Estimation and Comparison of Theoretical and Measured Head Losses in a Real Pipe System

Abstract

The aim of this study is designed to measure friction and form losses in a real pipe system. Two individual pipe systems were configured using black polyethylene pipe and fittings. Each configuration will comprise two 90° bends and two pipe diameter changes. A series of tapping points were installed along the system to measure pressure changes throughout the system at three different flow rates using a constant head water supply. Using piezometer tubes, the water pressure head loss was measured by taking the height difference at two tapping points at a time. The study results showed that the estimated average measured head losses vary from 4.08% to 9.61% with the calculated theoretical values. The HGL corresponding to theoretical head losses was found above the measured values for all flow rates. The average variation decreases with the decreasing trend of inflow rates for both configurations. Variations in measurements are likely to be from difficulties in recoding the piezometer readings. This study will guide the water distribution network designer about the friction and form losses for the desired type of pipe sizes.