Calling all Civil/Environmental Engineers/Those with any knowledge of fluid dynamics/teapots/general ATOT smart folk :D

[dug777]

Here's the offending spout :|

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/dug777/DefectiveSpout.JPG

What's wrong with it? It dribbles :|

Suggestions on how to fix it, with instructions even dug777 could follow?

:beer:

 

[Savij]

1. Fold a strip of paper towel
2. Wrap a it around spout approximately 1 cm from top
3. Secure with rubber band

 

[bonkers325]

your pouring technique needs improvement.

 

[nakedfrog]

New teapot or proper training.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
New teapot or proper training.

I have poured many different teapots successfully in my time, so I don't think it's me

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
New teapot or proper training.

I have poured many different teapots successfully in my time, so I don't think it's me

Maybe it's the rounded-ness of the spout. Just get a new one

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
New teapot or proper training.

I have poured many different teapots successfully in my time, so I don't think it's me

Maybe it's the rounded-ness of the spout. Just get a new one

I think that may be it. I was kinda wondering how easy it would be to bevel off, but I think I'll end up just buying a new one

 

[Tiamat]

you can try to sharpen the spout. It being round is an excellent path for the water to roll down.

If you want a more engineering explanation, the surface energy of the spout supports the bulk movement of fluid across the surface more than it supports the separation of fluid from the surface (when subjected to motion caused by gravity -- ie. pouring). If you upset the surface energy with a sharper feature, the energy balance could shift to favor the separation of the fluid from the surface.

Since the spout will be still almost vertical when you are starting to pour, unless the fluid is flowing quickly (ie, smaller spout), the fluid will have too much vertical component in terms of movement (net downward). Since the spout's openning is pretty relaxed, the fluid doesn't have much driving force to separate itself from the spout material (driving force in terms of fluid flow rate or velocity, the attractive forces between the fluid and the surface or sticking coefficient, and other factors) and will dribble down the side of the teapot.

You might notice, the faster you pour, with a more steep angle, the less dribble. The problem is when you are finished pouring, you tip the teapot back and then you have the same issue with slow flow rate and steep pouring angle.

I think the solution would be to narrow the spout inner diameter and attach a flow deflector at the end of the spout to redirect the high velocity flow of the tea down into the cup.

Also, narrower spouts tend to dribble less due to higher flow rates and less surface area for the fluid to stick to (to cause the rolling of the fluid around the spout and down the teapot. If you buy a new teapot, look for features that maximize fluid flow, and minimize the surface contact of the spout exit.

Hope this helps! ;p