Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

EXPERIMENT A6
REYNOLDS NUMBER EXPERIMENTS

INTRODUCTION
For plant engineers, determining the rate of fluid flow in a closed conduit is an important
parameter in the operation of a manufacturing process since this greatly affect the energy
requirement in allowing the fluid to flow at the desired rate and pressure. However, to
describe the character of the fluid flow is also just as vital, not only for momentum transport
but for heat and mass transfer as well. The Reynolds Number can indicate the relative
strengths of the viscous and inertial forces acting on the moving fluid which affects energy
losses due to friction. This experiment will demonstrate to the students how to identify
laminar and turbulent fluid flow, both visually and mathematically and use the
dimensionless Reynolds Number in determining the critical regions for these types of flow
occur.
The procedure for two types of Reynolds Number Apparatus is presented here. The
students are required only to perform using one apparatus.
OBJECTIVES
1. To demonstrate the phenomena of laminar and turbulent flows.
2. To determine the magnitude of the dimensionless Reynolds number based on the upper
and lower critical velocity limits for laminar and turbulent flow and to compare these
with the accepted values.
3. To study transition flow and the effect of temperature on this flow
THEORY
The character of flow of fluids is greatly affected by inertia and viscous forces. The
latter is very dependent on the property of fluid viscosity, which is a measure of the fluid's
resistance to shear and angular deformation.
Under the consideration of the effects of viscosity, the motion of the fluids occurs
under different flow conditions, laminar to transition to turbulent flow. Basically, these types
of flow depend upon four parameters, namely: (1) the equivalent diameter of the tube, (2)

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Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

the viscosity, (3) the density of the fluid, and (4) average linear velocity of the liquid. These
factors can be combined into one dimensionless group called the Reynolds number (NRe).
N Re =

where

DeV

(1)

= Density of liquid
De = Equivalent diameter of the tube
V = Average velocity of the liquid

= Viscosity of the liquid

The dimensionless group is named after Osborne Reynolds who first demonstrated
the difference between laminar and turbulent flow in his experiment in 1883. The equipment
used by Reynolds consisted of a horizontal glass immersed in a tank filled with water where
the flow of water is controlled by a valve.
In laminar flow, the adjacent layers flow in parallel with each other, hence the flow
encountered no lateral mixing. This usually occurs at low fluid velocities. Under ordinary
condition of flow, laminar flow is always encountered at a Reynolds number below 2100,
but it can persist higher than this at special conditions such as a well rounded tube entrance
and very calm liquid in the tank.
In turbulent flow, there is contact between two adjacent layers of fluid moving at
different velocities. Turbulent flow consists of a mass of eddies of various sizes that mix
with the flowing stream. Large eddies are continually formed which later break down into
smaller eddies. Under ordinary flow conditions, turbulence is encountered at a Reynolds
number above 4000. Although a fully established turbulent flow may not occur until the
Reynolds number reaches about 10,000. Between 2100 and 4000, a transition range is
encountered where the type of flow may be laminar or turbulent depending upon the
condition at the entrance of the tube. The formation of eddies is encountered in turbulent
flow. This occurs if there were that fraction of the molecules that possessed a crosscurrent
component of velocity that could move to regions in which flow velocity was different from
the original velocity of the migrant molecules.

Figure 1: Transition flow from Laminar to Turbulent flow

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Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

THE USE OF REYNOLDS NUMBER AND TRANSITIONAL FLOW APPARATURES

WITH TEMPERATURE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT
A. Actual Equipment

Figure 2: Front View

Figure 3: Side View

Figure 4: Flow Patterns

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Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

B. Schematic Diagram of the Equipment

Figure 5: Schematic diagram of Reynolds Number

and transitional flow demonstration apparatus with
optional temperature control module

C. Description of the Equipment (from Instruction Manual)

The Reynolds Number and Transitional Flow apparatus with the Temperature
Control Module (H215a) consists of a precision bore glass tube of 12 mm internal
diameter which is supported in a large shroud of rust-proof material. The shroud is open
at the front and the inside surface is a light color to assist flow visualization. At the top
of the shroud is a constant head tank from which water can pass into the tube via a
specially shaped bell-mouth entry. Water is supplied to the tank via a diffuser located
below the bell-mouth. Further smoothing of the flow is achieved by passing the water
through a stilling bed consisting of glass beads packed above the diffuser. In this way,
steady uniform flow conditions are obtained at entry to the bell mouth.
The supply pipe to the tank is at the rear of the apparatus and can connect either
directly to a tap or to the outlet of the temperature control module. A fixed overflow pipe
is also fitted to the tank to ensure a constant head of water. Connect this pipe to a drain
using a length of flexible hose supplied.
A valve at the outlet from the tube controls the flow through the glass tube. The
outlet should be connected via a loose hose to convenient drain. Flow is measured by
timing the collection of a known quantity of water in a suitable measuring vessel.
The behavior of the flow in the tube can be observed by injecting a fine filament
of dye into the tube using the special dye injector provided. This consists of a fine
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Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

injector tube connected via a valve to a dye reservoir. The assembly mounts onto a plate,
which fits on the top of the constant head tank. The injector tube is positioned such that
its outlet is in the center of the bell mouth entry.
The Temperature Control Module is a separate free-standing unit which can
connect into the supply to the apparatus to heat the water and control the temperature,
and thus to vary the viscosity of water. The heated water passes via a T to the outlet
connection. If required, excess water can bypass the apparatus to drain via the second
flow control valve fitted on the module base. This valve is for fine control of the flow to
the apparatus without affecting the water temperature.
PROCEDURE
A. General test Procedures
1. Set up the apparatus as previously described, turn on the water supply, and partially open
the discharge valve at the base of the apparatus.
2. Adjust the water supply until the level in the constant head tank is just above the
overflow pipe and is maintained at this level by a small flow down the overflow pipe.
This is the condition required for all tests and at different flow rates through the tube; the
supply will need to be adjusted to maintain it. At any given condition the overflow
should only be sufficient to maintain a constant head in the tank.
3. Open and adjust the dye injector valve to obtain a fine filament of dye in the flow down
the glass tube. If the dye is dispersed in the tube reduce the water flow rate by closing
the discharge valve and adjusting the supply as necessary to maintain the constant head.
A laminar flow condition should be achieved in which the filament of dye passes down
the complete length of the tube without disturbance. (Refer to Figures 2, 3 and 5)
4. Slowly increase the flow rate by opening the discharge valve until disturbances of the
dye filament are noted as shown in Figure 6. This can be regarded as the starting point of
transition to turbulent flow. Increase the water supply as required to maintain constant
head conditions.
5. Record the temperature of the water using the thermometer, then measure the flow rate
by timing the collection of a known quantity of water from the discharge pipe. Do three
measurements for each test and use the average value in your calculations.
6. Further increase the flow rate as described above until the disturbances increase such
that the dye filament becomes rapidly diffused as shown in Figure 6c. Small eddies will
be noted just above the point where the dye filament completely breaks down. This can
be regarded as the onset of fully turbulent flow. Record the temperature and flow rate as
in step 5.

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Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

7. Now decrease the flow rate slowly until the dye just returns to a steady filament
representing laminar flow and again record the temperature and flow rate.

Figure 6: Typical flow patterns at various flow conditions

B. Effect of Varying Viscosity

1. Connect the unit as shown in Figure 5. Switch on the electrical supply. Set the
temperature control to maximum. Turn on the water supply. Adjust the flow control
valve on the left of the unit, and the discharge valve on the apparatus, to achieve
turbulent flow conditions in the pipe and a consistent head in the tank. Adjust the water
supply to the unit as necessary to achieve these conditions. This procedure will ensure
that there is adequate flow to cover the required range of flow rates at any temperature.
2. Adjust the temperature control to obtain the required temperature of water in the
apparatus. Note that the temperature control affects the flow rate. Once the temperature
has been set, the temperature control should not be adjusted; control of flow rate is
achieved by using the flow control valve.
3. When the temperature has stabilized, follow the procedure in the previous section for
determining the flow rate at each transition point. Use the flow control valve on the
temperature control module to control the supply flow to the apparatus as necessary.
4. The procedure can be repeated for different temperatures by adjusting the temperature
control.

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Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

DATA SHEET
A. Room Temperature:
TRIAL 1 Increasing Flow
Observed Flow
Laminar flow
Laminar flow
below lower critical
Lower critical
Transition flow
Upper critical
Turbulent flow
Highly turbulent

Volume
ml

TRIAL 2 Decreasing Flow

I
Observed Flow
Volume
ml
Highly turbulent
Turbulent flow
Upper critical
Lower critical
Transition flow
Below lower critical
Laminar flow
Laminar flow

Time
sec

Temperature of Water ____________

II
III
Volume
Time
Volume
Time
ml
sec
ml
sec

Time
sec

Temperature of Water ____________

II
III
Volume
Time
Volume
Time
ml
sec
ml
sec

Time
sec

Temperature of Water ____________

II
III
Volume
Time
Volume
Time
ml
sec
ml
sec

B. Higher Temperature
TRIAL 1 Increasing Flow
Observed Flow
Laminar flow
Laminar flow
below lower critical
Lower critical
Transition flow
Upper critical
Turbulent flow
Highly turbulent

Volume
ml

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Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

TRIAL 2 Increasing Flow

Observed Flow
Laminar flow
Laminar flow
below lower critical
Lower critical
Transition flow
Upper critical
Turbulent flow
Highly turbulent

Volume
ml

Time
sec

Temperature of Water ____________

II
III
Volume
Time
Volume
Time
ml
sec
ml
sec

NOTE: Duplicate the above tables in case more trials are needed.
ANALYSES AND CALCULATIONS
1. Calculate the upper and lower critical velocities for each run by using the flow rate
obtained then determine the corresponding Reynolds Number. Compare whether these
values fall within the transition range obtained by Reynolds.
2. Do the same calculations for higher temperatures. Compare the values obtained under
room temperature. Explain your findings.
3. Plot the Reynolds Number as a function of temperature or viscosity of water.
4. Plot the theoretical head loss as a function of velocity both for laminar flow and
turbulent flow and plot the critical points to determine the range of Reynolds number to
identify transition flow. Does this agree with theory? For turbulent flow, use the Blassius
Equation for f for smooth pipe.
5. What are the factors that affected the deviations from the theoretical values of the
Reynolds number
6. Enumerate the possible sources of errors
SOURCE REFERENCE:
TQ Education and Training Ltd., Reynolds Number and Transition Flow Manual,
H215/H215A

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Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

THE USE OF HORIZONTAL REYNOLDS NUMBER APPARATUS

EQUIPMENT
A. Actual Equipment

Figure 7: Front View of Reynolds Number Apparatus

B. Schematic Diagram of the Equipment

Figure 8: Side View of Reynolds Number

Apparatus

Figure 9: Isometric View of the Reynolds Apparatus

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Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

Figure 10: Closer View of the Reynolds Apparatus

C. Description of the Equipment

The equipment consists of a horizontal glass tube with inside diameter of 1-7/16"
immersed in a tank filled with water. The tank is provided with a calming section,
discharge valve, and water source. The flow across the tube is controlled by a gate valve
located after the glass tube. Installed within the tank is a dye jet injector connected by
means of a rubber tubing to a supply bottle containing KMnO4 solution located on top of
the tank. Figure 3 gives the details for the Reynolds Apparatus.
PROCEDURE
2. Center the dye injector by adjusting the clamps inside the rectangular tank.
3. Fill the tank by opening the valve connected to the supply water line. Adjust this valve
so as to maintain a certain overflow that will maintain the level of the water in the tank
constant. You may need to allow more water to flow in if valve D is opened.
4. When the tank is full, fully open the discharge valve D to clean the glass tube and get rid
of any air bubbles trapped within the tube.
5. Fill the dye holder with a dilute solution of KMnO4 or suitable coloring dye.
6. Partially open the valve D about half a turn so that flow is well below the lower critical
velocity. Measure the height of water in the piezometer tube connected near the end of
the test pipe.
7. Measure the flow rate using a graduated cylinder and a stopwatch and the level of the
water in the piezometer tube. Do three trials when measuring the flow rate and get the
average as the representative flow rate.

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Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

8. Start the dye flow by fully opening the stopcock. Wait until all the trapped air in the dye
tube has been expelled.
9. Adjust the stopcock to attain a very thin filament of dye. This will need trial and error
until you get the desired dye flow that is compatible with the flow of the water in the
tube. Measure the flow rates as in Step 7.
10. While varying the flow rate, adjust the inlet supply valve. This has to be done to ensure
that the water level in the tank is kept constant.
11. Increase the flow rate to a point where the dye first starts to wave. Measure the flow
rates. This point is the lower critical velocity.
12. Further increase the flow rate until the filament of dye break into sections. Measure the
flow rates. This is the upper critical velocity.
13. Close valve, D and wait for some time until the water in the tank is calm.
14. Repeat steps 9 to 11 for another trial and compare your results.
15. Repeat the tests but this time start from highly turbulent flow and reduce the flow rate
and see if you can get the same critical values.
16. Before discharging the water in the tank, make sure that the water temperature is taken.
DATA SHEET
Fluid viscosity __________

Pipe inner diameter

Fluid density

Pipe cross sectional area __________

__________

Water temperature _______

TRIAL 1 Increasing Flow
Piezometer
Observed Flow
Reading,
mm
Laminar flow
Laminar flow
below lower critical
Lower critical
Upper critical
Turbulent flow
Highly turbulent

__________

Height of water in tank from center of pipe______

I
Volume
ml

Time
sec

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II
Volume Time
ml
sec

III
Volume Time
ml
sec

Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

TRIAL 2 Increasing Flow

Piezometer
Observed Flow
Reading,
mm
Laminar flow
Laminar flow
below lower critical
Lower critical
Upper critical
Turbulent flow
Highly turbulent
TRIAL 1 Decreasing Flow
Piezometer
Observed Flow
Reading,
mm
Highly turbulent
Turbulent flow
Upper critical
Lower critical
Below lower critical
Laminar flow
Laminar flow
TRIAL 2 Decreasing Flow
Piezometer
Observed Flow
Reading,
mm
Highly turbulent
Turbulent flow
Upper critical
Lower critical
Below lower critical
Laminar flow
Laminar flow

I
Volume
ml

Time
sec

II
Volume Time
ml
sec

III
Volume Time
ml
sec

I
Volume
ml

Time
sec

II
Volume Time
ml
sec

III
Volume Time
ml
sec

I
Volume
ml

Time
sec

II
Volume Time
ml
sec

III
Volume Time
ml
sec

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Experiments in Chemical Engineering, 2nd ed.

Reynolds Number Experiments

by Servillano S.B. Olao, Jr.

ANALYSES AND CALCULATIONS

1. Calculate the upper and lower critical velocities for each run by using the average flow
rate obtained. Compare whether these values agree with your observation and fall within
the transition range obtained by Reynolds.
2. Plot the pressure drop based on the difference between the height of the water in the tank
and the piezometer reading and plot this against the Reynolds number obtained. Give
conclusions to your findings.
3. What are the factors that affected the deviations from the theoretical values of the
Reynolds number?
4. Enumerate the possible sources of errors.

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