P.A. HILTON LTD.

EXPERIMENTAL

OPERATING

AND

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

OSBORNE REYNOLDS APPARATUS

HB100J

HB100J_E_1_001
OCTOBER 14
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 POLICY STATEMENT

After Sales Service

We, P.A. Hilton Ltd., attach considerable importance in being able to retain the confidence and
goodwill of our clients in offering an effective after sales service. Every effort is made to answer
clients correspondence promptly and to provide a rapid follow up of spares and replacement parts by
maintaining comprehensive stocks of components usually available ex-stock.

Should our clients encounter any difficulty in operating or maintaining a Hilton product we would
ask that as a first step they contact the Hilton representative in their country or, in the absence of a
local representative, write direct to P.A. Hilton Ltd.

In the extreme case, a problem may arise in the operation of equipment that could seriously disrupt a
teaching or research schedule. In such circumstances rapid advice from the manufacturers is
desirable and we wish our clients to know that Hiltons' will accept from them a transfer charge
telephone call from anywhere in the world.

We ask our clients to treat this service as an emergency service only and to use it sparingly and
wisely. Please do be aware of the time differences that may exist and, before making a telephone
call, make notes of the problem you wish to describe. English is a preferred language. Our telephone
number is +44 (0)1794 388382 and the telephone is normally manned between 0800 and 1700 hrs
GMT every day. Advance notice of an impending telephone call by Fax or email would be
appreciated.
Fax: +44 (0)1794 388129
Email: sales@p-a-hilton.co.uk

Each product manufactured by P.A. Hilton Ltd., is tested under operating conditions in our
permanent installations before despatch. Visitors to Horsebridge Mill are encouraged to
operate and evaluate our equipment with initial guidance from a Hilton engineer.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING EQUIPMENT

Declaration of Conformity:
Directives (where applicable) 2006/42/EC
2006/95/EC
2004/108/EC

We declare that the following unit complies with the above EEC directives:

HB100J Osborne Reynold’s apparatus

The use of the apparatus outside the classroom, laboratory, study area or similar such place invalidates conformity
with the protection requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2004/108/EC) and could lead to
local prosecution.

For and on behalf of

P.A. HILTON LIMITED

Technical Director

P.A. HILTON LIMITED

Horsebridge Mill, King's Somborne,
Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6PX,
England.

Tel No. National (01794) 388382

International+441794388382
Fax No. +44 1794 388129
E-mail: sales@p-a-hilton.co.uk
5

INDEX
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM 6
NOTATION 8
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM NOTATION 9
INTRODUCTION 9
DESCRIPTION 10
PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS 10
INSTALLATION AND COMMISIONING 11
SUTTING DOWN 11
MAINTENANCE 12
Cleaning ............................................................................................................................ 12
USEFUL DATA 12
EXPERIMENTAL CAPABILITIES 12
1. DETERMINATION OF THE LAMINAR TO TRANSITIONAL TO TURBULENT FLOW
REYNOLDS NUMBERS AND COMPARISON WITH THEORETICAL VALUES. 13
THEORY .......................................................................................................................... 13
PROCEDURE................................................................................................................... 16
RESULTS ......................................................................................................................... 17
6

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

6
7

9
8

9
9

Diagram Key
1. Dye injection reservoir
2. Thermometer
3. Water Tank
4. Bell mouth intake
5. UV lamp
6. Water outlet flow control valve
7. Water inlet flow control valve
8. Spirit level.
9. Adjustable Feet
7

10

12

11

13

14
15

Diagram Key
10. UV lamp switch
11. 12v power supply connection
point
12. Drain Tap
13. Overflow hose connection
14. Water inlet connection
15. Water Outlet connection
8

NOTATION

Symbol Designation
Unit (S.I.)
ρ Density of the fluid Kg/m3
v Mean velocity of the fluid m/s
DH Hydraulic diameter of the pipe m
μ Dynamic viscosity of the fluid Kg/ms
v Kinematic viscosity of the fluid m2/s
Q Volumetric flow rate m3/s
A Pipe cross sectional area m2
9

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM NOTATION

Please refer to the schematic diagrams on pages 6 and 7.

To assist in identifying all of the components there is an annotated schematic diagram on pages 6 and 7. Each
relevant component has a number identifier that is the same in all diagrams. In order to simplify component
identification in the text the relevant number is placed alongside the component name which is also in bold text.
For example on page 6 the Dye injection reservoir would be identified in text as Dye injection reservoir (1)
In addition where screen displays are being referenced relevant labels will be shown in Bold Text.
This convention is used throughout the manual.

INTRODUCTION

Osborne Reynolds was a British physicist who mainly studied fluid dynamics and created the dimensionless
parameter (known as the Reynolds number) for the characteristics of fluid flow in pipes. He observed how the
flow changed from laminar to turbulent in nature and derived the set of variables which caused this.

The Reynolds number for flow in a pipe is defined as follows:

Re = ρ.v.DH
μ

= v.DH
v

= Q.DH
v.A

Using this equation we can determine the behaviour of the flow in any pipe as long as knowledge about its
geometry and details of the working fluid are known. An example application of the importance of this principle
to engineers would be the design of a new pipe network which may require a particular fluid to be mixed as it
flows. In this case they would have to ensure the flow is turbulent by altering the parameters in the equation to
give a Reynolds number in the turbulent region. This concept of mixing when in turbulent flow becomes evident
when the flow is visualised in the following experiment.

Laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds number is below 2300. Between 2300 and 4000 the flow can be
described as transitional and after this as a fully developed turbulent flow. Using the derived equation for the
Reynolds number it is possible to perform a series of tests upon a known diameter pipe, measuring the flow rate
when the flow is seen to be laminar and comparing the measured Reynolds number with that of the theoretical
boundary’s. The same can be done for increasing flow rates, calculating the Reynolds number at that specific
instance and identifying what state the flow is in and its visual representation.
10

DESCRIPTION

Please refer to the schematic diagram on page 6 and 7

The HB100J is an option of the Hilton hydraulics bench series that demonstrates the theorem derived by
Osborne Reynolds. The unit consists of a clear acrylic water tank (3) which houses a glass tube with a bell
mouth intake (4). A dye injection system, consisting of a reservoir (1) and an injection needle, allows the flow
inside the tube to be observed clearly as it transitions between states. The large capacity dye reservoir (1)
ensures greater run times of up to 10 minutes of continuous use on one fill. A UV lamp (5) highlights the flow
characteristics further by causing the dye to fluoresce. The fluid flow rate through the tube is controlled by the
water outlet flow control valve (6) at the tubes base. The fluid flow into the tank (3) is controlled by the water
inlet flow control valve (7) mounted on the panel. An overflow pipe inside the water tank (3) allows the
incoming and outgoing flow rates to be balanced with greater ease. The unit is mounted on a sturdy and
lightweight aluminium frame with convenient connection points at the rear for water supply and drain. A box
mounted on the rear of the main panel houses the electronics for the UV lamp (5). The 12v connection point is
conveniently mounted on the case of the box. A drain tap (12) is mounted on the back of the panel to drain the
water from the tank (3) when experiments are finished.

PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

1. Ensure the unit is mounted on a sturdy level surface so that it is no liable to topple over.
2. Do not allow the water level in the tank (3) to rise up to the base of the lid as leakage will occur.
3. Do not ingest any of the supplied dye. Although non-toxic this should still be avoided.
4. Dye will stain clothes and skin if it comes in to contact.
5. The bell mouth tube (4) is made from glass and as such is fragile and prone breakage by knocks and
rough handling.
6. Ensure the electrical supply is disconnected before attempting any maintenance.
7. Do not look directly at the UV lamp for extended periods of time as discomfort/damage to the eyes may
occur.
11

INSTALLATION AND COMMISIONING

Refer to the schematic diagrams on pages 6 and 7

Remove the unit from its packing case and visually inspect. Any damage found should be reported to the
insurers immediately.

Assuming that no damage is found, proceed as follows:

1. The unit is to be used in the laboratory and requires a source of water and drain at a minimum 10m
head at a flow rate of 12l/min.
2. The HB100J is not be used with the HB100 Hydraulics bench as it requires a fresh clean water source
since the dye that is used contaminates the water clarity. Hence a recirculated water source, as provided
by the HB100, cannot be used.
3. Place the unit on a level surface at a height that allows access to the water supply and drain points
(13), (14), (15) as well as the dye reservoir (1).
4. Adjust the levelling feet (9) using an appropriate spanner if necessary so that the spirit level (8) located
on the base is centred. This is important to ensure the dye stream runs straight down the tube and is not
affected by gravity pulling it laterally.
5. Locate the 3 water hoses from the accessories box. The grey fitting at one end of the hose allows
connection to the appropriate push fit quick release points (13), (14), (15) on the unit.
6. Connect the push fit end of each hose to the quick release water points (13), (14), (15). These simply
push into place.
7. Connect the other end of the water supply hose (14) to the local mains water supply.
8. Place the other end both of the drain hoses into a local drain point ensuring easy access to the water
outlet hose (15) for the experimental procedure.
9. Ensure all of the valves on the HB100J are fully closed before turning on the mains water supply.
10. Ensure the dye reservoir (1) is mounted on the top plate of the unit. This locates into place on the 2
protruding locater screws.
11. Locate the dye injector closing rod and screw by hand into the thread inside the dye reservoir (1). This
helps conserve dye when not in use.
12. Mix the supplied dye at the ratio of 1g to 250ml of water in the 250ml beaker provided. Stir thoroughly.
It is vital that all of the dye is dissolved in the water as any undissolved particles can block the injector
needle and cause running problems.
13. Fill the dye reservoir (1) with the mixed dye.
14. Connect the Ultra violet lamps power supply to an appropriate mains socket.
15. Connect the power supply to the 12V power point (11) on the unit.
16. Check the UV lamp (5) for operation by operating the switch (10). The lamp (5) will get brighter as
the tube warms up.
17. Insert the thermometer (2) into its holder on the tanks top plate. Push down the thermometer (2) so
that it only protrudes 10mm from the top.
The unit is now ready for operation.

SUTTING DOWN
Once the tests are complete the unit must be drained of all water to prevent any lime scale build up and
degradation of the materials.
1. Turn off the UV lamp (5) and disconnect the power supply.
2. Turn the water inlet valve (7) to fully closed.
3. Shut off the mains water supply.
4. Open the water outlet valve (6) fully to drain the water from the glass tube.
5. Open the drain tap (12) and allow the water to drain away into a suitable local drain point.
6. Once all water has been drained from the unit close all of the valves.
7. Remove the dye injector reservoir (1) to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
8. Clean any excess dye from the reservoir (1) and the injector rod by flushing out with clean water
9. Reinsert the dye injector system so that the unit is ready for the next testing session.
10. The water hoses can be left connected if the unit is to remain in place.
11. If packing into storage the hoses can be disconnected by first releasing any water pressure by shutting
of the mains supply to the unit and opening all valves.
12. Push the white tab of the attachment points (13), (14), (15) forward whilst simultaneously pulling the
hose out of the push fit connector.
13. Allow any excess water to drain away and dry the outside of the unit with a cloth.
14. The unit can now be placed in storage along with its accessories.
12

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning
The unit is not designed to be regularly disassembled in order to clean inside the tank. If the unit is drained at the
end of every experiment then lime scale build up and discolouration should not occur. Remove the dye reservoir
(1) from the top of the apparatus to allow the inside to dry out easier.

The dye injection system should be cleaned after every test session by removing from the unit and flushing through
with clean water. This is of great importance in the continued smooth operation of the unit and this regular
maintenance regime should be adhered to by the relevant persons in charge of this unit.

The outside of the unit can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a small amount of soap/water.

Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvent cleaners. Ensure the electrical supply is disconnected before cleaning the
outside of the unit.

USEFUL DATA

Glass tube internal diameter = 19.6mm

Kinematic viscosity, , of water at varying temperatures:

Temperature Kinematic Viscosity

(oC) (m2/s) x 10-6
0 1.787
5 1.519
10 1.307
20 1.004
30 0.801
40 0.658
50 0.553
60 0.475
70 0.413
80 0.365
90 0.326
100 0.29

EXPERIMENTAL CAPABILITIES

1. Determination of the laminar to transitional to turbulent flow Reynolds numbers and comparison with
theoretical values
13

1. DETERMINATION OF THE LAMINAR TO TRANSITIONAL TO TURBULENT FLOW REYNOLDS

NUMBERS AND COMPARISON WITH THEORETICAL VALUES.

THEORY

When a fluid is flowing through a closed channel such as a pipe, two distinct types of flow can be considered to
occur depending on the velocity of the fluid. Laminar flow will occur at lower velocities, with turbulent flow
occurring at higher velocities. The point at which these transitions occur was defined by the curator of the
principle known as the Reynolds number, Osborne Reynold.

Laminar Flow

In fluid dynamics, laminar flow occurs when a fluid flows in parallel layers, with no disruption between the
layers. This is illustrated in Fig 1 and practically in Fig 3. At low velocities, the fluid tends to flow without any
lateral mixing, and adjacent layers slide past one another. There are no cross-currents perpendicular to the
direction of flow or any eddy currents in the fluid. In laminar flow conditions, the motion of the particles of the
fluid is very ordered, with all particles moving in straight lines parallel to the pipe walls.

Fig 1

Turbulent Flow

Turbulent flow can be described as a less orderly flow regime that is characterised by eddies or small packets of
fluid particles which result in lateral mixing. This is illustrated in Fig 2 and practically in Fig 5.

Fig 2

Transitional Flow

A third type of flow can also be considered to take place, transitional flow. Transitional flow can be described as
a state between the two flow types described previously. Where the fluid stream has not fully developed into a
turbulent state and some form of order is still present. This is illustrated practically in Fig 4 and is important for
students to be able to recognise when this type of flow occurs and the fluid layers that where initially laminar
and parallel begin to break apart.
14

Theoretical and Practical Reynolds Number

Using the equation given for the Reynold number we can calculate the Reynolds number at any desired flow rate
and compare with the theoretical Reynolds number for laminar, transitional and turbulent flow. By highlighting
the flow pattern we can accurately determine when the flow visually transitions between stages and gain an
understanding of the different types of flow and what is occurring in the fluid.

According to the experiments performed and laid down by Osborne Reynold the following conditions are
deemed to be the theoretical values for different flow conditions:

Laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds number is below 2300.

Transitional flow occurs between Reynolds numbers of 2300 and 4000
Fully turbulent flow occurs at Reynolds numbers greater than 4000.

Kinematic Viscosity

The other variable that we must take into account in the Reynolds number equation is the kinematic viscosity.

The parameter in the Reynolds number equation, known as the kinematic viscosity, is the ratio of the dynamic
viscosity to the density of the fluid:

Viscosity can be defined as the ability of a fluid to resist shearing flows where adjacent particle layers move
parallel to one another at different speeds. The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to gradual
deformation by shear or tensile stress. For liquids, this corresponds to the informal concept of "thickness". E.g.
honey can be visibly observed to have a much higher viscosity than water.

The temperature of a fluid has a known relationship with its kinematic viscosity. Therefore measuring the
temperature of a fluid results in an easy method of arriving at this parameter for the Reynolds number equation.
A change in temperature can have a significant effect on how a fluid behaves due its subsequent change in
viscosity. For example a water temperature of 20°C as opposed to 10°C can cause a fall of 10ml/s in the required
flow rate to achieve a transitional flow stage for this apparatus.
15

Viscosity calculation

When taking temperature readings from the unit it may be necessary to perform linear interpolation to acquire
the correct value of viscosity using the figures in the table listed in the useful data section and the formulae
below.

Where X and Y are the coordinates to be found from the graph plotted in the useful data section from the data
listed in the adjacent table. For example:

To find the Viscosity value for a water temperature of 9°C we use the values in the table for 5°C and 10°C and
linearly interpolate as such:
16

PROCEDURE

It is assumed the unit has been installed and commissioned as detailed on page 11

1. Turn on the UV lamp (5) by operating the UV lamp switch (10).

2. Open the drain tap (12).
3. Open the water inlet control valve (7) approximately half way and allow the tank (3) to fill slowly to
avoid inducing excess turbulence.
4. After the tank (3) has begun to fill close the drain tap (12). This will purge any air out of this section
of pipework.
5. When the water level has reached the overflow pipe reduce the flow rate so that the incoming water is
balanced by that leaving the overflow.
6. Unscrew the dye injector closing rod.
7. Open the water outlet flow control valve (6) fully in order to draw out the dye from the reservoir (1).
Once dye is seen to flow, reduce the flow rate to a very low value so that the conditions shown in Fig 3
are met.
8. Adjust the water inlet valve (7) as necessary to maintain a constant head of water above the bell
mouth tube (4), ideally at a level where a small amount is leaving the overflow tube in order to help
balance the flow.
9. Record the flow rate from the water outlet hose (15) using the supplied stopwatch and container.
Around 10 seconds worth of water collection should be sufficient to give an accurate result.
10. Slowly open the water outlet flow control valve (6) until the flow is seen to begin to transition from
laminar to turbulent in nature, as shown in Fig 4. At the same time try to maintain roughly the same
head of water (just above the overflow tube) above the bell mouth entry (4) by adjusting the water
inlet valve (7). Be careful not to disturb the tube to much when adjusting the outgoing flow rate. Allow
to settle after each adjustment to obtain a truthful flow condition.
11. Once a steady transitional state is achieved, collect water from the water outlet hose (15) in the
container as before, timing the collection period. Again around 10 seconds of collection should be
adequate.
12. Open the water outlet valve (6) further until the flow is seen to become fully turbulent as in Fig 5.
Again maintaining a constant head of water (just above the overflow tube) above the bell mouth entry
(4) by adjusting the inlet valve (7) as required.
13. Record the flow rate as before
14. Ensure the thermometer (2) is submerged and record the water temperature in the tank.
17

RESULTS

LAMINAR FLOW

The following represents a visual representation of Laminar Flow

The exact conditions here were:

Flow rate, Q = 6.47ml/s (0.647x10-5m3/s)

Water temperature: 9°C

The calculated Reynolds number, Re = 311

Fig 3

TRANSITIONAL FLOW

The following represents a visual representation of transitional flow and should be learned to be identified by
any prospective student. It should be possible to return to this point at any stage once you have identified what
transitionally turbulent flow looks like.

The exact conditions here were:

Flow rate, Q = 52.36ml/s (5.236x10-5m3/s)

Water temperature: 9°C

The calculated Reynolds number, Re = 2520

Fig 4
18

TURBULENT FLOW

The following represents a visual representation of a fully developed turbulent flow.

The exact conditions here were:

Flow rate, Q = 198.91ml/s (19.891x10-5m3/s)

Water temperature: 9°C

The calculated Reynolds number, Re = 9575

Fig 5