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The aim of this lab report is to describe how friction losses in a pipe system work, and to conduct an experiment to observe some errors. The primary objective is to demonstrate the change in the laws of resistance from laminar to turbulent flow and calculate the critical Reynolds number. Reynolds numbers are used to determine the type of flow, whether it is laminar (Re < 2000), turbulent (Re > 4000), or in the transition range.
Two flow scenarios were investigated: lower flow and higher flow.
For the lower flow experiment, a header tank was used, while for the higher flow experiment, the test pipe was connected to a hydraulic bench. Measurements of water collection and time taken were recorded for both flow rates. Friction losses in pipes can be categorized into major head losses and minor head losses, which may occur due to bending, contraction, valves, and other factors contributing to friction loss.
This experiment aimed to measure and investigate friction loss in a pipe across a range of flow rates, with a focus on how the friction factor varies with Reynolds number by controlling and changing the fluid's flow rate in the pipe.
Bernoulli's equation was employed to calculate head losses, which result from wall friction in the pipe and sticky forces between fluid layers.
The differential and flow rate were recorded at each step.
Head Differences (H1 - H2) | 449 mm |
---|---|
Volume Flow (m³/s) | 0.000009375 m³/s |
Velocity (m/s) | 1.32640 m/s |
Hydraulic Gradient (I) | 0.857 |
Friction Coefficient (λ) | 0.05044 |
Volume Flow (m³/s) | 0.000016269 m³/s |
---|---|
Velocity (m/s) | 2.302 m/s |
Hydraulic Gradient (I) | 3.817 |
Friction Coefficient (λ) | 0.2247 |
A clear transition is observed in the lower flow results of this experiment. The flow of a viscous fluid can be either laminar or turbulent, depending on the velocity. Low velocities correspond to laminar flow, while high velocities indicate turbulent flow. The critical factor is the Reynolds number, which determines the transition into turbulent flow and the breakdown of laminar motion.
If the Reynolds number is less than 2000, the flow is laminar; if it is greater than 4000, the flow is turbulent, and if it falls between 2000 and 4000, it is in transition. The discrepancies in collected results and values during the laboratory work can be attributed to errors that may have occurred during the experiment.
Three types of errors were encountered during the experiment: apparatus errors, personal errors, and natural errors. Apparatus errors may result from incorrect setup by the technician, such as improper pipe connections. Personal errors, including incorrect readings from the manometer in the lower flow rate, can significantly affect the final calculations. Additionally, issues with the stopwatch, such as a broken start/stop button, influenced the accuracy of time measurements. Lastly, a lack of sufficient knowledge among students may have led to various experiment-related errors.
To improve the experiment's accuracy, students should gather more information before the lab session and strive for precision in all tasks. Awareness of potential errors and careful execution can contribute to more reliable results.
The critical value represented by the Reynolds number serves as the criterion for the transition from laminar to turbulent flow. This lab report aimed to describe the operation of friction losses in a pipe system and shed light on errors that may affect the experiment's accuracy. The primary focus was on investigating friction losses in a small bore horizontal pipe across a range of flow rates.
Item No. | Activity/Equipment/Materials, etc. | Hazard | Person at Risk | Severity | Likelihood | Risk Rating | Control Measure Required | Final Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The hydraulic bench | Movable rig | Student | 1 | 5 | L | Make sure the wheels are locked | Green (Acceptable) |
2 | Tangy Wires | Electric shock | Student | 4 | 5 | H | Test for electrical safety or pat test | Red (Unacceptable risk) |
3 | Wires | Trip on a wire | Student | 2 | 5 | L | Don't stand on a wire or be vigilant | Green (Acceptable) |
4 | Splashing water on floor from the apparatus | Slip on water (General trips) | Student | 2 | 5 | L | Avoid standing in water, try to clean it | Green (Acceptable) |
5 | Adjusting the pressure circle | Manual handling injury (repetitive strain) | Student | 2 | 2 | L | Be careful while adjusting | Green (Acceptable) |
6 | Machine noise while doing the experiment | Exposure to noise | Student | 2 | 6 | M | Wear something to close your ears to avoid the noise | Yellow (Needs attention and control measures to reduce the risk) |
7 | Splashing of water | Exposure to specified harmful substances by inhalation/skin contact/ingestion | Student | 1 | 2 | L | Wear safety gloves and robe during the experiment | Green (Acceptable) |
8 | Water | Legionella bacteria hazard | Student | 6 | 4 | H | Technician should regularly monitor water | Red (Unacceptable risk) |
9 | While checking the header tank | Fall from the bench or the thing that one was standing on | Student or technician | 4 | 2 | L | Carefully stand on it | Green (Acceptable) |
Friction Loss in a Pipe System: Lab Report. (2024, Jan 04). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/friction-loss-in-a-pipe-system-lab-report
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