B48BB Process Engineering A

Semester 1
Year 1 Laboratory Handbook

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

This material is prepared to support the degree programs in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.

Overview
Laboratory exercises serve two purposes:
To re-enforce material covered in lectures by focusing on specific objectives
concerning the fundamental topics of fluid mechanics and physical properties.

To experience taking, analyzing and reporting physical measurements where

there are clear connections between each variable.

One of the key drivers behind Heriot-Watt engineering programs are the inclusion
of practical elements that expose students to dealing with physical phenomena in a
way no text book or video or on-line system can. What better way to learn that air
contains condensable and non-condensable gases, what better way to learn that
heat flows from hot to cold that pressure increases when flowrate will increases.

2.0 Safety
Safety should be a major part of the laboratory students should be required to
conduct themselves in a safe manner and all staff need to demonstrate good
practice.
Risk Assessment Supervisors and demonstrators need to complete and maintain
risk assessments for each experimental activity. The laboratory supervisor should
manage this and advise staff accordingly. A signature sheet should be provided for
each laboratory experiment for students to sign to say they have read and
understood the risks of the activity.
PPE students will be told to bring their own PPE (lab coat, glasses, gloves)
For reasons of safety, laboratory work may only be carried out during the specified
periods. No experiment should be carried out without the laboratory supervisor
present.
Majority of experiments use water, air and have electrical power connection.
Occasionally some will use substances that are flammable, irritant and come under
the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). When completing their
risk assessment, supervisors should carry out a separate COSHH assessment
where it is needed.
The roles of demonstrators are defined elsewhere but in summary, your role is to
first demonstrate the experiment (turn on, operate, switch off), and to watch the
students when they operate the experiment. Both students and demonstrators need
to understand the equipment, what it does before switching the unit on.

3.0 Report Format

There are formal guidelines on how the report should be set out but essentially
this will follow from the reports in 1 st year:
Introduction
Theory
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Marks can be awarded to each section but greater emphasis should be placed on
the treatment of the experimental results and quality of the discussion section.
Other points to watch for are:
Copying sections of text from standard reference books students should

interpret the text and form their own version, bringing in other aspects of theory
if necessary. You may want to ask the student which textbook they are going
to use to satisfy yourself that they will be using text book references.

Copying text from the laboratory sheets should not be tolerated. Students have
a tendency to use screen capture, to write experimental procedures in exactly
the same way as the laboratory sheet. From 2014, we have asked that
experimental procedures should document any changes that were done, rather
than the exact experimental procedure.

Clear presentation of results - both raw collected data, and processed data
presented in graphical and tabular format. Graphs should be clearly marked
(title, labels) and tables should have meaningful headings with the appropriate
units. Unexplained spreadsheet printouts should be discouraged. Large
spreadsheet printouts without adequate documentation either in the text or on
the actual sheet can make the whole sheet very difficult to understand. A
sample calculation should be shown so that correct application of theory is
tested.

Use of appendices - students often place all their data and results in
appendices. While this may be convenient for organizing the report, it might be
better to put graphs which show key findings and which are used in the
discussion, close to the discussion. There should always be some sort of
summary of the results in the text of the report before any discussion. The
students have a format to follow for written reports (you should also have a
copy of this) and they should be encouraged to follow it.

Consistency between different assessors causes students concern and may

actually be detrimental to the students self-confidence. Some students claim to
have spent considerable time over reports and receive little reward with
improvements in grade. Although this may be a fault of inappropriate feedback,
there could be some degree of inconsistency between assessors.

3.1 Returning Reports

Please try to be prompt handing back work. Ideally this should be done at some
point in the next lab session personally or into the tray/box for marked reports,
rather than having the students trying to look for you. If you are unable to see the
student during the next lab, then make an appointment (e- mail might be a better
way to organize a meeting, copy the e-mail to the appropriate director of study). In
case theres a dispute you can always produce the e-mail messages. If you think
the student is asking too much, then contact the academic supervisor and the year
director of studies. Feedback to the academic teaching the material helps the
academic so please do this if you can.
Reports should in any case be returned within 14 days of the submission date,
whatever the lab.
Equally important is to record marks given and any comments you feel you should
make and pass this on to the appropriate member of staff or laboratory supervisor.
Students should keep their reports in case staff ask for these in some way.

3.2 Plagiarism
Plagiarism in laboratory work takes two forms
3.2.1 Inappropriate use of reference material
Where students cut and paste what they think are sections from web sites and text
books. Markers need to be aware of this a challenge the tell-tale signs that students
have done this without really referencing the original source. In some cases,
students will attempt to duplicate large sections of text (5-10 lines) but include the

reference. In this case they are satisfying the letter of the law, but not the intent
copying 10 lines of text means they have not really understood what is being said.
For all stage 2 experiments, there should be no reason for students to go to these
lengths the focus is on results, the data processing and explaining the results.
3.2.1 From Other Students
This can be the more significant challenge to detect especially if reports are
handed back to some students. If demonstrators believe there is copying between
students, then they should look through the electronic submissions on Vision. If
they think something is wrong then report this to the academic supervisor, the
laboratory supervisor for further advice.
Penalties for plagiarism are clearly documented in the programed handbook.

4.0 Laboratory Details

This section contains a summary of each experiment, together with learning
objectives. Since BHOS and Malaysia will be the first to use GUNT laboratory kit,
there are no examples of data that can be collected. Demonstrators are therefore
asked to keep records of how well individual kit items perform.
GUNT manuals contain examples of theory, data plots and physical property data.
Our preferred way of working is not to use manufacturers manuals, but give
alternative documentation that focuses on specific tasks.
The fluid mechanics and heat transfer experiments by GUNT need a BASE UNIT
to provide the water flowrate, and source of heating & cooling. Laboratory
Supervisor and demonstrators should be trained up using the base units.
Fluid Mechanics Base Unit: HM150
This has a pump, main flow control valve, water holding tank and volume
measuring tank. Normally, the volumetric flowrate from the pump will be affected
by the downstream pressure drop of the experiment under test. GUNT have
provided a classical bucket and stopwatch approach to calibrating the flowrate
for a particular valve setting.
Demonstrators We suggest that when varying the flowrate on HM150 main
control valve, that you measure the volumetric flowrate using the standard
procedure. You should get the students to do this as a matter of course so that
they become used to calibrating systems. At some stage, you may like to look at
installing a flow measuring device onto this unit.

4.1 Experiment 1: Friction Losses in Bends

Objective:
Notes

To find out relationship in pressure losses across elbows and

fittings
1. This experiment is similar to experiment 3 and should only
be done by the same group in special circumstances.
2. Students should measure the pressure loss across all or a
number of fittings, for a range of volumetric flowrates. They
need to set the flowrate using valve 10, measure the pressure
drop
3. The GUNT manual lists several experiments that can be
done and you may wish to start with the simple pressure drop
vs
3. Calculate what the pressure loss across each fitting would
be using theory and compare with the measured values from
the experiment.

4.2 Experiment 2: Bernoullis Principle

Objective:

Notes

To show that as the cross sectional area reduces, the pressure

measured through the reduction decreases as the velocity
increases.
1. This is a rather simpler experiment to do than others but the
level of post experiment analysis is greater.
2. Students should measure the pressure profile for up to 2
different flowrates. They should repeat the measurements in
order to test the accuracy and repeatability.
3. The GUNT manual covers the theory very well and gives
examples of data

4.3 Experiment 4: Flowmetering Devices

Objective:

Notes

To show how differential pressure can be used as a measure

of average velocity and hence volumetric flowrate for a number
of meter types.
1. Key finding will be the discharge coefficient as a function of
Reynolds number.
2.

Students can derive expression for flowrate from first

principles starting from Bernoullis equation.

3.

The rig used is one of the more complex rigs that has
flexibility in the type of experiments to perform.

4.6 Experiment 5: Centrifugal Pump

Objective:
Notes

To familiarization with operating behavior and characteristics of a

centrifugal pump through experiment
1. Pump characteristics of a centrifugal pump are important
as they are used to select the pump for the appropriate job.
2. Plot head curves vs flow rate for the pump thats installed.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

School of Engineering and Physical Science
Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
Laboratory Experiment
Experiment 1: Friction Losses in Bends and Fittings
Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1
2 Basic Theory ......................................................................................................... 1
3 Flow Diagram ........................................................................................................ 2
4 Operational Notes ................................................................................................. 3
5 Safety Note ........................................................................................................... 3
6 References ............................................................................................................ 3

Introduction

In fluid mechanics, you will learn about how liquids and gases flow from one part of a
process until into another. To move fluid, you need energy to overcome pressure
differences between the inlet side of the pipe and the outlet side. Energy is also needed
to overcome friction caused by the fluid

Basic Theory

When liquids or gases flow along pipelines and through fittings such as elbows, Tee
junctions, there is a loss of energy due to friction along the pipe wall. We therefore need
to understand the relationship between this pressure loss and the velocity of the fluid.
Another phenomena in fluid flow is the difference between turbulent flow and laminar
flow. Under fully turbulent flow, the relationship between pressure loss and velocity is of
the form:

Flow Diagram

1 Elbow and Fittings Base frame

2 Hose connection to water inlet (use the
Fluids Base Unit or standard water
supply)
3. Hose connection to drain

4. Pipe Elbow (Test Section 1)

5. Rounded Pipe Elbow (Test Section 2)

10 Main flow control valve

VALVE C
11 6 Channel manometer

6. Tight radius pipe bend (Test Section

3)
7. Large radius pipe bend (Test section
4)
8. Pipe reducer (Test Section 5)

12 Spring tube manometer

9. Pipe enlarger (Test Section 6)

14 Pressure measurement hose

13 Circular Chamber text section

This unit will normally sit on top of the following Base Unit

Pos. Item
Main water storage tank
1
TANK A
2
Sliding Valve VALVE B

Pos. Item

4
5
6

Liquid Level Gauge

Volumetric measuring tank - for
measuring volumetric flowrate
TANK B
Water Connection to Experiment
Water Connection from
experiment

Switch box

Overflow pipe
Main Flow control valve
VALVE A

10

Water supply connection for

accessories with pump

11

Submersible motor driven pump

12

Drain valve

3
4

Operational Notes

This experiment should be set up for you. Do not attempt to change the connections from
the base unit to the experiment unit unless instructed otherwise.
1. Ensure that the Elbow and Fitting rig is attached to the base unit.
2. Ensure that tank A is filled with water
3. Ensure that the water feed line (line 5) and the water return line (line 6) are
connected to the Elbow and Fitting Rig (line 6)
4. Close VALVE C.
5. Set VALVE A to 50% open, Open VALVE B
6. Connect the pressure measuring hose to across the first elbow.
7. Switch on the pump
8. Bleed the manometer to make sure you are measuring the pressure drop make
sure there are no air bubbles in the manometer tube.
9. Measure the flowrate from the pump using the procedure below
a. Make sure the TANK B is empty - open slider VALVE B
b. Close VALVE B and record the time taken for the volume to go
BETWEEN 20 to 30 litres. As soon as you are finished, open VALVE B.
10. Record the pressure drop across the fitting.
11. If it is safe to do so, switch the quick release hose lines to another fitting and repeat
steps 10-11.
12. If it is safe to do so, you may increase the flow from feed pump by opening VALVE
A.
For your results, you are looking to plot pressure loss vs velocity^2, pressure loss vs
Reynolds number for each fitting. You should also calculate out what the pressure drop
could be from theory using the head loss or equivalent length values from tables. You
need to repeat some of the measurements to gauge the inherent accuracy and repeatability
of the system.

Safety Note

This experiment uses water and required electrical power. You should avoid spillages of
water; water spillages should be contained and removed as soon as possible. Activating
electrical switches should only be operated when safe to do so.

References

Coulson and Richardson Chemical Engineering Volume 1, Elsevier, 1999 JF

Douglas, J Gasiorek Fluid Mechanics, Prentice Hall, 2000

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

School of Engineering and Physical Science
Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
Laboratory Experiment
Experiment 2: Bernoullis Principle
Contents
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
2 Basic Theory ..................................................................................................................... 1
3 Key Data ........................................................................................................................... 1
4 Rig Details ........................................................................................................................ 2
5 Operational Notes ............................................................................................................. 3
6 Safety Note ....................................................................................................................... 4
7 References ....................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction

In fluid mechanics, you will learn about the Bernoulli equation, a fundamental relationship
between velocity and pressure for flowing fluids. You will be shown how this equation is derived
and how it can be applied.

Basic Theory

When fluids flow through a duct or pipeline, a key property is that the mass flowrate remains
constant. For liquids, or other incompressible fluids (where density is constant), where there is
a change in diameter of pipeline, the velocity must increase. Bernoullis equations then tells us
that the pressure at that point must change. This experiment allows you to explore the
relationship between velocity an pressure along a converging/diverging section.
Imagine a liquid flowing from point 1 to point 2 which can be at a different elevation than point
1. If the liquid flow is frictionless, and there is no other energy exchange, Bernoulli derived an
expression between the pressure and velocity at point 1 to point 2 as:

The other key equation is the continuity equation which says the mass flow along the pipe
must be constant. Since mass flow is given by , then

In this experiment, you will measure the pressure within water flowing through a section which
reduces in diameter, then increases.

Key Data

Cross sectional area at the pressure tapping measurement points:

Rig Details

1. Back panel
2. Water pressure measurement point

3. Discharge pipeline
4. Outlet flow control valve VALVE C
5. Venturi nozzle

6. Compression gland
7. Pressure measuring probe
measures the TOTAL pressure at each
measuring point along the venturi
8. Water feed connection
9. Inlet control valve VALVE D
10. Manometer rack measuring the
STATIC pressure at each measuring
point along the venturi

This unit will normally sit on top of the following Base Unit

3
Pos.

Pos.

Item

Switch box

Item
Main water storage tank
TANK A
Sliding Valve VALVE B

Liquid Level Gauge

Overflow pipe
Main Flow control valve
VALVE A

4
5
6

Volumetric measuring tank - for

measuring volumetric flowrate TANK
B
Water Connection to Experiment
Water Connection from experiment

10

Water supply connection for

accessories with pump

11
12

Submersible motor driven pump

Drain valve

Operational Notes

This experiment should be set up for you. Do not attempt to change the connections from the
base unit to the experiment unit unless instructed otherwise.
1. Ensure that the Bernoulli rig is attached to the fluids base unit (or connected to a
water supply),
2. Ensure that tank A is filled with water
3. Ensure that the water feed line (line 5) and the water return line (line 6) are connected
to the Bernoulli rig (line 8)
4. Open VALVE C. Set VALVE D to 50%
5. Set VALVE A to 25% open this may change to increase the flow through venturi
6. Reset the position of the overall pressure probe
7. Switch on the pump
8. Make sure the manometer tubes have water mid-way between the LL and UL
positions. You may need to balance VALVE C and VALVE D.
a. Open the vent valves on both manometers
b. Slowly close the exit valve, VALVE C until there is water in each manometers
9. Measure the flowrate from the pump using the procedure below
a. Make sure the TANK B is empty - open slider VALVE B
b. Close VALVE B and record the time taken for the volume to go BETWEEN 20
to 30 liters. As soon as you are finished, open VALVE B.
10. Record the manometer pressures along the venturi
11. Use the overall pressure probe to record the total pressure at each measuring
position.
12. Try to change the main feed flowrate to at least 3 values.
13. Make sure you repeat at least one of the flowrates to measure the repeatability and
accuracy of the instruments.
14. Once all elements have been measured, switch off the pump, close valve A, open
valve A. Open valves C and D.
For your results, you should calculate the DYNAMIC PRESSURE by:
You need to calculate the actual velocity of liquid at each of the measuring points by:
You need to calculate the theoretical velocity, using Bernoullis equation for each of the
measuring positions.
You should also calculate the Reynolds number for each measured point.
Plot the appropriate data together to compare theory with measurements

4
6

Safety Note

This experiment uses water and required electrical power. You should avoid spillages of water;
water spillages should be contained and removed as soon as possible. Activating electrical
switches should only be operated when safe to do so.

References

Coulson and Richardson Chemical Engineering Volume 1, Elsevier, 1999

JF Douglas, J Gasiorek Fluid Mechanics, Prentice Hall, 2000

1
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
School of Engineering and Physical Science
Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
Laboratory Experiment
Experiment 3: Flow Measurement
Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1
2 Basic Theory ...................................................................................................................... 1
3 Key Data ............................................................................................................................ 2
4 Rig Details ......................................................................................................................... 2
5 Operational Notes .............................................................................................................. 3
6 Safety Note ........................................................................................................................ 4
7 References ........................................................................................................................ 4

Introduction

Measuring the mass flowrate is critically important no matter what industrial sector you are in,
but to measure this directly is not easy. Easier to do is the volumetric flowrate and this
experiment is designed to show you some basic methods that are used. The experiment will
also demonstrate several key features in fluid mechanics. Note that in industry, measuring
flowrate is also done using a variety of electronic devices, which you will see in later stages of
the programme.

Basic Theory

When fluids flow through a duct or pipeline, a key property is that the mass flowrate remains
constant. For liquids, or other incompressible fluids (where density is constant), where there is
a change in diameter of pipeline, the velocity must increase. Bernoullis equation then tells us
that the pressure at that point must change.
Imagine a liquid flowing from point 1 to point 2 which can be at a different elevation than point
1. If the liquid flow is frictionless, and there is no other energy exchange, Bernoulli derived an
expression between the pressure and velocity at point 1 to point 2 as:

The other key equation is the continuity equation which says the mass flow along the pipe
must be constant. Since mass flow is given by, then

These three equations are applied to each of the measuring systems available in this
experiment. For frictionless, inviscid flow, the relationship between the volumetric flowrate,
velocity and the pressure difference between the pipeline and the minimum cross sectional
area is given by:

Where A is the cross sectional area of the upstream pipe, a is the cross sectional area of the
minimum point. For real cases where there is friction involved, the volumetric flowrate is given
by:

Refer to C&R Volume 1, or any standard fluid mechanics details for exact details on the
theory.
A rotameter is a constant pressure type of device, where the position of the float gives a
direct indication of the volumetric flowrate.

Key Data

Approximate sizes of key sections. You are advised to measure these

yourselves. Orifice Plate: Hole diameter 18.5mm
Nozzle Meter: Hole diameter 14mm
Pitot Tube: Inner diameter 2.1mm, outer diameter 3mm

Rig Details

1. Water Outlet pipe

2. Water outlet valve VALVE C
3. Rotameter section
4. Pressure tapping top of rotameter
5. Support frame

6. Manometer bank
7. Water Inlet Connection
8. Removable flowmeter section
variations include orifice, nozzle and pitot
tube.
9. Venturi flowmeter

This unit will normally sit on top of the following Base Unit

Pos.

Pos.

Item

Switch box

Item
Main water storage tank
TANK A
Sliding Valve VALVE B

Liquid Level Gauge

Overflow pipe
Main Flow control valve
VALVE A

4
5
6

Volumetric measuring tank - for

measuring volumetric flowrate TANK
B
Water Connection to Experiment
Water Connection from experiment

10

Water supply connection for

accessories with pump

11
12

Submersible motor driven pump

Drain valve

Operational Notes

This experiment should be set up for you. Do not attempt to change the connections from the
base unit to the experiment unit unless instructed otherwise. The flowmeter rig should have
been attached to the pump base unit, and primed with water already in the manometer bank.
Pressure tappings to the following instruments should have been ready:
Differential pressure across the orifice or nozzle meter
Differential pressure across the rotameter
Two pressure tappings on the venturi meter an upstream value and one at the
throat position.
To start a flowrate measurement:
1. Open VALVE C 100%
2. Open VALVE B
3. Set VALVE B to 50% open this will change depending on the manometer readings.
4. Switch on the pump
5. If the rotameter reads low (with the float below the 50% marker) increase the flow
from the pump by opening VALVE A until the float is at the top of the tube.
6. Record the differential pressures from the manometer.
7. Measure the flowrate from the pump using the procedure below
a. Make sure the TANK B is empty - open slider VALVE B

4
b. Close VALVE B and record the time taken for the volume to go BETWEEN 20
to 30 litres. As soon as you are finished, open VALVE B.
8. Close outlet VALVE C to reduce the flowrate
9. Repeat steps 6 to 8 until the flowrate is small, or the pressures in the manometer are
high.
10. Work backwards and open VALVE C in successive stages, taking all measurements
for a second time. This will give you an idea on the repeatability and accuracy of the
system.
11. Once all elements have been measured, switch off the pump, close valve A, open
VALVE B. Open Valve C
You should process your results to
a) Calculate the discharge coefficient
for the orifice/nozzle meter and the venturi
meter for each flowrate tested. Comment on how the discharge coefficient changes or
does not change
b) Compare the pressure drop across the orifice meter, the venturi meter and the
rotameter for each flowrate tested. Comment on why the orifice/nozzle meter gives the
highest pressure drop
You should also remember to calculate out Reynolds numbers to support arguments you make
in your discussion.

Safety Note

This experiment uses water and required electrical power. You should avoid spillages of water;
water spillages should be contained and removed as soon as possible. Activating electrical
switches should only be operated when safe to do so.

References

Coulson and Richardson Chemical Engineering Volume 1, Elsevier, 1999

JF Douglas, J Gasiorek Fluid Mechanics, Prentice Hall, 2000

1
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
School of Engineering and Physical Science
Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
Laboratory Experiment
Experiment 4: Centrifugal Pump
Contents
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
2 Basic Theory ..................................................................................................................... 1
3 Key Data ........................................................................................................................... 2
4 Rig Details ........................................................................................................................ 2
5 Operational Notes ............................................................................................................. 3
6 Safety Note ....................................................................................................................... 4
7 References ....................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction

Centrifugal pumps are one type of general purpose pump thats found in the industrial and
domestic sectors. These pumps have well defined characteristics and one of the jobs of the
process engineer is to select the appropriate pump for the anticipated duty. The objective of
this experiment is to measure the typical characteristics of centrifugal pumps (the relation
between developed head and flowrate, efficiency and flowrate) and to investigate the effect of
running pumps at different speeds.

Basic Theory

Pump characteristics are usually quoted in the form of graphs of head vs. flowrate and
efficiency vs. flowrate. Using these, the correct pump can be selected for the desired flowrate
wanted against the pressure thats needed. Once the pumps required head and flowrate has
been determined, the overall efficiency is calculated from:
The percentage efficiency =

Power Output x100

Power Input

= electrical power input to pump

= Volts x Amps (watts)
power output = work done by pump on fluid
= volumetric flowrate x differential pressure across the
pump (watts)

where power input

Therefore the % efficiency = Q.P x100

V.I
Now

P = g..h

Therefore

head =
Where P
g

=
=
=
=

g.
differential pressure
acc. due to gravity
fluid density
head

N/m2
m/s2
kg/m3
m

2
In this experiment, you will measure the pumps delivery pressure for a range of flowrates. You
will then change the speed of the pump motor and repeat these to see what affect this has on
the pumps characteristics. You will also investigate the condition known as cavitation.

Key Data

Cross sectional area at the pressure tapping measurement points:

Maximum pump head 36.9m
Maximum flowrate: 3000 l/hr

Rig Details

1. Electric motor drive

2. Back panel support
3. Discharge Valve VALVE C
4. Discharge pressure gauge
5. Suction pressure gauge
6. LED indicators
7. Power display

8. Switch to change displayed variable

9. On/Off switch
10. Motor Speed indicator
11. Master on/off switch
12. Emergency shut off
12. Centrifugal pump
12. Base frame

This unit will normally sit on top of the following Base Unit

Pos.

Pos.

Item

Switch box

Item
Main water storage tank
TANK A
Sliding Valve VALVE B

Liquid Level Gauge

Overflow pipe
Main Flow control valve
VALVE A

4
5
6

Volumetric measuring tank - for

measuring volumetric flowrate TANK
B
Water Connection to Experiment
Water Connection from experiment

10

Water supply connection for

accessories with pump

11
12

Submersible motor driven pump

Drain valve

Operational Notes

This experiment should be set up for you. Do not attempt to change the connections from
the base unit to the experiment unit unless instructed otherwise.
1. Ensure that the pump rig is primed and ready for use. Do not attempt to adjust
the connections to the base unit yourselves.
2. Open Valve C to 50% - the pump discharge valve
3. Set VALVE A to 100% open
4. Set the pump speed to 100% full and switch on the motor.
5. Measure the flowrate through the pump using the procedure
a. Make sure the TANK B is empty - open slider VALVE B
b. Close VALVE B and record the time taken for the volume to go BETWEEN
20 to 30 liters. As soon as you are finished, open VALVE B.
6. Repeat 4 to 5 for different positions of the discharge valve try at least 10
different flowrates.
7. Change the pump speed and repeat 2 to 6 try for at least 2 different pump speeds.
8. Open Valve C to 50%, switch the pump to 50% speed
9. Partially close the main flow control valve valve A to 50%.
10. Repeat a flowrate/pump head data set for Valve A set to 50%.
11. Switch off and reset the controls to where you found them.

4
For your results, you should calculate pump efficiency, the pump head in m of water. You
should plot the pump characteristic curves for the three speed settings. You should also plot
the efficiency curves. You also need to plot the pump curve when the main water feed valve
was partially closed.

Safety Note

This experiment uses water and required electrical power. You should avoid spillages of water;
water spillages should be contained and removed as soon as possible. Activating electrical
switches should only be operated when safe to do so.

References

Coulson and Richardson Chemical Engineering Volume 1, Elsevier,

1999 JF Douglas, J Gasiorek Fluid Mechanics, Prentice Hall, 2000