LESSON 8 Pipe Networks

CVX4240 – Unit 4 Session 08: Pipe Network Analysis & Design
LESSON 08 Pipe Network Analysis & Design
AIM: To introduce the theories on designing of pipelines and simple pipe

networks.
OBJECTIVE: The student should be aware of the various factors considered in the
design of pipelines, and be able to perform pipe network analysis with
analytical and numerical methods.
8.1 Design of Pipelines:
Many engineering problems arise in the design of pipelines used in urban

water supply systems, the transportation of oil and gas over long
distances, sewerage systems and many other applications. There are
several factors which the designer must consider before he could start on
conventionalpipeline calculations outlined in earlier lessons. For example
he must decide on the exact path the pipeline will take, its position
relative to the ground surface, pipe material and possible location of
hydraulic machines. All these require careful thought and forward
planning.
S.A.Q. 01: Could you think of some of the criteria an Engineer would use in
deciding on,
(i) the path of the pipeline,
(ii) position of the pipeline relative to the ground surface, and
(iii) the pipe material.
Answer:
The Engineer's decision will depend on many criteria. The path of the
pipeline will depend on,
(a) the topography of the land, i.e. , the location of hills, valleys and rivers
to be crossed.,
(b) right of way or access to land, for instance it might not be possible to
run a petroleum pipeline through a residential area, or there might be
objections raised on environmental grounds which have to be
considered.
Whether the pipe is placed directly on the surface of the ground, on

trestles or below the surface depends upon the possibility of the fluid
Copyright@2020 The Open University of Sri Lanka 53

freezing or overheating if left exposed to the atmosphere, the use if any to

be made of the ground surface and the cost of siting it on trestles or use
ofheavier pipe in crossing a valley. Sometimes aesthetic considerations
such as whether a pipeline will spoil the landscape are raised.
A wide variety of materials are used for pipelines. Early water supply
systems frequently made use of wood stave pipes and sometimes even
hollow logs were used. Cast iorn and steel are now sometimes used for
large pipes. Reinforced concrete and other moulded material are also
used for large pipes. Ceramic glazed material is used in sewerage
systems, where the corrosive action of waste material will damage other
materials. Copper tubing is used for feedlines in the brewing industry.
Recently PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) pipes are being used for light to
medium duty applications. For example, it is used almost exclusively in
domestic water supply schemes. PVC pipes are easy to install and
maintain and does not expand or contract that easily with temperature
fluctuations.
The length of the pipeline will depend on its path, the other major criteria
to be determined would be its minimum diameter and thickness. The
minimum diameter is generally limited by the desired discharge rate and
the maximum permissible velocity. The friction loss as we know is
proportional to the square of the velocity (Darcy-Weisbach equation)and
too high velocity would result in an unacceptably high friction loss. The
abrasive action on the pipe of sediment and other foreign particles also
increase rapidly with velocity.
A design velocity of not more than 4.5 m/s is used for steel and cast iorn
pipes, while the velocity in sewers is often limited to 3 m/s.
S.A.Q. 02: An Engineer is to design a cast iron pipe to transport a liquid over a
distance of 10,000 metres. If the velocity of flow is to be restricted to 4.0
m/s,
(a) calculate the minimum diameter of the pipe to produce a flow rate of
0.785 m3/s. (ρliq= 1100kg/m3, µ = 0.15 Ns/m2 )
(b) If the Engineer now desires that the total head loss be restricted to a
maximum of 300 m, is a diameter of 0.5m adequate? If not, recalculate
an acceptable value for the diameter.

Answer:
(a)
Maximum velocity will occur at the minimum diameter, therefore,
𝑣𝐴 = 𝑄
𝜋
4× 4 (dmin)2 = 0.785
d2min= 0.785/π
dmin= 0.5 m
(b)
Velocity of flow v = 4.0 m/s
ρ= 1100 kg/m3
d = 0.5 m
µ = 0.15 Ns/m2
𝜌𝑣𝑑 1100 x 4 x 0.5

Re = 𝜇
= 0.15
= 14,667 (Turbulent flow region)
The roughness ratio for the pipe = k/d

Roughness thickness k for cast-iron = 260 × 10-6
𝑘 260 × 10 −6
𝑑
= 0.5
= 0.52 ×10-3
The roughness value is small enough to use the friction factor formula for
smooth pipes, therefore,
1
= 4 log10 (Re √𝑓 ) – 0.4
√𝑓
An initial approximation for the solution of the above equation is taken

from the curves in Figure 3-16.
from Figure3-16, log10 (f) = 0.45 gives, f =0.007

1
√𝑓
= 4 log10(14667 x 0.007 ) - 0.4
f= 0.00698
taking f=0.007 and substituting in Darcy’s formula, head loss,

𝑙 𝑣2
hf =4𝑓 𝑑 . 2𝑔
4 × 0.007 ×10000 42
= 0.5
× 2 × 9.81
hf = 456.7 m > 300m

The loss is greater than 300 m, hence the flow conditions in the pipe are
not acceptable. The engineer knows at this stage from his calculations that
the velocity of flow is unacceptably high.
He could very simply increase the pipe diameter and hence reduce the
velocity and the friction loss.
Let us increase the pipe diameter by 10% to 0.55 m.
0.785
v= 𝜋 = 3.3 m/s < 4.0 m/s
×0.55 2
4
110 ×3.3 × 0.55

Re = 0.15
= 13310
Since roughness is unaffected and the Reynold’s number is changed only

by a small amount,We will assume the friction factor toremain
unchanged.
Then head lost;
4 𝑓𝑙 𝑣2
hf = .
𝑑 2𝑔
4 × 0.007 ×10000 3.32

= 0.55
× 2 × 9.81
hf = 282.6 m < 300m
The head lost is now less than 300 m and the flow conditions are now
acceptable. You will notice here that a 10 percent increase in diameter
resulted in a 38 percent drop in head lost. The increase in material
required for the pipe is only slightly higher than ten percent the exact
figure depending on the pipe thickness.
The thickness of the pipe walls is dependant on the allowable stress

levels.
The principle operational stress is due to the pressure difference between

the inside and outside of a pipe. There are other forces present in the pipe
system, due to thermal expansion, water hammer and gravity which
must be Considered before a final thickness for the pipe wall is arrived at.
Effects such as corrosion and radiation damage (if exposed to it) must

also be considered. It is common nowadays to find computer

programmes, which would compute all the stress values in a pipeline for
a given set of loading conditions and sometimes even decide on the pipe
thickness to satisfy allowable stress levels. The engineer should however
always check some of the analyses by doing calculations for a simple
case.
8.2 Other Consideration in the Design of Pipelines:
Figure 8-1 shows a pipeline carrying a liquid between two reservoirs A

and B. The lowest point on the pipeline is C, while the highest point is D.
Since the free surface at A and B is at atmospheric pressure, the height of
the two reservoirs represents the total head at entry and exit from the
pipeline.
Fig. 8-1
S.A.Q. 03: (a)

Show that for a pipeline of constant diameterthe hydraulic grade line is
the line joining the levels in a series of piezometers (static pressure
manometers) along the pipe line.
(b)
What do you think is the significance of the pipeline rising above the
piezometric head line?

Answer:
(a)
If Z is the height of the pipeline above a fixed datum, ZA, the height of the
reservoir A above the same datum, then from the Bernoulli equation
(applied between A and a section at P along the pipeline),
ZA = v2/2g + p/ρg + Z + hf
The right hand side represents the total energy E at an intermediate point
on the pipeline plus the frictional head lost hf. Hence,
E = ZA – hf = v2 / 2g + p / ρg + Z E (8-1)
The piezometer level above the datum is given by,

h = P / ρg + Z E (8-2)
(8-1) - (8-2), E - h = v2/2g, since v2/2g is a constant, the piezometric

headline must be parallel to the energy line. Therefore, the hydraulic
grade line (or piezometric head line) is the line joining the levels in a
series of piezometers (static pressure manometers) placed along the
pipeline.
In designing this pipeline the engineer's starting point would be the total
head lost hf which is givenZa- Zb. He could then decide on a diameter for
the pipe and by using Darcy-Weisbach equation compute the mean
velocity of flow iteratively. (The pipeline length will be fixed by other
factors such as landscape described earlier). At this stage he might decide
that the velocity is too high or too low for the required discharge or pipe
limitations and change the guessed diameter and recalculate.
(b)
In the pipeline shown in Figure 8-1 there is an additional problem
encountered by the engineer. The pipeline rises above the piezometeric
head line between E and F. Earlier we showed that the height h of the
pressure line is given by,
𝑃
h = 𝜌𝑔 + Z
If Z> h then p/ρg< 0, in other words the pressure in the pipeline falls
below the atmospheric pressure. At such low pressure the air dissolved in
the liquid or the liquid itself might evaporate and form an air or
vapourlock. These locks could cause problems in the pipeline or
machinery and these situations should beavoided. One way of avoiding

such situations is to increase the pressure inside the pipeline. This could
be done by installing a pump at a suitable point along the pipeline.
In the pipeline shown in Figure 8-1 the pumpshould be placed on or

before the point E in order to avoid the pressure falling below the
atmospheric pressure (negative gauge pressure). If thepump is placed at
the beginning of the pipeline the increased velocity of flow would result
in an increased frictional loss, as such it is best to place it just before E.
The best location from a hydraulics stand point might not however be the
best from an economic stand point. The location of the pump at E might
entail additional installation and maintenance costs. Hence, both
hydraulic and economic reasons must be considered in locating pumps.
8.3 Pipe Networks:
Pipelines do not only occur singly, sometimes they branch out into two or
more pipes or connect up with other pipes forming a network of pipes. A
city water supply system is such a network. It may be necessary to
determine the pressure drops in such a network for a given flow rate.
Calculations may also be necessary to determine the effect on the network
if a large outflow (such as for fire fighting purposes) is taken out at
certain point.
There are two principle types of networks,

(a) several reservoirs feeding a common junction point, known as a
Junction Network. (Figure 8-2 (a)),
(b) a Ring Network (Figure 8-2(b)).
The Junction network and Ring network are the two fundamental
networks which will be studied, more complex networks can be broken
down to a combination of the two basic types. Let us first consider the
Junction network.
8.3.1 Junction Network:
In a Junction network, different pressures are applied

to the ends of the pipe, and these are shown by the
different levels in the reservoirs A, B, C and D (in this
case four) connected to the pipes (Fig. 8-2(a)). The
problem is to find the different flow rates in the Pipe
denoted by Qa, Qb, Qcand Qd and the pressure drops
Fig 8-2 (a)
Junction Network
resulting from these flows.
It is clear that the total flow coming into or going out of the junction must
be zero if no leakage is assumed.
Therefore,
Qa+ Qb+ Qc + Qd = 0 (a)
Let the total head at J be equal to Zj.Then the total loss due to friction in
pipe A using Darcy-Weisbach equation,
𝐿𝑎 𝑢 𝑎2
(Za– Zj) = 𝑓𝑎 .
𝐷𝑎 2𝑔
𝜋 2
Since ūa =𝑄𝑎 𝐴𝑎 = 𝑄𝑎 𝐷
4 𝑎
𝐿 16 𝑄𝑎2
(Za– Zj) =𝑓𝑎 𝐷𝑎 2 2
𝑎 𝜋 𝐷𝑎 2𝑔
Or can write it as,

(Za– Zj) = KaQa2 (b)
whereKa is a constant equal to

𝐿𝑎 16 1
𝑓𝑎
𝐷𝑎 𝜋 2 𝐷𝑎2 2𝑔
Similarly, we can write for the other three pipes,

(Zb – Zj) = Kb Qb2 (c)
(Zc – Zj) = KcQc2 (d)
(Zd – Zj) = KdQd2 (e)
There are five equations here, equation (a) which is a continuity of flow
equation and (b),(c),(d) and (e) which are pressure drop equations. The
five unknown quantities are Qa, Qb, Qc, Qdand the junction head Zj .The set
of simultaneous equations are therefore at least in theory soluble.
Unfortunately the pressure drop equations are non linear and the set of
equations have no explicit solution. A numerical method needs to be used
for solution.
Let Za– Zj = ha, Zb– Zj = hb,
Zc– Zj= hc and Zd– Zj= hd

where head loss is denoted by, h.

In general, h = K Q2
differentiating both sides,

dh = 2 KQ. dQ,
substituting for K,
dh = 2 dQ. h/Q (f)
The above equation relates to small changes in h and Q.
Suppose now that as a first estimate we assume a value for Zj, and hence
compute Qa, Qb, Qcand Qd from equations (b), (c), (d) and (e).If the
guessed value is correct we should have,
Qa+ Qb + Qc+ Qd = 0
However, this is unlikely to be so.
Therefore let Qa+ Qb + Qc + Qd = ΔQ (Error Value)
Also ΔQ = dQa+ dQb + dQc+ dQd,
where,dQa,dQb, dQcand dQdare the corrections in the respective pipes.
Substituting for dQa,dQbetc… by using equation (f),

ΔQ = 1/2 (Qa/ ha) dh + 1/2 (Qb/hb) dh + 1/2 (Qc / hc) dh + 1/2 (Qd/ hd) dh
4
or ΔQ = 1/2 dh 𝑖=1 𝑄𝑖 𝑕𝑖
or dh = 2 ΔQ / ∑ (Q/h ) (g)
Thus, we can apply a correction to the initial estimate of h by dh given by

equation (g). All the values in the equation are known from the solution
for h.
We now repeat the calculations with a new value of h equal to (h+dh) and
continue this iterative procedure until the correct dh or ΔQ is sufficiently
small (may be 5%). It is to be remembered that the theory of pipe friction
is approximate and there is no need to compute Q or h to a higher degree
of accuracy than the theory warrants.

8.3.2 Ring Network:
This is essentially a ring of pipes as shown in Figure 8-2(b) with fluid

being supplied at some points (A,B) and outgoing at some other points
(B, C, D, E). This network is commonly found in city water supply
systems. The problem is to find the pressure at every junction, and the
flow quantities in each of the pipes, given the inlet and outlet pipe flow
rates (Qa, Qb,……,Qe).
The method of solution is similar to the one used for

the Junction Network. An initial guess is made of the
flow in each of the ring pipes.
These flows Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5 are marked in Figure

8.2(b). The values Q1 to Q5 are chosen so that
continuity is preserved at each junction. In other
words at each junction ∑Q=0. For example, at A,
Q1+ QA = Q2, then if Q1 is selected first Q2 will be
Fig 8-2 (b) fixed. If the flow in the clockwise sense has been assumed
Ring Network positive, the pressure drops in each branch h1, h2,……. ,h5 can
now be computed using Darcy's equation,
hf =(f.l / d ).(v2 /2g)
If we measure the pressure drops in each of the branches, say in the

clockwise sense, starting at point at A, we will return back to A. Hence
the total sum of the pressure drops must be zero,
or h1+ h2 + h3 + h4 + h5 = 0
As before with the guessed values of flow rates the sum ∑ h will have an
error Δh.
We know from earlier work that,

dh = 2dQ (h/Q)
total error Δh = dh1 + dh2+ dh3 + dh4 + dh5,
or, Δh = (2h1/Q1 + 2h2 /Q2 + 2h3/Q3 +2h4/Q4 + 2h5/Q5) dQ
or dQ =Δh / 2∑5i=1 (hi / Qi )

dQi= dhi/ 2 ( hi / Qi )

ΔQ =Δh / 2∑(hi / Qi) = ∑ hi / 2∑(hi / Qi )
The correction (Qi - dQ) is now applied to all branches of the ring and h1
to h5 recalculated. This procedure is repeated until Δh or dQ is sufficiently
small.
8.3 Computing Solutions for Networks:
Networks used in a water supply system could be more complicated than

the simple Ring or Junction. These complicated networks can however be
broken down to a number of rings and junctions. For example, consider
the network shown in Figure 8-3.
The network can be broken into a number of rings. In this

case we can start the computation by looking at ring ABC;
then use the calculated flow rate in EC as a first guess to
compute the flow rates in DEC; similarly using the flows
in DE (from DEC) and AE (from ABC) we can compute
values for branches in ring AED. The newly calculated
values in AE and EC would mean errors will develop in
the ring ABC, i.e., Δh≠ 0 Hence flow rates can be
Fig 8-3 recalcultated and the procedure repeated for, AED and
DEC. This overall procedure can be repeated several times
till the errors are minimized. Finally the ring ABCD can be
checked for error.
The whole procedure is complicated and tedious for hand calculations.

With the advent of fast modern computers however, the procedure can at
least in part be automated. A typical input to a computer program for
pipe calculations would be;
(a) The pipe characteristics of each branch, i.e. lengthdiameter, friction

factor data.
(b) Connectivity of the network.
i.e nodes A, B, C, D, E and connected elements AB, BC, EC, AE, DE ,
AD and DC.
(c) Input and output flow rates at Qa ,Qb , Qc , Qd and Qe.
(d) Initial guess for flow rates in ring ABC.
(e) Tolerance limits for error checks.

The computer will then compute the final flow rates and pressure drops
in all the branches and produce this on a printout. Since the problem is
non linear(i.e. h= KQ2 ), the number of iterations (computation cycles)
could be prohibitively large and hence costly. The number of iterations
can be reduced by making a good initial guess and also by specifying a
reasonable tolerance limit. After all we must remember that the theory of
pipe friction is only approximate.
A second interesting way of solving pipe networks, is by using electrical

analogue models. The flow rate is analogous to the current and the
pressure drop to the voltage across a pipe length. A difficulty arises in
that the pipe friction law is a square law;
i.e Δh = KQ2 ,
hence, it is required that, V = K I2 (V - voltage, I - current)
The normal resistance obeys Ohm's law which is linear (V = RI). It is

however, possible to design a special component which will obey such a
law over a given current range. Nowadays this could be miniaturized by
use of micro-circuits.
The flow balance equation ∑QI= 0 at a junction corresponds to Kirchoff's

first law in electricity; and the total head lost around a ring network ∑hi =
0, corresponds to Kirchoff'ssecond law.
8.4 Examples in Pipe Network Solutions:
The following examples are worked out for you to obtain a detailed
understanding of the method of solution used. S.A.Q. 04 shows how a
pipe of equivalent length could be used to replace two pipes in series.
This could be a useful device in reducing the complexity of a network.
S.A.Q. 05 is a simple junction network with three reservoirs. S.A.Q. 06 is a
Ring network.A computer solution is included for the junction network
problem to show the usefulness of computing for network problems.
S.A.Q. 04 Equivalent Pipe Length:
Consider two pipes of the same diameter connected in series. One pipe
has a friction factor f1, and the other a friction factor f2. If the respective
lengths of pipe are l1 and l2, an equivalent length of pipe leqcan be used to

replace both pipes. An expression for leq can be derived in the following
manner.
Fig 8-4
Total head loss between A and C = hf
Thenhf = (f1l1 / 2gd) . (Q/a)2 + (f2 l2 / 2gd) . (Q/a)2
where a is the cross-sectional area of the pipe.
hf = (1 / 2gd) . (Q/a)2×(f1l1 + f2 l2)
If the equivalent pipe is going to have a friction factor of f1 , then,
hf= (f1/2gd). Leq(Q/a)2

= (1 / 2gd) . (Q/a)2×(f1l1 + f2 l2)
f1Leq= f1 l1 + f2 l2
Leq=l1 + (f2/f1). l2
S.A.Q. 05: Three Reservoir Problem

In this example three reservoirsare connected by pipes to a common
junction. The problem is to find the flow rates Q1, Q2 and Q3 in the pipes.
Fig 8-5

The water level in the three reservoirs are 60.0 m, 30.0 m and 15.0 m
respectively, from a fixed datum. The coefficients K1, K2 and K3 in the
pressure drop equation h = KQ2 are equal to 2000, 2700 and 4200
m/m6/s2, respectively.
The first step to be taken in solving this problem is to assume a direction

of flow in the pipes. Since 60.0 m is the highest head it is likely that water
will flow from this reservoir towards the junction. Let us also assume that
Q1 and Q3 are flowing away from the junction. A negative answer
wouldindicate reversed flow. The head at the common junction is also an
unknown.
As an initial guess let us assume the junction head h4 to be 40.0 m.

since,h = KQ2
Q = 𝑕/𝐾
You should take note that h is the head difference between two ends of a
pipe, and also the direction of Q is dependent on the head, the flow is
always from higher head level to a lower level, i.e., in figure the flow is
from A to D if the junction head is 40.0 m.
Hence, we can solve for Q1,Q2 and Q3.
Q1 = 60 − 40 / 2000= 0.1 m3/s

Q2 = 40 − 30 /2700 = 0.0609 m3/s
Q3 = (40 − 15)/4200 = 0.0772 m3/s
For the flow balance at junction (continuity) D, we have,

ΔQ = Q1 - Q2 – Q3= 0.1-0.0772-0.0609
= -0.0381
The residual flow rate is -0.0381 m3/s which is about 60 percent of the
flow in pipe 3 and hence unacceptable.
The correction for head is given by,

Δh = 2ΔQ / ∑3i=1 (Qi/ hi) as shown previously.
hi's are the head differences in the three pipes. The head difference
whenapplied to the formula must again correspond to the flow direction.

Δh = (2 x - 0.0381) / [(0.1/(60-40) + 0.077/(40-15) + 0.0609/(40-30) ]

Δh = - 5.34
The new head at the junction D, h4

= 40 - 5.34
= 34.66m
again,
Q1= 60 − 34.66 / 2000= 0.1126 m3/s
Q2= 34.66 − 30 /2700 = 0.04154 m3/s
Q3 = (34.66 − 15)/4200 = 0.06842 m3/s
ΔQ = Q1 - Q2– Q3 = 0.002 ; since the error is small the flow rates computed
can be taken as being correct.
We can also estimate the total energy lost per second in the above pipe
network due to friction. Since the head at D is known, the total energy
lost in each of the different pipes can be known.
h4 (at D) = 36.7m (from prior calculations)
head lost in pipe AD = (h1- h4)

= 60-34.7 = 25.3m
Hence energy lost per second = 𝜌𝑄𝑕𝑓 𝑔
= 1000 x 0.1126 x 25.3 x 9.81 Watts
= 27.9 KW
Similarly in pipe DB the energy lost per second is
= 1000 x 0.0415 x (34.7-30) x 9.81
= 1.91 KW
and in pipe DC
= 1000 x 0.06842 x (34.7-15) x 9.81
= 13.22 KW
Hence the total power (energy per sec) lost in the pipe network
= 13.22 + 1.91 + 27.9 = 43 KW
S.A.Q. 06: Example in a Ring Network

Figure 8-6 shows a pipe network consisting of two rings. The input and
output flow rates are shown at junction A,C,D an E in bracketed

numbers. The values of K are shown on the figure alongside the

pipe. They have been rounded to integer values for simplicity.
The first step is to assume flow rates in the pipes. The initial
guess is marked on the figure along side the arrows which
indicate the flow directions. The total head drop around the two
rings ABEAandBCDEB should be zero, if not a correction could
Fig 8-6 be applied to the flow in each ring by using the formula.
ΔQ = ∑ hi / 2∑(hi – Qi)
=∑ KiQi2 / 2∑ |Ki Qi|
Ifhi is assumed to be in the direction of flow Q then hi/Qi is always

positive. A sign for hi must be decided. We will decide that flow in the
clockwise direction results in a positive head drop.
Trial - 1
Ring ABEA Ring BCDEB
∑ KIQI2 2∑ |KI QI| ∑ KI QI2 2∑ |KI QI|

1× 𝟔𝟎 𝟐 2 × 1 × 60 4× 𝟓𝟎 𝟐 2 × 4 × 50
4× 𝟏𝟎𝟐 2 × 4 × 10 2× 𝟐𝟓𝟐 2 × 2 × 25
-3 × 𝟒𝟎𝟐 2 × 3 × 40 -5× 𝟐𝟓𝟐 2 × 5 × 25
-4 × 𝟏𝟎𝟐 2 × 4 × 10
∑ -880 440 ∑ 7725 830
−880 7725
Correction ΔQ = ΔQ =
440 830
=-2 = 9.3
Qnew= Qold -ΔQ
Hence the revised flow rates are: Fig. 8-7;
Fig 8-7

Trial - 2
∑ KI QI2 2∑ |KI QI| ∑ KI QI2 2∑ |KI QI|

1× 𝟔𝟐𝟐 2 × 1 × 62 4× 𝟒𝟎. 𝟕𝟐 2 × 4 × 40.7
4× 𝟐𝟏. 𝟑𝟐 2 × 4 × 11.3 2 × 𝟏𝟓. 𝟕𝟐 2 × 2 × 15.7
-3× 𝟑𝟖𝟐 2 × 3 × 38 -5× 𝟑𝟒. 𝟑𝟐 2 × 5 × 34.3
-4 × 𝟐𝟏. 𝟑𝟐 2 × 4 × 21.3
∑ 1327 522.4 ∑ -578.27 901.8

1327 −578.27
522.4 901.8
= 2.5 = -0.6
Qnew= Qold-ΔQ
Revised flow rates are given in Fig. 8-8.
Since the corrections to the flow rates are small this could be taken as the
final answer.
Fig. 8-8
We can continue the earlier problem to a third trial and check whether the
answer is converging and satisfactory or not.
Trial -3
∑ KI QI2 2∑ |KI QI| ∑ KI QI2 2∑ |KI QI|

1× 𝟓𝟗. 𝟓 𝟐 2 × 1 × 59.5 4× 𝟒𝟏. 𝟑 𝟐 2 × 4 × 41.3
4× 𝟏𝟖. 𝟐𝟐 2 × 4 × 18.2 2 × 𝟏𝟔. 𝟑𝟐 2 × 2 × 16.3
-3 × 𝟒𝟎. 𝟓𝟐 2 × 3 × 40.5 -5× 𝟑𝟑. 𝟕𝟐 2 × 5 × 33.7
-4 × 𝟏𝟖. 𝟐𝟐 2 × 4 × 18.2
∑ -55.5 507.6 ∑ 350.7 878.2

−55.5 350.7
507.6 878.2
= -0.109 = 0.4
Hence the answer converging and the answer is within acceptable error
limits.
SUMMARY
In designing a pipeline the hydraulics engineer should in general decide on the following;
(a) the path of the pipeline,
(b) the position of the pipeline relative to the ground surface,
(c) the pipe material,
(d) pipe diameter,
(e) the position and capacity of pumps and other necessary machines.
In addition, it is necessary to decide on pipe thickness and support conditions. The engineer has
many factors to consider before reaching a decision, such as the topography of the land,
environmental questions, access to land and finally the economic constraints under which he
will be working.
There are principally two types of pipe networks, the Junction and Ring types. Other more
complicated networks could be broken down into these two types. The equations derived for a
network are non linear and hence numerical methods have to be used for solution. The advent
of the modern digital computer means that these calculations can be automated. Care must be
taken however, to the input and design of these programmes and also not to compute answers
to a greater degree of accuracy than what the theory allows.
REFERENCES
Yunus, A., 2016. Fluid Mechanics in SI units. 3rd ed. Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India:
McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited.

LESSON 8 Pipe Networks

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CVX4240 – Unit 4 Session 08: Pipe Network Analysis & Design

LESSON 08 Pipe Network Analysis & Design

AIM: To introduce the theories on designing of pipelines and simple pipe

8.1 Design of Pipelines:

Many engineering problems arise in the design of pipelines used in urban

Whether the pipe is placed directly on the surface of the ground, on

Copyright@2020 The Open University of Sri Lanka 53

freezing or overheating if left exposed to the atmosphere, the use if any to

Copyright@2020 The Open University of Sri Lanka 54

𝜌𝑣𝑑 1100 x 4 x 0.5

The roughness ratio for the pipe = k/d

An initial approximation for the solution of the above equation is taken

from Figure3-16, log10 (f) = 0.45 gives, f =0.007

taking f=0.007 and substituting in Darcy’s formula, head loss,

hf = 456.7 m > 300m

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Let us increase the pipe diameter by 10% to 0.55 m.

110 ×3.3 × 0.55

Since roughness is unaffected and the Reynold’s number is changed only

Then head lost;

4 × 0.007 ×10000 3.32

hf = 282.6 m < 300m

The thickness of the pipe walls is dependant on the allowable stress

The principle operational stress is due to the pressure difference between

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also be considered. It is common nowadays to find computer

8.2 Other Consideration in the Design of Pipelines:

Figure 8-1 shows a pipeline carrying a liquid between two reservoirs A

S.A.Q. 03: (a)

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The piezometer level above the datum is given by,

(8-1) - (8-2), E - h = v2/2g, since v2/2g is a constant, the piezometric

Copyright@2020 The Open University of Sri Lanka 58

In the pipeline shown in Figure 8-1 the pumpshould be placed on or

8.3 Pipe Networks:

There are two principle types of networks,

8.3.1 Junction Network:

In a Junction network, different pressures are applied

resulting from these flows.

Or can write it as,

whereKa is a constant equal to

Similarly, we can write for the other three pipes,

Let Za– Zj = ha, Zb– Zj = hb,

Zc– Zj= hc and Zd– Zj= hd

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where head loss is denoted by, h.

differentiating both sides,

The above equation relates to small changes in h and Q.

However, this is unlikely to be so.

Therefore let Qa+ Qb + Qc + Qd = ΔQ (Error Value)

Also ΔQ = dQa+ dQb + dQc+ dQd,

where,dQa,dQb, dQcand dQdare the corrections in the respective pipes.

Substituting for dQa,dQbetc… by using equation (f),

Thus, we can apply a correction to the initial estimate of h by dh given by

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8.3.2 Ring Network:

This is essentially a ring of pipes as shown in Figure 8-2(b) with fluid

The method of solution is similar to the one used for

These flows Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5 are marked in Figure