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Experiment number 6, FLOW THROUGH SMALL ORIFICES
Introduction
The study of fluid flow through small orifices is fundamental in the field of fluid dynamics and has a wide range of applications, including flow measurement, discharge systems, and pressure regulation. An orifice is a small hole or opening through which a fluid passes, and its flow characteristics are influenced by various factors such as the pressure difference across the orifice, the size of the orifice, and the properties of the fluid. This report investigates the flow rate through a small orifice, exploring the theoretical and experimental aspects of orifice discharge.
Objective
The primary objective of this experiment is to study the flow of fluid through a small orifice and to determine the discharge coefficient and flow rate. The goal is to:
Investigate the relationship between the pressure difference and the flow rate.
Calculate the discharge coefficient for the orifice.
Understand the impact of different fluid properties on the flow characteristics.
Theory
The flow of fluid through an orifice is often governed by principles of fluid dynamics, including Bernoulli’s equation and the continuity equation. The flow through an orifice can be classified into three main regimes based on the ratio of the diameter of the orifice (D) to the hydraulic diameter (d) and the Reynolds number (Re), which defines the nature of the flow.
Ideal Flow (Choked Flow): In this scenario, the velocity of the fluid exiting the orifice reaches the speed of sound, causing the flow to become "choked," where any increase in upstream pressure does not lead to an increase in flow rate.
Subsonic Flow: For flow with velocities lower than the speed of sound, a relationship can be derived using Bernoulli’s equation.
The volumetric flow rate
Q through an orifice can be expressed as:
Q=CdA√2ΔP/ρ
Where:
Cd is the discharge coefficient (accounts for losses due to friction and other factors)
A is the area of the orifice,
ΔP is the pressure difference across the orifice,
ρ is the density of the fluid.
Apparatus
1.Constant head inlet tank
2.Circular orifices with different diameter
3.Hydraulic bench
Procedure
Setup the Apparatus: Install the orifice plate in the vertical flow pipe connected to the reservoir. Attach the pressure measurement devices upstream and downstream of the orifice.
Initial Measurements: Fill the reservoir with water to a known level and record the initial pressure head. Make sure that the flow control valve is fully closed to begin with.
Flow Control: Gradually open the flow control valve to allow water to flow through the orifice. Record the pressure difference across the orifice (ΔP) at various flow rates.
Time Measurement: Using the flow meter or graduated tank, measure the time taken for a known volume of fluid to pass through the orifice.
Repeat for Different Pressures: Vary the pressure head and repeat the above steps for different pressure differences to get a range of data points.
Results and calculations
Conclusion:
The experiment successfully demonstrates the principles of fluid flow through small orifices. The flow rate increases with the square root of the pressure difference, and a larger orifice allows a greater flow. The experimental values for flow rate were in close agreement with the theoretical calculations, validating the equation used for flow through orifices.
The discharge coefficient was found to affect the flow rate, as expected, due to the losses associated with the orifice geometry and flow conditions. Small discrepancies between experimental and theoretical values can be attributed to factors like minor losses due to pipe fittings, inaccuracies in measuring pressure differences, or deviations in the orifice geometry.
This experiment is crucial in various engineering applications, such as in the design of flow meters, pipes, and valves, where accurate predictions of flow are required for effective system operation.
Hydraulic Tables; The Elements Of Gagings And The Friction Of Water Flowing In Pipes, Aqueducts, Sewers, Etc., As Determined By The Hazen And Williams Formula And The Flow Of Water Over The Sharp-Edged And Irregular Weirs, And The Quantity Discharged
