flow through annulus

8/16/2019 Flow Through Annulus

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Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Prof. G.K. Suraishkumar for introducing me to the laboratory which

had a creative way of working and also inspiring us throughout the lab for being

innovative and practical.


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Flow in an Annulus with changing κ

Objectives

1. To investigate experimentally the relation between volumetric flow rate and κ (ratio of the internal to external radius of the annulus) by changing the internal

diameter.

2. At a particular κ , observe the laminar and turbulent flow in an annulus anddetermine the critical Reynolds number for transition from laminar to turbulent.

3. For the κ in part 2, relate the friction factor and the Reynolds number for flow in

annulus.

Theory

The volumetric flow rate is related to κ and the pressure drop by the following equation:

Q = π P R 4 ((1- κ

4) – (1- κ

2)2 ) ..……..………… (1) [1]

8 µ L ln(1/ κ )

where, P = pressure drop across the annulus.

κ = ratio of internal to external radius of the annulus.

L = length of the annulus.

R = outer radius of the annulus.

The friction factor is given by:

f = D h P ………………… (2) [3]

2L ρv2

where D h (Hydraulic diameter) = 4 * Cross sectional area [2]

Wetted Perimeterv = velocity of the fluid.

ρ = density of the fluid.

Reynolds number for an annulus is given by:

Re = 2R (1- κ ) v ρ ………………...(3) [1]

µ


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Experimental setup

The apparatus consists of a transparent glass tube (which will comprise the external

diameter) and a rubber tube (which will comprise the inner diameter), which can expand

freely. To ensure that the rubber tube does not slack in between there is a thin rod inside

the rubber tube (coaxial with the outer glass tube) which will support the tube andmaintain its stability, i.e. keep the tube horizontal. The rubber tube is closed at one end

and the other end is connected to a compressor. We can inflate the tube uniformly (as the

tube of a bicycle expands uniformly) throughout the length to get the internal diameter.To avoid the end effects of expansion enough margin can be left at the end (especially at

the fixed end, as some distortion is expected). In case we need to deflate the tube, there

will be a valve provided (similar to tubes used in bicycles).

To measure the internal diameter of the annulus i.e. the diameter of the rubber tube we

will use a laser light which will be movable on a linear scale for accurate measurement ofinternal diameter.

For the 2nd

part of the experiment (Reynolds number), the level of the nozzle can be

adjusted so as to get it at the middle of the outer and inner diameters and ensure that thedye travels in the center to get a clear view of laminar flow as well as transition.

A manometer is connected across the length of the pipe to get the pressure drop acrossthe annulus. The flow rate will be measured manually with a measuring cylinder and stop

watch.

Front View

Inner radius (κ R, made

of rubber)

Valve connected to

compressor for inflationnozzle

Manometer(for pressure

measurement)Tank A Tank B

Dye


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Procedure

Varying Inner Diameter of Annulus

1. Adjust the inner diameter of the tube to a minimum by adjusting the flow of air

through the compressor.2. Allow water to flow through the annulus at a fixed pressure difference (say ∆h inthe manometer tube = 25 cm), by adjusting the flow rate of water.

3. Measure the flow rate of water manually, using a measuring cylinder and a stop

watch.4. Measure the internal diameter of the annulus using the laser beam by moving it on

a linear scale.

5. Change the inner diameter of the tube by allowing more air from the compressor

and adjust the flow rate so as to get the same pressure difference as above and

note down the readings again.

6. Get the Q vs. κ relation from the experimental results and compare it with thetheoretical results from equation 1.

Laser light

Graph paper

attached to get

the reading ofthe diameter

Stand for the

support of thelaser light

Tank B(side view)Inner Diameter


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Reynolds Number experiment

1. For a particular value of κ (keeping it constant) adjust the nozzle of the dye by

bringing it to the middle of flow and set the flow rate of the dye to a constant

value.

2. Observe the flow pattern inside the annulus at different flow rates.3. Note the flow rates and the corresponding pressure difference across the length.

4. Calculate the Re and the friction factor f for each flow rate using eqns. 2 and 3.

5. Compare the plot of f vs. Re with the theoretical results.

Critical Reynolds Number

For calculating the critical Reynolds number accurately, first calculate Re with increasing

flow rate and then with the decreasing flow rate.

References:

[1]. Bird,R.B.;Stewart,W.E.;Lightfoot,E.M. Transport Phenomena. pp 51-54.[2]. McCabe,W.L.;Smith,J.C.;Harriot,P.Unit Operations in Chemical Engineering.

5th

Edition. pp 103

[3]. http://www.processassociates.com/process/dimen/dn_dar.htm


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flow through annulus

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