Study for Orifice Plate Using Water and Nano-fluids
Masters of science (MSc) 2025
By
AMR MAHMOUD MOHAMED FAWAZ
Supervisors
Prof. Kamal A. Ibrahim
Mechanical Engineering Department
Faculty of Engineering
Monofia University
Dr. Mina Ata
Mechanical Engineering Department
College of Engineering and Technology
Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport
Mechanical Engineering Department
College of Engineering and Technology
Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport
Abstract
Industrial technologies focus on energy saving and cost reduction piping systems by reducing pressure drop and minimizing pumping power. This study investigates the effect of utilizing the nanofluids on the friction factor, pumping power, and overall system efficiency. An orifice will be used to compare and evaluate the results between water and nanofluids.
Nanofluids, consisting of nanoparticles suspended in base fluids, have been proposed as a promising approach to enhance heat transfer efficiency. They can be prepared using various techniques, often with the addition of surfactants to prevent nanoparticle sedimentation during operation. The two most common preparation methods are the one-step method and the two-step method, although several innovative approaches have also been explored.
Despite their advantages, nanofluids exhibit higher viscosity and density, which significantly affect pressure drop and pumping power. In this study, the pressure drop of water and Al₂O₃–H₂O nanofluids across an orifice is investigated both numerically and experimentally. The experiments were conducted using a 2-inch pipe with an orifice plate installed at the midpoint, considering three diameter ratios: 0.5, 0.375, and 0.25.
Nanofluids have demonstrated potential applications in a variety of fields, including heat exchangers, industrial and automotive cooling, solar absorption systems, and nuclear technologies. The results indicate that pure water exhibits slightly lower pressure drops compared to nanofluids; however, the use of nanofluids may require higher pumping power.
A well-designed nanofluid system can maximize heat transfer efficiency while minimizing additional energy consumption caused by viscosity-related pressure losses. Careful selection of nanoparticle type, concentration, and size can mitigate adverse effects on flow resistance.
Published Papers
Afify, R., Fawaz, A., Ata, M., Ibrahim, K., “Numerical and Experimental Study for Orifice Plate Using Water and Nano-fluids”, IEEEXplore, pp. 475-480, August 2025. ISBN:979-8-3315-2350-3, Doi: 10.1109/ICMISI65108.2025.11115536
Afify, R., Fawaz, A., Ata, M., Ibrahim, K., “Numerical and Experimental Study for Orifice Plate Using Water and Nano-fluids”, 2nd International Conference on Machine Intelligence and Smart Innovation (ICMISI2025), Alexandria, Egypt, 10-12 May 2025. Certificate Best Paper Award (2nd)
