Lesson 6 - Principles of Fluid Mechanics 3
This lesson considers the factors which contribute to pressure loss when fluid follows through a pipe or duct system. It will examine in detail, the factors which contribute to frictional pressure losses and also losses due to the presence of fittings in the pipeline.
Preface
In previous lessons, we have considered the important aspect of fluids mechanics in a brewery or a maltings. We also discussed the ability to move fluids from one place to another, such as down a pipeline or a gas duct. However, this movement does not happen of its own accord. It is accompanied by a loss of pressure due to friction between the fluid and the inner pipe wall (in the same way as there would be friction between a moving car tyre and the road). Pressure loss is through any fittings, such as bends, expansions, constrictions, and valves etc.
It is essential to understand what factors affect this loss of pressure and be able to calculate the loss in order to size pumps, fans, and blowers which create the fluid movement. We will be using, and building on, many of the concepts that we have considered in previous lessons, such as pressure, conservation of mass and energy, flow regimes, and Reynolds numbers.