LAMINAR & TURBULENT FLOW IN PIPES

6..1 Objectives To develop a relationship between the friction factor and the Reynolds number for laminar and turbulent flow in horizontal pipes. To measure velocity profiles of turbulent flow in pipes and compare the experimental results with empirical correlations. 6.2 Theory Laminar and turbulent flow in pipes (circular tubes) has been treated in 06-152 and in Denn, Chapters 3 and 5. Also see Chapter 5 entitled "Flow of Incompressible Fluids in Conduits and Thin Layers," pp 73-86, in McCabe, Smith and Harriott, Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering. 6.3 Experimental Friction factor and Reynolds Number In this experiment, the Fanning friction factor, defined as
( P ) gc D 2 H OV 2 L
2

f =

is measured as a function of the Reynolds number, NRe = DV/ ,over a range covering both laminar and turbulent flow regimes for water. While collecting data, make an approximate calculation of the Reynolds number for each condition to be certain that a proper range of Reynolds numbers is being used. The "blue" apparatus (Fig. 1) will be used in this experiment. This apparatus has two flow networks supplied by two pumps. The small diameter network will be used to yield data for the laminar flow regime by using the smaller pump and the 0.125 inch ID tube. Turbulent flow can be investigated in the 2.00, 1.025, and 0.545 inch ID tubes by use of the main recirculation system (large pump). The pressure drop over a section of a pipe is measured directly with a manometer. The calculation of the Reynolds number requires a knowledge of a volumetric flow rate which is most easily measured with an orifice meter and the second manometer. The values of orifice coefficient for calculating volumetric flow rate from the manometer reading will be given. For the principles of manometers and orifice meters, see 06-152 lecture notes. For flow through the smallest tube, the flow rate can be determined by the timed amount of fluid volume drained into the graduated cylinder. Be careful to allow some bypass for the pumps in most situations. Also application of the excessive pressure drop across the manometer will blow the mercury out of the manometer. A toggle valve has been placed between the leads to the manometer (Fig 1). When the toggle valve is open (the handle is straight up) the pressure drop across the manometer legs is reduced due to the flow through the valve. Keep the valve in the open position when changing the flow rate and when the pump is turned on or off. To make a pressure reading, slowly close the toggle valve, wait until an equilibrium pressure is obtained and observe the height of the mercury.

1/8" brass 0.125" I.D. 1/2" brass 0.545" I.D. 1" copper 1.025" I.D.

2" plexiglass 2.00" I.D.

pressure tap valve orifice pitot tube

Reservoir

Figure 1. Laminar/Turbulent Flow System.

to manometer

2.00 "

movable impact tube 0.0625 " O.D.

Figure 2. Simple Pitot Tube. The temperature of the water will change during the course of the experiment. Be sure to measure water temperature at various times during the experiment. Velocity profile of turbulent flow

An impact tube (simple pitot tube) (Fig. 2) will be used to measure local velocity of flowing water across the diameter of the largest tube (2.00"ID). A discussion of the principle and operation of an impact tube can be found in 06-152 lecture notes. The impact tube measures the difference between the dynamic and static pressures of the flowing fluid and the pressure difference allows the calculation of fluid velocity at the tip of the impact tube. The tube is positioned with a wheel and gear device attached to a dial indicator which measures position in 1/1000 of an inch. Relevant data for flow measurement is given below. Dimensions 0.125 0.545 1.025 2.00 Orifice Coefficients, k none 0.0044 0.0182 0.0440

1/8 Brass 1/2 copper tube 1 copper tube 2 plexiglass

Measure velocity profiles for a least two flow rates, one at the high end of the manometer scale and the other at the low end. The pressure drop should be read at 0.100 inch intervals in the turbulent core and 0.05 inch or 0.025 inch intervals as the probe nears the wall. When moving the pitot tube allow enough time for the new P to come to equilibrium; usually 30 to 60 seconds. Since the pump will raise the water temperature during the course of the experiment, be sure to measure the fluid temperature at intervals during the experiment. Startup procedure 1. Turn the main pump switch on and attach the leads from a mercury manometer to the orifice fittings on the pipe. The orifice meter will be used to measure the bulk flow rate in the pipe. Slowly close the toggle valve on the manometer and adjust the flow rate through the pipe to a Dh of the manometer of about 20 to 25 inches of mercury. Make sure one of the other pipes in the circuit is open to act as a bypass for the pump at lower flow rates. Position the impact tube in the center of the pipe and slowly close the toggle valve on the manometer attached to the tube. Observe the pressure drop. If the manometer is in danger of blowing (indicating fluid within 1.5 inches of the top) reduce the flow rate. If the pressure drop is too low, increase the flow rate to a safe higher level. Note: when the toggle is first closed or the flow rate is changed, the time required for the pressure drop to come to equilibrium is longer, about 3 or 4 minutes, then when moving the tube to measure the profile. Always make sure all manometer toggle valves are open before shut down, start up or large changes in the flow rate!!! This will prevent blowing of the manometer and extra time in the lab.

2.

3.

4.

6.4 Treatment of Data Friction factor and Reynolds Number Calculate the Fanning friction factor and Reynolds number from the data collected. Correlate the friction factor as a function of the Reynolds number in a power form for both laminar and turbulent flow. Compare your results with the theoretical relationship for laminar flow and some of the existing correlations for turbulent flow. Velocity Profile of Turbulent Flow

 Calculate local fluid velocities from the impact tube measurements. Represent the measured velocity profile by the "power rule" and evaluate the constant n. (See 06152 lecture notes) Compare your value of n with the generally accepted n = 1/7. Calculate u+ and y+ from friction factor and local velocity. Represent the measured velocity profile in the form of the universal velocity distribution law and evaluate constants A and B. (See 06-152 lecture notes). Compare your values of A and B with those found in the literature. Perform an integration using local velocity to find the volumetric flow rate and compare it with the value obtained by orifice meter measurement. 6.5 Discussion questions and points Friction factor and Reynolds Number If the experimental relationship between the friction factor and Reynolds number for laminar flow disagrees with theory, suggest reasons for the disagreement. For the turbulent flow regime, discuss how closely the experimental friction factor agrees with some of the existing correlations of the friction factor chart (e.g. McCabe, Smith and Harriott; "Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering," Fig 5-9, p. 88). Explain if disagreements are found. Velocity Profile of Turbulent Flow Which of the forms, the power rule or the universal velocity distribution, better represents the experimental profile? Explain disagreements if any between your results and the literature. Is the local velocity data consistent with the volumetric flow measured by the orifice meter? Can your data reveal the thickness of the laminar sublayer and the buffer layer?

6.6 Prelab for Laminar & Turbulent Flow in Pipes Questions 1. How does the value of f measured depend on flow rate and the specific gravity of the manometer fluid used? Calculations 1. Plot f vs. NRe for the following correlations. f = 16/NRe f = 0.079/NRe.25 2. 0 < NRe < 2100 4000 < NRe < 105

The following sample data was collected for the 1/8 in. dia. tube. ? p(in. Hg) V (m/s) 12.2 1.5 11.4 1.4 8.95 1.14 6.3 0.9 3.3 0.6

Calculate and plot f vs. NRe. Does the data obtained agree with your expectation based on prior work? 3. Calculate u/umax for y/R = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 based on the 1/7 power rule correlation for the velocity profile in turbulent flow. The following velocity profile data was taken in the 2 in. Plexiglas tube. Porifice = 17.4 in. Hg y/R P 1.0 3.9 0.9 3.9 Q(ft3/s) = 0.044 h1/2 (ft H2O) 0.8 3.9 0.7 3.8 0.6 3.8 0.5 3.7 0.4 3.6 0.3 3.4 0.2 3.0 0.1 2.8

4.

Calculate u/umax and compare the actual profile to the 1/7 power correlation. Lab Planning 1. What is the maximum flowrate that should be studied for laminar flow in the apparatus? 2. Submit a workplan and schedule.