Venturimeter

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thanks my lecturer Mr Deejaysing Jogee who gave me the opportunity to do a report on
the practical: To study flow through a Venturi Meter, Fluid Mechanics. I am grateful to the lab assistants
for providing me with information with regard to the practical experiments by clearing my doubts and
helping me. I would like to thank my group members whom without their helps, this practical would
not be possible. I have done this assignment not only for marks but also to enrich my understandings.

Venturimeter

Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................... 1
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 5
LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................... 7
OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................................................... 8
METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................................... 9
DATA COLLECTION .................................................................................................................. 11
DATA ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................................ 13
DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................................ 21
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................. 23
REFERENCE ................................................................................................................................ 24

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Venturimeter............................................................................................................................6
Figure 2 - A venturi meter.........................................................................................................................7
Figure 3 - Venturi Meter...........................................................................................................................9
Figure 4 - Venturi Meter.........................................................................................................................11
Figure 5 - Graph of Pressure against Distance from Inlet........................................................................17
Figure 6 - Graph of Q against (h1 h2)1/2..............................................................................................18
Figure 7 - Graph of Log Q (m3/s) against Log h3/2(m3/2)..........................................................................10

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 - Height of water in piezometer tubes & time for 7.5kg of water to flow in weighing tank.........11
Table 2 - Dimensions of Piezometer ..12
Table 3 - Values of h from Piezometer A and D .12
Table 4 - Table of results 13
Table 5 - Table of results ...14
Table 6 - Table of results 16
Table 7 - Table of results 18
Table 8 - Table of results 20

Venturimeter

ABSTRACT
A venturimeter is essentially a short pipe consisting of two conical parts with a short portion of uniform
cross-section in between. This short portion has the minimum area and is known as the throat. The two
conical portions have the same base diameter, but one is having a shorter length with a larger cone angle
while the other is having a larger length with a smaller cone angle. The venturimeter is always used in
a way that the upstream part of the flow takes place through the short conical portion while the
downstream part of the flow through the long one. This ensures a rapid converging passage and a
gradual diverging passage in the direction of flow to avoid the loss of energy due to separation.
According to a theoretical equation and considering some assumptions, it is known that the discharge
of the water has a linear relationship with the differences in the height of the inlet piezometer and that
of the one at the throat. The experiment was performed according to given guidelines and the results
gave an important relationship and understanding of the discharge of water.

Venturimeter

INTRODUCTION
The Venturi tube is a device used for measuring the rate of flow along a pipe. A fluid moving through
it accelerates in the direction of the tapering contraction with an increase in the velocity in the throat.
This is accompanied by a fall in pressure, the magnitude of which depends on the rate of flow. The flow
rate may therefore be inferred from the difference in pressure in as measured by piezometers placed
upstream at the throat. The effect that the meter has on the pressure change is termed as the Venturi
effect. A venturi can also be used to mix a liquid with a gas. If a pump forces the liquid through a tube
connected to a system consisting of a venturi to increase the liquid speed (the diameter decreases), a
short piece of tube with a small hole in it, and last a venturi that decreases speed (so the pipe gets wider
again), the gas will be sucked in through the small hole because of changes in pressure. At the end of
the system, a mixture of liquid and gas will appear.
( )
=

( )

The venturi meter applies the theory behind Bernouillis equation, conservation of energy and on
continuity equation to calculate the rate of discharge. Therefore comparison is made between the
converging section and the throat so as to keep the energy loss due to a change in low pattern to a
minimum.

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Description of apparatus

Figure 1 - Venturimeter

The apparatus is as shown above.

Water is admitted from the bench supply valve and passes through a flexible hose into the meter.

Beyond the control valve, which is just downstream of the meter, a further flexible hose leads to a
measuring tank.

At a number of points along the length of the convergent-divergent passage of the Venturi meter,
piezometer tubes are drilled into the wall and connections are made from each of these to vertical
manometer tubes, which are mounted in front of a scale marked in millimetres.

The manometer tubes are connected at their top ends to a common manifold in which the amount
of air may be controlled by a small air valve at one end.

The whole assemble of Venturi meter, manometer tubes, scale and manifold are supported on a
base mounted on a screwed feet which may be adjusted to level the equipment.

Theory
The Venturi effect is a jet effect; as with an (air) funnel, or a thumb on a garden hose, the velocity of
the fluid increases as the cross sectional area decreases, with the static correspondingly decreasing.
According to the laws governing fluid dynamics, a fluid's velocity must increase as it passes through a
constriction to satisfy the principle of continuity, while its pressure must decrease to satisfy the principle
of conservation of mechanical energy. Thus any gain in kinetic energy a fluid may accrue due to its
increased velocity through a constriction is negated by a drop in pressure. An equation for the drop in
pressure due to the Venturi effect may be derived from a combination of Bernoulli's principle and the
continuity equation. The limiting case of the Venturi effect is when a fluid reaches the state of choked
flow, where the fluid velocity approaches the local speed of sound. In choked flow the mass flow rate
will not increase with a further decrease in the downstream pressure environment.

Venturimeter

LITERATURE REVIEW
Venturi meters are devices used for the measurement of flow rates in pipelines. This device is
applicable for both compressible and incompressible fluids. It consists of a tube, having a constricted
throat. The constriction of the throat increases velocity of the fluid but decreases its pressure.

h1
h2
A

B
h1
Figure 2 A venturi meter
Image viewed on 16th December 2014
(http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hydraulics_lab/pubs/wmm/chap14_03.html)

From figure 1 above, considering continuity and energy equations between points A and B, it can be
shown that:

= dA1 [2g (h1 - h2)/ 1- (A2 A1)]

Where,
Q = discharge,
Cd = discharge coefficient (0.92 0.99),
h1 = head at upstream section,
h2 = head at throat section,
A1 = pipe cross-sectional area at upstream section, and
A2= pipe cross-sectional area at throat section.

Even with the advent of new devices, venturi meters still provide the greatest options for measurement
of flow rates in piped systems and that with a good accuracy. Venturi meters can be modified to fit in
any space and the device can be oriented in any plane and measure flow rates for fluids in any direction
of flow.

Venturimeter

Applications of venturi meters

Plumbing
The greatest advantage of using a venturi meter for waste water is the good accuracy. The design
enables solids to pass through the device instead of collecting. Thus, more accurate values of pressure
and velocity are obtained.

Flow of chemicals in pipelines

The accuracy of venturi meters are not affected by changes in temperature. For example, they are used
in crude oil pipelines. In extreme environments, the results obtained from the device are still reliable.
Moreover, since a venturi meter has no moving parts, its breaking due to expansion and contraction is
improbable.

Carburetors
Venturi meters are even incorporated in car engines. These are used to measure the airflow to the engine
to be sure that the appropriate amount of fuel is used in combustion while driving. The temperature in
the engine is constantly changing. Thus, the venturi meter allows the carburetor to calculate the correct
proportion of air and fuel to be used for combustion.

OBJECTIVE

To develop our understanding of how a venturi meter works henceforth enabling us to use it to
have an estimate of flow rate in closed systems.

To calculate the ideal and actual pressure at each of the piezometer.

Calculating values of Cd and Q at different pressure head.

To draw a relationship between these properties and head pressure.

Venturimeter

METHODOLOGY
Apparatus provided
1. Venturi meter
2. Two supply hoses
3. Measuring tank
Description of Experimental Setup

A tube is connected to each to the inlet and outlet of a Venturi meter.

The tube connected to the outlet of the Venturi meter is connected to the measuring tank.

The adjustable screws are adjusted to level the Venturi meter.

Figure 3 - Venturi Meter

www.tecquipment.com

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Procedure
1. The apparatus was leveled by opening both the Bench Supply valve and the control valve
downstream of the meter to allow water to flow and clear air pockets from the supply hose. This
was achieved by connecting the apparatus to a power supply.
2. The control valve was then gradually closed causing water to rise up in the tubes of the
manometer thereby compressing the air contained in the manifold.
3. When the water level had risen to a convenient height, the bench valve was also closed gradually
so that as both valves are finally shut off, the meter was left containing static water at moderate
pressure.
4. The adjustable screws were operated to give identical reading for all of the tubes across the
whole width of the manometer board. To establish the meter coefficient measurements of a set
of differential heads (h1-h2) and flow rate Q were made.5. The first reading was taken with the maximum possible value when (h2h1) i.e. with h1 close to
the top of the scale and h2 near to the bottom. This was obtained by gradually opening both the
bench valve and the control valve in turn.
6. Successive opening of either valve increased both the flow and the difference between h 1 and h2.
7. Opening the bench valve is accompanied by the general rise in levels in the manometer, while
opening of the control valve causes a fall in the levels, so that by judiciously balancing the two
valve settings, the required conditions may be obtained.
8. If difficulty is experienced in reaching the desired conditions, air may be released from or
admitted to the manifold thorough the small air valve at its end.
9. The rate of flow is now measured by collected in the weighting tank, and while this is in progress,
values of h1 and h2 are read from the scale.
10. Similar readings may be taken at a series of reducing values of (h1 h2), about 10 readings,
roughly equally spread, in the range from 25mm to zero being adequate for the purpose.
11. By reading off from the piezometer tubes any of the settings used above, the pressure distribution
along the length of the Venturi meter may be recorded.
12. The readings are noted for two settings taken, preferably, for the sake of accuracy near the
maximum flow.

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Venturimeter

DATA COLLECTION

Experiment
number
A

Piezometer Readings / mm
B

Time/s
J

t1/s

t2/s

<t>/s

199 198 195 190 190 193 193 194 196 196 196

93.0

92.0

92.5

2
3
4

200 198 192 175 179 189 189 190 193 192 192
203 200 184 160 164 183 183 186 190 192 192
206 201 179 145 151 178 178 183 188 192 193

53.0
40.0
32.0

53.0
39.0
32.0

53.0
39.5
32.0

209 204 174 130 138 174 174 182 187 192 194

29.0

29.0

29.0

214 207 169 115 125 169 169 180 188 194 196

26.0

26.0

26.0

218 211 164 100 114 161 161 178 187 193 197

24.0

24.0

24.0

221 212 158

85

101 162 162 176 186 193 198

22.0

22.0

22.0

226 214 154

70

91

158 158 174 187 191 198

21.0

21.0

21.0

10

228 217 148

55

77

154 154 173 186 194 199

19.0

19.0

19.0

11

233 218 145

40

68

151 151 171 186 195 200

19.0

18.0

18.5

Table 1 - Height of water in piezometer tubes and time taken for 7.5kg of water to flow in weighing tank

Mass of water collected = 7.5kg

Figure 4 Venturi Meter

Line diagram of venturi meter showing the position of the various piezometer (Dimensions in mm)

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Venturimeter

Piezometer position Diameter(mm)

26.00
A
23.20
B
18.40
C
16.00
D
16.80
E
18.47
F
20.16
G
21.84
H
23.53
J
25.24
K
26.00
L
Table 2 Dimensions of Piezometer

Experiment number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

h1 / 10-3 m
199
200
203
206
209
214
218
221
226
228
233

h2 / 10-3 m
190
175
160
145
130
115
100
85
70
55
40

h / 10-3 m
9
25
43
61
79
99
118
136
156
173
193

< t > /s
92.5
53.0
39.5
32.0
29.0
26.0
24.0
22.0
21.0
19.0
18.5

Table 3 Values of h from Piezometer A and D

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Venturimeter

DATA ANALYSIS

Calculation of distance from inlet (A)/mm

This is obtained from Diagram 1 where the distance from the inlet is obtained. An example is shown as
follows:
Distance from inlet to piezometer tube D = 54 - 8 = 46mm
Calculation of area of tube, a /mm2
The area is calculated by using the measured diameter and is obtained from:
, =

2
4

Calculation of ideal pressure at each of the piezometer readings

The ideal pressure at each piezometer tapping was calculated and recorded in the table below. The
equation of ideal pressure is given by the equation,
= (

2 2
2 2
) ( )
1

Where a1 = cross-sectional area at inlet zone (position A)

a2 = cross-sectional area at outlet zone (position D)
an = cross-sectional area at position for which ideal pressure is to be calculated.
Piezometer
Position
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K
L

Length along
meter(m)
0.000
0.020
0.032
0.046
0.061
0.076
0.091
0.106
0.121
0.136
0.156

Diameter/ 10-2 m2

Area/ 10-4 m2

Ideal pressure

2.600
2.320
1.840
1.600
1.680
1.847
2.016
2.184
2.353
2.524
2.600

5.3093 (a1)
4.2273
2.6590
2.0106 (a2)
2.2167
2.6793
3.1921
3.7462
4.3484
5.0034
5.3093

0.0000
-0.0828
-0.4284
-0.8566
-0.6793
-0.4197
-0.2533
-0.1446
-0.0704
-0.0181
0.0000

Table 4 Table of results

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Venturimeter

Calculation of Actual Discharge, Q

Mass of water in measuring tank = 7.5 Kg
Assuming density of water = 1000 kg/m3
Volume of water in measuring tank = (7.5/1000)
= 7.5 x 10-3 m3
Actual Discharge =

Experiment Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Time (s) Actual Discharge, Q (x10-4 m3s-1)

92.5
0.811
53.0
1.415
39.5
1.899
32.0
2.344
29.0
2.586
26.0
2.885
24.0
3.125
22.0
3.409
21.0
3.571
19.0
3.947
18.5
4.054
Table 5 Table of results

The actual pressures at the tappings of the series of piezometer readings taken were calculated from
the values of for experiment 1, experiment 6, and experiment 11

For Experiment 1:
Q = 0.811 x 10-4 m3s-1
a2 = 2.0106 x 10-4 m2
Since Q = a2 x u2
u2 = (1.805 x 10-4)/ (2.0106 x 10-4) = 0.403 ms-1
22
2

= (0.898)2/ (2 x 9.81) = 0.00829 m

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Venturimeter

For experiment 6:
Q = 2.885 x 10-4 m3s-1
a2 = 2.0106 x 10-4 m2
Since Q = a2 x u2
u2 = (1.193 x 10-4)/(2.0106 x 10-4) = 1.435 ms-1
22
2

= (0.593)2/ (2 x 9.81) = 0.105 m

For experiment 10:

Q = 3.947 x 10-4 m3s-1
a2 = 2.0106 x 10-4 m2
Since Q = a2 x u2
u2 = (1.193 x 10-4)/(2.0106 x 10-4) = 1.963 ms-1
22
2

= (0.593)2/ (2 x 9.81) = 0.196 m

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Venturimeter

The actual pressure was calculated using the equation,

=

1
2 /2

Where h1 = piezometer reading at A

hn = piezometer reading at position where actual pressure is to be calculated
u2 = velocity of flow at position D

Piezometer
position

Length
of
meter
(m)

Experiment 9 where
h1 = 0.199 m

0.000
0.020

0.199
0.198

Actual
pressure
0.0000
-0.1206

0.032

0.195

0.046

Experiment 10 where
h1 = 0.214 m

0.214
0.207

Actual
pressure
0.0000
-0.0667

-0.4826

0.169

0.190

-1.0858

0.061

0.190

0.076

Experiment 10 where
h1 = 0.233 m

0.233
0.218

Actual
pressure
0.0000
-0.0724

-0.4289

0.145

-0.4247

0.115

-0.9437

0.040

-0.9314

-1.0858

0.125

-0.8483

0.068

-0.7963

0.193

-0.7239

0.169

-0.4289

0.151

-0.3957

0.091

0.193

-0.7239

0.169

-0.4289

0.151

-0.3957

H
J

0.106
0.121

0.194
0.196

-0.6032
-0.3619

0.180
0.188

-0.3241
-0.2478

0.171
0.186

-0.2992
-0.2268

0.136

0.196

-0.3619

0.194

-0.1906

0.195

-0.1834

0.156

0.196

-0.3619

0.196

-0.1716

0.200

-0.1593

hn (m)

hn (m)

hn (m)

Table 6 Table of results

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Venturimeter

Graph of Pressure against Distance from Inlet

0.000 0.010 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.060 0.070 0.080 0.090 0.100 0.110 0.120 0.130 0.140 0.150 0.160
0.0000

-0.1000

-0.2000

Pressure/Pa

-0.3000

-0.4000

-0.5000

-0.6000

-0.7000

-0.8000

-0.9000

-1.0000

-1.1000

-1.2000

Distance from Inlet/m

EXP 1

IDEAL

EXP11

EXP6

Figure 5 Graph of Pressure against Distance from Inlet

Actual discharge against (H1-H2)1/2

From theory the discharge Q is given by:
( )
=
( / )
Hence a graph of Qactual (10-4/m3 s-1) against (H1-H2)1/2 (m1/2) can be plotted to find the Cd
value.
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Venturimeter

Experiment Number

Actual Discharge
(x10-4 m3s-1)

h1/m

h2/m

(h1-h2)1/2 /(m1/2)

0.811
1.415
1.899
2.344

199
200
203
206

190
175
160
145

0.095

2.586
2.885
3.125
3.409
3.571
3.947
4.054

209
214
218
221
226
228
233

130
115
100
85
70
55
40

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

0.158
0.207
0.247
0.281
0.315
0.344
0.369
0.395
0.416
0.439

Table 7 Table of results

Graph of Q (x10 -4 m3s-1) against (h1-h2)1/2

4.5
y = 9.3969x - 0.0586

Q (x10-4 m3s-1)

3.5

2.5

2
1.5

0.5
0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

(h1 - h2)1/2/m1/2
Figure 6 Graph of Q against (h1 h2)1/2

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Venturimeter

From Graph, gradient = 9.3969 x 10-4

a1 = 5.3093 x 10-4 m2
a2 = 2.0106 x 10-4 m2
g = 9.81 ms -2

The discharge is given by the equation,

=

2 2(1 2)
1 (

2 2
2

1(2)

2 2
)
1

(1 2 )

Y =

Gradient =

2 2
2

1(2 )
1

9.3969 x 104 x1(

2
2.0106 104
)
4
5.3093 10

2.0106 X 104 X 2 X 9.81

= 0.9766

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Venturimeter

Cd against Ideal Flow Rate

The values of Cd were calculated using the equation below for each experiment and recorded in the
table below.

Experiment
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

2
1 (2 )
1

2 2(1 2)

Actual
Discharge
(x10-4 m3s-1)
0.811
1.415
1.899
2.344
2.586
2.885
3.125
3.409
3.571
3.947

(h1-h2)1/2 (m1/2)
0.095
0.158
0.207
0.247
0.281
0.315
0.344
0.369
0.395
0.416

Cd
0.9516
0.9491
0.9532
0.9617
0.9551
0.9666
0.9359
0.9746
0.9155
0.8768

Table 8 Table of results

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Venturimeter

DISCUSSION
Comment on the shape of the graphs plotted
1. The graph of pressure against distance shows that the Venturi meter decreases the pressure at
the throat and increases again as the meter diverges
2. The second graph is a straight line showing that Q is proportional to (h 1-h2)1/2.
3. The third graph is almost a straight line. C d remains almost the same as Q increases.

Variation of actual and ideal pressure along length of tube.

Both the actual pressure and ideal pressures decreases with decreasing diameter of tube. As the liquid
converges to the throat, it is subjected to decreasing area henceforth, its speed of flow increases.
According to bernoullis equation,
+ + =
As the velocity increases, the kinetic energy increases (The potential energy remaining constant since
the venturi meter is horizontal). As liquid is squeezed into the throat, there is greater energy loss due
frictional forces and turbulence consequently, the difference between ideal and actual pressure
increases. The actual pressure is less than its original pressure value due to energy losses that had
occurred. For ideal pressure, no energy losses are considered therefore it returns to its initial pressure.

Relationship between actual flow rate and (h1-h2)1/2.

From equation,
=

2 2
2
1 ( 2 )
1

(1 2 )

It is anticipated that a graph of actual flow rate Q (10-4 m3/s) and (h1-h2)1/2 will result in a straight line
through origin. From the gradient of the graph, an average value of C d can be determined.
The line of best fit however does not pass exactly through origin. The reason for this eccentricity is
experimental errors that might have arose during the course of the practical.

Variation of coefficient of discharge Cd and actual flow rate.

As the actual flow rate is increases, it is seen that the coefficient of discharge, Cd, increases. It is likely
to happen that Cd approaches 1 as rate of discharge becomes more prominent.

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Venturimeter

What would be the effect on the results if the Venturi meter was not horizontal?
If the venturi meter was not horizontal, the application of Bernoullis equation would have to be adjusted
to cater for the difference in elevation. If an inclined venturi meter was used, the elevation would have
been different. The actual and theoretical discharge will both decrease since energy is used to move the
fluid to a higher elevation along the venturi meter and converted to potential energy. Nevertheless, the
kinetic energy will remain unchanged as the flow rate will be the same. The readings on the piezometer
tubes will be lower from A to L than obtained here. Similarly, if the there is a flow from higher to lower
elevation, the values of actual and theoretical discharge will increase.

Experimental errors

Human reaction time while measuring time for collection of 7.5 kg of water.

Water level in piezometer tube was fluctuating and it was cumbersome to take exact values.

It was difficult to predict note exact time when lever arm was perfectly horizontal.

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Venturimeter

CONCLUSION
It can therefore be concluded that the experiment was successful. This is because from the results, it
can be seen clearly that a rise in differential head of two tubes causes the flow rate of the liquid in the
tubes to increase and this proves the Venturi effect. It has been suggested by Douglas et al. (2005,p.
189) that the theoretical coefficient of discharge of a venturi meter is found to be 0.97 whereas
experimental value obtained is 0.977. From the experimental results, it is concluded that the value of
coefficient of discharge determines does complies with the theoretical value due to a low percentage
error (0.72 %).

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Venturimeter

REFERENCE
1. Lab Report for Venturi Meter. 2014. Lab Report for Venturi Meter. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/67808900/Lab-Report-for-Venturi-Meter#force_seo. [Accessed 15
December 2014].

2. VENTURI METER (H5) - Fluid Mechanics - Flow and Pressure Measurement . 2014. VENTURI
METER (H5) - Fluid Mechanics - Flow and Pressure Measurement . [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.tecquipment.com/Fluid-Mechanics/Flow-Pressure/H5.aspx. [Accessed 15 December
2014].m

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