Exp2 - Guide Questions

1.
What is the effect of the average velocity on the pressure drop of the fluid across the valve or
fitting? In addition, why is the value of Kf larger for laminar flow? You might need to use the
smallest pipe diameter and the half-opened globe valve in the simulator to observe this
phenomenon.
The pressure drop varies directly with the velocity of the fluid. Fluids require a certain
amount of energy or pressure to increase or decrease its speed. Fluids at high velocities require
higher amount of pressure whereas less pressure is needed for low velocities. Therefore, the
value of pressure drop depends on the velocity of the fluid. Fluids with higher pressure required
yield to a greater pressure drop. Hence, the direct proportion between the average velocity and
the pressure drop of fluid.
Kf is the form friction coefficient which indicates the velocity head lost or the decrease
of pressure required due to fluids passing through valves, fittings, or obstructions. In fluids at
low velocities, laminar flow, less amount of pressure is required for its speed. Therefore, its form
friction coefficient is larger. Based on the equation in relation of velocity of fluid (u) and friction
loss (Kf), these variables are inversely proportional with each other. Thus, lower values of
velocity would result to a larger K f.
2. Explain the magnitude of form friction in terms of the physical characteristics of the valve or
fitting (shape, form, internal structure, etc.). Think like a fluid and characterize the travel
through the valve or fitting. What would give a high or low value of form friction loss?
One of the main differences between valves and fittings is the behavior and direction of
the fluid flowing because of their different characteristics. Valves, such as Swing check valve and
Fully opened gate valve, are used to open and close or control the passageway of fluid. Fittings,
like 90° Elbow fitting, change the flow direction of fluid.
The gate valve produced the lowest calculated frictional loss because of the very little
flow resistance exerted when the fluid is passing through a fully opened valve. The average
velocity of this valve has the highest value due to very small disturbance to fluid flow. Thus, it
resulted to a low Kf because of its inverse proportion to fluid velocity.
Swing check valve contains a disk inside that can be fully opened when the pressure of
the inlet fluid overcomes the weight of the disk and the outlet pressure. Because of this
condition, the height difference from the manometer increases abruptly at low fluid velocities.
This is because as the flowrate of fluid increases, the disk does not fully open immediately. Thus,
the pressure from the inlet continues to increase compared to the outlet side resulting to a large
pressure drop. The swing check valve produced the highest friction loss due to a large
energy/pressure loss when the fluid needed to pass through the disk.
The 90° Elbow fitting has the same diameter from its inlet and outlet therefore the fluid
velocity is the same in a certain given diameter. However, there are still pressure loss through
the fittings when the direction of flow changed. The calculated friction loss from fittings is in
between swing check valve and fully opened gate valve. This is because elbow fittings have an
open passage of fluid like the fully opened gate valve but has a small flow disturbance due to the
angled fitting.
3. What do you think is the utility of the concept of the equivalent length of valves and fittings?
Explain the possible practical applications to the design of piping systems with valves and
fittings.
The importance of determining the equivalent length of valves and fittings is to know
what type of valves and fittings is equivalent to a straight pipe but has more functions and
advantages. Valves and fittings can be classified by its functionality however they can be
different in characteristics such as surface roughness, etc. Therefore, it is important to know the
concept of equivalent length because these characteristics needed to be considered compared
to a straight pipe but still produces the same pressure drop.
Some advantages of valves and fittings is to control and change the direction of the fluid
flow. Water flow meters are one of the piping systems that involves valves and fittings. Each
water meter has its own valve which you can control the amount of water flowing into different
water lines of your house. To be able to transport water through this different water lines is
through various fittings because it can change and provide more directions of fluid flow.

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