Flow of Fluids Through Pipes
Belen, Maria Febe D.
College of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering
ChE – 3104
Fluid Flow occurs in plants, industries factories and a like, specifically, more of in the engineering field as these systems are
commonly used in our economy. In the experiment, water was used as the process fluid while mercury and carbon tetrachloride
were used as the manometric fluid. Flow rate increases, a constant change in the height of the measuring liquid is seen, as shown
by the difference in mercury and tetrachloride level in the gauge. Furthermore, Reynolds number, friction factor and Nicurde’s
Correlations were also observed.
Keywords: Fluid Flow, Frictional Losses Reynolds Number
INTRODUCTION 2000 is said to be laminar and Reynolds number
greater than 2200 is considered turbulent while the
Fluid flow is a common phenomenon Reynolds number ranging from 2001-2199 is
that can be observed in plants, factories and the classified as transient flow.
like in the field of engineering, as it is essential to
almost all industries in the world. As this is vital Pressure is one of the necessary factors in
for more industries, it is necessary to understand the system as this will help the fluid to flow
the principles and fundamental information for through the pipe. This energy, pressure, will help
the successful and continuous production and to calculate the manometric pressure drop which
transportation of products and raw materials from then can be used to determine the relationship
one place to another. between the fluid, the pipe wall and the internal
friction. Furthermore, the texture of the inner wall
Fluid flows through pipes have three of the pipe can affect the pressure loss of the
classification and these are the laminar, turbulent fluid. Pipes with rougher inner walls tend to lose
and transient flow. Laminar flow is a type of flow more pressure than pipes with smooth inner walls
wherein there is no mixing between fluids and due to friction.
moves smoothly in layers. Turbulent flow, on the
other hand, is when there is a mixing of fluid This experiment aims to determine the
layers and the viscosity of these fluids create friction losses when a fluid passes through a pipe
internal shear stresses that causes the fluid to with different diameters and observe the
create a spinning flow while Transient flow is the relationship between the frictional flow and the
combination of laminar and turbulent flow. Reynolds number.
Moreover, this general type of flow can be
identified based on the calculated Reynolds EXPERIMENTAL
number. A fluid with Reynolds number less than
In this experiment, a virtual laboratory
from Virtual Labs under Flow through Pipes was
used to simulate the experiment and to gather
data. The Simulation section is where the students
can perform their experiments.
There are four setups for this experiment
where water and kerosene were used as process
fluid while mercury and tetrachloride were used as
the manometric fluid. These four setups consisted
of six trials with eight readings: 0.25 and 0.50 in
inch as the diameter and length of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 In Table 1 and 2 (See Appendix),
in meters. consistent behavior suggests that the change in
height, indicated by the difference in mercury
Begin by verifying that the valve level in the pressure gauge, does not vary
regulating the flow to the sleek pipe is in the open significantly with flow rate under the conditions
position, and that the valves for the other tested. The observation that the pressure drop in
pipelines are closed. Maintain the bypass valve in Setups 1 and 2 as the diameter of the pipe
its fully open position while keeping the main increases is visible. The discrepancy with the
valve completely closed. Start the pump to start pressure drop in different diameters are no to
the flow of fluid throughout the system. Connect little. In fluid mechanics, the concept of hydraulic
the pressure taps across the smooth pipe with a equivalence refers to the idea that pipes of
manometer containing mercury (Hg) or carbon different diameters can have the same pressure
tetrachloride (CCL4). Make sure there are no air drop under certain conditions.
bubbles in the manometer and that the liquid
levels in both arms are the same height. To In terms of the relationship between the
achieve the required water flow rate within the Reynold’s number and friction factor, Figure 1.1
pipe, gradually open the main valve and fine-tune and Figure 2.1 in the Appendix indicates that
the flow rate. there is an inverse relationship given that the
accumulated slope from the graph are -9.6E-08
and -4.58E04, respectively, by using the log-log
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION graph. On the other hand, Nicurde’s Correlation
and Verified Nicurde’s Correlation (see Figures 1.2
and 2.2) have a direct relationship, both of the
In this chapter the gathered data,
variables increase as we change one variable,
necessary information observed and the
increasingly.
documented setups from the experiment will be
discussed thoroughly. The comprehensive
The phenomenon in Water and Mercury
discussion identifies the data obtained of the
has the same occurrences in Water and
behavior of fluids in pipes and their interactions
Tetrachloride (see Appendix: Table 3 and 4 and
with various parameters.
Figures 3.1,. 3.2, 4.1 and 4.5). Changes in values
vary due to different densities of water, mercury
There are a total of 4 setups; two each for
and tetrachloride.
Mercury and Tetrachloride as manometric fluid
and Water as the process fluid. The tables 1, 2, 3
Overall, there is a significant effect that is
and 4 (see Appendix), shows the results from the
visible to the accumulated data between the size of
virtual experiment with nominal pipe diameter of
the pipe diameter and friction factor, Reynold’s
0.25 inch and 0.50 inch and a constant pipe length
number, Nircude’s Correlation and Verified
of 0.1 meters.
Nircude’s Correlation. As the pipe diameter and
pipe area increases, friction factor coefficient
Calculations need to compare the analysis
decreases. This also can be observed by observing
and for comparison to derive a conclusion for this
the decreasing average velocity and increasing pipe
experiment, the following formula can be used.
area, as these two variables occur there will be a 3. Use textured pipes to accurately observe
decrease in value of friction factor. the differences.
4. Use other fluids for further knowledge
and comparison
CONCLUSION
The study of fluid flow through pipes is
regarded as critical by researchers in the fields of
fluid dynamics and experimental fluid mechanics.
Many researchers have examined the complexities
of fluid behavior in pipes, dissecting many various
features such as pressure fluctuations, flow rates,
friction coefficients, and the influence of pipe size,
all using water, carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), and
mercury (Hg) as experiments liquid.
Examination of the friction coefficient,
expressed by the Blasius equation, shows that it
decreases with increasing Reynolds number,
consistent with the characteristics of turbulent
flow. Additionally, the friction coefficient was
observed to decrease as the pipe area increased,
indicating an inverse relationship between pipe
area and average fluid velocity.
Overall, this study investigates several
elements of fluid flow in pipes and presents
significant findings. As the flow rate increases, a
constant change in the height of the measuring
liquid is seen, as shown by the difference in
mercury level in the gauge. Notably, regardless of
nominal pipe diameter, this height fluctuation
remained rather constant, demonstrating
consistent behavior under the investigated
conditions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Conducting this virtual experiment, the
researchers came up with a recommendations for
fluid flow in pipes can be enhanced and these are:
1. Use other virtual labs and compare the
results and discussion to collect more
accurate data for their testing.
2. Conduct a real world simulation to gain
experience more accurately, more
informative, and more relevant to
real-world applications, making it an even
more valuable tool for education,
research, and design. technical design.
APPENDICES
FLOW RATE/
DIAMETER DENSITY VISCOSITY DENSITY ROTAMETER
LENGTH 0.25 inch (Water) (WATER) (MERCURY) READING
(m) (m) kg/m3 kg/ms kg/m3 (L/m)
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 13600 2.09
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 13600 2.42
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 13600 3.18
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 13600 3.5
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 13600 4.13
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 13600 5.69
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 13600 6.56
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 13600 7.02
h1 h2 Q PRESSURE DROP AREA
(m) (m) Hm (m^3/s) (Hw) (m^2)
35.02 34.81 0.21 3.48E-05 2.646 3.17E-05
35.03 34.83 0.2 4.03E-05 2.52 3.17E-05
35.05 34.87 0.18 5.30E-05 2.268 3.17E-05
35.06 34.92 0.14 5.83E-05 1.764 3.17E-05
35.08 34.94 0.14 6.88E-05 1.764 3.17E-05
35.13 34.95 0.18 9.48E-05 2.268 3.17E-05
35.17 34.97 0.2 1.09E-04 2.52 3.17E-05
35.19 34.98 0.21 1.17E-04 2.646 3.17E-05
AVE. FRICTION F NICURDE'S VERIFY
VELOCITY NRe FACTOR BLASSIUS CORRELATION NICURDE'S
(V) (fexpt) CORRELATION
1.10E+00 6.98E+03 2.27E-07 8.64E-03 2099.85222 6.49E+02
1.27E+00 8.09E+03 1.63E-07 8.33E-03 2476.375203 7.38E+02
1.67E+00 1.06E+04 8.82E-08 7.78E-03 3367.089573 9.37E+02
1.84E+00 1.17E+04 7.11E-08 7.60E-03 3750.599658 1.02E+03
2.17E+00 1.38E+04 4.90E-08 7.29E-03 4518.226183 1.18E+03
2.99E+00 1.90E+04 2.38E-08 6.73E-03 6479.260774 1.56E+03
3.45E+00 2.19E+04 1.73E-08 6.49E-03 7603.980232 1.77E+03
3.69E+00 2.35E+04 1.48E-08 6.38E-03 8206.41378 1.87E+03
Table 1. Data for Water and Mercury at 0.25 in diameter.
Figure 1.1. Log-Log Graph of Water and Mercury at 0.25 in diameter
Figure 1.2. Semi-Log Graph of Water and Mercury at 0.25 in diameter
FLOW RATE/
DIAMETER DENSITY VISCOSITY DENSITY ROTAMETER
LENGTH 0.50 inch (Water) (WATER) (MERCURY) READING
(m) (m) kg/m3 kg/ms kg/m3 (L/m)
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 13600 1.58
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 13600 1.98
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 13600 2.1
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 13600 2.32
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 13600 3.25
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 13600 3.62
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 13600 4.98
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 13600 6.43
h1 h2 Hm PRESSURE DROP
(m) (m) (m) Q (Hw) AREA
35 35 0 2.63E-05 0 1.27E-04
35.02 34.98 0.04 3.30E-05 0.504 1.27E-04
35.03 34.97 0.06 3.50E-05 0.756 1.27E-04
35.03 34.97 0.06 3.87E-05 0.756 1.27E-04
35.05 34.95 0.1 5.42E-05 1.26 1.27E-04
35.05 34.93 0.12 6.03E-05 1.512 1.27E-04
35.05 34.88 0.17 8.30E-05 2.142 1.27E-04
35.05 34.82 0.23 1.07E-04 2.898 1.27E-04
AVE. FRICTION F NICURDE'S
VELOCITY FACTOR BLASSIU CORRELATIO VERIFY
(V) NRe (fexpt) S N NICURDE'S CORRELATION
2.08E-01 2.64E+03 1.62E-05 0.0110211 248.4904165 2.77E+02
2.61E-01 3.31E+03 9.75E-06 0.0104165 320.3087188 3.38E+02
2.76E-01 3.51E+03 8.54E-06 0.0102644 342.2292518 3.56E+02
3.05E-01 3.88E+03 6.82E-06 0.0100119 382.8198108 3.88E+02
4.28E-01 5.43E+03 3.20E-06 0.0092027 559.3571609 5.21E+02
4.76E-01 6.05E+03 2.51E-06 0.0089580 631.4915783 5.72E+02
6.55E-01 8.32E+03 1.22E-06 0.0082714 904.0728596 7.57E+02
8.46E-01 1.07E+04 6.88E-07 0.0077595 1205.196234 9.46E+02
Table 2. Data for Water and Mercury at 0.5 in diameter.
Figure 2.1. Log-Log Graph of Water and Mercury at 0.5 in diameter
Figure 2.2 Semi-Log Graph of Water and Mercury at 0.5 in diameter
FLOW RATE/
DIAMETER DENSITY VISCOSITY DENSITY ROTAMETER
LENGTH 0.25 inch (Water) (WATER) (CCL4) READING
(m) (m) kg/m3 kg/ms kg/m3 (L/m)
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 1600 2.09
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 1600 2.3
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 1600 2.57
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 1600 3.22
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 1600 3.58
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 1600 4.22
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 1600 4.49
0.1 0.00635 1000 0.001 1600 5.13
h1 h2 Q PRESSURE DROP AREA
(m) (m) Hm (m^3/s) (Hw) (m^2)
0.3548 0.3452 0.0096 0.00003 15.3504 0.00003
0.3557 0.3443 0.0114 0.00004 18.2286 0.00003
0.3569 0.3431 0.0138 0.00004 22.0662 0.00003
0.3603 0.3397 0.0206 0.00005 32.9394 0.00003
0.3623 0.3377 0.0246 0.00006 39.3354 0.00003
0.3665 0.3335 0.033 0.00007 52.767 0.00003
0.3683 0.3317 0.0366 0.00007 58.5234 0.00003
0.3732 0.3268 0.0464 0.00009 74.1936 0.00003
AVE. FRICTION NICURDE'S VERIFY
VELOCITY FACTOR CORRELATI NICURDE'S
(V) NRe (fexpt) F BLASSIUS ON CORRELATION
1.099911423 6984.437537 2.27E-07 8.64E-03 649.2748098 184.8297737
1.210428839 7686.223127 1.83E-07 8.44E-03 706.0125317 520.3433597
1.352522659 8588.518886 1.42E-07 8.21E-03 778.0222841 526.1516895
1.694600374 10760.71238 8.58E-08 7.76E-03 947.7077695 606.5538171
1.884058801 11963.77339 6.76E-08 7.55E-03 1039.796142 728.1107565
2.220873783 14102.54852 4.67E-08 7.25E-03 1200.739916 872.0696353
2.362967603 15004.84428 4.06E-08 7.14E-03 1267.698866 890.0395601
2.699782584 17143.61941 3.01E-08 6.90E-03 1424.469805 941.8660058
Table 3. Data for Water and Tetrachloride at 0.25 in diameter.
Figure 3.1. Log-Log Graph of Water and Tetrachloride 0.25 in diameter
Figure 3.2. Semi-Log Graph of Water and Tetrachloride at 0.25 in diameter
FLOW RATE/
DIAMETER DENSITY VISCOSITY DENSITY ROTAMETER
LENGTH 0.50 inch (Water) (WATER) (CCL4) READING
(m) (m) kg/m3 kg/ms kg/m3 (L/m)
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 1600 1.96
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 1600 1.89
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 1600 1.84
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 1600 2.22
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 1600 2.65
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 1600 3.6
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 1600 4.36
0.1 0.0127 1000 0.001 1600 overflow
h1 h2 Hm PRESSURE DROP
(m) (m) (m) Q (Hw) AREA
35.43 34.57 0.86 3.27E-05 1375.14 1.27E-04
35.4 34.6 0.8 3.15E-05 1279.2 1.27E-04
35.38 34.62 0.76 3.07E-05 1215.24 1.27E-04
35.53 34.47 1.06 3.70E-05 1694.94 1.27E-04
35.73 34.27 1.46 4.42E-05 2334.54 1.27E-04
36.25 33.75 2.5 6.00E-05 3997.5 1.27E-04
36.74 33.26 3.48 7.27E-05 5564.52 1.27E-04
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
AVE. FRICTION NICURDE'S
VELOCITY FACTOR F CORRELATIO VERIFY
(V) NRe (fexpt) BLASSIUS N NICURDE'S CORRELATION
0.2579 3274.9994 9.97E-06 0.0104 316.6712 334.6750751
0.2487 3158.0352 1.08E-05 0.0105 303.9765 324.1928152
0.2421 3074.4893 1.15E-05 0.0106 294.9446 316.6758189
0.2921 3709.4381 7.53E-06 0.0101 364.3070 373.2142004
0.3487 4427.9329 5.06E-06 0.0097 444.6026 435.7520579
0.4736 6015.3051 2.54E-06 0.0090 627.5679 569.7233185
0.5736 7285.2028 1.65E-06 0.0086 778.4715 673.6743085
N/A N/A N/A N/A #VALUE! #VALUE!
Table 4. Data for Water and Tetrachloride at 0.5 in diameter.
Figure 4.1. Log-Log Graph of Water and Tetrachloride at 0.5 in diameter
Figure 4.2. Semi-Log Graph of Water and Tetrachloride at 0.5 in diameter
