Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Measurements of Local Instantaneous Convective Heat Transfer in a Pipe - Single and Two-phase Flow
Published on: April 30, 2018
Experimental study on air pressure variation in a horizontal pipe of single-stack drainage system
Tingchao Yu1, Qiang Ding2, Luwen Wang1
1Department of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
This study investigated air pressure variations in single-stack drainage horizontal pipes. Higher water flow rates increased pressure fluctuations, while sealed vents and submerged outlets caused significant pressure changes, impacting trap seal integrity.
Area of Science:
- Building Services Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Plumbing Systems
Background:
- The water trap seal in sanitary appliances is crucial for preventing foul gas ingress.
- Limited research exists on air pressure variations within horizontal pipes of single-stack drainage systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate air pressure variations in horizontal pipes of single-stack drainage systems.
- To identify key parameters influencing pressure fluctuations.
Main Methods:
- A physical model study was conducted.
- Investigated the effects of water flow rate (Q_w), inlet height, ventilation condition, and outlet condition on pressure variation.
Main Results:
- Pressure fluctuations increased with Q_w but decreased along the horizontal pipe.
- Sealed ventilation led to choking flow and decreased horizontal pipe pressure.
- Fully submerged outlets significantly increased horizontal pipe pressure.
Conclusions:
- Water flow rate and outlet conditions are critical factors affecting pressure variations in horizontal drainage pipes.
- Sealed vents and submerged outlets can compromise trap seal integrity and should be avoided in system design.
Related Concept Videos
Variation of Atmospheric Pressure
Assuming the air temperature is constant at a given altitude and that the ideal gas law of thermodynamics describes the atmosphere to a good approximation, one can find the variation of atmospheric pressure with height.
Let p(y) be the atmospheric pressure at...
Single Pipe Systems
In a Type I problem, fluid properties (density and viscosity), pipe characteristics (including diameter, length, and surface roughness), and the flow rate or average velocity are...
Pressure Variation in a Fluid at Rest
When measuring pressure at two different levels within the fluid, the difference in...
What is Variation?
The range, standard deviation, standard error, and variance are the different measures of variation.
Range: The range is the difference between its maximum and...
General Characteristics of Pipe Flow I
The classification of fluid...
Major Losses in Pipes
Fluid flow can be classified as laminar or turbulent, primarily based on the Reynolds number. This dimensionless number reflects the relative influence of inertial to viscous...

