Manual de hidráulica aplicada: aforos, curvas de calibración, pérdidas menores y modelado en EPANET

Abstract

This manual presents an experimental and simulation-based methodology for the hydraulic analysis of pumping systems and pressurized pipe networks. The proposed approach integrates laboratory measurements, uncertainty analysis, and hydraulic modeling using EPANET software. Initially, volumetric flow measurements are carried out through volume–time gauging using graduated cylinders and a stopwatch, allowing the determination of flow rates and the evaluation of measurement reliability through statistical analysis. Subsequently, pressure data obtained from manometers are used to construct the pump characteristic curve (H–Q), which represents the real hydraulic behavior of the pumping system. Based on these results, minor head losses generated by fittings and accessories are calculated using the equivalent length method together with friction factor estimation. Finally, the experimental data are incorporated into a hydraulic model in EPANET to simulate pressures and flows within the network and compare them with measured values. The methodology ensures consistency between experimental measurements and numerical simulation for hydraulic system analysis.