KNC 1101

CHEMICAL ENGINEEERING LABORATORY I

LABORATORY MANUAL
SEMESTER 2
SESSION 2015/2016

Faculty of Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering & Energy Sustainability
OUTLINE

Topic Page
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 List of Experiment
2.1 Parallel & Series pump test rig 2
2.2 Osborne Reynolds Theorem Demonstration 9
2.3 Bernoulli's Theorem Demonstration 12
2.4 Liquid Mixing Equipment 18
2.5 Friction Measurement Unit 21
2.6 Flow Rates and Pressure Measurement Unit 25
2.7 Particle Drag Coefficients 29

Appendix A : Evacuation Map for Fluid Mechanic Laboratory (Ground Floor) 33

Appendix B : Evacuation Map for Thermodynamic Laboratory (Ground Floor) 34
1.0 INTRODUCTION

The course covers experimental activities on various thermofluid process in chemical

engineering process. It also includes laboratory practices on how to observe thermofluid
behavior and study their properties. Finally, the students are exposed to the analysis of flow
measuring devices (pipe loses, valves, pump), heat in a process and refrigeration/air-
conditioning systems.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Analyze the experimental result based on thermodynamics or fluid mechanics

principles [C4].
2. Perform laboratory skills in developing experimental techniques involving
thermodynamics and fluid mechanics [P5].
3. Communicate their idea and knowledge in appropriate principles of thermodynamics
and fluid mechanics [CS]
4. Demonstrate their role as a competent leader and/or a valuable team member in
managing teamwork [TS]

1
 EXPERIMENT 2.1
Series & Parallel Pump Performance

2
INTRODUCTION

Pumps are used in almost all aspects of industry and engineering from feeds to reactors
and distillation columns in chemical engineering to pumping storm water in civil and
environmental. They are an integral part of engineering and an understanding of how they work
is important.

Centrifugal pump is one of the most widely used pumps for transferring liquids. This is
for a number of reasons. Centrifugal pumps are very quiet in comparison to other pumps. They
have a relatively low operating and maintenance costs. Centrifugal pumps take up little floor
space and create a uniform and non-pulsating flow.

Serial / Parallel Pump Test Rig is specially designed to demonstrate the operating
characteristics of centrifugal pump in series, parallel or single pump operation. The training
unit operates in close loop.

Objective of the Experiment

1. To study the characteristics of single pump operation with variable flow rate and
pump speeds.
2. To study the characteristics of pump-in-parallel and pump-in-series operation with
variable flowrate and pump speeds.
3. To compare the performance of both setting of pump.

Prior Knowledge
1. Fluid dynamics (fluid in motion)
2. Volume-flow measurement

Materials and Equipment

7
3

6
5

4
1
2

Figure 1.1: Serial / Parallel Pump Test Rig (Model: FM 07B)

1. Pump, P1
2. Pump, P2
3. Water Tank
4. Speed Sensor, SP 1
5. Speed Sensor, SP 2

3
 6. Pressure Gauge
7. Pressure Transmitter

The unit consists of the followings:

a) Dimension
The unit has a dimension of 1.10 m (L) 0.65 m (W) 0.70 m (H).

b) Interchangeable Impeller
The unit is delivered with three impellers in total, one with forward curved blades and
two with backward curved blades.

c) Pumps
Two units of Horizontal Single Stage Centrifugal Pump (P1) and (P2)

d) Circulation Tank
A transparent PVC water tank is provided to supply water to P1 and P2.

e) Flowrate and pump head, speed and power indicators.

All indicators are displayed in its respective engineering unit. No conversion is
required.

f) Process piping
The process piping is made of industrial PVC pipes. Valves used are nonferrous to
minimize rust and corrosion.
g) Selector switch
The selector switch allows the selection of system operates either with 1 pump or 2
pumps (series/parallel).

h) Digital indicator
There are 4 digital indicators located at the front panel for displaying of flow rate, pump
head, power and speed indicators.

1. Power indicator: Indicated value is in Watt.

2. Speed indicator: Indicated value is in Revolution Per Minute (RPM).
3. Flow indicator: Indicated value is in Liters Per Minute (LPM).
4. Pressure Indicator: Indicated value is in percentage of the maximum value

Pressure Transmitter 1 (PT1) 0-4 bar (abs)

Pressure Transmitter 2 (PT2) 0-4 bar (abs)
Pressure Transmitter 3 (PT3) 0-4 bar (abs)

i) Data Acquisition System

The Data Acquisition System consists of a personal computer, software and I/O
hardware. The I/O hardware is linked to computer by means of a RS232 communication
cable and is connected to the computer with a 9 pin D-Shell connector.

4
 Instruments that are permanently installed are turbine flowmeters (FT) for measuring
water flow rate, pressure transmitters (PT) for measuring the pump head and a power
transducer to measure the motor input power. There are 2 speed sensors to measure pump
speed for P1 and P2, respectively.

FT

V5
PT3

V6 V2
P2
Circulation Tank

PT2

V3
V1

PT1

V4
P1
Drain Valve

Figure 1.2: Process diagram for Serial / Parallel Pump Test Rig

5
METHODOLOGY
A. Precaution

1. Never operate the pumps when there is no liquid in the pipeline. It will cause serious
damage to the pumps. (Water Level above PVC pipe 10 cm)
2. Do not operate pump above and below its limit as given below:

Orientation Minimum Flowrate (LPM) Maximum Flowrate (LPM)

Single 40 120
Series 40 120
Parallel 40 240

B. General Start-up Procedure

Before conducting any experiment, it is necessary to do the following checking to avoid

any misused and malfunction of equipment.
1. The circulation tank is filled with water.
2. Make sure V5 is in fully close position.
3. Switch on the main power supply.
4. Turn on the main switch on the control panel. Ensure all digital indicators illuminate.
5. Turn on the computer and activate the data acquisition software.
6. Check for the following valve position.

Pump Operation Running Pump Fully Open Valve Fully Close Valve
Single Pump 1, P1 V1, V4 V2, V3
Parallel Both Pump, P1 & P2 V1, V2, V4 V3

7. Turn on the pump and slowly open V5 until maximum flowrate is achieved.
Follow the experiment procedure to determine the desired flowrate.
8. Use the pump speed selector switch to monitor the pump speed.
9. Use the pressure selector switch to monitor the pressure in the pipe.
10. Turn the pump speed controller clockwise to increase pump speed or anti- clockwise to
decrease the pump speed.

C. Experiment Procedure

1. Follow the basic procedure as written in A.

2. For first task, ensure that all setting follows the equipment set up.

Fully Open Variable

Fully Close Valve Pump ON
Valve Parameter
V2 & V3 V1 & V4 V5 Pump 1

3. Test the pump characteristics under the following condition and records the data.
Maximum motor speed at 3000 RPM; varied V5 opening (Take 5 readings)

6
 4. Repeat step 2. Use following setting

Fully Close Fully Open Variable

Pump ON
valve Valve parameter
V3 V1, V2 & V4 V5 Both Pump

5. Repeat again step 2. Use following setting

Fully Close Fully Open Variable

Pump ON
valve Valve parameter
V2 & V4 V1 & V3 V5 Both Pump

6. Test the pump characteristics under the following condition and records the data.
Maximum motor speed at 3000 RPM; varied V5 opening (Take 5 readings)

D. General Shut-down Procedures

1. Turn off the pump.

2. Make sure valve V5 is in fully close position.
3. Turn off the main switch on the control panel.
4. Shut down the computer.
5. Switch off the main power supply.

7
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A. Single pumps operation with variable flow rate

Flow Pump
Speed Power PT1 PT3 PT3- PT1 Efficiency
rate head, H
(RPM) (Watt) (bar) (bar) (bar) (%)
(LPM) (m)
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

B. Series pumps operation with variable flow rate

Flow Pump
Speed Power PT1 PT3 PT3- PT1 Efficiency
rate head, H
(RPM) (Watt) (bar) (bar) (bar) (%)
(LPM) (m)
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

C. Parallel pumps operation with variable flow rate

Flow Pump
Speed Power PT1 PT3 PT3- PT1 Efficiency
rate head, H
(RPM) (Watt) (bar) (bar) (bar) (%)
(LPM) (m)
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

1. Plot pressure difference pump head (m) versus flow rate in one graph for all settings
(single, series & parallel) condition.
2. Plot efficiency versus flow rate in one graph for all settings condition.
3. Compare and discuss the pump performance for all pump operation condition.

Hint: Overall efficiency, power (fluid), volumetric flowrate, pump head

8
 EXPERIMENT 2.2
Osborne Reynolds Theorem
Demonstration

9
INTRODUCTION

The theory is named in honor of Osborne Reynolds, a British engineer who discovers
the variables that can be used as a criterion to distinguish between laminar and turbulent flow.
The Reynolds number is widely used dimensionless parameters in fluid mechanics

Objective of the Experiment

1. To compute Reynolds number (R)
2. To observe the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow

Prior Knowledge
1. Fluid dynamics (fluid in motion)
2. Volume-flow measurement

Materials and Equipment

1. Osborne Reynolds demonstration unit
2. Camera
Note: Please bring your own camera. You can use camera from your handphone.
Please ensure that you capture a clear picture.
3. Tap water
4. Stopwatch
5. Beaker (100 ml)
6. Measurement Cylinder (100 ml)

METHODOLOGY
Experiment Procedure
1. Lower the dye injector until it is seen in the glass tube
2. Establish water supply by connecting the inlet hose to a water source
3. Open the inlet valve and allow water to enter stilling tank.
4. Ensure a small overflow spillage through the over flow tube to maintain a constant
level.
5. Allow water to settle for a few minutes. Check for any leaking.
6. Open the flow control valve fractionally to let water flow through the visualizing
tube.
7. Fill up the dye reservoir with the blue ink
8. Slowly adjust the dye control needle valve until a slow flow with dye injection is
achieved
9. Regulate the water inlet and outlet valve until it reach 15 ml/s.
10. Observe the ink pattern in observation tube and take the picture. Include that picture
in your discussion (Question 2).
11. Repeat the experiment by regulating water inlet and outlet to 20, 30, 40 and 60 ml/s

10
 12. After finish the experiment, stop water supply and drain the stilling tank.
13. Ensure that all of you fill up instrument user book.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. What is the Reynolds Number for each flow rate and type of the flow?

Flow rate, Q (mL/s)

Reynolds Number Type of Flow *
(approximate)
15
20
30
40
60
70
* Laminar / Turbulent / Transitional

Additional Information:
Diameter of the pipe, D = 0.0148 m
Area, A = 1.72 104 2

2. Based on your observation, discuss what are the differences between laminar, turbulent
and transitional flow? Support your answer with the visual that you take for each flow
rate.

11
 EXPERIMENT 2.3
Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration

12
INTRODUCTION

Bernoulli's law states that if a non-viscous fluid is flowing along a pipe of varying cross
section, then the pressure is lower at constrictions where the velocity is higher, and the pressure
is higher where the pipe opens out and the fluid stagnate. Many people find this situation
paradoxical when they first encounter it (higher velocity, lower pressure).

According to the Bernoullis theorem of fluid flow through a pipe, the total head at any
cross section is constant. In a real flow due to friction and other imperfections, as well as
measurement uncertainties, the results will deviate from the theoretical ones.

In this experimental setup, the centerline of all the cross sections are considering lie on
the same horizontal plane (which we may choose as the datum, z = 0, and thus, all the z values
are zeros

Objective of the Experiment

1. To demonstrate Bernoullis Theorem
2. To compare the result calculation using Bernoullis equation and continuity equation

Prior Knowledge
1. Fluid dynamics (fluid in motion)
2. Bernoullis law : Venturi Meter

Materials and Equipment

2
7

3 8

4
9

Figure 1.1: Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration Unit (Model: FM24)

1. Manometer Tubes
2. Test Section
3. Water Inlet

13
 4. Unions
5. Air Bleed Screw
6. Flow Control Valve
7. Gland Nut
8. Hypodermic Probe
9. Adjustable Feet

Air bleed screw

Manometer tubes

Unions

Gland Nut

Hypodermic probe

Water inlet Test section Adjustable feet

Figure 1.2: Front View of Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration Unit

Water outlet

Flow control valve

Additional tapping

Figure 1.3: Top View of Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration Unit

The unit consists of the followings:

a) Venturi
The venturi meter is made of transparent acrylic with the following specifications:
Throat diameter : 16 mm
Upstream Diameter : 26 mm
Designed Flow Rate : 20 LPM

14
 b) Manometer
There are eight manometer tubes; each length 320 mm, for static pressure and total
head measuring along the venturi meter.
The manometer tubes are connected to an air bleed screw for air release as well as
tubes pressurization.
c) Baseboard
The baseboard is epoxy coated and designed with 4 height adjustable stands to level
the venturi meter.
d) Discharge Valve
One discharge valve is installed at the venturi discharge section for flow rate control.
e) Connections
Hose Connections are installed at both inlet and outlet.
f) Hydraulic Bench
Sump tank : 120 litres
Volumetric tank : 100 litres
Centrifugal pump : 0.37 kW, 50 LPM

METHODOLOGY
A. General Start-up Procedures

The Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration (Model: FM 24) is supplied ready for use and
only requires connection to the Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM 110) as follows:
1. Ensure that the clear acrylic test section is installed with the converging section
upstream. Also check that the unions are tighten (hand tight only). If necessary to
dismantle the test section then the total pressure probe must be withdrawn fully (but not
pulled out of its guide in the downstream coupling) before releasing the couplings.
2. Locate the apparatus on the flat top of the bench.
3. Attach a spirit level to baseboard and level the unit on top of the bench by adjusting the
feet.
4. Fill water into the volumetric tank of the hydraulic bench until approximately 90% full.
5. Connect the flexible inlet tube using the quick release coupling in the bed of the
channel.
6. Connect a flexible hose to the outlet and make sure that it is directed into the channel.
7. Partially open the outlet flow control valve at the Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration
unit.
8. Fully close the bench flow control valve, V1 then switch on the pump.
9. Gradually open V1 and allow the piping to fill with water until all air has been expelled
from the system.
10. Also check for Trapped Bubbles in the glass tube or plastic transfer tube. You would
need to remove them from the system for better accuracy.
Note:
To remove air bubbles, you will have to bleed the air out as follow:
a. Get a pen or screw driver to press the air bleed valve at the top right side of
manometer board.

15
 b. Press air bleed valve lightly to allow fluid and trapped air to escape out. (Take care
or you will wet yourself or the premise). Allow sufficient time for bleeding until all
bubbles escape.
11. At this point, you will see water flowing into the venturi and discharge into the
collection tank of hydraulic bench.
12. Proceed to increase the water flowrate. When the flow in the pipe is steady and there is
no trapped bubble, start to close the discharge valve to reduce the flow to the maximum
measurable flow rate.
13. You will see that water level in the manometer tubes will begin to display different
level of water heights. If the water level in the manometer board is too low where it is
out of visible point, open V1 to increase the static pressure. If the water level is too
high, open the outlet control valve to lower the static pressure.
Note: The water level can be adjusted facilitate by the air bleed valve.
14. Adjust V1 and outlet control valve to obtain a flow through the test section and observe
that the static pressure profile along the converging and diverging sections is indicated
on its respective manometers. The total head pressure along the venture tube can be
measured by traversing the hypodermic tube.
Note:The manometer tube connected to the tapping adjacent to the outlet flow control
valve is used as a datum when setting up equivalent conditions for flow through test
section.
15. The actual flow of water can be measured using the volumetric tank with a stop watch.

B. Experiment Procedure

1. Perform the General Start-up Procedures in Section A.

2. Check that all manometer tubings are properly connected to the corresponding pressure
taps and are air-bubble free.
3. Adjust the discharge valve to a high measurable flow rate.
4. After the level stabilizes, measure the water flow rate using volumetric method.
5. Gently slide the hypodermic tube (total head measuring) connected to manometer #G,
so that its end reaches the cross section of the Venturi tube at #A. Wait for some time
and note down the readings from manometer #G and #A. The reading shown by
manometer #G is the sum of the static head and velocity heads, i.e. the total (or
stagnation) head (h*), because the hypodermic tube is held against the flow of fluid
forcing it to a stop (zero velocity). The reading in manometer #A measures just the
pressure head (hi) because it is connected to the Venturi tube pressure tap, which does
not obstruct the flow, thus measuring the flow static pressure.
6. Repeat step 5 for other cross sections (#B, #C, #D, #E and #F).
7. Repeat step 3 to 6 with three other decreasing flow rates by regulating the venturi
discharge valve.
8. Calculate the velocity, ViB using the Bernoullis equation where;
Vi 2 g (h8 hi )
9. Calculate the velocity, ViC using the continuity equation where
Vi_Con = Qav / Ai
10. Determined the difference between two calculated velocities.

16
C. General Shut-down Procedures

1. Close water supply valve and venturi discharge valve.

2. Turn off the water supply pump.
3. Drain off water from the unit when not in use.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Using Continuity
Using Bernoulli Equation Difference
Equation
Cross Section ViB = Ai = ViC =
h*=hG hi ViB-ViC
[2*g*(h* - hi )] 2
Di / 4 Qav / Ai
(mm) (mm) (m/s)
(m/s) (m2) (m/s)
A
B
C
D
E
F

Additional Information:
Throat Diameter, D3 (mm) = 16.0
Inlet Diameter, D3 (mm) = 26.0
Throat Area, At (m2) = 2.011 x 10-4
Inlet Area, Ai (m2) = 5.309 x 10-4

1. Discuss your result for each cross section.

2. Discuss why there are differences of your result between Bernoulli and continuity
equation?

17
 EXPERIMENT 2.4
Liquid Mixing Equipment

18
INTRODUCTION

This unit has been designed to introduce basics of liquid mixing system. The system is
widely used in the chemical and allied industries. Designing liquid mixing system requires
consideration of the type of mixing required, the mixing system capacity and the fluid
properties (particularly the fluid viscosity). In addition, the power requirement of the system
must be determined to ensure cost-effectiveness

Objective of the Experiment

1. To demonstrate the various flow patterns exhibited by different type of impellers
2. To observe the flow pattern

Prior Knowledge
1. Fluid dynamics (fluid in motion)

Materials and Equipment

1. Liquid mixing unit (Model: FM103)
2. Camera
3. Note: Please bring your own camera. You can use your own handphone camera.
Please ensure that you capture a clear picture.
4. Tap water
5. Measurement Cylinder (100 ml)

The unit consists of several components as described below:

a) Tank
A mixing tank made of clear acrylic material to demonstrate the flow process inside the
tank.
b) Mixer
A mixer head with adjustable through the shaft collet and shaft. The speed range is
between 20 and 900 RPM
c) Mixer Controller
Provide precise control of mixing speed
d) Impellers
5 different impellers are provided:
1. Turbine propeller (2)
2. Axial Flow Impeller (2.7)
3. Radial Flow Impller (small 2.0 , medium 2.5 , large 3.0 )
e) Mixing Beads
Highly visible, calibrated beads are used to stimulate particle in fluid. The yellow beads
are calibrated to 3.0 mm while the red beads are calibrated to 4.5 mm .

19
METHODOLOGY
A. General Start-up Procedures
1. Make sure the drain valve is fully closed before filling up of the mixing tank with
water
2. Attach the impeller to the end of the shaft and tighten it. Subsequently set the
propeller height to 100mm from the base
3. Turn on the power of the mixer controller
4. Enter the initial speed of the mixer and press start.

B. Experiment Procedure
1. Fill up of the mixing tank with water.
2. Attach the 3 radial flow flat blade impeller to the end of the shaft. Subsequently set
the propeller height to 100mm from the base.
3. Shut a hole at the bottom part of the tank using a cello tape.
4. Add a small quantity of yellow beads into the tank
5. Set the initial speed to 100 RPM and then increase the impeller speed in 100 RPM
increment until the beads are seen to swirl around the water. Observe the flow pattern
and then take a picture of flow pattern from front view and top view
6. Set baffles inside the mixing tank, then repeat step 4.
7. Repeat step 3 until 4 by using 2 radial flow flat blade impeller, turbine propeller and
axial flow impeller.

C. General Shut-down Procedures

1. Press the stop button to stop the mixer head
2. Drain the mixing tank off any liquid by removing the stopper at the base of the tank and
open the drain valve. Wash the mixing tank.
3. Turn off the power of the mixer controller

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Baffles in Angular speed (RPM) observation
Impeller Type
position 100 200 300 500
Radial flow (2.0) Yes
Radial flow (2.0) No
Radial flow (3.0) No
Turbine No
Axial Flow No

1. Discuss the effectiveness of each impeller type with or without baffles

2. Determine the best range of speed for each impeller and baffles configuration.
Explain your answer?
3. Discuss your observation on the performance of each impeller for different viscosity
of the materials used.

20
 EXPERIMENT 2.5
Friction Measurement Unit

21
INTRODUCTION

This unit is designed to allow the detailed study of the fluid friction head losses which
occur when an incompressible fluid flows through pipes, bends, valves and pipe flow metering
devices. Friction head losses in straight pipes of different sizes can be investigated over a range
of Reynolds numbers from 103 to nearly 105, thereby covering the laminar, transitional and
turbulent flow regimes in smooth pipes. In addition an artificially roughened pipe is supplied
which, at the higher Reynolds numbers, shows a clear departure from the typical smooth bore
pipe characteristics. Pipe friction is one of the classic laboratory experiments and has always
found a place in the practical teaching of fluid mechanics.

Objective of the Experiment

1. To determine the relationship between head loss due to fluid friction and velocity
for flow of water through smooth bore pipes
2. To calculate the head loss.

Prior Knowledge
1. Fluid dynamics (fluid in motion)
2. Fluid friction

Materials and Equipment

1. Fluid Friction Apparatus (Model : FM100)
2. Tap water
3. Measuring cylinder.
4. Vernier calliper

22
METHODOLOGY
A. General Start up Procedures
1. Ensure that the equipment is set up properly and the Hydraulic Bench is placed close to
the apparatus
7. Fill water into the sump tank of the hydraulic bench until approximately 90% full
8. Connect the water supply from hydraulics bench to fluid friction measurement
apparatus using a hose.
9. Connect a hose to the outlet and make sure that it is directed into the volumetric tank
10. Fully open the outlet flow control valve at the apparatus and direct the water flow
through the test section by switching the valves
11. Fully close the bench flow control valve, V1
12. Connect the main power supply and then switch on the pump
13. Gradually open the flow control valve for inlet flow and allow the piping to fill with
water until air has been expelled from the system.

2. Experiment

Test section:
a) 6 mm smooth bore pipe
b) 10 mm smooth bore pipe
c) 17 mm smooth bore pipe

1. Start-up the unit according to general procedures (Section A)

2. Turn or switch the valves (outlet or inlet valve) to the obtain flow of water, flow to the
test section only
3. Measures flow rates using the volumetric tank in conjunction with flow control valve
4. For small flow rates use the measuring cylinder in conjunction with flow control.
5. Measure head loss between the tapping using the differential pressure transmitter or
pressurised water manometer as appropriate.
6. Repeat the testing with different flowrate and obtain readings on test section
7. Measure the internal diameter of each test pipe sample using a Vernier caliper.

3. General Shut-Down Procedures

1. Switch off the water supply pump
2. Fully open all valves to drain off water from piping
3. Then fully close the inlet water supply valve on the hydraulics bench
4. Switch off the main power supply
5. Retain the water in sump tank for the next study session
6. If the water in the sump tank is not use for next study session, drain it off.

23
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
All reading should be tabulated as follows:
Test Section: 6 mm smooth bore pipe

Pipe
Volume, Flowrate, Q Velocity, u Head loss,
Time, T Diameter,
V (m3/s) (m/s) h Log u Log h
(S) d
(L) ( ) (mH2O)
(m)

Test Section: 10 mm smooth bore pipe

Pipe
Volume, Flowrate, Q Velocity, u Head loss,
Time, T Diameter,
V (m3/s) (m/s) h Log u Log h
(S) d
(L) ( ) (mH2O)
(m)

Test Section: 17 mm smooth bore pipe

Pipe
Volume, Flowrate, Q Velocity, u Head loss,
Time, T Diameter,
V (m3/s) (m/s) h Log u Log h
(S) d
(L) ( ) (mH2O)
(m)

1. Plot a graph h versus u for each size of pipe. Identify the laminar, transition and
turbulent zones on graph. Confirm that the graph is a straight line for the zone of laminar
flow ( )
2. Plot a graph of log h versus log u for each size of pipe. Confirm that the graph is a
straight line for the zone of turbulent flow (h )
3. Estimate the value of Reynolds number at the start and finish of the transition phase

24
 EXPERIMENT 2.6
Flow Rates and Pressure Measurement
Unit

25
INTRODUCTION

This unit is designed to operate together with a basic hydraulic bench or any water
supply. The purpose is to familiarize typical methods of flow measurement of an
incompressible fluid. The unit is able to demonstrate the flow measurement comparison by
using a venture device, orifice device and rotameter. The flow comparison can be further used
to compare against the flow measurement of the hydraulics bench which can be either by
Gravimetric or Volumetric method, depending on the type of hydraulics bench is use.

Objective of the Experiment

1. To obtain the flow rate measurement by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring
techniques: rotameter, wnturi meter and orifice meter
2. To compare the measurement of different techniques

Prior Knowledge
1. Fluid dynamics (fluid in motion)
2. Volume-flow measurement

Materials and Equipment

1. Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101)
2. Tap water
3. Measurement Cylinder (100 ml)

26
METHODOLOGY
A. General Operating Procedure

1. Fully close the flow control valve of hydraulic bench and fully open the discharge valve
2. Ensure that discharge hose is properly directed to sump tank of fiberglass before starting
up system. Also ensure that collection tank drain valve is left OPEN to allow flow
discharge back into sump tank.
3. Once step (b) is confirmed start up the pump supply from hydraulic bench. Open the
bench valve slowly. At this point, you will see water flowing from hydraulic bench
through to the flow apparatus and discharge through into the collection tank of
hydraulic bench and then drained back into sump tank hydraulic bench
4. Proceed to fully open the flow control valve. When the flow in the pipe is steady and
there is no trapped bubble, start to close the bench valve to reduce the flow to the
maximum measurable flow rate.
5. The water level in the manometer board will begin to display different level of water
heights (if the water level in the manometer board is to high where it is out of the visible
point, adjust the water level by using the saddle valve. With the maximum measurable
flow rate, retain maximum readings on manometer)
6. At this point, slowly reduce the flow by controlling the flow discharge valve of
apparatus: close this discharge valve totally.
7. The water level in the manometer board will begin to reach into a straight level. This
level maybe at the lower or higher end of the manometer board range (Take note that
the pump from the hydraulic bench still supplying water at certain pressure in the
system)
8. Watch for trapped bubble in the galss tube or plastic transfer tube. Remove the bubble
from the system so that the result will be more accurate. To remove it, slowly press the
plastics tube to push the bubbles up or lightly tab the glass tube to release the bubbles
upwards.

B. Experiment Procedure

1. Place apparatus on bench, connect inlet pipe to bench supply and outlet pipe into
volumetric tank
2. With the bench valve fully closed and the discharge valve fully opened, start up the
pump supply from hydraulic bench
3. Slowly open the bench valve until it is fully opened
4. When the flow in the pipe is steady and there is no trapped bubble, start to close the
bench valve to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
5. By using the air bleed screw, adjust the water level in the manometer board. Retain
maximum readings on manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate.
6. Note readings on manometers (I and J) and measured flow rate.
7. Repeat step 6 for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by utilising both
bench valve and discharge valve
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 C. General Shut-Down Procedures

1. Close water supply valve and venture discharge valve

2. Turn off the water supply pump
3. Darin off water from the unit when not in use

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

All reading should be tabulated as follows for:

A. The operation and characteristic of three different basic types of flowmeter

Flowrate calculate
Rota
Manometer reading (mm) using the Bernoullis
meter Vol. Time Flowrate, Equation (L/min)
(L/mi (L) (min) Q (L/min)
A B C D E F G H I J n) Venturi Orifice

B. The loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow

Differential Piezometer
Volume Time Flowrate, Q Head, V
(L) (Sec) (L/min) (mm) (m/s) (mm)
Elbow ( )

1. Plot a graph against 2 2 for 90 degree elbow to determine the coefficient of

losses. Explain the graph.
2. What are the differences between Rotameter, venture and Orifice?

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 EXPERIMENT 2.7
Particle Drag Coefficients

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INTRODUCTION

The particle drag coefficients (Model FM 102) has been designed for experiments on
the behaviour of particle-fluid systems. The unit comes with two glass mounted vertically and
illuminated from behind. Students shall be able to study the relationship between the drag
coefficients of falling particles and their Reynolds number value. The unit is also supplied with
particles of various shapes, sizes and densities and during the experiments students shall allow
single particles to fall through a number of different liquids contained in vertical glass tubes.
Objective of the Experiment
1. To determine the drag coefficients of spherical objects over a wide range Reynolds
number
2. To study the effects of boundary layer separation on motion of spherical objects

Prior Knowledge
1. Drag Coefficients

Materials and Equipment

1. Particles Drag Coefficients (Model: FM 102)
2. Detergent
3. Oil

Figure 1.1: Particles Drag Coefficients Unit

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 1. Glass Tubes
2. Drain Valves
3. Knob
4. Ball Valves

METHODOLOGY
A. Precautions

1. The apparatus should not be exposed to any shock and stresses.

2. Always wear protective clothing, shoes, helmet and goggles throughout the laboratory
session.
3. Always run the experiment after fully understand the unit and procedures.

B. Experiment Procedure

1. Fill the two tubes with clear liquids of different viscosities.

2. The spheres provided are of various sizes and materials; these are dropped one at a time
from the top of the tubes and allowed to fall to the bottom.
3. The passage between the 1m marks on the wall of the tubes being timed with a stop
watch and recorded.
4. When each sphere arrives at the recess in the base of the tubes, it is removed by turning
the valve through 180 by rotating the knob, then open the ball valve.
5. After collecting the sphere, the valve should be returned to the operating position.
6. Note: Important to remove each sphere as it reaches the valve, as two or more larger
spheres will prevent the valve from operating
7. Repeat the experiment for three times and calculate viscosity of liquid used.

C. General Shut-down Procedures

1. Liquids should be drained from the equipment after use and the tubes cleaned/flushed
with water and dried

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Enter your data in the table below
Type of Fluid: Cooking Oil

Length/Diameter Time Taken (s) Drag

Material Mass (g) Reynold's No Viscosity (kg/sm)
(mm) 1 2 3 Average Coefficient Oil
3.175
5.000
Mild 6.350
Steel
8.000
9.525

Type of Fluid: Detergent

Length/Diameter Time Taken (s) Drag

Material Mass (g) Reynold's No Viscosity (kg/sm)
(mm) 1 2 3 Average Coefficient Oil
3.175
5.000
Mild 6.350
Steel
8.000
9.525

1. Plot a graph Drag Coefficient versus Reynolds No

2. Discuss your result by take into consideration a theory behind it

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 APPENDIX A
Evacuation Map for Fluid Mechanic Laboratory (Ground Floor)

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 APPENDIX B
Evacuation Map for Thermodynamics Laboratory (Ground Floor)

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