Effect on flow after sudden expansion

In summary, the proposed modification will increase the flowrate in the piping, but it is not certain how much more water the u/g tank will fill.
  • #1
shripadgb
1
0
Hi everybody,

My query is regarding "the effect of flow rate due to sudden expansion in a pipeline keeping the inlet and out let conditions constant i.e. no pump or turbine in the pipeline"

There is a 50NB (mm, Nominal Bore) tapping in a 150 NB water pipeline and this 50 NB pipeline extend upto the underground tank which is approx. 100 mtrs from the tapping. i.e. the lengh of 50 NB pipe is 100 mtrs. With is arrangement, we are getting, say Q1 flow in the underground tank and the tank is getting 50% filled. Now we want to increase the flow. Hence, we want to do the following modification in the line 50 NB pipeline. We are planning to provide a expander (50 NB x 80 NB) at a distance of approx. 200 mm from the header tapping and will extend the 80 NB upto the underground tank. The entry point of pipe in the underground tank is at the top.
Now, my question is, by doing this modification, whether there is any increase in flow of water so that the u/g tank will get filled with more water?
(Please note that the pressure in the main header (150 NB) is constant and at the end of 80 NB line is also atmospheric pressure.)
I have attached a schematic diagram of the proposed modification for ready reference

Regards,
Shri
 

Attachments

  • Pipeline Modification.pdf
    10.3 KB · Views: 267
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
You can compute the flow rate in the pipes (the 200 mm one and the 100 meters one) with the abacus published in this site: http://www.fristam.de/pdf/2uk.pdf
Of course, there will be some differences with reality because the flow and the loss of head at the junctions is hard to model.
 
  • #3
Hi shrip,
Welcome to the board.
Now, my question is, by doing this modification, whether there is any increase in flow of water so that the u/g tank will get filled with more water?
There will be an increase in flow rate, but the level at which the water will rise won't change. I think you're only asking about flow rate though, not level in the tank, is that right?

If you'd like an example of how to calculate flow through a pipe, check the examples I posted here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=161862

To determine the added restriction of a sudden expansion, you can use the resistance coefficient given in Crane paper #410, which any engineer doing pipe flow should have a copy of. You can also find that information outlined for sudden and gradual expansions here:
Sudden:
http://www.mathworks.com/access/hel...lbox/physmod/hydro/ref/gradualareachange.html

Gradual:
http://www.mathworks.com/access/hel...sudden+expansion+resistance+coefficient+crane

Note that there's also an entrance and exit loss associated with the system you show.
 
  • #4
There are two non practical assumptions here. One is that there is no pump in the system. Second one is that pressure in the header remains constant. I don't have issues (if mods forgive me) as long as this is a homework problem. Otherwise, better description of the system may yield better answer.

As the length of the piping, difference of inlet and outlet pressures (i.e the system pressure drop) are constant and ignoring the different in pipe roughnesses, you can approximately compute the new flowrate by D-W equation. Upon simplification, the ratio of flowrates equals square root of 5th power of diameter ratio. So, your flowrate may tripple, approximately.
 

1. What is the "sudden expansion" phenomenon in fluid flow?

The sudden expansion phenomenon in fluid flow refers to the abrupt increase in cross-sectional area of a pipe or channel, causing a sudden decrease in the flow velocity of the fluid. This can result in changes in pressure, velocity, and turbulence in the flow.

2. How does sudden expansion affect flow rate?

Sudden expansion can cause a decrease in flow rate due to the sudden decrease in velocity. However, the extent of the decrease in flow rate depends on factors such as the expansion ratio, Reynolds number, and fluid properties.

3. What is the effect of sudden expansion on pressure?

The sudden expansion can cause a decrease in pressure due to the decrease in velocity and increase in cross-sectional area. This decrease in pressure can lead to the formation of vortices and turbulence in the flow, which can affect the overall pressure distribution.

4. How does sudden expansion impact the flow profile?

Sudden expansion can cause changes in the flow profile, particularly near the expansion region. The flow may become more turbulent, and the velocity distribution may become more uneven. The extent of these changes depends on the expansion ratio and Reynolds number.

5. Are there any practical applications of studying the effect of sudden expansion on flow?

Yes, the study of sudden expansion in fluid flow has several practical applications. It is commonly encountered in industrial processes, such as in piping systems, heat exchangers, and chemical reactors. Understanding the effects of sudden expansion can help optimize these systems for better performance and efficiency.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy Media
Replies
0
Views
881
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
31
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
24K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
5K
Back
Top