CHAPTER 7: FLUID FLOW IN CLOSED CONDUITS

Pipes - are closed conduits through which liquids or gases flow.

In hydraulics, pipes are commonly understood to be conduits of
circular cross-section which flow full. Conduits flowing partially
are considered to be open channels.

Steady flow: A steady flow is one in which the conditions

(velocity, pressure and cross-section) may differ from point to
point but DO NOT change with time

Unsteady flow: If at any point in the fluid, the conditions change

with time, the flow is described as unsteady. (In practice there is
always slight variations in velocity and pressure, but if the average
values are constant, the flow is considered steady
Laminar flow: the flow is said to be laminar when the path of
individual fluid particles do not cross or intersect. The flow is
always laminar when the Reynolds Number 𝑅𝑒 𝑜𝑟𝑁𝑅 is less than
2000.

Turbulent flow: the flow is said to be turbulent when the path of

individual particles are irregular and continuously cross each
other. 𝑅𝑒 𝑜𝑟𝑁𝑅 > 2000.

Critical Velocity: the critical velocity in pipes is the velocity below

which all turbulence are damped out by the viscosity of the fluid.
𝑅𝑒 𝑜𝑟𝑁𝑅 = 2000
REYNOLDS NUMBER (𝑅𝑒 𝑜𝑟𝑁𝑅 ) = it is the ratio of inertia forces to
viscous forces
in terms of kinematic viscosity in terms of absolute or dynamic viscosity

𝐷𝑉 𝐷𝑉ρ
𝑅𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑁𝑅 = 𝑅𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑁𝑅 =
υ μ
Where: 𝑁𝑅 (𝑅𝑒 ) = Reynolds Number
D = diameter of the pipe in meters Note: μ
V = average velocity in m/s υ=
υ = kinematic viscosity in 𝑚2 /𝑠 ρ
ρ = mass density of the liquid
𝑁
μ = absolute viscosity in Pa.s or
𝑚2
𝑠

HYDRAULIC RADIUS : the ratio of the cross-sectional area of a channel or pipe in

which a fluid is flowing to the wetted perimeter of the conduit.

𝐶𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 − 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒, 𝐴

𝑅=
𝑃𝑖𝑝𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟, 𝑃
VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION IN PIPES
Laminar Flow
The velocity distribution for laminar flow, at a cross section, follows a
parabolic law of variation with zero velocity at the walls. In circular pipes,
the velocity varies as the ordinates of a paraboloid of revolution with its
average velocity equal to one-half of its maximum velocity.

The equation for the velocity profile for a laminar flow is given by:

𝛾ℎ𝐿
𝑢 = 𝑣𝑐 − 𝑟
4𝜇𝐿
1
Average velocity, 𝑣=2 𝑣𝑐
Where: ℎ𝐿 = head loss in the pipe
L = pipe length
R = outer radius
r = distance from the center of the pipe
𝑣𝑐 = centerline or maximum velocity
𝜇 = 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑
𝛾 = 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑
𝑢 = 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑟 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑣 = 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦
TURBULENT FLOW
The velocity distribution for turbulent flows varies with Reynolds
Number with zero velocity at the wall and increases more rapidly for
a short distance from the walls as compared to laminar flow

The velocity, u, at any point r in a pipe of radius R and center velocity 𝑣𝑐 is

𝜏𝑜 𝑅
𝑢 = 𝑣𝑐 − 5.75 log
𝜌 𝑅−𝑟

𝜏𝑜 𝑓𝑣 2
=
𝜌 𝑔

𝑅
𝑜𝑟 𝑢 = 1 + 1.33 𝑓 𝑣 − 2.04 𝑓𝑣𝑙𝑜𝑔
𝑅−𝑟
The centerline or maximum velocity is given by:

𝑣𝑐 = 𝑣 1 + 1.33 𝑓

𝜏𝑜
𝑣 = 𝑣𝑐 − 3.75
𝜌

Where: 𝜏𝑜 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒

𝑓 = friction factor
𝑣 = mean velocity
SHEARING STRESS IN PIPES

The shearing stress , 𝜏𝑠 , at the surface of the fluid can be found using:

𝑝1 − 𝑝2 𝛾ℎ𝐿
𝜏𝑠 = 𝑥 𝜏𝑠 = 𝑥
2𝐿 2𝐿
The maximum shearing stress, 𝜏𝑜 , is at the pipe wall (x = R)

𝛾ℎ𝐿 𝛾ℎ𝐿 𝐷 𝑓 𝑣2
𝜏𝑜 = 𝑅 𝑜𝑟 𝜏𝑜 = = 𝛾
2𝐿 4𝐿 4 2𝑔

Shear Velocity or Friction Velocity, 𝑣𝑠

𝜏𝑜 𝑓
𝑣𝑠 = =𝑣
𝜌 8
 HEAD LOSSES IN PIPE FLOW
Head losses in pipes may be classified into two; the major head loss, which is caused
by pipe friction along straight sections of pipe of uniform diameter and uniform
roughness, and minor head loss, which are caused by changes in velocity or direction
of flow, and are commonly expressed in terms of kinetic energy.

MAJOR HEAD LOSS, 𝒉𝒇

A. Darcy – Weisbach Formula (pipe-friction equation)
𝒇𝑳 𝒗𝟐
𝒉𝒇 =
𝑫 𝟐𝒈
For non-circular pipes, use D=4R, where R is the hydraulic radius

For circular pipes, the head loss may be expressed as:

0.0252𝑓𝐿𝑄 2
𝑓𝐿 8𝑄2 ℎ𝑓 = ; English System
𝐷5
ℎ𝑓 = 𝐷 𝜋2 𝑔𝐷4
;
0.0826𝑓𝐿𝑄 2
ℎ𝑓 = ; SI Units
𝐷5
 Where: f = friction factor
L = length of pipe in meter or feet
D = pipe diameter in meter or feet
𝑣 = mean or average velocity of flow in m/s or ft/s
Q = discharge in 𝑓𝑡 3 /𝑠 or 𝑚3 /𝑠
g= acceleration due to gravity

Value of f:
For laminar flow:
64 64𝜇
𝑓= =
𝑅𝑒 𝑣𝐷ρ
For turbulent flow:
1. For turbulent flow in smooth and rough pipes, universal resistance
laws can be derived from
8𝜏𝑜 8𝑣𝑠 2
𝑓= 2= 2
𝜌𝑣 𝑣

Where 𝒗𝒔 is the shear velocity or friction velocity

2. For smooth pipes 𝑅𝑒 between 3,000 and 100,000(Blasius)
0.316
𝑓=
𝑅𝑒 0.25
3. For smooth pipes with 𝑅𝑒 up to 3,000,000
1
= 2 log 𝑅𝑒 𝑓 − 0.80
𝑓
4. For rough pipes, where 𝛿𝑙 < 0.3𝜀: (𝐾á𝑟𝑚á𝑛)
1 𝐷
= 2 log + 1.14
𝑓 𝑒

Where: 𝜀 = absolute roughness, mm

𝛿𝑙 = nominal thickness of viscous sub-layer
𝜀/D = relative roughness (dimensionless)
11.6𝑣
𝛿𝑙 =
𝜏𝑜
ൗ𝜌
5. For smooth and rough pipes, turbulent: (Colebrook Equation)

1 𝜀ൗ
= −2 log 𝐷 + 2.51
𝑓 3.7 𝑅𝑒 𝑓

This equation was plotted in 1944 by Moody into what is now called the
Moody Chart for pipe friction
Lewis Ferry Moody chart or Moody diagram is a graph in non-dimensional
form that relates the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor fD, Reynolds number Re,
and relative roughness for fully developed flow in a circular pipe. It can be used
for working out pressure drop or flow rate down such a pipe.

6. Haaland Formula. This is an alternate formula for the Colebrook Equation.

This varies less than 2% from the Colebrook equation.

1.11
1 6.9 𝜀 Τ𝐷
= −1.8 log +
𝑓 𝑅 𝑒 3.7
B. Manning’s Formula
English System

1.486 2Τ3 1Τ2

𝑣= 𝑅 𝑆
𝑛
Where: ℎ𝑓 = head loss in feet
L = length of pipe in feet
D = Diameter of pipe in ft
2.87𝑛2 𝐿𝑣 2 𝑣 = velocity in ft/s
ℎ𝑓 = Q = discharge in 𝑓𝑡 3 /𝑠
𝐷 4Τ 3 n = coefficient of roughness
R = hydraulic Radius
S = slope of the energy grade line = ℎ𝑓 /L
4.65𝑛2 𝐿𝑄 2
ℎ𝑓 =
𝐷 16Τ3
 SI Version
1 2Τ3 1Τ2 6.35𝑛2 𝐿𝑣 2 10.29𝑛2 𝐿𝑄 2
𝑣= 𝑅 𝑆 ℎ𝑓 = ℎ𝑓 =
𝑛 𝐷 4Τ3 𝐷 16Τ3
Where: ℎ𝑓 = head loss in meters
L = length of pipe in meters
D = diameter of pipe in meters
𝑣 = velocity in m/s
Q = discharge in 𝑚3 /𝑠
n = coefficient of roughness
R = hydraulic Radius
S = slope of the energy grade line = ℎ𝑓 /L
C. Hazen Williams Formula
English System
Where: ℎ𝑓 = head loss in feet
4.72𝐿𝑄1.85 L = length of pipe in feet
ℎ𝑓 = 1.85 4.87 D = Diameter of pipe in ft
𝐶 𝐷 𝑣 = velocity in ft/s
𝑣 = 1.318𝐶𝑅 0.63 𝑆 0.54 Q = discharge in 𝑓𝑡 3 /𝑠
C = Hazen William’s Coefficient
R = hydraulic Radius
𝑄 = 0.432𝐶𝐷2.63 𝑆 0.54 S = slope of the energy grade line = ℎ𝑓 /L
 SI Version
Where: ℎ𝑓 = head loss in m
10.64𝐿𝑄1.85 L = length of pipe in m
ℎ𝑓 = 1.85 4.87
𝐶 𝐷 D = Diameter of pipe in m
𝑣 = velocity in m/s
𝑣 = 0.8492𝐶𝑅 0.63 𝑆 0.54 Q = discharge in 𝑚3 /𝑠
C = Hazen William’s Coefficient
𝑄 = 0.2785𝐶𝐷2.63 𝑆 0.54 R = hydraulic Radius
S = slope of the energy grade line = ℎ𝑓 /L

MINOR LOSSES IN PIPES:

𝑣2 𝑣2
a. Due to enlargement, ℎ𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒 c. Due to bend, ℎ𝑏 = 𝑘𝑏 2𝑔
2𝑔

𝑣2
b. Due to contraction, ℎ𝑐 = 𝑘𝑐 d. Due obstruction(such as gate valves,
2𝑔
𝑣2
ℎ𝑔 = 𝑘𝑔
2𝑔

Where: 𝑘𝑒 , 𝑘𝑐 , 𝑘𝑏 , and 𝑘𝑔 are constants

Total Head Loss in a pipe, 𝐻𝐿𝑇 = ℎ𝑒 + ℎ𝑐 + ℎ𝑏 + ℎ𝑔 + ℎ𝑓

HYDRAULIC AND ENERGY GRADIENTS

HYDRAULIC GRADE LINE (HGL) – also known as pressure gradient,

hydraulic grade line representation of the potential energy of flow. It is the
line that connects the water levels in successive piezometer tubes placed
𝑝
at intervals along the pipe. Its distance from the datum plane is 𝛾 + z.

Characteristics of HGL
❖ HGL slopes downward in the direction of flow but it may rise
or fall due to changes in velocity or pressure

❖ For uniform pipe cross-section, HGL is parallel to the EGL

❖ For horizontal pipes with uniform diameter, the drop in

pressure heads between any two points is also equal to the
head loss between these points
ENERGY GRADE LINE (EGL) – is a graphical representation of the total
energy of flow (the sum of kinetic and potential energies). Its
𝒗𝟐 𝒑
distance from the datum plane is + + 𝒛.
𝟐𝒈 𝜸

Characteristics of EGL

▪ EGL always slope downward in the direction of flow, and it will

only rise with the presence of a pump.
▪ The drop of the EGL between any two points is the head loss
between these points.
▪ For uniform cross-section, EGL is always parallel to the HGL

▪ EGL is always above the HGL by an amount equal to the velocity

𝑣2
head,
2𝑔

▪ Neglecting head loss, EGL is horizontal

GRAPHICAL ILLUSTRATION SHOWING THE BEHAVIOR OF HGL AND EGL
Example problems
2
1. Water having kinematic viscosity ѵ = 1.3𝑥10−6 𝑚 Τ𝑠 flows in a 100 mm Ø
pipe at a velocity of 4.5 m/s. Is the flow laminar or turbulent?
2. Oil having a dynamic viscosity μ == 8.14𝑥10−2 Pa − s and sp gr of 0.80
flows in a 200 mm Ø pipe. Find the critical velocity 𝑉𝑐 .

3. Oil having sp. Gr. Of 0.869 and dynamic viscosity of 0.0814 Pa-s flows
through a cast iron pipe at a velocity of 1 m/s. The pipe is 50 m long, and
150 mm in Ø.
a) find the head lost due to friction
b) the shearing stress (τ𝑜 ) at the walls of the pipe
4. CE BD 1995. The head loss in a 50 m of 12 cm Ø pipe is known to be 6m
when liquid of sp. gr. 0.9 flows at 0.060 m. Find the stress at the walls of the
pipe.

5. A new cast iron pipe must carry 1.2 𝑚3 /𝑠 at a head loss of 5 m per kilometer
length of pipe. Compute the diameter of the pipe using:
a) Hazen Williams Formula with C=120
b) Mannings Formula with n=0.012
c) Darcy Weisbach Formula with f=0.021
 2
Water having kinematic viscosity ѵ = 1.3𝑥10−6 𝑚 Τ𝑠 flows in a 100 mm Ø pipe at
a velocity of 4.5 m/s. Is the flow laminar or turbulent?

𝑣𝐷 4.5(0.1)
𝑅𝑒 = =
ѵ 1.3𝑥10−6
𝑅𝑒 = 346,154 > 2000 (𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡)

Oil of specific gravity 0.80 flows in a 200 mm diameter pipe. Find the critical
velocity. Use 𝜇 = 8.14𝑥10−2 𝑃𝑎 − 𝑠

𝐴𝑡 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒𝑠; 𝑅𝑒 = 2000

𝑣𝐷𝜌
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇
𝑣𝑐 (0.2)(1000)(0.80)
2000 =
8.14𝑥10−2
𝑣𝑐 = 1.018 𝑚/𝑠
Oil having sp. Gr. Of 0.869 and dynamic viscosity of 0.0814 Pa-s flows through a
cast iron pipe at a velocity of 1 m/s. The pipe is 50 m long, and 150 mm in Ø.
a) find the head lost due to friction
b) the shearing stress (τ𝑜 ) at the walls of the pipe

𝑓𝐿 𝑣 2
ℎ𝑓 = 𝛾ℎ𝐿 𝐷
𝐷 2𝑔 𝜏𝑜 =
4𝐿
𝑣𝐷𝜌 (9810)(0.869)(0.68)(0.15)
𝑅𝑒 = 𝜏𝑜 =
𝜇 4(50)
(1)(0.15)(1000𝑥0.869)
𝑅𝑒 = 𝜏𝑜 = 4.34 𝑃𝑎
0.0814
𝑅𝑒 = 1,601 < 2000 (𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑟)
64 64
𝑓= ; 𝑓 = = 0.04
𝑅𝑒 1601
0.04(50) (1)2
ℎ𝑓 =
0.15 2(9.81)
ℎ𝑓 = 0.68 𝑚
A new cast iron pipe must carry 1.2 𝑚3 /𝑠 at a head loss of 5 m per kilometer length of
pipe. Compute the diameter of the pipe using:
a) Hazen Williams Formula with C=120
b) Mannings Formula with n=0.012
c) Darcy Weisbach Formula with f=0.021

10.64𝐿𝑄1.85
𝑎) ℎ𝑓 = 1.85 4.87
𝐶 𝐷

10.29𝑛2 𝐿𝑄 2
𝑏) ℎ𝑓 =
𝐷 16Τ3

0.0826𝑓𝐿𝑄 2
𝑐) ℎ𝑓 =
𝐷5
6. A 2.5 kilometer long pipe connects two reservoirs as shown in the figure 1.
The minor head loss in the pipe is 10% of the major head loss. Determine the
discharge in the pipe in 𝑚3 /𝑠.

7. Reservoirs A and B shown in figure 2 have elevations of 100 m and 160 m

respectively. A pump is installed near reservoir A to pump the water to B. The
rate of flow in the pipes is 650 liters/s, and the pipe has a length of 1000 m with
a diameter of 600 mm. If C =120
a) compute the head loss in the pipes
b) compute the head supplied by the pump.
c) compute the horsepower required to pump the water to B.

B Elev 160 m

15 m

A Elev 100 m

Figure 1 Figure 2
Example Problems.
1. Two pipes, each 300 m long, are connected in series. The flow of water through
the pipes is 150 lit/sec with a total frictional loss of 15 m. if one pipe has a diameter
of 300 mm, what is the diameter of the other pipe? Neglect minor losses and
assume f=0.02 for both pipes.
2. Two pipes 1 and 2 are in series. If the roughness coefficient 𝑛2 = 2𝑛1 and the
diameter 𝐷1 = 500 𝑚𝑚, find the diameter 𝐷2 if the slope of their energy grade
lines are to be the same.

3. CE BD Problem: Three pipes of different lengths and diameters connected in

series as shown in the figure discharges 160 liters per second. If the roughness
coefficient n = 0.012 and disregarding minor losses, determine:
a) the head loss in each pipe
b) the diameter of an equivalent single pipe that could replace all the
three pipes

A 1 B 2 C 3 D
300 mm Ø – 1500 m 250 mm Ø – 800 m
450 mm Ø – 1800 m
1. Two pipes 1 and 2 are in series. If the roughness coefficient 𝑛2 = 2𝑛1 and the
diameter 𝐷1 = 500 𝑚𝑚, find the diameter 𝐷2 if the slope of their energy grade
lines is to be the same.

Manning’s Formula For pipe 2

10.29𝑛2 𝐿𝑄 2 10.29𝑛2 2 𝑄2 2
ℎ𝑓 = 𝑆2 =
𝐷 16Τ3 𝐷2 16Τ3
2
ℎ𝑓 10.29(2𝑛1 ൯ 𝑄 2
𝑆= 𝑆2 = 𝑒𝑞2
𝐿 𝐷2 16Τ3

𝑄1 = 𝑄2 = 𝑄
Since S1 =S2
For pipe 1 2
10.29(2𝑛1 ൯ 𝑄 2
10.29𝑛1 2 𝑄1 2 414.87𝑛1 2 𝑄 2 =
𝑆1 = 𝐷2 16Τ3
𝐷1 16Τ3 41.16
414.87 =
10.29𝑛1 2 𝑄2 𝐷2 16Τ3
𝑆1 =
ቀ0. 50)16Τ3
D2= 0.65 m or 650 mm
𝑆1 = 414.87𝑛1 2 𝑄2 𝑒𝑞 1
CE BD Problem: Three pipes of different lengths and diameters connected in series
as shown in the figure discharges 160 liters per second. If the roughness coefficient
n = 0.012 and disregarding minor losses, determine:
a) the head loss in each pipe
b) the diameter of an equivalent single pipe that could replace all the
three pipes

10.29𝑛2 𝐿𝑄 2 10.29 0.012 2 800 0.16 2

ℎ𝑓 = ℎ𝑓3 =
𝐷16Τ3 0.250 16Τ3

10.29 0.012 2 1800 0.16 2 ℎ𝑓3 = 49.33 𝑚

ℎ𝑓1 =
0.45 16Τ3
HL =4.83+34.98+49.33 = 89.14 m
ℎ𝑓1 = 4.83 𝑚
Total length = 1800+1500+800 = 4100 m
10.29 0.012 2 1500 0.16 2
10.29 0.012 2 4100 0.16 2
ℎ𝑓2 = 89.14 =
0.30 16Τ3 𝐷 16Τ3
ℎ𝑓2 = 34.98 𝑚
DE = 0.30 m or 300 mm
If a main pipe divides into two or more branches and again
join together downstream to form a single pipe, then the
branched pipes are said to be connected in parallel
(compound pipes)

1500 m – 300 mm Ø

300 m – 450 mm Ø 600 m – 250 mm Ø 600 m – 300 mm Ø 400 m – 450 mm Ø

A 1 B 3 C 5 D 6 E

600 m – 200 mm Ø

Points A, B, C, D and E are called Nodes

In solving problems involving Pipes in parallel, three
important principles are applicable:
❖ The flow entering each joint must equal the flow leaving
that joint

❖ The head loss between two joints is the same for each
branch connecting these joints
❖ Within the range of velocities normally encountered, the
percentage of total flow passing through each branch and
any additional pipes that might go from joint A to B will be
constant, regardless of the head loss between the joints.

1500 m – 300 mm Ø

300 m – 450 mm Ø 600 m – 250 mm Ø 600 m – 300 mm Ø 400 m – 450 mm Ø

A 1 B 3 C 5 D 6 E

600 m – 200 mm Ø

4
CE BD 2003: A pipe network consists of pipeline 1 from A to B, then at B it is
connected to pipelines 2 and 3, where it merges again at joint C to form single
pipeline 4 up to point D. Pipelines 1,2 and 4 are in series connection whereas
pipelines 2 and 3 are parallel to each other. If the rate of flow from A to B is 10
liters/sec and assuming f=0.02 for all pipes, determine the flow in each pipe and the
total head lost from A to D
Pipelines Length (m) Diameter (mm)
1 3,000 200
2 2,200 300
3 3,200 200
4 2,800 400

𝑸𝟐

𝑸𝟒
𝑸𝟏
D
A C
B
4
1

𝑸𝟑
 𝐿 3
𝑄1 = 𝑄4 = 10 = 0.01 𝑚 ൗ𝑠 Since pipe 2 and 3 are parallel
𝑠
2
ℎ𝑓2 = ℎ𝑓3
0.0826𝑓𝐿𝑄
ℎ𝑓 = 1495.64 𝑄2 2 = 16,520 𝑄3 2
𝐷5
0.0826 0.02 3000 0.01 2 𝑄2 = 3.323𝑄3 𝐸𝑄1
ℎ𝑓1 =
0.20 5 Also 𝑄2 + 𝑄3 = 𝑄1
ℎ𝑓1 = 1.55 𝑚
3.323𝑄3 + 𝑄3 = 0.01
2
0.0826 0.02 2,200 𝑄2 𝑚3
ℎ𝑓2 = 𝑄3 = 0.00231 = 2.31 𝐿Τ𝑠
0.30 5 𝑠
ℎ𝑓2 = 1495.64 𝑄2 2 𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐸𝑄1
2 𝑄2 = 3.323 0.00231
0.0826 0.02 3,200 𝑄3
ℎ𝑓3 = 𝑚3
0.20 5 𝑄2 = 0.00769 = 7.69 𝐿Τ𝑠
2 𝑠
ℎ𝑓3 = 16,520 𝑄3
𝐻𝐿 = 1.55 + 1495.64(0.00769)2 + 0.0452
2
0.0826 0.02 2,800 0.01 𝐻𝐿 = 1.55 + 16520 0.00231 2 + 0.0452
ℎ𝑓4 =
0.40 5
𝑯𝑳 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟖𝟑 𝒎
ℎ𝑓4 = 0.0452 𝑚
Water is flowing at the rate of 300 liters/sec from A to E as shown in the figure.
Compute the flow in each pipe in liters/sec and the total head loss. Assume
f=0.025 for all pipes.
2

1500 m – 300 mm Ø

300 m – 450 mm Ø 600 m – 250 mm Ø 600 m – 300 mm Ø 400 m – 450 mm Ø

A 1 B 3 C 5 D 6 E

600 m – 200 mm Ø

4
 0.0826𝑓𝐿𝑄 2
ℎ𝑓 =
𝐷5
0.0826 0.025 300 0.3 2 𝑸𝟑 + 𝑸𝟒 = 𝑸 𝟓 𝑬𝑸𝟑
ℎ𝑓1 = = 3.02
0.45 5
2
1.75𝑄4 + 𝑄4 = 𝑄5
0.0826 0.025 1500 𝑄2 2
ℎ𝑓2 = = 1274.69 𝑄2
0.30 5 𝑸𝟓 = 𝟐. 𝟕𝟓𝑸𝟒
2
0.0826 0.025 600 𝑄3 2
ℎ𝑓3 = = 1268.74 𝑄3
0.250 5
0.0826 0.025 600 𝑄3 2
2
ℎ𝑓4 = = 3871.88 𝑄4
0.20 5
0.0826 0.025 600 𝑄5 2
ℎ𝑓5 = = 509.88 𝑄5 2
0.30 5
2
0.0826 0.025 400 0.3
ℎ𝑓6 = = 4.03 𝑚
0.450 5
𝒉𝒇𝟑 = 𝒉𝒇𝟒 𝑬𝑸𝟔
1268.74 𝑄3 2 = 3871.88 𝑄4 2

𝑸𝟑 = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟓𝑸𝟒
 𝒉𝒇𝟐 = 𝒉𝒇𝟑 + 𝒉𝒇𝟓 𝑬𝑸𝟓
2 2 2
1274.69 𝑄2 = 1268.74 𝑄3 + 509.88 𝑄5

1274.69 𝑄2 2 = 1268.74 1.75𝑄4 2 + 509.88 2.75𝑄4 2

𝑸𝟐 = 𝟐. 𝟒𝟔𝑸𝟒

𝑸𝟏 = 𝑸𝟐 + 𝑸𝟑 + 𝑸𝟒 𝑬𝑸𝟐
0.3 = 2.46𝑄4 + 1.75𝑄4 + 𝑄4

𝑄4 = 0.0575 𝑚3 Τ𝑠

𝑄2 = 2.46 0.0575 = 0.1414 𝑚3 Τ𝑠

𝑄3 = 1.75 0.0575 = 0.1006 𝑚3 Τ𝑠

𝑄5 = 2.75 0.0575 = 0.1581 𝑚3 Τ𝑠
RESERVOIR PROBLEMS
In the figures shown below, the three pipes 1, 2, and 3 connects the three
reservoir A, B, and C respectively with all the pipes meeting at a common
junction P.
Types of Reservoir Problems

Type 1: Given the discharge in one of the pipes, or given the pressure at
the junction P, and the required is the elevation of one of the reservoirs
or the diameter or length of one of the pipes.

Type 2: Given all the pipe properties and elevation of all reservoirs, find
the flow in each pipe, which can be solve by trial and error.

In any of these types , the main objective is to locate the elevation of

the energy at the junction P. This elevation represents the water surface
of an imaginary reservoir at P. The difference in elevation between this
surface and the surface of another reservoir is the head loss in the pipe
leading to that reservoir.
Procedures in solving Type 1 Reservoir Problems

1. With known flow in one pipe leading to or flowing out from a reservoir of
known elevation, solve for its head loss ℎ𝑓 .

2. Determine the elevation of the energy grade line at the junction of the pipes
P by adding or subtracting (depending on the direction of flow) the head loss in
the pipe from the elevation of the water surface in the reservoir.

3. If the known value is the pressure at P, the elevation of P’ is the elevation of

𝑝
𝑃 + 𝛾𝑃 .

4. Draw a line from P’ to the surface of the other reservoir. These lines
represent the EGL’s of each pipe. The difference in elevation between P’ and
the surface of the reservoir is the head loss in each pipe.

5. Solve for the discharge.

CE Board 2000: Three reservoirs A, B and C are connected respectively with pipes 1,2,
and 3 joining at a common junction P whose elevation is 366 m. Reservoir A is at
elevation 933 m and reservoir B is at elevation 844 m. The properties of each pipe are
as follows; 𝐿1 = 1500 𝑚, 𝐷1 = 600 𝑚𝑚, 𝑓1 = 0.02; 𝐿2 = 1000 𝑚, 𝐷2 =
450 𝑚𝑚, 𝑓2 = 0.025; 𝐿3 = 900 𝑚, 𝐷3 = 500 𝑚𝑚, 𝑓3 = 0.018. A pressure gage at
3
junction P reads 4950 kPa. What is the flow in pipe 3 in 𝑚 Τ𝑠 and the elevation of
reservoir C.

𝑝 4950
= = 504.6
𝛾 9.81
 0.0826 0.025 1000 𝑄2 2
26.6 =
0.45 5
𝑄2 = 0.487 𝑚3 Τ𝑠

𝑸𝟏 = 𝑸 𝟐 + 𝑸𝟑
𝑄3 = 𝑄1 − 𝑄2
𝑄3 = 0.913 𝑚3 Τ𝑠
ℎ𝑓1 = 933 − 366 − 504.60
0.0826 0.018 900 0.913 2
ℎ𝑓1 = 62.4 𝑚
ℎ𝑓3 =
ℎ𝑓2 = 366 + 504.60 − 844 0.5 5
ℎ𝑓3 = 35.68 𝑚
ℎ𝑓2 = 26.6𝑚
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐶 = 366 + 504.6 − 35.68
𝟎. 𝟎𝟖𝟐𝟔𝒇𝑳𝑸𝟐
𝒉𝒇 =
𝑫𝟓 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒗 𝑪 = 𝟖𝟑𝟒. 𝟗𝟐 𝒎
0.0826 0.02 1500 𝑄1 2
62.4 =
0.6 5
𝑄1 = 1.4 𝑚3 Τ𝑠
Procedures in solving Type 2 Reservoir Problems
1. Given all elevations and pipe properties, determine the direction of flow in
each pipe. It is understood that the highest reservoir always have an outflow
and the lowest always have an in flow, but the middle reservoir (B) may have
an inflow or outflow.
2. To find out the direction of flow in pipe 2, assume that 𝑄2 = 0 such that 𝑃′ is
at elevation B, then values of ℎ𝑓1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑓3 can be solved. With ℎ𝑓1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑓3
known, solve for 𝑄1 and 𝑄3 . If 𝑄1 > 𝑄3, then 𝑄2 is towards B and P’ is above
reservoir B. If 𝑄1 < 𝑄3, then 𝑄2 is away from B and P’ is below reservoir B.

3. After determining the direction of 𝑄2 , express all the heads loss in terms the
other, usually ℎ𝑓1. Let ℎ𝑓1 = 𝑦. With all head loss expressed in terms of y, all
flow Q can also be expressed in terms of y. Simplify the equation to solve for y
and substitute in the equations to solve for the different flow Q.
Determine the flow in each pipe in the three reservoirs shown.
Elev. 85 m

Elev. 55 m

Elev. 15 m

0.0826(0.02)(1800)𝑄1 2 2
ℎ𝑓1 = = 290.4𝑄1
(0.4)5
0.0826(0.025)(2000)𝑄2 2
ℎ𝑓2 = 5
= 132.2𝑄2 2
(0.5)
0.0826(0.03)(4000)𝑄3 2
ℎ𝑓3 = 5
= 30.25𝑄3 2
(0.8)
 Elev. 85
m

Elev. 55
m

Elev. 15
m

ℎ𝑓1 = 290.4𝑄1 2 = 30
𝑄1 = 0.321 𝑚3 /𝑠

ℎ𝑓3 = 30.25𝑄2 2 = 40
𝑄3 = 1.15 𝑚3 /𝑠
 𝑎𝑡 𝑗𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃 (𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤)
𝑄1 + 𝑄2 = 𝑄3

0.0587 𝑥 + 0.087 𝑥 − 30 = 0.182 70 − 𝑥

𝒙 = 𝟓𝟎. 𝟐𝟖𝟕 𝒎

𝑄1 = 0.0587 50.287
ℎ𝑓1 = 290.4𝑄1 2 = 𝑥
𝑄1 = 0.416 𝑚3 /𝑠
𝑥
𝑄1 = = 0.0587 𝑥 𝑄2 = 0.087 50.287 − 30
290.4
ℎ𝑓2 = 132.2𝑄2 2 = 𝑥 − 30 𝑄2 = 0.392 𝑚3 /𝑠
𝑥 − 30 𝑄3 = 0.182 70 − 50.287
𝑄2 = = 0.087 𝑥 − 30
132.2 𝑄3 = 0.808 𝑚3 /𝑠
ℎ𝑓3 = 30.25𝑄3 2 = 70 − 𝑥
𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔
70 − 𝑥 𝑄1 + 𝑄2 = 𝑄3
𝑄3 = = 0.182 70 − 𝑥
30.25 𝟎. 𝟒𝟏𝟔 + 𝟎. 𝟑𝟗𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟎𝟖