Experiment No.

HEAT LOSSES FROM BARE AND LAGGED PIPES

Course Code: ME 505 Program: BSME

Course Title: ME LABORATORY 3 Date Performed: NOVEMBER 24, 2018
Section: ME51FA2 Date Submitted: DECEMBER 15,2018
Leader: 1.Astillero, Dave Johnson Instructor: Engr. Benjamin G Tiglao
Members: 2. Borja, Kimbo P.
3.Borromeo, Patricia
4.Bosi, Kerwin
5.Ferrer, Wilmer

1. Objective:

The activity aims to provide knowledge on the calculation of heat losses from bare and lagged pipes.

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:

2.1 Explain the principles of heat loss and heat gain from bare and lagged pipes considering the
materials used in the system.
2.2 Apply the appropriate standards and tables in the calculation of heat losses to improve the
system efficiency.
2.3 Develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety and ability to follow
instruction.

3. Discussion:

A good pipe covering, in addition to being a good insulator, should be fireproof, waterproof, vermin proof,
odorless, and light in weight. It should also be mechanically strong and should suffer no loss of insulating
value due to time.

The only logical method for testing commercial pipe coverings is to mount these coverings on pipe of the
size for which they were intended. Extensive tests of commercial coverings have been made by various
investigators, and two general methods for heat measurement have been used. For steam-pipe coverings,
the most natural method is to fill the covered pipe with steam, to measure the heat content of the steam
entering and leaving the test section, and to condense and weigh the steam. A dead-end pipe is ordinarily
used, the test pipe itself acting as the steam condenser.

Movement of cooling water, brine, compressed air and steam is essential in any industrial complex. Fluid
movement takes place in piping due pressure difference. For carrying out study in these systems,
knowledge of pressure at various points is essential. For a given length of pipe, pressure drop can be
measured or calculated. Measurement of pressure drop is recommended if instruments of good accuracy
are available and measurement is practically possible. In systems where measurement is not possible,
estimation of pressure drop is recommended.

The measurements and estimations enables to take a decision whether the energy cost due to pressure
drop in existing piping system is more than the total cost of installing a new pipeline of same size or higher
size in order to reduce pressure drop. Recommended pipe size for steam systems is given to help in proper
selection and to verify whether existing piping is properly sized. As a general rule, the pressure drop should
not normally exceed 0.1 bar/50 m.

Piping if left bare can lose heat due to temperature difference between pipe surface temperature and
ambient temperature. The methods of measurements and calculations for estimation of heat losses and
heat gain in piping systems and insulation thickness are described. Measurements of fluid temperature and
pipe surface temperatures are necessary for above calculations.

Heat Loss Calculations:

Heat Loss from Pipes:

Simplified formula for calculating the heat transfer coefficient h (mW/cm2-°K) are given below. This is useful
if the temperature difference between surface and the ambient is less than 150°C.

For horizontal pipes, ℎ = 𝐶1 + 0.005(𝑇ℎ + 𝑇𝑎 )

For vertical pipes, ℎ = 𝐶2 + 0.009(𝑇ℎ − 𝑇𝑠 )

Where:
h = heat transfer coefficient, (mW/cm2-°C)
Th = hot surface temperature, °C
Ta = ambient temperature, °C

Table 1. Coefficients of Selected Pipe Materials

Surface ε C1 C2
Aluminum, bright rolled 0.05 0.25 0.27
Aluminum, oxidized 0.13 0.31 0.33
Steel 0.15 0.32 0.34
Galvanized sheet metal, dusty 0.44 0.53 0.55
Non metallic surfaces 0.95 0.85 0.87
Area of pipe surface, 𝐴 = 𝜋 𝑥 𝐷 𝑥 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 , 𝑐𝑚2

Where:
D = pipe surface outside diameter, cm
Leff = effective length of pipeline, cm

Fig. 1 Types of Pipe Insulations

Fig. 2 Bare and Lagged Pipes
4. Materials and Equipment:

 Bare and lagged pipe assembly

 Personal protective equipment
 Automation unit
 Laser Thermometers
 Steel tape
 Outside calipers
 Sling psychrometer
 Psychrometric Chart
 Log sheets

5. Procedure:

The ASME Test Code specifies that each run should be at least 1 hour long. If the time available for this
experiment necessitates shorter runs, all readings should be taken every five (5) minutes or as instructed.

5.1 A team leader should be elected or appointed from the group. The team leader must develop
specific log sheets to be used by each member assigned to take data. Accomplished log sheets
should be submitted together with this experiment.

5.2 Make sure to wear/use the personal protective equipment in the entire duration of the experiment.

5.3 With the assistance of the laboratory technician, set the main pressure of steam to 40 psig and
difference of 10psig. Set-up and install the automation unit by attaching it to the terminal for bare
and covered pipe assembly. Set the data collection default at 5 minute interval. Encode the
instructor and technician names in the automation system.

5.4 Fire the boiler.

5.5 When desired steam pressure is achieved, direct the steam to the Bare and Lagged pipe
assembly by opening and closing the corresponding valves in the steam line header.

5.6 With the drain valve open wide, turn the steam valve to allow steam to flow through the steam line
long enough to purge apparatus of all air. Close the drain valve. Measure the air properties inside
the boiler room. Plot the results on a psychrometric chart.

5.7 For the bare pipes, get the steam temperature and that of the outer surface of the pipe (both
steam inlet and outlet). Record the data on the log sheet. Determine the heat losses for each
pipe.
 5.8 For the lagged pipe, get the steam temperature, outer surface temperature of the pipe, and that of
outer surface of the covering (both steam inlet and outlet). Record the data on the log sheet.
Identify the insulation used. Determine the heat loss on the lagged pipe. With the bare pipe of
same material, compute the efficiency of the insulation.

5.9 For the finned pipe, get the temperature of the outer surface of the pipe and that of the outermost
fin surface (both steam inlet and outlet). Record the data on the log sheet. Considering the total
surface area of the finned pipe, compute the heat removed. With the bare pipe of same material,
compute the efficiency of the fin.

5.10 Repeat the procedure for each bare and lagged pipes over a 2-hour period with readings every 5
minutes. Due to the large number of readings, much care is necessary in arranging and recording
the data.

5.11 Upon completion of data gathering, stop the automation unit, making sure that data collected is
stored in the hard drive. Print a hard copy. Data from automation unit when used in computation
and diagram must be marked and cited accordingly.

5.12 For all pipes tested, draw a temperature-length diagram, pipe cross section showing dimensions,
respective heat flow directions. Label each diagram properly.

The efficiency of the insulation is defined as follows:

(𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒) − (𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒)
𝐸= 𝑥100%
(𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒)

(𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝐸= 𝑥100%
(𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

The heat-transfer coefficients to be calculated for each test pipe are:

 over-all coefficient, U in over-all transmission equation; q = UA∆T

 conductivity of the insulating material k in conduction equation; qL = kA∆T
 outside-surface coefficient h in convection equation; q = hA∆T

The steam-side surface coefficient and the contact resistance between covering and pipe may be
neglected.
The value of U for a simple wall:
1
𝑈=
1 𝐿 1
+ +
ℎ1 𝑘 ℎ2

Where:
q = heat flow rate
A = area of surface on which heat transfer coefficient is based
T1 = higher temperature
T2 = lower temperature
MTD = mean temperature difference (arithmetic or logarithmic)
L = length of heat path
k = thermal conductivity
h = surface conductance
U = transmittance or over-all coefficient

Notes and Precautions:

1. The same amount of condensate should be accumulated each successive 20 minutes by a

given test pipe. If these amounts do not check after a reasonable warming-up period, look for
trouble.

2. Most likely the source of error is due to insufficient venting of air before starting. Make sure that
each test pipe is blown down thoroughly.

3. Use several thermometers for air temperature, place them on a level with the test section, but
protect them from radiation. A piece of aluminum foil makes a good shield for the thermometer
bulb.

4. Do not open doors or windows near the test unit during the conduct of the test.
6. Data and Results:

Table 1.0 Gauge Temperature Reading of Steam Pipe

Trials Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 Pipe 5 Pipe 6

Tin Tout Tin Tout Tin Tout Tin Tout Tin Tout Tin Tout

1 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 145 140 145

2 140 140 140 145 140 143 140 135 140 130 140 135

3 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 135 140 135 140 135

4 140 140 140 143 140 145 140 140 140 140 140 135

5 140 140 140 145 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 135

6 140 140 140 143 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 135

7 140 145 140 145 140 145 140 143 140 140 140 139

8 145 140 145 145 145 140 145 139 145 138 145 137

9 145 140 145 140 145 139 145 139 145 135 145 134

10 145 140 145 145 145 140 145 140 145 140 145 140

11 145 140 145 145 145 145 145 145 145 140 145 140

12 145 140 145 145 145 145 145 140 145 140 145 140

13 145 140 145 145 145 140 145 140 145 140 145 140

14 145 140 145 145 145 140 145 140 145 130 145 130

15 145 140 145 130 145 130 145 138 145 127 145 130

16 145 130 145 130 145 130 145 133 145 133 145 130

17 145 130 145 136 145 130 145 134 145 130 145 130

18 145 130 145 135 145 125 145 132 145 125 145 127

19 145 130 145 135 145 128 145 133 145 128 145 128

20 145 130 145 135 145 129 145 138 145 132 145 130

Mean 139.5 139.3 143 142.33 140.9 139.7 143.13 140.33 142.4 137.47 143.2 139.33
 Table 2.0 Surface Temperature in Pipes

Trials Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 Pipe 5 Pipe 6

Tin Tout Tin Tout Tin Tout Tin Tout Tin Tout Tin Tout

1 79 85.2 70 88.7 42.1 34.5 37.4 75.2 45 120.2 55 110.9

2 50.4 93.9 35.4 97.5 39.4 37.2 50.3 75.8 49.2 99.2 53.2 116.2

3 67.9 99.8 71.2 100.5 39.2 36 45.8 35.9 57.3 100.4 110.7 103.9

4 64.8 99.7 71.5 106 40.9 39.2 44.2 84 67.4 117.5 73.6 124.2

5 72.1 99.4 81.7 97.3 41.4 37 63.5 86.9 54.6 121.6 85.3 118.2

6 81.5 96.5 93.7 90.9 45.4 37 48.7 79.1 63.8 122.8 112.6 124.3

7 78.7 100.8 60.8 109.7 39.2 39.2 60 84.4 66.2 106.6 78.1 118.7

8 64.9 104.8 51.4 110.2 40.9 35.4 48.2 87.9 55.7 103.9 63.6 126.9

9 55.3 103.8 49.6 93 40.2 35.9 61.5 74.4 70.9 115.1 80.6 124.5

10 38.6 102.8 55 95.5 43.5 37.8 48.2 80.4 55.1 126.2 47.2 125.8

11 58.5 101.2 58.5 109.7 42.5 39.2 50.3 87.5 54.2 132.5 78.5 127.5

12 70.9 104.2 72.6 112.5 39.3 39.5 47.6 83.4 45.1 103.5 56.5 122.2

13 59.8 102.9 60 107 40.5 37.8 51.1 89.2 43.9 120.2 59.8 127.4

14 55.6 93.3 62.7 93.5 38.5 38.8 49.2 83.6 62.1 106.6 71.4 115.5

15 55.1 92.9 71.4 92.9 38.5 38.6 45.9 80.2 53.8 87.9 71.4 102.7

16 61.5 86.4 81.6 84.5 39.3 39.3 48.4 83.3 53.8 78 116.3 113.2

17 56.5 88.3 51.3 96.9 44.5 39.1 49.7 91.2 47.8 109.5 72.6 105.1

18 55.4 99 53.9 89.9 40.5 38.1 56.8 83.8 48.2 81.5 93.6 116.2

19 43.6 92.5 48.9 94.6 38.9 37 55.2 82.3 62 101.4 79.6 116.2

20 57 95.4 58.6 99 39.4 48.7 54.4 94 52.7 94.5 119.5 92.5

Mean 60.13 115.3 83.73 102.1 52.73 72.2 63.7 108.9 65.47 102.93 64.16 107.65
 Table 3.0 Ambient Temperature and Steam Mass flow rate

Trial Tdb (°C) Twb (°C) Pressure (psi) m (kg/hr)

1 30 28 50 14057

2 30 28 50 14055

3 30 28 54 14053

4 30 28 54 14051

5 30 28 54 14049

6 30 28 50 14047

7 30 28 59 14045

8 30 28 50 14043

9 30 28 50 14041

10 30 28 53 14039

11 30 28 53 14037

12 30 28 58 14035

13 30 28 50 14033

14 30 28 56 14031

15 30 28 58 14029

16 30 28 56 14027

17 30 28 57 14025

18 30 28 54 14023

19 30 28 56 14021

20 30 28 55 14019

Mean 30 28 53.85 14038

7. Computation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data:

700

600

500
Pipe 6

400 Pipe 5
Pipe 4
300 Pipe 3
Pipe 2
200
Pipe 1

100

0
Suction Disccharge

For Pipe 1:

ℎ𝑜 = 𝑐1 +0.005(𝑡ℎ − 𝑡𝐿 )
ℎ𝑜 = 0.55 + 0.005(115.3-60.13)
𝑀𝑤
ℎ𝑜 = 0.82585 2
𝑐𝑚 𝑘
For HEAT LOSS CALCULATION:

𝑴𝑻𝑫
𝑸=
𝑫𝒐
𝒍𝒏( )
𝑫𝒊 + 𝟏
𝟐𝝅𝒌𝑳 𝑨𝒐𝒉𝒐

𝑴𝑻𝑫 115.3 − 60.13

𝑸= =
𝑫𝒐 0.0334
𝒍𝒏( ) 𝒍𝒏( )
𝑫𝒊 + 𝟏 0.02654 + 𝟏
𝟐𝝅𝒌𝑳 𝑨𝒐𝒉𝒐 𝟐𝝅(80.2)(2.34) (0.245)(0.8333)

Q = 11.2630W
 Summary of Qloss

Pipe Number Qloss, W

1 11.2630

2 3.7502

3
3.9748
4 9.2276

5 7.6475

6 8.8785

Total 44.7416W
8. Conclusion and Recommendation:
By doing the experiment, the principles regarding heat transfer was made clearer. The less the temperature
difference, the less heat transfer the material emits. Although there is a different value of the heat transfer
coefficient, mostly, the principle will always be identical. The experiment also gave ideas on how heat
transfer can be engineered, because of the various insulations that was introduced. With this, one’s basic
knowledge regarding thermodynamics was further developed.

Documentation:
9. Assessment Rubric:
TIP-VPAA–054D
Revision Status/Date:0/2009 September 09

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

RUBRIC FOR LABORATORY PERFORMANCE
CRITERIA BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT SCORE
1 2 3
Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate needed demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
skills. skills. skills.
Experimental Members are unable to Members are able to Members are able to
Set-up set-up the materials. set-up the materials set-up the material with
with supervision. minimum supervision.
Process Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.

Safety Members do not follow Members follow safety Members follow safety
Precautions safety precautions. precautions most of the precautions at all
time. times.
Work Habits
Time Members do not finish Members finish on timeMembers finish ahead
Management/ on time with incomplete with incomplete data. of time with complete
Conduct of data. data and time to revise
Experiment data.
Cooperative Members do not know Members have defined Members are on tasks
and their tasks and have no responsibilities most of and have
Teamwork defined responsibilities. the time. Group responsibilities at all
Group conflicts have to conflicts are times. Group conflicts
be settled by the cooperatively managed are cooperatively
teacher. most of the time. managed at all times.
Neatness and Messy workplace during Clean and orderly Clean and orderly
Orderliness and after the workplace with workplace at all times
experiment. occasional mess during during and after the
and after the experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do Members require Members require Members do not need
independent supervision by the occasional supervision to be supervised by the
work teacher. by the teacher. teacher.
Other Comments/Observations:
TOTAL SCORE

RATING=

x 100%