Faculty of Engineering Petroleum

Engineering Department

Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, 2nd stage

Experiment Name. Flow meter Demonstration and

Fluid flow rate

Prepared by: Muhammed Fuad Rashid

Ahmad Jalal Hasan
Muhammad Hasan Aziz
Safwan Tofiq Ameen
Group: A
Supervised by: Mr. Dara & Mr. Younis
Contents
Aim of the experiment ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Hydraulic bench unit ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Unit description .................................................................................................................................................... 1
Rotometer ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
Nozzle and Orifice plate ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Venture meter ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Tools used in the experiment ................................................................................................................................... 4
Procedure ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Procedure of hydraulic bench .............................................................................................................................. 6
Determining flow rate using the three basic flow meters .................................................................................. 7
Connecting and operating the manometer .......................................................................................................... 7
Tables of readings..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Hydraulic bench readings ..................................................................................................................................... 8
The three flow meters readings ........................................................................................................................... 8
Tables of calculatings ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Hydraulic bench calculating.................................................................................................................................. 9
The three flow meters calculatings ...................................................................................................................... 9
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Discussion ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
References .............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Aim of the experiment
1-Comparison between different flow meter types.
2-Determining the discharge coefficient
3-Measuring the fluid flow rate.
Introduction
Hydraulic bench unit
The basic Hydraulics Bench and the various ancillary modules
available form a comprehensive laboratory facility which enables a
detailed Mechanics of Fluids Laboratory. The hydraulics bench unit
provides the basic services for the pumping and volumetric
measurement of the water supply with which all the additional
accessories and experiments are used.
The working surface of the unit is in fiberglass, molded to provide a
recessed area on which to mount experiments. An integral weir tank
is provided along with a volumetric measuring tank. The measuring
tank is stepped to enable for accurate measuring of both high and
low flow rates. A level indicator allows convenient read out of the
flow. The measuring tank discharges into a fiberglass sump tank via
a valve. Overflow pipe is provided. An electric motor drives a
submersible motor driven pump which delivers water to the outlet
at the working surface for connection to the individual experiments.

1- Volumetric measuring tank with

channel
2-Remote sight gauge
3- Sliding valve
4- Sump tank
5- Drain cock
6- Submersible motor driven
pump
7- Water supply for accessories
with pump
8- Flow control valve
9- Overflow pipe
10- Switch box
11- Discharge cap
12- Water supply connection for
accessories without pump
1
Unit description
The apparatus is designed to demonstrate
three basic types of flow meter.

1
Rotometer
A rotometer with the following characteristics
is used to measure flow rate:
- Plastic measuring tube
- Interchangeable stainless steel float
- Interchangeable percentual scale
- Max. flow rate 1600 l/h
The flow rate can be read from the upper edge
of the conical attachment.
Air bubbles or dirt particles on the float may
affect measurement precision.
To flush them out, operate the test stand at
maximum flow rate first. To do so, open all
cocks fully.

Nozzle and Orifice plate

The orifice plate housing is made of
transparent plastic allowing visible
functioning of the orifice plate. The flow
causes a pressure loss between inlet and
outlet. Two tapings allow measurement of
inlet and outlet pressures. This differential
pressure (p1-p2) is proportional to the
volume flow rate:

Q  cd A2

2
Venture meter
The Venturi housing is made of
transparent plastic allowing visible
functioning of the Venturi. The
pressure in the Venturi is inversely
proportional to the velocity in the
Venturi according to Bernoulli’s law.
Two tapings allow measurement of the
inlet pressure and the pressure at the
smallest area. This differential pressure
(p1-p2) is proportional to the volume
flow rate:

Q  cd A2

3
Tools used in the experiment
Hydraulic Bench parts

1- Volumetric measuring tank with channel

2- Remote sight gauge
3- Sliding valve
4- Sump tank
5- Drain cock
6- Submersible motor driven pump
7- Water supply for accessories with pump
8- Flow control valve
9- Overflow pipe
10- Switch box
11- Discharge cap
12- Water supply connection for accessories without pump

4
An apparatus that
designed to demonstrate
three basic types of flow
meter

5
Procedure
Procedure of hydraulic bench
1-Turn on the pump.

2-Set the stop watch to zero.

3-Close the valve at the bottom of the volumetric

tank, wait until the liquid reachs a value of 10 litres
and at the same start the watch.

4-After the liquid reached a value of 20 litres stop the watch.

5-Read off and note the measurement time and the

high value of water in tank.

6
Determining flow rate using the three basic flow meters

Connecting and operating the manometer

1. Arrange the experimentation set-up on the

Hydraulic Bench such that the discharge routes
the water into the channel.
2. Make hose connection between Hydraulic Bench and unit.
3. Connect measurement lines.
4. Open all valves at pipe section and 6-tube
manometer, let the water flow for 1 minute.
5. Close flow control valve.
6. Close drain valve of the 6-tube manometer to vent the
measurement lines.
7. Close vent valves of the 6-tube manometer.
8. Close water inlet.
9. Disconnect measurement lines.
Open vent and drain valve to discharge level tubes of the 6-tube
manometer.
10. Close vent and drain valves
11. Open flow control valve slowly
12. Connect measurement lines again
13. Open water inlet slowly
14. Adjust the heights of the water in the
manometer tubes with the help of flow control
valve until water becomes visible
15. Set the flow rate and the measuring scale
with the inlet and outlet control valves
16. Determine volumetric flow rate. To do so,
use stopwatch to establish time t required for raising
the level in the volumetric tank of the Hydraulic
Bench.

7
 Tables of readings

Hydraulic bench readings

No. V t
(litre) (s)
1 6 26.91
2 4 16.9
3 7 27.14

The three flow meters readings

Venture meter Flow Nozzle Rotameter

V t
No. Qrot
h1 h2 h1 h2 (lit) (s)
(lit/h)
1 65 12 165 80 630 6 26.91

2 106 16 220 122 690 4 16.9

3 154 44 287 175 740 7 27.14

8
Tables of calculatings

Hydraulic bench calculating

V t Q m W
No. ( m
)
3
kg
(N)
(m3) (s) ( )
s s s
1 6 26.91 0.2229654 222.9654 2187.291

2 4 16.9 0.2366864 236.6864 2321.8935

3 7 27.14 0.2579219 257.9219 2530.2137

The three flow meters calculatings

Rotometer Venture meter Flow orifice

Qact Qrot Qi Qi
No. (cm
3
) 3 3 Cd Cd
s (cm ) (cm ) (cm
3
)
s s s

1 222.695 175 161.896 1.377 242.645 0.919

2 236.688 791.667 210.965 1.122 260.54 0.908

3 257.922 205.556 233.235 1.106 278.529 0.927

9
Discussion
Discussion by ahmad jalal hasan
1\ The three flow meters discussion

1-Calibrate the Rotometer by plotting the Q (act) vs

Q(rot).

Qrot Vs. Qact

210
205
200
195
Q rot.

190
185
180
175
170
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act

As we observe on this plot which is between the Q (rot) and Q (act)

the relation between the two flow rates is leaner that means as
increasing one of the flow rates the increases to, but the increasing
rate between them is not a liner that means as we can see the
values of Q (act) are increasing more than the Q (rot)because the
plot tens to the x axis more which represents the Q (act) or actual
flow rate .

2.1- the discharge coefficient ( Cd ) of venture meter vs. the

actual flow rate ( Qact )

10
 1.38

1.33
Cd Venture meter

1.28

1.23

1.18

1.13

1.08
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act.

As we can see here on this plot there’s a rapid reduction or decreasing of

the ventures CD(coefficient of discharge) but after that the plot is then tend
to decrease but in a nearly equal of both plots titels so in both cases as the
Q act decrease the CD is also decreases,

2.2- the discharge coefficient ( Cd ) of nozzle meter vs. the

actual flow rate ( Qact )

Cd nozzle meter vs Q act

0.93

0.925
Cd nozzle meter

0.92

0.915

0.91

0.905
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act

11
In this plot which is between CD of the nozzle meter and Q act
there’s also a rapid decreasing between the two titles this is down
to a specific point then after that point again the leaner relation
ship stars so as the two titles will increase together , this relation is
between three point that but it could be another relation after
other points after this three points

2\The hydraulic bench discussion

1-Draw the relation between Q & m, then find the slop of
the relation

12
 Volumetric flow rate vs Mass flow
rate
260
255
250
Mass flow rate

245
240
235
230
225
220
0.22 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26
Volumetric flow rate

The slope of the plot equals to 1000

3-Draw the relation between Q & W, then find the slop of

the relation.

wieght flow rate vs volumeitric flow rate

2550
2500
wieght flow rate

2450
2400
2350
2300
2250
2200
2150
0.22 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26
volumeitric flow rate

The slop of the plot equals to 9809.984

13
3-What do you understand by the slops above?
According to these two slopes which for the first one is 1000 which obtained
from the plot of Q & m and the second plot which is between Q &
W equals to 9809.984 both two plots are leaner which means both
of them are inceasing with there x any y representation’s as Q or M
or W but there’s a different in the values of the 2 slopes which will
make the second more leaner in the ratio of increasing between to
its values which is between Q & W more than the first plot which
then tend to increase in ratio more than the Q s which means the
M tends to increase in higher values than the its Q value in first
plot.

4-what are the factors that could effect on a fluids flow rate?
 Viscosity of the fluid
 Density of the fluid
 Velocity of the fluid
 Change in temperature that will Couse to change in viscosity
and density
 Physical properties of the pipe that the fluid goes throw i.e..
The length, inner dimeter

5-how does the flow rate of a fluid can affect and help our
life?

14
The flow rate in our life can help us in such ways,for example the
sun warms a certain place and thus decreases the density of the fluid
which is air, this reduction of density expands against the fluid thus
making wind .

6-do all liquids flow?

We can say all liquids flow and fill the shape of the container and
not change in volume the limitation of the space between the
particles of the fluid have only limited compressibility.

7-how can a fluid flow?

There is a way to make the fluids flow through a pipe which is to tilt
the pipe and make the pipe down ward so as to the gravitational
energy which is kinetic to convert to kinetic energy thus makes the
fluid to go dawn ward and make it flow.

8-can flow rate of a fluid affected by cohesion?

Yes it can be, first cohesion is the force of attraction between the
molecules, so here we have two cases that cohesion effect on flow
rate;
Fluids with high cohesion such as maple syrup has low flow rate
But fluid with low cohesion are thin and runny and have faster flow
rates like water .

15
Discussion by Mhamad Hasan Aziz
1-Calibrate the Rotometer by plotting the Q (act) vs
Q(rot).

Qrot Vs. Qact

210
205
200
195
Q rot.

190
185
180
175
170
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act

2.1- the discharge coefficient ( Cd ) of venture meter vs. the

actual flow rate ( Qact )

1.38

1.33
Cd Venture meter

1.28

1.23

1.18

1.13

1.08
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act.

16
2.2- the discharge coefficient ( Cd ) of nozzle meter vs. the
actual flow rate ( Qact )

Cd nozzle meter vs Q act

0.93

0.925
Cd nozzle meter

0.92

0.915

0.91

0.905
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act

1-Draw the relation between Q & m, then find the slop of

the relation

Volumetric flow rate vs Mass flow

rate
260
255
250
Mass flow rate

245
240
235
230
225
220
0.22 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26
Volumetric flow rate

17
3-Draw the relation between Q & W, then find the slop of
the relation.

wieght flow rate vs volumeitric flow rate

2550
2500
wieght flow rate

2450
2400
2350
2300
2250
2200
2150
0.22 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26
volumeitric flow rate

18
Discussion by Safwan Tofiq
1-Calibrate the Rotometer by plotting the Q (act) vs
Q(rot).

Qrot Vs. Qact

210
205
200
195
Q rot.

190
185
180
175
170
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act

2.1- the discharge coefficient ( Cd ) of venture meter vs. the

actual flow rate ( Qact )

1.38

1.33
Cd Venture meter

1.28

1.23

1.18

1.13

1.08
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act.

19
2.2- the discharge coefficient ( Cd ) of nozzle meter vs. the
actual flow rate ( Qact )

Cd nozzle meter vs Q act

0.93

0.925
Cd nozzle meter

0.92

0.915

0.91

0.905
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act

1-Draw the relation between Q & m, then find the slop of

the relation

Volumetric flow rate vs Mass flow

rate
260
255
250
Mass flow rate

245
240
235
230
225
220
0.22 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26
Volumetric flow rate

20
 3-Draw the relation between Q & W, then find the slop of
the relation.

wieght flow rate vs volumeitric flow rate

2550
2500
wieght flow rate

2450
2400
2350
2300
2250
2200
2150
0.22 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26
volumeitric flow rate

4/
self-contained facility designed to demonstrate the important
characteristics of 14 types of flow meter used in the measurement
of water flow through pipes or open channels. Equipment purchase
can be configured to suit the course being followed.

Discussion by Muhammed Fuad Rashid

1-Calibrate the Rotometer by plotting the Q (act) vs
Q(rot).

21
 Qrot Vs. Qact
210
205
200
195
Q rot.

190
185
180
175
170
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act

2.1- the discharge coefficient ( Cd ) of venture meter vs. the

actual flow rate ( Qact )

1.38

1.33
Cd Venture meter

1.28

1.23

1.18

1.13

1.08
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act.

2.2- the discharge coefficient ( Cd ) of nozzle meter vs. the

actual flow rate ( Qact )

22
 Cd nozzle meter vs Q act
0.93

0.925
Cd nozzle meter

0.92

0.915

0.91

0.905
220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260
Q act

1-Draw the relation between Q & m, then find the slop of

the relation

Volumetric flow rate vs Mass flow

rate
260
255
250
Mass flow rate

245
240
235
230
225
220
0.22 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26
Volumetric flow rate

3-Draw the relation between Q & W, then find the slop of

the relation.

23
 wieght flow rate vs volumeitric flow rate
2550
2500
wieght flow rate

2450
2400
2350
2300
2250
2200
2150
0.22 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26
volumeitric flow rate

3-What do you understand by the slops above?

If we look at the diagrams above we’ll understand that there are a
proportional relation between Qact. And Qrot although they both used to
determine flow rate but there are some slightly difference between them
that because of the way that the operator used the methods and maybe
they was not accurate in timing or reading scales and also different
operators had done the experiment separately so this is increase the
chance of making errors despite that the Qact. Supposed to be more
accurate because we are using it as a reference to find out the m , W and
Cd.
The relations between Cd Venture meter and Qact
Are linear relation but according to our experiments the relations between
Cd Rotometer and Qact is not linear.
As it’s predicted the relations between Volumetric Flow rate with mass and
weight flow rates are proportionally increase and decrease because they (m
and W) are derived from volumetric flow rate despite that m is effected by
density of the fluid and W is depends on density of the fluid and
acceleration of gravity.

24
References
References: “Basic Concepts Related to Flowing Water and Measurement”.
http://www.usbr.gov/.
Bragg, S.L., (1960). “Effect of Compressibility on the Discharge Coefficient
of Orifices and Convergent Nozzles”. Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol.
2(35). http://jms.sagepub.com/.
Cengel, Y. A. and Cimbala, J.M. (2014). Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and
Applications. (pp. 89-93). New York City, New York: McGraw-Hill.
(2010). “Fundamentals of Orifice Meter Measurement”. Daniel
Measurement and Control White Papers.
http://www2.emersonprocess.com/.
Hua, Jian, James M. Steichen, & Bruce M. McEnroe. (1989). “Orifice Plates
to Control the Capacity of Terrace Intake Risers”. Applied Engineering in
Agriculture Vol. 5(3):397-401. http://elibrary.asabe.org/.
(2005). “Types of Gas Mass Flow Meters”. Alicat Mass Flow Meters and
Pressure Controllers. http://www.alicat.com/

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