HYDRAULICS LABORATORY

Experiment No.11
Pipe Network Flow Analysis

Pipes normally are run from a common junction so that they can distribute at different
segments of an area. Problems concerning flow rates and head loss in each of the
pipes in parallel are concerns of engineers.
Flow in Pipe System
In analyzing flow through two or more parallel pipes, the continuity and energy energy
equations must be satisfied:
For continuity,

Q = Q1 + Q2 + + Qn

For head loss relations.

hL = hL1 = hL2 = hLn

If there are several pipes in parallel, or in series, or in a combination of both, it is

convenient to express the head loss in the pipe system by
hL = kQx

or

hL = kLQx

where k is dependent on the length, diameter, arrangement, fluid properties, and

roughness of the pipes. The Darcy-Weisbach formula gives the value of x varying from
1.75 for smooth pipes to 2.0 for rough pipes at high Reynolds number.
Experimentally, the head loss in parallel connection may be determined. In theory, in
the absence of any machine in any pipe in parallel, the individual head losses for pipes
in parallel are equal. For a three-type system this translate to,
hL = hL1 = hL2 = hL3

Under a common elevation, and assuming minor losses as small or negligible, the head
loss may be taken as the difference in pressure, P, between two points in each pipe.
Similarly, the flow rate on pipe 1, Q1, added to the flow rate in pipe 2, Q2, and the flow
rate in pipe 3, Q3, totals the flow rate going in and out of the system, Qin = Qout. Hence,
Q = Q1 + Q 2 + Q3
For a steady, incompressible flow,
A1V1 + A2V2 + A3V3 = Qin
EXPT.No.11

HYDRAUL

HYDRAULICS LABORATORY

But;

can be considered as a constant kn.

It follows that, in terms of V1,

A1V1 + A2 (k1/k2)1/2 V1 + A3(k1/k3)1/2 V1 = Qin
In the last equation, the value of V1 can be solved, and similarly the value of Q 1. It also
follows that velocities 2 and 3 can be solved simultaneously. To check for experimental
errors, the sum of the flow rate in each pipe must be equal to the computed total flow
rate.
I.

Experiment Objectives
The objective of this experiment is to verify validity of continuity and head loss relations
in a pipe network in parallel.

II.

Materials and Apparatuses Required

The apparatuses necessary to perform this experiment are the following:

III.

Hydraulic Bench
Pipe Assembly
Stopwatch

Procedures
1. Attach the pipe apparatus to the hydraulics bench. Make sure all valves are fully
open. The outlet valve shall control the pressure in the pipes.
2. A partially open outlet valve will produce greater pressure.
3. Turn the hydraulics bench on and allow water to flow into the system.
4. Start with a high pressure difference between sections as the initial trial.
5. Take note of the readings in the pressure gauges in each pipe.
6. Measure the flow rate by taking the time it takes to fill the volumetric tank with 15
liters of water.
7. Repeat the procedure for various flow rates and/or pressure differences.

EXPT.No.11

HYDRAUL

HYDRAULICS LABORATORY

IV.

HYDRAUL

Laboratory Data

Temperature of Water
: ___________
Nominal diameter of pipes: ___________
Actual diameter of pipes: ____________
Length between gauges: ___________

Friction factor: _________

Head loss between two sections.

Trial Volume Time

#
(liters) (sec)

Flow
Rate
(m3/s)

Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure

Reading, Reading, Reading, Reading, Reading,
pipe1 P1 pipe1, P2 Pipe2, P1 Pipe2, P2 Pipe3, P1
(N/m2)
(N/m2)
(N/m2)
(N/m2)
(N/m2)

Pressure
Reading,
Pipe3, P2
(N/m2)

1
2
3
4
5

EXPT.No.11

HYDRAULICS LABORATORY

V.

Observations
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VI.

Conclusions
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EXPT.No.11

HYDRAUL