CHE 350 Chemical Engineering Lab 1 1

Bernoullis Equation

Objective:

To verify Bernoullis Equation by demonstrating the relationship between pressure head

and kinetic head for a steady state flow of an inviscid and incompressible fluid.

Introduction:

The flow of a fluid has to be consistent with a number of scientific principles; especially,
with the conservation of mass and energy. Mass conservation of a steady state flow through a
conduit requires the velocity to be inversely proportional to the flow area [1]. While energy
conservation involves a relation between velocity and pressure for which the velocity increases
when pressure decreases and vice versa [1]. There are various forms of Bernoullis equation
depending on the flow, but the simplest form is the one describing a steady state flow for an
incompressible and inviscid fluid (i.e. most liquids) and some gas flows characterized by a low
Mach number ( less than 0.3) which simplifies the gas flow to nearly an incompressible flow [2].
The common form of Bernoullis equation describing the simplest flow (ideal flow) is given by
[1]:

2
+ + = (1)
2

Dividing eq. (1) by g allows the three terms to be expressed in units of energy per unit weight,
which is equivalent to a unit of length, according to the following:

2
++ = (2)
2

Where:
u is the velocity of the fluid.
is the density of the fluid.
h is the height of fluid in the manometer.
P is the static pressure.
g is the gravitational acceleration.
z is the elevation of a point relative to a reference with z-direction pointing upward/
Potential head.

Pressure head.

2
Velocity head.
2

Based on eq. (2), the three terms must be interchangeable. For instance, in a horizontal system, if
the velocity head increases, the pressure head must decrease. Using the following:

+
= (3)

CHE 350 Chemical Engineering Lab 1 2

Substituting the above equation into eq. (1) yields:

2
+ = = (4)
2

is another constant for the system.

Apparatus and Experimental Procedure:

Bernoullis apparatus, manufactured by Cussons, consists of a two dimensional

rectangular section convergent divergent duct that is designed to fit between two tanks: the
constant head inlet tank and the variable head outlet tank [1]. Attached to the duct is a bank of
eleven static pressure manometer tubes, see figure 1. The differential head across the test section
can be varied between zero and up to a maximum of 450 mm. Flow rate is controlled by raising
or lowering a swivel tube attached to the outlet tank. Additionally, a centrifugal pump is needed
to pump water from the main tank, located beneath the apparatus, to the constant head inlet tank
[1].

Manometers

Inlet Outlet
tank tank

Convergent divergent duct

Figure 1: Bernoullis Apparatus.

The step-by-step experimental procedure is as follows:

1. Open valve (below table and to the left) and turn on the pump.
2. Raise the swivel tube in order to fill the upstream tank until it overflows into the pipe set
inside it.
3. Adjust the swivel tube down slowly to a position where a small, but steady, overflow in
the inlet tank is maintained and make sure that the levels in all manometers can be read
on the grid behind them.
4. Measure the height of the water level in each manometer by marking the paper positioned
behind the tubes and record the results in the provided calculation sheet.
5. Record the time needed to collect some water from the swivel tube into a measuring
cylinder and calculate its flow rate.
6. Adjust the swivel tube to a different level and repeat the steps above.
CHE 350 Chemical Engineering Lab 1 3

Calculations:

1. Calculate the flow rate

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Volume of fluid
collected (cm3)
Time (s)
Volumetric Flow rate
(cm3/s)
Avg. flow rate (cm3/s)

Tap Cross-sectional Velocity = Q/A h observed 1 2

area (mm2) (cm/s) (cm) u gh
2
1 102.6
2 90.1
3 77.7
4 65.2
5 52.8
6 40.3
7 52.8
8 65.2
9 77.7
10 90.1
11 102.6

2. Plot the relations:

a) Velocity of water flow against tap distance.
b) Static head h against tap distance.
1 2
c) u gh against tap distance.
2
Outcomes:

The student should:

1. Understand the relationship between pressure head and kinetic head.

2. Apply the fluid flow equations.

Further Insights:

For ideal fluids (incompressible & inviscid), eq.(1) is re-written as:

2
+ + =0
2
CHE 350 Chemical Engineering Lab 1 4

How can you modify this equation if the fluid is not inviscid or if there is a small head
loss due to friction?
There are many applications for Bernoullis principle; one of the most
common examples is Bunsen burner. When gas is passed through the
burner nozzle, it exits with high speed thus creating a low pressure region
close to the nozzle, this initiates a pressure gradient that pushes air towards
flame providing a continuous feed of oxygen to obtain a persistent ignition!
Based on this example, can you justify why it is risky to stand near a
railway line when a fast train is passing by?

Figure 2: Bunsen burner [3].

Report Requirements:

Students are required to submit a group-report with individual calculations for

his/her corresponding case. The report should be submitted to the lab instructor after one
week (next lab session). The following items should be covered in your lab report:

1. Title Page: Experiment title, due date and students names & IDs.
2. Abstract: Summary that reflects the objective/s of the experiment, the main
outcomes achieved and the major points of discussion (shouldnt exceed 200
words).
3. Table of contents.
4. List of tables/figures.
5. Theoretical Background: Derivation of Bernoullis equation and its
applications and a brief of few types of pumps.
6. Experimental Set-up and Procedure.
7. Data & Sample calculations: Including raw data and all the tables, figures and
sample calculations.
8. Results and Discussion: Comment on the outcomes of the performed
experiments (figures/calculations) and check if they meet the objectives
already set. Include your suggestions about the experiment and justify any
deviation if exists.
9. Conclusion: Quick summary of the experiment concept & findings.
10. References: list your references in IEEE format.

References:

[1] P6231 Bernouillis Apparatus - Cussons Education And Training. [Online]. Available:
http://www.cussons.co.uk/education/products/mechanics_of_fluids/basic_flow_experiments_bench
/p6231_bernouillis_apparatus.asp. [Accessed: 27-Sep-2014].

[2] Y. A. engel and J. M. Cimbala, Fluid Mechanics. Tata McGraw Hill Education Private, 2006.

[3] physics.craze: its all about PRINCIPLE. [part 3]. [Online]. Available:
http://physicsforspm.blogspot.ae/2010/06/its-all-about-principle-part-3.html. [Accessed: 02-Oct-
2014].