Practical 3: Friction and Minor Losses in Pipes

Slides and notes as PDF (502KB)

1. Select a pipe and pass a high speed flow through it. Record flow and pressure readings. The pressure loss between upstream and centre, and centre and downstream tapping points must be taken separately. Reduce the flow in stages, taking readings of pressure loss and flow rate
2. Repeat for all pipes
3. Establish one flow rate in the minor losses line and record pressure levels across each device. Note that a length of pipe between tapping points also contributes to the observed pressure loss.

The image above is of the friction loss experimental rig showing the different pipes travelling off of the main yellow down pipe.