Experiment 3

Fluid Flow Friction and Fitting Loss

Objective
To determine the pressure head loss in different diameters pipes, joints and valves
Theory
When a fluid flows through pipes, energy is lost inevitably due to frictions which occurs as a
result of viscous drag. Fluid friction produces eddies and turbulence, and these form of kinetic
energy are eventually converted into thermal energy. Losses in energy can be expressed in term
of pressure or head loss.
The total head, H , for a fluid flowing across a pipe is being derived based on Bernoullis
principle and is expressed as follow:
H=

p V2
+ +z
g 2 g
p
g

where

is the pressure head,

V2
2g

is the dynamic or velocity head,

z is the elevation

head
For laminar flow (Re < 2000), energy loss is given by Hagen-Poiseuilles Equation:
Pf =

128 lQ
d4

Where,
Pf

or

hf =

128 lQ
d 4

Pressure loss due to friction

fluid viscosity

pipe length

pipe diameter

volumetric flow-rate

For turbulent flow (Re > 4000), the pressure loss can be calculated based on Darcys Equation:
R l V 2
Pf =8(
) (
)
V2 d 2
Where,
R
=

Shear stress acting on the wall

fluid density

fluid velocity

The dimensionless

R
)
2
can be group as , known as the friction factor
V

Thus the equation would be simplified to:

l V 2
Pf =8 (
) or
d 2

l V2
h f =8 ( )
d 2

Effect of pipe diameter on energy losses

Different pipe diameters would result in different amount of energy losses depending on the
regime of flow. The head loss is inversely proportional to the diameter of the pipe.
Energy losses due to sudden change in pipe diameter
Consider a sudden enlargement in pipe flow area from

A1

to

A2

, the head loss is

V 21
A1 2
h f = (1 )
2g
A2
Head loss at sudden contraction
Eddies that formed between the vena contracta and the pipe wall caused the most energy
dissipation. Between the vena contracta and the downstream section (2) a flow pattern similar to
that occurring after an abrupt enlargement is formed and thus loss occurs once again.

2
V 22 A2
V 22
h f = ( 1) =K c
2 g Ac
2g

Where,
Kc =

coefficient of friction for contraction

Energy losses in fittings

Energy is lost whenever the direction of flow in a pipe is altered. The magnitude of these losses
is mainly dependent on the radius of curvature of the bend. A pipe bend, elbow or junction
therefore causes an additional head loss. The extra loss is expressed as
V2
h f =K ( )
2g
Where,
K
=

coefficient of frictions for fittings

Losses in valves
Valves that are installed in a piping system are causing additional losses of head. For turbulent
flow, the head loss can be represented by
V2
h f =K ( )
2g
Apparatus
Water tank ,water pump , flowmeter , pressure meter , 1 m straight pipe of 8 mm diameter
(copper tube) , 1 m straight pipe of 12 mm diameter (PVC) full , 1 m straight pipe of 15.5 mm
diameter (PVC), sudden enlargement pipe , sudden contraction pipe , 90 bend , 90
elbow , 90 T-joint , 45 Y-joint , gate valve , ball valve , globe valve & in-line strainer.
Procedure
1. The water tank was ensured to be

3
4

full.

2. All the valves of the trainer was shut off.

3. The trainer main power supply was switched on. The water pump was ensured to run.
4. The by-pass (BV) and flow regulating valve (FRV) was adjusted to obtain the desired
liquid flow rate.

5. All valves except V 1 was turned off. The pressure meter was connected across the 8
mm copper pipe to measure the head loss.


V
1
was turned off while V 2 was turned on, with the rest of the valves remained

6.

closed, the head loss was measured with the pressure meter including across the
contraction , 12 mm PVC pipe and the enlargement portion.

7. V 2 was turned off while V 3 was turned on, the pressure meter was used to
measure head loss across 15.5 mm pipe.

8. V 3 was turned off while V 4 was turned on, the pressure meter was used to
measured head loss across 18 mm pipe, ball valve, 45 Y-joint and 90 bend.
V
4
was turned off while the globe valve was fully turn on, the pressure meter was

9.

used to measure the head loss in 90 elbow, 90 T-joint, in-line strainer, gate valve
and globe valve.
10. The experiment was repeated using different flow rate 5 time respectively.
11. All the data was obtained and recorded in the table.

Results

Fitting

Pressure Drop (mH20)

3(GPM)

4(GPM)

5(GPM)

6(GPM)

7(GPM)

0.64
5(GPM)
0.16
0.00
0.15

1.00
7(GPM)
0.29
0.01
0.28

6.5(GPM)

8.5(GPM)

0.10
7(GPM)
0.17

0.16
9(GPM)
0.25

1.51
9(GPM)
0.45
0.01
0.45
10.5(GPM
)
0.22
11(GPM)
0.38

2.02
11(GPM)
0.60
0.02
0.62
12.5(GPM
)
0.29
13(GPM)
0.46

2.80
13(GPM)
0.80
0.02
0.80
14.5(GPM
)
0.34
15(GPM)
0.55

6(GPM)

8(GPM)

10(GPM)

12(GPM)

14(GPM)

straight pipes
8 mm (copper tube)
Fitting
12 mm (PVC) full
sudden enlargement
sudden contraction
Fitting
15.5 mm (PVC)
Fitting
18 mm (PVC)
Bends
Fitting

90 Bend

0.04

0.10

0.17

0.21

0.29

45 Y-joint

-0.09

-0.07

-0.05

-0.03

0.01

90 Elbow

5(GPM)
0.01

6(GPM)
0.01

7(GPM)
0.06

8(GPM)
0.07

9(GPM)
0.09

90 T-joint

0.01

0.05

0.07

0.08

0.11

5(GPM)
0.06
1.05
2.68

6(GPM)
0.08
1.48
3.56

6.5(GPM)

8.5(GPM)

0.22

0.36
Table 1

7(GPM)
0.12
2.04
4.65
10.5(GPM
)
0.50

8(GPM)
0.16
2.88
5.14
12.5(GPM
)
0.68

9(GPM)
0.20
3.03
5.71
14.5(GPM
)
0.86

Fitting

Valve
Fitting
Gate
Globe
In-line strainer
Fitting
Ball

Fitting
straight pipes
8 mm (copper tube)
Fitting
12 mm (PVC) full
sudden enlargement
sudden contraction
Fitting
15.5 mm (PVC)
Fitting
18 mm (PVC)

h (m)

l/d

0.64

125

0.16
0.00
0.15

83.3
-

0.10

64.5

0.17

55.6

Flowrate : 3(GPM)

V 2 /2 g (
m)
0.72
9.06x10-5
Flowrate : 5(GPM)
0.40
6.11x10-5
0.40
0.40
Flowrate : 6.5(GPM)
0.24
8.23 x10-5
Flowrate : 7(GPM)
0.15
2.59 x10-4

k
0
0.4
-

 h (m)

Bends

l/d

m)
Flowrate : 6(GPM)
0.11
-

Fitting
90

Bend

45 Y-joint

0.04

-0.09

0.57

Fitting
90 Elbow

0.01

90 T-joint

0.01

h (m)

Valve

l/d

0.06
1.05
2.68

0.22

Fitting
straight pipes
8 mm (copper tube)

h (m)

1.00

V 2 /2 g (

l/d

125

0.4
-0.2

0.1
0.1
k

m)
Flowrate : 5(GPM)
0.14
0.14
0.14
Flowrate : 6.5(GPM)
0.67
Table 2

Fitting
Gate
Globe
In-line strainer
Fitting
Ball

Flowrate : 5(GPM)
0.14
0.14

V 2 /2 g (

0.4
7.5
19.1
0.3

Flowrate : 4(GPM)

V 2 /2 g (
m)
0.25

4.08 x10-4

Fitting
12 mm (PVC) full
sudden enlargement
sudden contraction
Fitting
15.5 mm (PVC)
Fitting
18 mm (PVC)
Bends

0.29
0.01
0.28

83.3
-

0.16

64.5

0.25
h (m)

55.6
l/d

m)
Flowrate : 8(GPM)
0.20
-

Fitting
90

Bend

45 Y-joint

0.10

-0.07

0.20

Fitting
90 Elbow

0.01

90 T-joint

0.05

h (m)

Valve

Gate
Globe
In-line strainer
Fitting
Ball

0.08
1.48
3.56

0.36

0.11
2

V /2 g (

0.01
0.4
k

0.5
-0.4

Flowrate : 6(GPM)
0.11
-

l/d

Fitting

Flowrate : 7(GPM)
0.78
5.69 x10-5
0.78
0.78
Flowrate : 8.5(GPM)
0.41
7.71 x10-5
Flowrate : 9(GPM)
0.25
2.29 x10-4
2

V /2 g (

0.1
0.5

m)
Flowrate : 6(GPM)
0.11
0.11
0.11
Flowrate : 8.5(GPM)
0.22
Table 3

0.7
13.5
32.4
1.6

Fitting
straight pipes
8 mm (copper tube)
Fitting
12 mm (PVC) full
sudden enlargement
sudden contraction
Fitting
15.5 mm (PVC)
Fitting
18 mm (PVC)
Bends

h (m)

l/d

1.51

125

0.45
0.01
0.45

83.3
-

0.22

64.5

0.38
h (m)

55.6
l/d

Fitting

90
Bend

0.17

45 Y-joint

-0.05

Fitting

90
Elbow

0.06

90 T-joint

0.07

Valve
Fitting
Gate
Globe
In-line strainer
Fitting
Ball

h (m)

0.50

m)
2.01
7.65 x10-5
Flowrate : 9(GPM)
1.28
5.38 x10-5
1.28
1.28
Flowrate : 10.5(GPM)
0.63
6.90 x10-5
Flowrate : 11(GPM)
0.38
2.29 x10-4
2

V /2 g (
m)
Flowrate : 10(GPM)
0.31
0.31

0.28
2

V /2 g (

8 x10-3
0.4
k

0.5
-0.2

Flowrate : 7(GPM)
0.28
-

l/d

0.12
2.04
4.65

Flowrate : 5(GPM)
2

V /2 g (

0.2
0.3

m)
Flowrate : 7(GPM)
0.28
0.28
0.28
Flowrate : 10.5(GPM)
0.35
Table 4

0.4
7
17
1.4

Fitting
straight pipes
8 mm (copper tube)
Fitting
12 mm (PVC) full
sudden enlargement
sudden contraction
Fitting
15.5 mm (PVC)
Fitting
18 mm (PVC)
Bends

h (m)

l/d

2.02

125

0.60
0.02
0.62

83.3
-

0.29

64.5

0.46
h (m)

55.6
l/d

0.21

45 Y-joint

-0.03

Fitting

90
Elbow

0.07

90 T-joint

0.08

Valve
Fitting
Gate
Globe
In-line strainer

h (m)

0.16
2.88
5.14

0.45

0.36
V 2 /2 g (

0.01
0.3
k

0.5
-0.07

Flowrate : 8(GPM)
0.36
-

l/d

m)
2.89
7.12 x10-5
Flowrate : 11(GPM)
1.92
4.78 x10-5
1.92
1.92
Flowrate : 12.5(GPM)
0.89
6.44 x10-5
Flowrate : 13(GPM)
0.53
1.99 x10-4

V 2 /2 g (
m)
Flowrate : 12(GPM)
0.45
-

Fitting
90 Bend

Flowrate : 6(GPM)

V 2 /2 g (

0.2
0.2

m)
Flowrate : 8(GPM)
0.36
0.36
0.36
-

0.4
8
14

Fitting
Ball

0.68

Flowrate : 12.5(GPM)
0.49
Table 5

Fitting
straight pipes
8 mm (copper tube)
Fitting
12 mm (PVC) full
sudden enlargement
sudden contraction
Fitting
15.5 mm (PVC)
Fitting
18 mm (PVC)
Bends

h (m)

l/d

2.80

125

0.80
0.02
0.80

83.3
-

0.34

64.5

0.55
h (m)

55.6
l/d

Fitting
90 Bend

0.29

45 Y-joint

0.01

Fitting

Flowrate : 7(GPM)

V 2 /2 g (
m)
3.93
2.70 x10-3
Flowrate : 13(GPM)
2.68
4.57 x10-5
2.68
2.68
Flowrate : 14.5(GPM)
1.20
5.60 x10-5
Flowrate : 15(GPM)
0.70
1.80 x10-4

V 2 /2 g (
m)
Flowrate : 14(GPM)
0.61
0.61

Flowrate : 9(GPM)

7 x10-3
0.3
k

0.5
0.02

90 Elbow

0.09

0.46

0.2

90 T-joint

0.11

0.46

0.2

Valve
Fitting
Gate
Globe
In-line strainer
Fitting
Ball

h (m)

l/d

0.20
3.03
5.71

0.86

Graph of head loss against flow rate

V 2 /2 g (

m)
Flowrate : 9(GPM)
0.46
0.46
0.46
Flowrate : 14.5(GPM)
0.66
Table 6

0.4
7
12
1

9
8
7

head loss(m)

8mm (copper tube)

Linear (8mm (copper

tube))
12mm(PVC) full

Linear (12mm(PVC) full)

15.5 mm (PVC)

18mm(PVC)

Linear (15.5 mm (PVC))

Linear (18mm(PVC))

1
0
0

flow rate(m^3/s)

8mm (copper tube)

Gradient of graph= 10936.84
12mm (PVC)full
Gradient of graph = 845.614
15.5mm (PVC)
Gradient of graph = 363.1579
18mm (PVC)
Gradient of graph = 586.8421

y-intercept= -2.47684
y-intercept= -0.13228
y-intercept= -0.09316
y-intercept= -0.14184

Graph of head loss against flow rate

0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5

head loss(m)

sudden enlargement

0.4

Linear (sudden
enlargement )

0.3

sudden contraction
Linear (sudden contraction)

0.2
0.1
0
0

flow rate(m^3/s)

Sudden enlargement
Gradient of graph= 46.49123
Sudden contraction
Gradient of graph = -0.00482

y-intercept= -2.47684
y-intercept= -0.25088

Graph of head loss against flow rate

0.35
0.3
0.25
90Bend
0.2
head loss(m)

Linear (90Bend)
90Elbow
Linear (90Elbow)

0.15

90T-joint
Linear (90T-joint)

0.1

45Y-joint
Linear (45Y-joint)

0.05
0
0

flow rate(m^3/s)

90 Bend
Gradient of graph= 338.5965
90 Elbow
Gradient of graph = 398.2456
90T-joint
Gradient of graph = 403.5088
45 Y-joint
Gradient of graph = 122.807

y-intercept= -0.09193
y-intercept= -0.04491
y-intercept= -0.11018
y-intercept= -0.04614

Graph of head loss against flow rate

0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5

Gate valve
Linear (Gate valve)

head loss(m)

Ball valve

0.4

Linear (Ball valve)

Globe valve

0.3

Linear (Globe valve)

In-line strainer

0.2

Linear (In-line strainer)

0.1
0
0

flow rate(m^3/s)

Gate valve
Gradient of graph= 485.9649
Ball valve
Gradient of graph = 949.1228
Globe valve
Gradient of graph = 611.4035
In- line strainer
Gradient of graph = 1063.158

y-intercept= -0.1493
y-intercept= -0.25246
y-intercept= -0.13307
y-intercept= -0.30316

Sample of calculation
1
3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

1 G (Gallon) =

= 4.545 10
1G
So, min
H2

1m

4.545 10 m
1 60 s

3
= 0.000076 m /s
1 2

O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For 8mm (copper tube) straight pipe, when the pressure drop is 1.16m
The head loss, h =

P
g

H2

O,

2.80 9800 kgm1 s2

3
2
999 kg m 9.81m s

= 2.80 m
l /d (pipe length per pipe diameter) = 1m/ 8mm
3
= 1m/8 10 m

= 125
V

3
/2g =? , diameter of copper tube = 8mm= 8 10 m therefore, radius of copper tube =

3
3
diameter/2= 8 10 m/2= 4 10 m

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
3
3
0.0001893 m /s = V ( (4 10 m) )
3
3
V = (0.0003 m /s) / ( (4 10 m) )

V 2 /2g = (0.0003 m3 /s) / ( (4 103 m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.72 m
(friction factor) =?
As mentioned above,
l
V2
hf

=8 d ( 2 )

(0.0001893 m /s)/( (4 10 m) )
0.72 = 8 (125) (
)
2
(0.0003 m 3 /s)/( (4 103 m) )
= 1.16/ (8 (125) (
))
2
= 9.06x10-5

1
3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

We know that, 1 G (Gallon) =

= 4.545 10
1G
So, min

1m

H2

4.545 10 m
1 60 s

3
= 0.000076 m /s

1 2
O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For sudden enlargement straight pipe, when the pressure drop is 0.01m
The head loss, h =

P
g

H2

O,

1 2

0 9800 kgm s
999 kg m3 9.81m s2

=0m

V 2 /2g =? , diameter of sudden enlargement = 12mm= 12 103 m therefore, radius of

3
3
copper tube = diameter/2= 12 10 m/2= 6 10 m

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
0.0003155 m

/s = V ( (6 10

m) )

3
3
V = (0.0003155 m /s) / ( (6 10 m) )

V 2 /2g = (0.0003155 m3 /s) / ( (6 103 m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.40 m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
A1
V 12
Enlargement: h = 2 g (1- A c ) =
h =

V 12
K
2g L

V 12
K
2g L

0m= 0.40

KL

KL = K = 0
3
1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m /s (Cubic meter per second)

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

3
= 4.545 10

1G
So, min
H2

1m

4.545 10 m
1 60 s

m3

3
= 0.000076 m /s
1 2

O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For sudden contraction straight pipe, when the pressure drop is 0.15m
The head loss, h =

P
g

0.15 9800 kgm1 s2

999 kg m3 9.81m s2

m/2= 6 10

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

O,

= 0.15m

/2g =? , diameter of sudden enlargement = 12mm= 12 10

copper tube = diameter/2= 12 10

H2

m therefore, radius of

Q = V ( r

0.0003155 m

)
3

/s = V ( (6 10

m) )

3
3
V = (0.0003155 m /s) / ( (6 10 m) )

V 2 /2g = (0.0003155/s) / ( (6 103 m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.40 m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
A2
V 12
Contraction: h = 2 g ( A c -1 ) =
h =

V 22
K
2g L

V 22
K
2g L

0.15m= 0.40

KL

K L = K = 0.4

3
1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m /s (Cubic meter per second)

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

3
= 4.545 10

1G
So, min
1m

H2

4.545 103 m3
1 60 s

m3

= 0.000076 m

/s

1 2
O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For 90 Bend, when the pressure drop is 0.03m

The head loss, h =

P
g

H2

O,

0.03 9800 kgm1 s2

999 kg m3 9.81m s2

= 0.03 m

V 2 /2g =? , diameter of 90 Bend = 18mm= 18 103 m therefore, radius of copper tube =

3
3
diameter/2= 18 10 m/2= 9 10 m

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )

0.0003 m

/s = V ( (9 10

V = (0.0003 m
V

m) )
3

/s) / ( (9 10

/2g = (0.0003 m

m) )
3

/s) / ( (9 10

m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.07 m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
V2
hf

= K ( 2g )
0.03m= 0.07 K
K = 0.43

3
1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m /s (Cubic meter per second)

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

3
= 4.545 10

1G
So, min
1m

H2

4.545 103 m3
1 60 s

m3

= 0.000076 m

/s

1 2
O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For 90 Elbow, when the pressure drop is 0.10m

The head loss, h =

P
g

H2

O,

0.04 9800 kgm1 s2

999 kg m3 9.81m s2

= 0.04 m

V 2 /2g =? , diameter of 90 Elbow = 15.5mm= 15.5 103 m therefore, radius of copper

3
3
tube = diameter/2= 15.5 10 m/2= 7.75 10 m

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
3
3
0.0003155 m /s = V ( (7.75 10 m) )
3
3
V = (0.0003155 m /s) / ( (7.75 10 m) )

V 2 /2g = (0.0003155 m3 /s) / ( (7.75 103 m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.14m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
V2
hf

= K ( 2g )
0.01 m= 0.14 K
K = 0.77

1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m

3
= 4.545 10

1m

H2

/s (Cubic meter per second)

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

1G
So, min

4.545 103 m3
1 60 s

m3

= 0.000076 m

/s

1 2
O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For 90 T-joint, when the pressure drop is 0.04 m

The head loss, h =

P
g

H2

O,

1 2

0.01 9800 kgm s

3
2
999 kg m 9.81m s

= 0.01 m

V 2 /2g =? , diameter of 90 Elbow = 15.5mm= 15.5 103 m therefore, radius of copper

3
3
tube = diameter/2= 15.5 10 m/2= 7.75 10 m

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
3
3
0.0003155 m /s = V ( (7.75 10 m) )
3
3
V = (0.0003155 m /s) / ( (7.75 10 m) )

V 2 /2g = (0.0003155 m3 /s) / ( (7.75 103 m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.14m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
V2
hf

= K ( 2g )
0.01m= 0.14 K

K = 0.1

3
1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m /s (Cubic meter per second)

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

= 4.545 10
1G
So, min
1m

H2

4.545 103 m3
1 60 s

= 0.000076 m

/s

1 2
O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For 45 Y-joint, when the pressure drop is -0.09 m

The head loss, h =

P
g

H2

0.09 9800 kgm1 s2

= 999 kg m3 9.81m s2

O,
= -0.09 m

V 2 /2g =? , diameter of 90 Y-joint = 18mm= 18 103 m therefore, radius of copper tube =

3
3
diameter/2= 18 10 m/2= 9 10 m

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
0.0003785 m

/s = V ( (9 10

m) )

3
3
V = (0.0003785 m /s) / ( (9 10 m) )

V 2 /2g = (0.0003785 m3 /s) / ( (9 103 m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.57m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
2
V
hf

= K ( 2g )
-0.09m= 0.57K
K = -0.2

3
1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m /s (Cubic meter per second)

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

m3

3
= 4.545 10

1G
So, min
H2

1m

4.545 10 m
1 60 s

3
= 0.000076 m /s

1 2
O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

H2

For Gate valve, when the pressure drop is 0.06m

The head loss, h =
V

P
g

O,

0.06 9800 kgm1 s2

3
2
999 kg m 9.81m s

= 0.06 m
3

/2g =? , diameter of Gate valve = 15.5mm= 15.5 10

3

tube = diameter/2= 15.5 10

m/2= 7.75 10

m therefore, radius of copper

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
3
3
0.0003155 m /s = V ( (7.75 10 m) )

V = (0.0003155 m
V

/s) / ( (7.75 10

/2g = (0.0003155 m

/s) / ( (7.75 10

= 0.14m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
V2
hf

= K ( 2g )
0.06m= 0.14 K
K = 0.4

m) )
m) ) /2(9.81)

1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m

3
= 4.545 10

H2

1m

4.545 10 m
1 60 s

1 2
O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

P
g

The head loss, h =

2

m3

3
= 0.000076 m /s

For Ball valve, when the pressure drop is 0.22m

/s (Cubic meter per second)

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

1G
So, min

H2

O,

1 2

0.22 9800 kgm s

3
2
999 kg m 9.81m s

= 0.22 m
3

/2g =? , diameter of Ball valve = 18mm= 18 10

3

diameter/2= 18 10

m/2= 9 10

m therefore, radius of copper tube =

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
3
3
0.0004101 m /s = V ( (9 10 m) )

V = (0.0004101 m

/s) / ( (9 10

m) )

V 2 /2g = (0.0004101 m3 /s) / ( (9 103 m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.67m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
V2
hf

= K ( 2g )
0.22m= 0.67 K
K = 0.3

3
1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m /s (Cubic meter per second)

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

= 4.545 10
1G
So, min
H2

1m

4.545 10 m
1 60 s

3
= 0.000076 m /s

1 2
O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For Globe valve, when the pressure drop is 1.05m

The head loss, h =
V

P
g

H2

1.05 9800 kgm1 s2

3
2
999 kg m 9.81m s

O,
= 1.05 m
3

/2g =? , diameter of Globe valve = 15.5mm= 15.5 10

3

tube = diameter/2= 15.5 10

m/2= 7.75 10

m therefore, radius of copper

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
0.0003155 m

V = (0.0003155 m
V

/s = V ( (7.75 10
3

/s) / ( (7.75 10

/2g = (0.0003155 m

m) )
3

/s) / ( (7.75 10

= 0.14m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
V2
hf

= K ( 2g )
1.05m= 0.14 K
K = 7.5

m) )

m) ) /2(9.81)

1 imp GPM (imperial Gallon per minute) =? m

3
= 4.545 10

1m

H2

/s (Cubic meter per second)

1 3
m
(Cubic meter)
220

As we know, 1 G (Gallon) =

1G
So, min

4.545 103 m3
1 60 s

m3

3
= 0.000076 m /s
1 2

O = 9800 Pa = 9800kg m s

For In-line strainer valve, when the pressure drop is 2.68m

The head loss, h =

P
g

2.68 9800 kgm1 s2

3
2
999 kg m 9.81m s

H2

O,

= 2.68 m

V 2 /2g =? , diameter of Globe valve = 15.5mm= 15.5 103 m therefore, radius of copper
3
3
tube = diameter/2= 15.5 10 m/2= 7.75 10 m

Q (flow rate) = V (fluid velocity) A (area)

2
Q = V ( r )
3
3
0.0003155 m /s = V ( (7.75 10 m) )
3
3
V = (0.0003155 m /s) / ( (7.75 10 m) )

V 2 /2g = (0.0003155 m3 /s) / ( (7.75 103 m) ) /2(9.81)

= 0.14m
k (coefficient of frictions for fittings) =?
V2
hf

= K ( 2g )
2.68m= 0.14 K
K = 19.1

Discussion
In this experiment, fluid friction trainer with the help of a pressure meter was used to determined
the head loss in different diameters of pipes, also different types of joints and valves. From the
data collected and recorded in the tables, in a straight pipe ,we could summarized that the bigger
the diameter , the lower the head loss or in other word the diameter increases inversely
proportional to head loss as in principles that there will be fewer molecules bumping against the
sides of the wall for the same amount of volume and fluid flow rate while going through the pipe
excluding the 18 mm (PVC) pipe as the anomaly as its head loss increases more than the other
,which can suggest that the pipe may have higher surface roughness compare to the others. All
solid materials have a certain degree of surface roughness, in the naked eyes the given materials
may look smooth on the surface however under a high-powered microscope, hills and valleys
that could interfere with sliding motion may exist although it only has a small effect on friction
for most materials but appropriate for this case since the margin of difference are very small (this
could also be apply to copper tube).
As for sudden enlargement , there are no head loss presence which suggest that there are little to
resistance occur while the fluid flows through it while for sudden contraction there are positive
value for head loss which mean there are resistive force that act toward the fluid flow, as there
are may be a sharp corner in the end of the contraction that increases the bumping factors
between the molecules and the pipes wall.
Moving on to bends, The 90 bend has the highest head loss value which suggest that the
fluid may face a sudden and sharp corner thus again increasing the rate of bumping factors.
While for 45 Y-joint, it has the lowest head loss value and furthermore by obtaining a
negative value this is indicating that there is no head loss occur but the fluid are able to flow
much faster. On another note, for 45 Y-joint, it is designed as a guide vanes which help to
direct the flow of fluid with less unwanted swirl and disturbances.

Furthermore, for the valve, the higher the fluid flow rate, the higher is the pressure drop. As inline strainer has higher pressure drop than the other valves, it shows that there is higher
resistance of water molecules in this valve than the others.
While doing the experiment, there are certain set of precaution steps so to obtain a better result
while executing it smoothly. Before installing the pressure meter, ensure the fluid friction trainer
is turn off to avoid the water to burst through the porous of the installing inlet. Next, while
reading the pressure meter, ensure the value is settled for a while since fluid may flow
inconsistently in reality.

Conclusion
Without exterior disturbances, the head loss of fluid increases inversely proportional to the pipes
diameter.
Head loss also influenced by the type of bends and valve including the material of pipe.
Reference

Bruce Munson, T. O. (2013). Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.
Kurtus, R. (2014, May 25). Causes of Friction. Retrieved July 1, 2015, from School for
champion: http://www.school-forchampions.com/science/friction_causes.htm#.VZs90_nR-M8