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Question no. 17282

What is the primary cause of major energy losses in long pipelines_______________?

Select your answer for: What is the primary cause of major energy losses in long pipelines_______________?
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Answer: D. friction

Explanation

Frictional resistance along long pipeline walls is the primary cause of major head losses. Shear stress between the flowing liquid and the interior pipe surface continuously consumes energy. Major losses accumulate steadily over distance, dominating total pressure drops in transmission lines. Pipeline head losses are categorized into major friction losses and minor fitting losses. Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams equations quantify major friction losses in fluid systems. Pipe length, diameter, and roughness are key factors determining total frictional head loss.

Long-distance oil and water pipelines require powerful booster pumps to overcome major friction losses. Engineers select smooth pipe materials to minimize energy consumption over long transmission routes. Accurately calculating friction losses ensures adequate pressure delivery at distant consumer taps. Sudden enlargement causes minor head losses rather than the dominant friction losses in long lines. Sudden contraction contributes minor localized losses rather than continuous transmission friction. Gradual transitions minimize turbulence and produce negligible energy losses compared to pipe friction.

Subject
Engineering
Topic
—
Difficulty
medium

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