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Flow Demonstration Experiment

This laboratory experiment aims to verify the Bernoulli equation for fluid flow measurement and compare a Venturi meter and orifice plate. Students will collect pressure and flow rate data at different flow levels using the equipment. They will then determine the coefficient of discharge and head loss coefficient for each device by plotting the data and calculating from the slopes. The results will be analyzed to see if they match theoretical values and determine which instrument performs better. Conclusions should relate back to the stated objectives of comparing the two flow measurement methods.

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Victoria Sooknanan
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543 views5 pages

Flow Demonstration Experiment

This laboratory experiment aims to verify the Bernoulli equation for fluid flow measurement and compare a Venturi meter and orifice plate. Students will collect pressure and flow rate data at different flow levels using the equipment. They will then determine the coefficient of discharge and head loss coefficient for each device by plotting the data and calculating from the slopes. The results will be analyzed to see if they match theoretical values and determine which instrument performs better. Conclusions should relate back to the stated objectives of comparing the two flow measurement methods.

Uploaded by

Victoria Sooknanan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Department of Project Management and Civil Infrastructure Systems

BSc. Civil Engineering Systems – Fluid Mechanics

Laboratory Experiment 2: FLOWMETER DEMONSTRATION

Objective
1. To verify the application of the Bernoulli Equation to the measurement of the flow of fluid in
a pipe.
2. To compare the properties of a Venturi Meter and an Orifice Plate.

Introduction
The measurement of flow can be regarded as one of the most common application of the theory of
fluid mechanics. Several methods are available for making these measurements, each with its own
advantages and disadvantages.

The venturi meter and orifice meter are two popular methods for the measurement of flow in pipes.
The use of these simple instruments will be explored in this experiment. These instruments have the
common characteristic of inducing an increase in velocity by decreasing the cross- sectional area as
fluid flows through them.

Description of Apparatus

The experimental unit contains different measuring instruments to determine the flow rate. These
instruments are designed with transparent cases in order to visualise how they operate and

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function. The methods include, for example, rotameters, a Venturi nozzle or orifice plate flow meter
and measuring nozzle.

Six tube manometers is used in order to determine the pressure distribution in the Venturi nozzle or
the orifice plate flow meter and measuring nozzle

Theoretical Background
Coefficient of Discharge
Since both instruments effect a reduction in flow area, consider two points in the instrument:

Point (1) is in the pipe just before the instrument

Point (2) at the reduced area (throat).

Assuming steady ideal flow, in the pipe section (1) to (2), Bernoulli's Equation may be applied
between the throat and the upstream section assuming no energy losses:

(Equation 1)

Where:

p = pressure

v = velocity

z = height of pipe above a given datum

The equation of continuity is:

Q = V1A1= V2A2, (Equation 2)

Where Al and A2 are the cross-sectional areas

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(Equation 3)

(Equation 3a)

(Equation 3b)

For a real fluid, the effect of viscosity is to reduce the ideal flow by a factor Cd, hence:

(Equation 4)

Thus the flow rate is proportional to the square root of the difference in head between the throat
and the upstream section.

Head-loss coefficient
The head loss across the measuring instrument is proportional to the velocity of the approaching
fluid and has the general form:

(Equation 5)

Note: Internal Diameters


 Orifice Plate – 14 mm
 Venturi meter - throat diameter 14 mm
 Internal Pipe diameter – 28.4 mm

Experimental Procedure
1. By manipulating the flow control valve, establish a flow rate through the system.
2. At this flow rate measure and record the heights in each of the tubes of the multi-tube
manometer. Be sure to label these heights (h1, h2, etc.) and their corresponding positions on
the instrument.
3. Record the flow rate using the Variable Area meter on the instrument.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for a total of six (6) different flow rates.

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Data
Record the data collected from the experiment in data tables such as the ones below:

Analysis
1. Determining the Coefficient of Discharge
a. Plot the observed flow rate, Q against the square root of the difference in head
between the upstream section and the throat for both the venturi meter and the
orifice.
Plots for both devices can be made on the same pair of axes. A table of the values
plotted should be prepared for each plot.
b. Using the plots prepared, determine the value of C and Cd for each device

2. Determining the Head Loss Coefficient


𝑉2
a. Plot the head loss (hL) across each instrument against the velocity head before
2𝑔
the instrument.
Plots for both devices can be made on the same pair of axes. A table of the values
plotted should be prepared for each plot.
b. Using the plots prepared, determine the value of the head loss coefficient k.

Discussion and Conclusion


Briefly discuss the results obtained from the analysis done and compare to the theoretically
expected values or trend of values.

Comment on the difference in performance of the two instruments. State conclusion briefly and
relate to the stated objectives

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Reference
Massey, B. S. “Mechanics of Fluids”, Sixth Edition 1989

Format of Laboratory Report


The report for this experiment should include the following sections

 Title Page
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Theoretical Background
 Procedure
 Results
 Discussion of Results
 Conclusions and Recommendation
 Literature Cited (if any)
 Appendices
o Raw Data
o Analysis of data and Sample Calculations

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