on flow, which influence the same flow
parameters of flow depth and Effective area. Due to Surface roughness, the molecules flowing inside a
conduit are trapped and these layers of molecules near the surface become gradually bounded by
roughness along the surface resulting a decrease in effective area and hence a decrease in discharge, and
also a considerable decrease in Pressure head.

Whereas, Minor Losses are due to Obstructions such as fittings, connections, valves which results in
velocity dissipation and hence decrease in Velocity head.

This determination of Major loss friction factor and Minor loss coefficients helps us in investigating the
different specifications and properties for water distribution systems so that supply of water can be
provided by compensating the discrepancy by taking in account the above losses.

Introduction to Laboratory Equipments

For the Above Practical’s we will be using a composite device known as Fluid Friction Apparatus (FFA)
also known as Losses in a pipe system, which includes all the segments for both Major and Minor Loss
practicals.
Fluid Friction Apparatus (FFA) also known as Losses in a pipe system

The experimental unit contains six different pipe sections capable of being shut off individually. The pipe
sections are equipped with piping elements such as bends, elbows and branches. In one pipe section,
different shut-off devices and measuring objects are installed to determine the flow rate. The measuring
objects are made of transparent material and provide excellent insight into the inner structure.

The pressure measuring points in the piping system are designed as annular chambers. This creates a
largely interference-free pressure measurement. The experiments measure the pressure losses in pipes and
piping elements, such as branches and bends. The opening characteristic of the shut-off devices are also
recorded. The pressures are measured with twin tube manometers.

Pressure losses occur during the flow of real fluids due to friction and turbulence (vortices). Pressure
losses in pipes, piping elements, fittings and measuring instruments (e.g. flow meter, velocity meter)
cause pressure losses and must therefore be taken into account when designing piping systems.
Base module or Hydraulic Bench

Used for Discharge calculations and storage and rerouting of water for the above experiments.

Pump

1. Power consumption: 250W

2. Max. Flow rate: 150L/min
3. Max. Head: 7,6m
4. Storage tank, capacity: 180L
Learning Objectives

 Pressure losses in pipes, piping elements and fittings

 How the flow velocity affects the pressure loss
 Determining resistance coefficients
 Opening characteristics of angle seat valve and gate valve
 Familiarization with various measuring objects for determining flow rate

Health Safety Environment (HSE)

Measuring health and safety performance is primary prior to any activity or extension. HSE frames
practical guidance for people who understand the principle of health and safety management and wishes
to improve the measurement of health and safety performance in their institutional circles as well as orgs.
Three Courses on HSE

1. NEBOSH

2. IOSH

3. OSHA