Assignment
Introduction: (it's better to the introduction section by by stating the role of piping systems in chemical engineering)
The objective of this experiment is to confirm the practical applications of pumping and piping models. By attaching a pump to various pipes that involve contractions, expansions, valves, and other obstacles, and by using a manometer to investigate the pressure drop, one is able to determine how closely the mathematical model matches the actual performance of the pump and of the obstacles' effects on the fluid's pressure. By doing this, the theory behind various tenants of fluid mechanics can be confirmed. From data collected through this lab and literature one can also study the relationship between Reynolds number and flow rate.
A. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
Startup:
1. Fill the feed tank about half full of water.
2. Verify the system is leak-free
3. Plug the system in, turn on the pump, and check for proper operation.
4. Clear the system of air bubbles, using appropriate valves. They rise to the clear pipe on top, and then to the atmosphere through the top valve near the tank. This valve requires periodic venting.
Data Measurement: You must decide what data to collect to complete the requested tasks described below.
5. For each flow restriction (pipe, valve, or fitting), set the flow at the desired setting and measure the pressures before and after the restriction. This procedure will also work for the pump to measure the pressure rise across the pump for various conditions. Be sure to record the system flow rate as well as the pressure readings in your data.
6. At several flow rates, verify the flow meter readings by checking the paddle wheel meter and rotameters using timed weighings.
Safety
The main chemical used in this experiment is H2O (water). Water is a fairly safe fluid to come in contact with but there are some safety precautions to take. Wearing proper lab attire is crucial which includes a hardhat, safety glasses, and close toed shoes. A major rule to consider while handling this is this water is not for ingestion. If for any reason it is needed be aware of the location of the safety showers and eye wash stations which are located by the door on the first floor of the lab and directly above that on the second floor.
Environmental Implications
Overuse of water can also impact the environment by the amount of energy used to purify, supply, and pump water to where the experiment will take place. On the other hand, water is plentiful in America and also very inexpensive to supply. A very situational idea to consider is if the area where the experiment was being performed was in a drought. The over usage of water will decrease the amount available to the community as well as diminish habitats for animals in the area.