Pipe in Series

ℎ𝑓 = ℎ𝑓1 + ℎ𝑓2 + ℎ𝑓3

𝑄 = 𝑄1 = 𝑄2 = 𝑄3

ℎ𝑓 = 𝑟1 𝑄 2 + 𝑟2 𝑄 2 + 𝑟3 𝑄 2 ∴ ℎ𝑓 = 𝑟𝑄 2
𝑟𝑄 2 = 𝑟1 𝑄 2 + 𝑟2 𝑄 2 + 𝑟3 𝑄 2
∴ 𝑟 = 𝑟1 + 𝑟2 + 𝑟3
• Concept of equivalent pipe: Dupuit equation:
Equivalent pipe may be defines as the pipe of uniform diameter having the
loss of head and discharge equal to the loss of head and discharge of
compound pipes, consisting pipe of different length and diameter.
Let, L1, L2, and L3 are lengths and D1, D2, D3 are the diameters respectively of
different pipes of compounds pipe lines, then total head loss in compound
pipe neglecting minor losses is;

𝑓𝑟1 𝐿1 𝑉12 𝑓𝑟2 𝐿2 𝑉22 𝑓𝑟3 𝐿3 𝑉32

ℎ𝐿 = + + + …….
2𝑔𝐷1 2𝑔𝐷2 2𝑔𝐷3
Again, by continuity; we have,
𝜋𝐷12 𝜋𝐷22 𝜋𝐷32
𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = 𝐴3 𝑉3 = 𝑉1 = 𝑉2 = 𝑉3
4 4 4
• Assuming fr1 = fr2 = fr3 = ……. = fr;
𝑓𝑟 𝑄 2 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿3
ℎ𝐿 = 2[ 5 + + + ⋯ … …….(i)
2𝑔 𝜋 𝐷1 𝐷25 𝐷35
4

If `D’ and `L’ be the diameter and length respectively of the equivalent
pipe carrying same discharge `Q’ and head loss in the equivalent pipe
is same that as that in compound pipe.
• Loss of head in equivalent pipe is;
𝑓𝑟𝐿𝑉 2 𝑓𝑟 𝑄 2 𝐿
ℎ𝐿 = = 𝜋 2 5 … … … … … (𝑖𝑖)
2𝑔𝐷 2𝑔 𝐷
4
• Equating two head loss(eqn. (i) and (ii);
𝐿 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿3
= + + + ……
𝐷5 𝐷15 𝐷25 𝐷35
This equation is called Dupuit’s Equation.
• Pipe in Parallel
 ℎ𝑓 = ℎ𝑓1 = ℎ𝑓2
𝑄 = 𝑄1 + 𝑄2

ℎ𝑓 ℎ 𝑓1 ℎ 𝑓2
Or, = + (∴ ℎ𝑓 = 𝑟𝑄 2 )
𝑟 𝑟1 𝑟2
(ℎ𝑓 = ℎ𝑓1 = ℎ𝑓2 )
1 1 1
∴ = +
𝑟 𝑟1 𝑟2
Two types of problem in parallel connection
Type I
• Unknown – 𝑄
• Known – ℎ𝑓 , 𝐿, 𝐷, 𝑓𝑟
We can easily calculate 𝑄 as follows,
𝑓𝑟 × 𝐿 × 𝑣 2 𝑄 𝑄
ℎ𝑓 = 𝑣= =
2𝑔𝐷 𝐴 𝜋𝑑2
4
Type II
• Known: 𝐿, 𝐷, 𝑓𝑟, 𝑄
• Unknown: 𝑄1 = ? , 𝑄2 = ? 𝑄3 = ?
Steps:
𝑄
i) Assume 𝑄1∗ = where, n = number of branches
𝑛
2
ii) Calculate ℎ𝑓∗ = 𝑟1 ∗ 𝑄1∗
1
ℎ𝑓∗ 2
Then, 𝑄2∗ =
𝑟2
1
ℎ𝑓∗ 2
𝑄3∗ =
𝑟3
∑𝑄 ∗ = 𝑄1∗ + 𝑄2∗ + 𝑄3∗
iv. Ratio between 𝑄 ∗ and 𝑄 must be same.
∑𝑄 ∗ 𝑄1∗ 𝑄2∗ 𝑄3∗
= = =
𝑄 𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑄3
From this calculate discharge through each pipe
𝑄𝑄1∗ 𝑄𝑄2∗ 𝑄𝑄3∗
∴ 𝑄1 = , 𝑄2 = ,𝑄3 =
∑𝑄 ∗ ∑𝑄 ∗ ∑𝑄 ∗
v. For check, 𝑄 = 𝑄1 + 𝑄2 + 𝑄3 and ℎ𝑓1 = ℎ𝑓2 = ℎ𝑓3
ℎ𝑓1 = 𝑟1 𝑄12
ℎ𝑓2 = 𝑟2 𝑄22
ℎ𝑓3 = 𝑟3 𝑄32
Q.1. The total discharge through main branch is 4 cumec. Determine
discharge through branch 1, 2 and 3 for given geometric dimensions and
frictional factor.
Pipe L(m) D(mm) fr
1 1500 1000 0.02
2 1200 300 0.02
3 1600 1200 0.024
 𝑄 4
Assume, 𝑄1∗ = = = 1.33 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
3 3
Now calculate resistance coefficient for each pipe as follows:
8𝑓𝑟1 ×𝑙1
• 𝑟1 = = 2.478
𝜋2 ×𝑔×𝐷15
8𝑓𝑟2 ×𝑙2
• 𝑟2 = = 816.067
𝜋2 ×𝑔×𝐷25
8𝑓𝑟3 ×𝑙3
• 𝑟3 = = 1.275
𝜋2 ×𝑔×𝐷35
Then calculate head loss using assume value of discharge:
∗2
i.e.; ℎ𝑓∗ = 𝑟1 ∗ 𝑄1 = 2.478 × 1.332 = 4.38 𝑚
From this head loss calculate discharge for other pipes

ℎ𝑓∗ 4.38
𝑄2∗ = = = 0.0732 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑟2 816.067
ℎ𝑓∗ 4.38 𝑚3
𝑄3∗ = = = 1.85
𝑟3 1.275 𝑠𝑒𝑐

∑𝑄 ∗ = 𝑄1∗ + 𝑄2∗ + 𝑄3∗

= 1.33 + 0.0732 + 1.85
𝑚3
= 3.26
𝑠𝑒𝑐
(not ok )
We should now calculate discharge in each pipe using the ratio relation.

∑𝑄∗ 𝑄1∗ 𝑄2∗ 𝑄3∗

• = = =
𝑄 𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑄3
 𝑄𝑄1∗ 4×1.33
𝑄1 = = = 1.63 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
∑𝑄 ∗ 3.26
𝑄𝑄2∗ 4×0.0732
𝑄2 = = = 0.09 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
∑𝑄 ∗ 3.26
𝑄𝑄3∗ 4×1.85
𝑄3 = = = 2.27 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
∑𝑄 ∗ 3.26

Check,
∑𝑄 = 𝑄1 + 𝑄2 + 𝑄3 = 1.63 + 0.09 + 2.27 = 3.99 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
(∑𝑄 ≈ 𝑄)
ℎ𝑓1 = 𝑟1 𝑄12 = 6.58 𝑚
ℎ𝑓2 = 𝑟2 𝑄22 = 6.61 𝑚
ℎ𝑓3 = 𝑟3 𝑄32 = 6.57 𝑚
• A pipe of diameter 200 mm and length 3000 m connects two
reservoirs having difference of water level as 50 m. If an additional
pipe of diameter 300 mm and length 1200 m is attached to the last
1200 m length of the existing pipe, find the increase in discharge. Take
fr = 0.02 and neglect minor losses.
 8𝑓𝑟𝐿 𝑓𝑟𝐿
• Computing `r’ using 𝑟 = =
𝜋2 𝑔𝐷5 12.1𝐷5

0.02 × 3000
∴ 𝑟𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 5
= 15495.87
12.1 × 0.2
0.02× 3000−1200
• 𝑟𝐴𝐵 = = 9297.52
12.1× 0.2 5
0.02×1200
• 𝑟𝐵𝐷 = = 816.24
12.1× 0.3 5
0.02×1200
• 𝑟𝐵𝐶 = = 6198.35
12.1× 0.2 5
• Equivalent resistance coefficient(𝑟𝑒𝑞 ) for parallel pipes BD and BC can be calculated as:

1 1 1 1 1
= + = +
𝑟𝑒𝑞 𝑟𝐵𝐷 𝑟𝐵𝐶 816.24 6198.35
On solving ; we get,
𝑟𝑒𝑞 = 439.44
Case I:( Before attached parallel pipe)

• ℎ𝑓 = 𝑟𝐴𝐵𝐶 𝑄2 (note difference in free water surface level in case of reservoir gives us the
head loss )

Or, 50 = 15495.87 𝑄2

𝑄 = 0.0568 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
Case II (after attached parallel pipe)

′2 ′2
∴ ℎ𝑓 = 𝑟𝐴𝐵 𝑄 + 𝑟𝑒𝑞 𝑄

′2
50 = 9297.52 + 439.44 𝑄
𝑄 ′ = 0.0717𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
• 𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 = 𝑄 ′ − 𝑄 = 0.0717 − 0.0568 = 0.0149 ≅
0.015𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
Siphons and its application
When water is conveyed over a hill through a pipeline passing at a
height greater than hydraulic gradient such a pipeline is called
siphon.
Close conduit arranged to Lifts of liquid to an elevation higher that
its free surface utilizing force of atmospheric pressure and then
discharges it to lower level.
In siphonic action pressure at topmost point(summit) is always
below atmospheric pressure.
In other word a siphon is a device that allows a liquid to be drawn
from a storage tank or reservoir without the use of the pump.
 A siphon is a long bend pipe used to carry water from a reservoir at a higher
elevation to another reservoir at a lower elevation when two reservoirs are
separated by a hill or high level ground.
 The point ‘c’, highest point of syphon is called summit. As the point ‘c’ is above
the free surface of water in tank A, the pressure at ‘c’ will be less than atmospheric
pressure.
 Theoretically, the pressure at ‘c’ will be -10.33 m of water column but in actual
practice this pressure is only -7.6 m of water or 2.7 m of water absolute.
 If the pressure at ‘c’ becomes less than 2.7 m of water absolute, the dissolved gas,
& air (𝑂2 , 𝐶𝑂2 etc) comes out from water & collect at summit and flow stops.
 So note that hs should not be more than 7.6 m of water column.
Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and B.
𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴2 𝑃𝐵 𝑉𝐵2 𝑉2 𝑉2
+ 𝑍𝐴 + = + 𝑍𝐵 + + ℎ𝐹 + 0.5 +
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔 2𝑔

𝑃𝐴 𝑃𝐵
= = 10.33 𝑚 of water absolute
𝛾 𝛾

0.5𝑉 2 𝑓𝑟𝐿𝑉 2 𝑉2
𝑍𝐴 − 𝑍𝐵 𝑜𝑟 𝐻 = + +
2𝑔 2𝑔𝐷 2𝑔

Where v = velocity of flow inside siphon

D = diameter of siphon
L = total length of the siphons .
Again Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and S.

𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴2 𝑃𝑆 𝑉𝑆2 𝑉2
+ 𝑍𝐴 + = + 𝑍𝑆 + + ℎ𝐹 + 0.5
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔

𝑃𝐴
= 10.33 𝑚 of water absolute (consider if atmospheric pressure is
𝛾

given otherwise take zero)

𝑃𝑆 𝑉2 𝑉2 𝑓𝑟𝐿1 𝑉 2
10.33+𝑍𝐴 = + 𝑍𝑆 + + 0.5 +
𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔 2𝑔𝐷

Where L1 pipe length from reservoir A to summit S.

Application
A syphon is used to connect two reservoirs at different level separated by mountain
or valley.
To supply water to town over a ridge.
To empty tank having no outlet.
To draw water from canal having no outlet
Applying Bernoulli’s equation between 1 and 2 ignoring head losses. And we assume cross sectional
area of reservoir is so big compared to cross section of hose so that velocity head can be neglected at
the tank.
𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑉22
+ 𝑍1 + = + 𝑍2 +
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔

𝑃1 𝑃2
= = 10.33 𝑚 of water absolute or (p atm)
𝛾 𝛾

Solving for exit velocity we get v = 2𝑔𝐻

Discharge (Q) = A x 2 𝑔 𝐻
Q can be improved by increasing diameter of hose or positioning the exit of hose further down the free
surface .
The depth of immersion has no effect on the velocity as well as discharge.
For pressure at summit :Applying Bernoulli’s equation between exit 2. and S. i.e.;
𝑃𝑆 𝑉𝑆2 𝑃2 𝑉22
+ 𝑍𝑆 + = + 𝑍2 + [note that velocity at summit and exit are same these
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔
term cancel.]
𝑃𝑠 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚
+ℎ = + (−𝐻)
𝛾 𝛾
On solving we get :
𝑃𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 - 𝛾(h+H)……….(i)
Equation (i)shows that the pressure at the summit is below atmospheric. If we try to
increase the discharge by increasing H (with fixed h) or by increasing h ( with fixed
H) the pressure at summit will approach the vapor pressure of liquid ,vapor bubbles
will form at summit and the siphon will cease to operate.
1.) Two reservoirs are connected by a pipe 1000 m long of diameter 300
mm. The pipe passes over a hill whose height is 5 m above the level of
water in the upper reservoir. The difference in water levels in the two
reservoirs is 13 m. If the absolute pressure of water anywhere in the pipe is
not allowed to fall below 1.2 m of water in order to prevent cavitation's,
calculate the length of pipe in the portion between the upper reservoir and
the hill summit; and also the discharge through pipe. Assume the reservoirs
are open to the atmospheric pressure of 760 mm of mercury. Take friction
factor, fr = 0.032 and neglect bend losses.
Given; only bend loss is to be neglected not entrance and exit.
• 𝐿 = 1000 𝑚
• 𝑑 = 300 𝑚𝑚 = 0.3 𝑚
• 𝑍𝐴 − 𝑍𝐵 = 13 𝑚
• 𝑍𝑆 − 𝑍𝐴 = 5 𝑚
• 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵 = 0
• 𝑉𝑆 = 𝑉
𝑃𝑆
Minimum pressure occurs at summit; so, = 1.2 𝑚 of water absolute
𝛾
fr = 0.032
𝑃𝐴 = 𝑃𝐵 = 760 𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑔 = 0.76𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑔 or s1 h1 =s2 h2
= 13600 × 0.76 × 9.81
= 1.01 × 105 𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝐴 𝑃𝐵 1.01×105
= = = 10.295 𝑚 of water absolute
𝛾 𝛾 9810

Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and B.

𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴2 𝑃𝐵 𝑉𝐵2 𝑉2 𝑉2
+ 𝑍𝐴 + = + 𝑍𝐵 + + ℎ𝐹 + 0.5 +
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔 2𝑔

𝑓𝑟𝐿𝑉 2 1.5𝑉 2
Or, 13 + 0 = 0 + +
2𝑔𝐷 2𝑔

0.032×1000×𝑉 2 1.5𝑉 2
or, 13 = +
2×9.81×0.3 2×9.81
𝑚
∴𝑉 = 1.536
𝑠𝑒𝑐

𝜋 × 0.3 2
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑉 = × 1.536 = 0.1036 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
4
Again Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and S.

𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴2 𝑃𝑆 𝑉𝑆2 𝑉2
+ 𝑍𝐴 + = + 𝑍𝑆 + + ℎ𝐹 + 0.5
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔

1.536 2 0.032×𝑙× 1.536 2 0.5× 1.536 2

Or, 10.295 + 0 + 0 = 1.2 + 5 + + +
2×9.81 2×9.81×0.3 2×9.81

∴ 𝑙 = 305.2𝑚
Q.2) A 60 cm diameter pipe, 3000 m long connecting two reservoirs which
surface level differ by 30 m at a distance of length of pipe 300 m from upper
reservoir the pipe crosses a ridges. The summit of which is 9 m above the
level of water in the upper reservoir. Determine:
i) Maximum depth of pipe below the summit of ridges. If absolute pressure
head at summit of system is not fall below 24.5 kN/m2.
ii)Discharge through the pipe.
Take friction factor, fr = 0.03 and atmospheric head is 10.3 m of water.
Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and B; we get,

𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴2 𝑃𝐵 𝑉𝐵2 𝑉2 𝑉2
+ 𝑍𝐴 + = + 𝑍𝐵 + + ℎ𝐹 + 0.5 +
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔 2𝑔
0.5𝑉 2 𝑓𝑟𝐿𝑉 2 𝑉2
0+ 𝑍𝐴 + 0 − 𝑍𝐵 = 0 + 0 + + +
2𝑔 2𝑔𝐷 2𝑔

0.5𝑉 2 0.03×3000×𝑉 2 𝑉2
or, 30 = + +
2×9.81 2×9.81×0.6 2×9.81

∴ 𝑉 = 1.97 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐

𝜋𝐷2 𝜋× 6 2
∴ 𝑄 = 𝐴𝑉 = × 1.97 = × 1.97 = 0.55 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
4 4
• Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and S.

𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴2 𝑃𝑠 𝑉𝑠2 𝑉2
+ 𝑍𝐴 + = + 𝑍𝑠 + + ℎ𝐹 + 0.5
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔

𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 𝑃𝑠 𝑉 2 𝑉2
+ 𝑍𝐴 + 0 = + + 𝑍𝑠 + ℎ𝐹 + 0.5
𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 𝑃𝑠 𝑉2 0.5𝑉 2 𝑓𝐿𝑉 2
Or, − − − + = 𝑍𝑠 − 𝑍𝐴
𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔 2𝑔𝐷
1.97 2 0.5× 1.97 2 0.03×3000× 1.97 2
Or, 10.3 − 2.5 − − + =h
2×9.81 2×9.81 2×9.81×0.6
𝑃𝐶 24.5
∵ = = 2.5 𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒
𝛾 9.81

Or, 9 − ℎ𝑐 = 4.54
∴ ℎ𝑐 = 4.46 𝑚
Hence, maximum depth of pipe below the summit of ridges is 4.46 m
Q.3) Water is pumped from reservoir with surface elevation 200 m across a
valley to another reservoir of surface elevation 216 m through o pipe of
1300 m long 30 cm diameter as shown in given fig. If during pumping the
pressure is 5.6 kg/cm 2 at a point half way and at elevation 168 m .Compute
the discharge and power required of pump. Take frictional factor as 0.32
and neglect minor head losses.
Applying Bernoulli’s equation between A and B; we get,

𝑃𝐴 𝑉𝐴2 𝑃𝐵 𝑉𝐵2
+ 𝐻𝑝 + 𝑍𝐴 + = + 𝑍𝐵 + + ℎ𝐹
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔
5.6×9.81x104 𝑉2 0.02 x 650 x V2
or, 0+ H𝑝 + 200 + 0 = + 168 + +
1000x9.81 2×9.81 2×9.81x 0.3
or, Hp = 24 +2.26 v2 …………….(i)
Applying Bernoulli’s equation between B and C;
𝑃𝐵 𝑉𝐵2 𝑃𝑐 𝑉𝑐2
+ 𝑍𝐵 + = + 𝑍𝑐 + +ℎ𝐹
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔
5.6×9.81x104 𝑉2 0.02 x 650 x V2
or, + 168 + = 0+ 0+ 216 +
1000x9.81 2×9.81 2×9.81x 0.3
On solving we get velocity of flow: v = 1.92 m/s
Note:We have given gauge pressure at B,So pressure at reservoir A and C are zero (patm as reference
pressure)

From equation (i)

Hp = 24 +2.26 x 1.922 = 32.38 m

𝜋𝐷2 𝜋× 0.3 2
Now, 𝑄 = 𝐴𝑉 = × 1.92 = × 1.92 = 0.1357 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
4 4

Power of pump = F x v

=p Av
𝑝
= A v 𝛾
𝛾

= Hp A v 𝛾

= 32.38 x 0.070 x1.92 x1000 x 9.81

= 43.11 Kwatt