”The life is too short to drink bad wine.

Flow of Fluids in Pipes

Dr. Lajos Gulyás, Ph.D.

college professor

1
 Friction Losses
Flow through Conduits
Incompressible Flow

2
 Goals
• Calculate frictional losses for laminar and
turbulent flow through circular and non-circular
pipes
• Define the friction factor in terms of flow
properties
• Calculate the friction factor for laminar and
turbulent flow
• Define and calculate the Reynolds number for
different flow situations
• Derive the Hagen-Poiseuille equation

3
 Introduction
• Average velocity in a pipe
– Recall - because of the no-slip
condition, the velocity at the walls
of a pipe or duct flow is zero
– We are often interested only in
Vavg, which we usually call just V
(drop the subscript for
convenience)
– Keep in mind that the no-slip
condition causes shear stress and
friction along the pipe walls
Friction force of wall on fluid

4
 Introduction
• For pipes of constant
diameter and
incompressible flow
– Vavg stays the same down
the pipe, even if the
velocity profile changes
Vavg Vavg • Why? Conservation of
Mass

same same
same
5
 Introduction
• For pipes with variable diameter, m is still the same
due to conservation of mass, but V1 ≠ V2

D1

D2

V1 m V2 m

6
 LAMINAR AND TURBULENT
FLOWS
• Laminar flow: characterized by
smooth streamlines and highly
ordered motion.
• Turbulent flow: characterized by
velocity fluctuations and highly
disordered motion.
• The transition from laminar to
turbulent flow does not occur
suddenly; rather, it occurs over some
region in which the flow fluctuates
between laminar and turbulent flows
before it becomes fully turbulent.

7
 Reynolds Number
• The transition from laminar to turbulent flow depends on
the geometry, surface roughness, flow velocity, surface
temperature, and type of fluid, among other things.
• British engineer Osborne Reynolds (1842–1912)
discovered that the flow regime depends mainly on the
ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in the fluid.
• The ratio is called the Reynolds number and is expressed
for internal flow in a circular pipe as

8
 Reynolds Number
• At large Reynolds numbers, the inertial forces are large
relative to the viscous forces  Turbulent Flow
• At small or moderate Reynolds numbers, the viscous
forces are large enough to suppress these fluctuations 
Laminar Flow
• The Reynolds number at which the flow becomes turbulent
is called the critical Reynolds number, Recr.
• The value of the critical Reynolds number is different for
different geometries and flow conditions. For example,
Recr = 2300 for internal flow in a circular pipe.

9
 Reynolds Number
• For flow through noncircular
pipes, the Reynolds number is
based on the hydraulic
diameter Dh defined as

Ac = cross-section area
P = wetted perimeter
• The transition from laminar to
turbulent flow also depends on
the degree of disturbance of the
flow by surface roughness, pipe
vibrations, and fluctuations in
the flow.
10
 Reynolds Number
• Under most practical
conditions, the flow in a
circular pipe is

• In transitional flow, the

flow switches between
laminar and turbulent
randomly.
11
 LAMINAR FLOW IN PIPES
• In this section we consider the
steady laminar flow of an
incompressible fluid with
constant properties in the fully
developed region of a straight
circular pipe.
• In fully developed laminar flow,
each fluid particle moves at a
constant axial velocity along a
streamline and no motion in the
radial direction such that no
acceleration (since flow is
steady and fully-developed).

12
 LAMINAR FLOW IN PIPES
• Now consider a ring-shaped differential
volume element of radius r, thickness
dr, and length dx oriented coaxially
with the pipe. A force balance on the
volume element in the flow direction
gives

• Dividing by 2pdrdx and rearranging,

13
 LAMINAR FLOW IN PIPES
• Taking the limit as dr, dx → 0 gives

• Substituting t = -m(du/dr) gives the desired equation,

• The left side of the equation is a function of r, and the

right side is a function of x. The equality must hold for
any value of r and x; therefore, f (r) = g(x) = constant.

14
 LAMINAR FLOW IN PIPES
• Thus we conclude that dP/dx =
constant and we can verify that

• Here tw is constant since the

viscosity and the velocity profile
are constants in the fully developed
region. Then we solve the u(r) eq.
by rearranging and integrating it
twice to give
r2

15
 LAMINAR FLOW IN PIPES
• Since u/r = 0 at r = 0 (because of symmetry about the centerline)
and u = 0 at r = R, then we can get u(r)

• Therefore, the velocity profile in fully developed laminar flow in a

pipe is parabolic. Since u is positive for any r, and thus the dP/dx
must be negative (i.e., pressure must decrease in the flow direction
because of viscous effects).
• The average velocity is determined from

16
 LAMINAR FLOW IN PIPES
• The velocity profile is rewritten as

• Thus we can get

• Therefore, the average velocity in fully developed laminar pipe

flow is one half of the maximum velocity.

17
18
 Pressure Drop and Head Loss
• The pressure drop ∆P of pipe flow is related to the power
requirements of the fan or pump to maintain flow. Since
dP/dx = constant, and integrating from x = x1 where the
pressure is P1 to x = x1 + L where the pressure is P2 gives

• The pressure drop for laminar flow can be expressed as

• ∆P due to viscous effects represents an irreversible

pressure loss, and it is called pressure loss ∆PL to
emphasize that it is a loss. 19
 Pressure Drop and Head Loss
• In the analysis of piping systems, pressure
losses are commonly expressed in terms of
the equivalent fluid column height, called
the head loss hL.

(Frictional losses due to viscosity)

20
 Friction Losses
The resulting pressure (energy and head) losses are usually
computed through the use of modified Fanning’s friction
factors: f 
Fk
v2
Sρ
2
where Fk is the characteristic force, S is the friction surface area.
This equation is general and it can be used for all flow processes.
D2 π
p1  p 2 
f
Fk
 4  p1  p 2 D  Δp D
Used for a pipe: v 2
v2 2Lρ v 2 L 2ρ v 2
Sρ (Dπ L)ρ
2 2
where Fk is the press force,
S is the area of curved
surface. Rearranged, we get a L v 2ρ L v 2ρ v 2ρ
Δp L  4f λ ζ
form of pressure loss: D 2 D 2 2 21
 Determination of Friction Factor with Dimensional
Analysis
The Funning’s friction factor is a function of vD vDρ
Re  
Reynolds number, f = f(Re): ν μ
Many important chemical engineering problems cannot be solved
completely by theoretical methods. For example, the pressure loss from
friction losses in a long, round, straight, smooth pipe depends on all these
variables: the length and diameter of pipe, the flow rate of the liquid, and the
density and viscosity of the liquid.
If any one of these variables is changed, the pressure drop also changes.
The empirical method of obtaining an equation relating these factors to
pressure drop requires that the effect of each separate variable be
determine in turn by systematically varying that variable while keeping all
others constant.
It is possible to group many factors into a smaller number of dimensionless
groups of variables. The groups themselves rather than separate factors
appear in the final equation. These method is called dimensional analysis,
which is an algebric treatment of the symbols for units considered
independtly of magnitude. 22
 Determination of Pressure
Difference by Dimensional Analysis
Many important chemical engineering problems cannot be solved completely by
theoretical methods. For example, the pressure loss from friction losses (or the
pressure difference  p1 of
between twoΔpends p2 a pipe) in a long, round,
straight, smooth pipe a fluid is flowing depends on all these variables: pipe
diameter d, pipe length , fluid velocity v, fluid density
l , and fluid viscosity
. ρ μ

p1 p2

l
23
The relationship may be written as: Δp  f D, l , v, ρ, μ  1
The form of the function is unknown, but since any function can be
expanded as a power series, the function can be regarded as the sum of
a number of terms each consisting of products of powers of the variables.
The simplest form of relations will be where the function consists simply of
a single term, when: Δp  const Da l b v cρ d μ e 2
The requirement of dimensional consistency is that the combined term on
the right-hand side will have the same dimensions as that the on the left,
i.e. it must have the dimensions of pressure.
Each of the variables in equation (2) can be expressed in terms of mass,
length, and time. Thus, dimensionally: Δp  ML1T 2 v  LT 1

DL ρ  ML3
lL μ  ML T 1
i.e.:
ML1T 2  La Lb (LT 1 ) c (ML3 ) d (ML1T 1 ) e
24
The conditions of dimensional consistency must be met for the
fundamentals of M, L, and T and the indices of each of these variables can
be equated. Thus:
In M 1 de
L  1  a  b  c  3d  e
T  2  c  e
Thus three equations and five unknowns result and the equations may be
solved in terms of any two unknowns. Solving in terms of b and e:
d  1 e from the equation in M 
c  2  e (from the equation in T)
Substituting in the L equation:
 1  a  b  2  e   31  e   e
0abe
a  b  e

25
Thus, substituting into equation (2): Δp  const D  b e l b v 2e ρ1e μ e 
 const D b D e l b v 2 v e ρρ e μ e 

i.e.

 const D 1l  Dvρμ  v ρ
b 1  e 2

e
 Dvρ 
b
Δp l 
 const    
ρv D  μ 
2

k
Let: const 
2
b b
Thus: Δp l   l  ρv
2
k e k
   Re Δp   
ρv 2 2 D Re e D 2
b=1, and k and e have to determinate by experiments.
For laminar flow k=64 and e=1
For turbulent flow k=0,0791 and e=0,25.
k l ρv 2 l ρv 2
Δp  e
 4f 26
Re D 2 D 2
27
If a theoretical equation for this problem exist, it can be written in the
general form. List of relevant parameters:
Δp
 f D, v, ρ, μ 
L
If Eq.1. is a valid relationship, all terms in the function f must have the
same dimensions as those of the left-hand side of the equation Δp/L .
Let the phrase the dimensions of be shown by the use of brackets.
Then any term in the function must conform to the dimensional formula
Δp
 const.D a v b ρ c μ d
L

b c d
a  m   kg   kg 
N
 m     3  
m2  m   
s m   ms 
MT 2 L2  La LT 1  ML3  ML1T 1 
b c d

  
MT 2 L2  La Lb T  b M c L3c M d Ld T 1  28
 M: 1 = c+d
L: -2 = a+b -3c - d
T: -2 = -b - d

M: c=1-d
T: b=2-d
L: a=-2-b+3c+d=-2-2+d+3-3d+d
a=-1-d

Δp A
 const  D 1d v 2d ρ1d η d f 
L Re d

d
Δp  Dvρ  v 2 ρ
 const.   
L  η  D L v 2ρ
Δp  f  
D 2
d
Δp  Dvρ  1 v 2ρ
 A     
L  η  D 2
29
 Fluid Flow in Pipes
Goals: determination of friction losses of fluids in pipes or ducts, and of
pumping power requirement.

  v 
 v 22 ρ
2

The resulting pressure (energy and head) Δp L  z1  z 2 ρg  p1  p 2 1

2
loss
Fk
is usually computed through the use of the modified Fanning f 
v2
friction factor: D2 π Sρ
p1  p 2 
4  p1  p 2 D  Δp D
2
Fk
Used for a pipe: f 
v2 v2 2Lρ v 2 L 2ρ v 2
Sρ (Dπ L)ρ
2 2
where Fk is the press force, S is the area of curved surface. Rearranged, we get a
form of pressure loss: L v 2ρ L v 2ρ v 2ρ
Δp L  4f λ ζ
D 2 D 2 2
The Funning’s friction factor is a function of Reynolds number, f = f(Re):
vD vDρ
Re  
ν μ 30
 Fluid Flow in Pipes
Goals: determination of friction losses of fluids in pipes or ducts, and of
pumping power requirement.

  v 
 v 22 ρ
2

The resulting pressure (energy and head) Δp L  z1  z 2 ρg  p1  p 2 1

2
loss
Fk
is usually computed through the use of the modified Fanning f 
v2
friction factor: D2 π Sρ
p1  p 2 
4  p1  p 2 D  Δp D
2
Fk
Used for a pipe: f 
v2 v2 2Lρ v 2 L 2ρ v 2
Sρ (Dπ L)ρ
2 2
where Fk is the press force, S is the area of curved surface. Rearranged, we get a
form of pressure loss: L v 2ρ L v 2ρ v 2ρ
Δp L  4f λ ζ
D 2 D 2 2
The Funning’s friction factor is a function of Reynolds number, f = f(Re):
vD vDρ
Re  
ν μ 31
 Calculation of Pumping Power Requirement

The friction factors were determined with dimensional analysis for a smooth
pipe : 16
laminar f Re  2100
Re
turbulent f  0.0791Re -1/4 4000  Re  105
turbulent
1
f
 
 1.7372 ln Re f  0.3946 4000  Re  107

The pressure loss is directly calculated from Hagen-Poiseuille’s equation for

laminar flow: 32μ Lv 32μ Lv  2ρ v  16 L v 2ρ
Δp L  2
 2
   4
D D  2ρ
. v Re D 2
When the fluid flows in a duct which is not circle in cross-section then we have
to use the hydraulic diameter, Dh: A (cross  section area)
Dh  4 c  4
P (wetted perimeter)
The pumping power requirement (pump power equation):
1   L   L eq.  v 2ρ 
P  Vp pump  VΔp L  Δp h  Δp pres   V 1  4f  z 2  z1 ρg  p 2  p1 
1  1 

η η η  D  2 
Where P is the power (Watt), V is the quantity of flow (m3/s), Leq is the equivalent
pipe length of fittings, η is the efficiency of the pump. 32
 6.2. Motion of Particles in Fluids.
Flow Around Objects
There are many processes that involve the motion of
particles in fluids, or flow around objects:

• Sedimentation
• Liquid Mixing
• Food Industry
• Oil Reservoirs

Flow around objects

33
 Sedimentation
The goal is the determination of drag force for the flow around an immersed
object , and the determination of terminal velocity for sedimentation.
In gravitational field an object reaches terminal velocity when the downward
force of gravity (Archimedesian weight) equals the upward force of drag.
Called the modified friction factor: Fk
f 
v2
Sρ
2

where Fk =Fd is the drag force, S=Sp is the projected area of the particle, and
f=fd is the drag coefficient.
The drag force is
v 2ρ f
Fd  f dSp
2
Archimedesian weight in gravitational field is
v
Fnet  Fg  Fb  Vρ p g  Vρ f g  Vρ p  ρ f g

Principle of sedimentation 34
 Terminal Velocity
Vρ p  ρ f g  f dSp
v 2 ρ f
At the terminal velocity: v  v if, Fd  Fnet
2
For spherical objects: D3 π
ρp  ρf g  f d D 2 π v 2
ρf
6 4 2

4 ρp  ρf 1
v  Dg
3 ρf f d
v  D pρ f
The drag coefficient is a function of the Re-number: Re s 
24
μ
laminar fd  Re s  0.6
Re s
18.5
transition al f d  0.6 0.6  Re s  600
Re s
turbulent f d  0.44 600  Re s  200,000

For laminar flow drag coefficient can be calculated directly from Stokes’ law:
Fd  3dπμv
Fd 3Dπμv 24μ 24
fd    
 v 2  D 2 π  ρ f v 2  v  Dρ f Re s
Sp  ρ f   
 2  4  2  35
 6.3. Mixing of Liquids
In the mixers, the fluids to be mixed are placed in containers or reactors and
the stirrer is rotated.
Most of the information that is available concerns the power requirements for
the most commonly used liquid mixer – some form of paddle or propeller
stirrer. The mixing of the liquid can be described with the problem of flow
around immersed objects.

The goal is the determination of the power consumption of

agitators.
Fk v 2ρ f
f 
Call the modified friction factor: v2 Fd  f dSp
Sρ 2
2

The force changes continuously along the propeller; therefore

the differential equation of force has been written :

v2
dFstir  f stirρ dS  pdS
2
36
Stirrer
 Power Consumption of Stirrer
Power consumption of stirrer (the power multiplied by velocity of the
propeller) is v3
dP  dF v  f stirρ dS
2
The circumferential velocity of the propeller or paddle in distance x from the
axis:
vx   2πn x and dS  wdx
Where n is the rotational frequency of the propeller, revolutions per
second. v3
dP  dF v  f stirρ
2π n 3
dS  f stirρ x 3 wdx
2 2
Integrate all of the projected surface area of
the stirrer:


P  2 f stirρ
2π  3
3 d/2

n w  x 3dx 
 2 0 

P  2f stir
ρ
2 π  3 d/2 
3
n w
4
 f stir
π3 3 4
ρn wd
2 4 8
Stirrer 37
 Power Consumption of Stirrer
w
Let „a” be the geometrical simplex which is a
and w  ad
d
π3 3 4 aπ 3 3 5 
P  f stir ρn wd  f stir ρn d  f stirρn 3d 5  (Po)ρn 3d 5
8 8
The Power number (relating drag forces to inertial forces), Po=f*= f*(Restir)
have to determine the function of Reynolds number with experiments.
vdρ (nd π)dρ πnd 2ρ
Re stir   
μ μ μ
The results have been correlated in equations of form:
K1
laminar Po  f stir
*
 Re stir  50
Re k
K2
transition al Po  f stir
*
 1/4 100  Re stir  200,000
Re k
turbulent Po  f stir
*
 K3 Re stir  200,000

Stirrer power equation:

(Po)ρn 3d 5 W
1
P
η is the efficiency
η 38
 7. Flow of Fluids in Complex Systems
Fixed and Fluidized Beds
7.1Fluid flow through packed bed or porous media
Goal: determination of pressure drop (friction
losses) through packed bed or columns.
7.2. Fluidization.
The goal is the determination of the minimum
fluidization velocity.
7.3. Filtration
The goal is the determination of differential
equation of filtration.

39
 7.1. Flow through Porous Media
or Packed Bed
In many engineering systems, beds or packed columns,
fluidization, filtration, are used in various processes.
A typical packed bed is a cylindrical column that is filled with
suitable spheres or other non-spherical packing material. Fluid
flows between the particles in small diameter tortuous, winding
channels.

Fluid Solids
fraction ε (1  ε)
volume ε(AL) (1  ε)(AL)
mass ε(AL)ρ f (1  ε)(AL)ρ p
40
Packed bed
 Pressure Drop for Packed Bed
The goal is the determination of pressure drop through packed bed or columns.
Called the modified friction factor: Fk
f 
v2
Sρ
2
Using the modified friction factor for channels of packed bed similar to the flow in
pipes: D 2h π
p1  p 2 
f 
Fk
 4  p1  p 2 D h  Δp D h
v2 v ε2 2Lρ v ε2 L 2ρ v ε2
,. Sρ (D h π L)ρ
2 2
1 ρf 2 3 1  ε  ρ f v 02 L1  ε ρ f v 02 ρ f L1  ε v 02
p  4f L v ε  4fL  3f  fp
Dh 2 2 Dε 2 ε 2
Dpε 3
Dpε3
Vfree v0
Porosity of bed: ε  Interstitial velocity of fluid: v ε 
Vtotal ε
Sp
Specific area for sphere: ω  
6
1  ε  Vo is the superficial velocity
V D
f p  3f 41
 Friction Coefficient for Packed Bed
Definition of Reynolds number for packed bed:
v ε D h ρ f v 0 D h ρ f v 0 2 εD ρ f 2 1 v 0 Dρ f
Re p    
μ ε μ ε 3 1  ε  μ 3 1  ε  μ
fp = fp (Rep), the results have been correlated in equations of form:
150
laminar fp  Re p  10 (Blake  Kozeny' s eq.)
Re p
150 7
transition al f p   10  Re p  1000 (Ergun' s eq.)
Re p 4
7
turbulent fp  Re p  1000 (Burke  Plummer' s eq.)
4
The Ergun’s equation predicts the pressure drop (or flow) through porous media or
packed columns quite well.
Pressure drop: Lρf  1  ε  2
p  f p  3  v0
Dp  ε 
42
 7.2. Fluidization
When a fluid is passed upwards through a bed of particles the pressure loss in
the fluid due to frictional resistance increases with increasing fluid flow. „A”
point is reached when the upward drag force exerted by the fluid on the particles
is equal to the apparent weight of particles in the bed. At this point the particles
are lifted by the fluid, the separation of the particles increases, and the bed
becomes fluidized.
The goal is the determination of the minimum fluidization velocity.

Δp

Principle of fluidization 43
Response to superfical velocities
 Equation of Fluidization
Net effect of gravity and buoyancy is:
F net  Fg - Fb  1 - ε ρ p ALg  1  ε ρ f ALg  1  ε  ρ p  ρ f ALg

And the pressure:


Δp  net  L1  ε  ρ p  ρ f g
F

A
The pressure loss as a
consequence of friction: .

Lρf  1  ε  2
p L  f p  v0
Dp  ε3 
Pressure equals to the
pressure loss:

Lρ f  1  ε  2
fp   v 0  L1  ε ρ p  ρ f g
D  ε3 
Principle of fluidization 44
 Minimum Fluidization Velocity

When the superficial velocity vo is equal to the minimum fluidization velocity

vom we refer to the state of the bed as one of incipient fluidization:

ρ p  ρf g  f p 3 v0m
ρf 2
Dε m
150 7 1501  ε μ 7
Called the Ergun equation: fp    
Re p 4 D p v 0ρ f 4

The minimum fluidization velocity can be calculated by the equation:

1501  ε m μ 7  ρ f v 0m
2 
150 7 
ρ p  ρf g  3
ρ f v 0m
2

     
Dpε m  D p v 0mρ f
3 
4  D p ε m  Re pm 4 

150 μ 1  ε 0m 
7 2
4
ρ v 0m 
Dp
 
v 0m  ρ p  ρ f D p ε 0m  0
45
 7.3. Filtration
Filtration is the separation of solids from liquids, by causing the mixture to
flow through fine pores which are small enough to stop the solid particles
but large enough to allow the liquid to pass.
The particles are in the form of a fairly stable bed and the fluid has to pass
through the tortuous channels formed by the pore spaces. In the tortuous
channels the flow is always laminar.
The goal is to give a function between the time
of filtration and the volume of filtrate. How
much time is necessary in the development of
the given filtrate?
Called the pressure drop of packed bed:
Lρ f 1 ε  2
p L  f p  3 v0
Dp  ε 
Called the Blake-Kozeny equation:

fp 
150
 150
1  ε μ
Re p v 0 Dρ
Principle of filtration 46
 Equation of Filtration
1501  ε 
2

Combine the last two equations: Δp  μLv 0  αμ Lv 0

ε dp
3 2

Rearranged, we get the basic equation of filtration, Darcy equation:

Δp 1 dV
v  
αηL A dt
where α is termed the specific resistance, V is the volume of filtrate which
has passed in time t, A is the total cross-sectional area of the filter cake, v is
the superficial velocity of the filtrate, L.. is the cake thickness, ε is the
voidage, μ is the viscosity of the filtrate, and Δp is the applied pressure
difference.
dV ΔpA ΔpA A 2 Δp A 2 Δp
From the Darcy equation:    
dt αμ L i  L h  V V  αμk V  Vh  2CV  Vh 
αμk  h 
A A 
The function, t = f(V), the duration that is necessary for the developing of the
given filtrate is C 2CV
t  2 V2  2 h V
A Δp A Δp
47
 8. SUMMARY
In simple and complex systems the resulting pressure (energy and head)
losses are usually computed through the use of modified Fanning’s friction
factors:
Fk
f 
v2
Sρ
2
1. Flow of Fluids in Simple Systems
Fluid Flow in Pipes (friction losses and pumping power requirement):

L v 2ρ 1   L   L eq.  v 2ρ 
ΔpL  4f P  V 1  4f   z 2  z1 ρg  p 2  p1 
D 2 η  D  2 

Motion of Particles in Fluids (drag force and terminal velocity for sedimentation):

v 2ρ f 4 ρp  ρf 1
Fd  f dSp v  Dg
2 3 ρf f d
Mixing of Liquids (power consumption of agitators):
v2 1
dFstir  f stirρ dS P (Po)ρ n 3d 5
2 η 48
2. Flow of Fluids in Complex Systems

Pressure Drop for Packed Bed:

f 
Fk

Δp D h 1 ρf 2 ρ f L1  ε v 02
v 2
L 2ρ v ε2 p  4f L vε  f p
Sρ Dh 2 Dpε3
2

Fluidization (determination of the minimum fluidization velocity):

7 2 150μ 1  ε 0m 
fp
Lρ f  1  ε  2
 3 v 0  L1  ε ρ p  ρ f g ρ v 0m   
v 0m  ρ p  ρ f D p ε 0m  0
D  ε  4 Dp

Equation of Filtration (Darcy’s equation):

Δp 1 dV C 2CVh
v   t V 2
 V
αηL A dt A Δp
2
A Δp
2

49
 Thank you
for
your attention

50