1

Chapter 2

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This experiment utilized the fluid flow apparatus and dealt with the head losses in

different fittings. The head losses in an abrupt change and smoothly contoured change of

direction of flow of fluid were compared. Three set-ups were used to do such comparison 

elbow fittings, tee fittings and a combination of the two.

Figure 2.1 Elbow Fittings Figure 2.2 Tee Fittings

The isolating valves for the pipe runs without bends were closed. The pressure

tappings across the groups of fittings were connected to the mercury manometer by the

laboratory technician. The researchers made sure that the isolating valve for the selected pipe

was fully opened. Before turning on the fluid flow apparatus, the flow control valve above the

pump was also closed. Upon starting, the control valve was carefully opened until all the air is

displaced from the pipeline. The control valve was closed again to re-zero the mercury

manometer.
 2

In this experiment, 7 flowrates were used  170 gph, 220 gph, 270 gph, 320 gph, 450

gph, 520 gph and 570 gph. All being turbulent flow. The temperature of water was measured

from the start up to the end of the experiment. The properties of water were evaluated at the

mean temperature. The Reynolds number for each flowrate was computed. The friction factor

was obtained using the Churchill equation.

The experimental head losses for elbow, tee and overall were computed using

𝑔
Δ𝑃 = 𝑅𝑚 (𝐻𝑔 − 𝜌𝐻2𝑂 ) , 𝑃𝑎 (2.1)
𝑔𝑐

For the calculated values of elbow and tee fittings head loss,

𝑉𝑎2
𝐻𝑓𝑡 = 𝑘𝑓 , 𝑃𝑎 (2.2)
𝑔𝑐

For the head loss due to skin friction,

2𝜌𝐿𝑉 2 𝑓
𝐻𝑠 = , 𝑃𝑎 (2.3)
𝑔𝑐 𝐷𝑖

Since there is no direct formula, the overall calculated head loss was obtained by getting the

summation of the calculated head losses due to skin friction, elbow fittings and tee fittings.

The overall experimental and calculated head loss was graphed against the flowrate.