Study Of Pipe Fitting
Product Code : EL-FML-11041
Quick answer: The study of pipe fitting apparatus measures the minor head loss and loss coefficient (K) of common pipe fittings at different flow rates. It has a 1/2 inch bend, elbow, ball valve and gate valve plus a 15 to 25 mm sudden enlargement and contraction, each tapped to a differential manometer. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for engineering colleges, polytechnics and TVET institutes.
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sudden enlargement | 15 mm to 25 mm |
| Sudden contraction | 25 mm to 15 mm |
| Bend | 1/2 inch |
| Elbow | 1/2 inch |
| Ball valve | 1/2 inch |
| Gate valve | 1/2 inch |
| Pressure measurement | Tappings at inlet and outlet of each fitting, to a differential manometer |
| Pump | FHP pump, standard make |
| Flow measurement | Measuring tank with piezometer, 25 litre |
| Sump tank | 50 litre |
| Flow control | Flow control and by-pass valves |
| Timing | Electronic stop watch |
| Utilities | Water supply and drain; 0.5 kW, 220 V AC single phase |
How the pipe fittings experiment is done
Besides friction along straight pipe, every fitting disturbs the flow and costs extra head. These minor losses are written as hL = K v^2 / (2g), where K is the loss coefficient of the fitting. For a sudden enlargement theory gives hL = (v1 - v2)^2 / (2g), so the 15 to 25 mm step is a good check between measured and predicted values; a sudden contraction loses less because the flow accelerates into the smaller pipe.
Bends, elbows and valves have K values that depend on their geometry: a sharp elbow loses more than a smooth bend, and a fully open gate or ball valve causes only a small loss that grows quickly as it is closed. Measuring them side by side on one bench shows why fittings can dominate the losses in short pipe systems.
- Start the pump and set a flow with the flow control and by-pass valves.
- Read the differential manometer across the fitting under test.
- Measure the discharge by timing the rise in the measuring tank.
- Work out the pipe velocity and the loss coefficient K = 2 g hL / v^2.
- Repeat at several flow rates and for each fitting.
Key features
- Six fittings on one bench: bend, elbow, ball valve, gate valve, sudden enlargement and sudden contraction
- Pressure tappings at the inlet and outlet of every fitting
- Differential manometer for the head loss across each fitting
- Self-contained recirculation from a 50 litre sump with an FHP pump
- Flow control and by-pass valves for testing over a range of flows
- Discharge from a 25 litre measuring tank with piezometer
Documentation and supply
Installation instructions and a manual are supplied with the apparatus. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the pipe fitting apparatus at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to engineering colleges, polytechnics and TVET institutes in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Fluid Mechanics Lab products
- Venturimeter Orificemeter Calibration Set Up (EL-FML-11040)
- Friction in Pipe Lines Apparatus (EL-FML-11042)
- Discharge Over Notches Apparatus (EL-FML-11039)
- Impact of Jet on Vanes Apparatus (EL-FML-11043)
- Bernoulli Theorem Apparatus (EL-FML-11038)
- Metacentric Height Apparatus (EL-FML-11044)
The full range is in the Fluid Mechanics Lab section of the Engineering Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
Which fittings does the pipe fitting apparatus include?
A 1/2 inch bend, elbow, ball valve and gate valve, a sudden enlargement from 15 to 25 mm and a sudden contraction from 25 to 15 mm.
What is a loss coefficient?
It is the head loss across a fitting divided by the velocity head v^2/(2g); multiplying it by the velocity head gives the loss at any flow.
What utilities does the apparatus need?
A water supply and drain, and a single-phase 220 V AC, 0.5 kW electricity supply.
What is the price of the pipe fitting apparatus?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the pipe fitting apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code EL-FML-11041 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the pipe fitting apparatus?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the pipe fitting apparatus at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code EL-FML-11041.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code EL-FML-11041 and the quantity, or add the pipe fitting apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
