Flow Measurement

Introduction
For flow in a pipe, assuming no energy losses, the Bernoulli equation expressed in terms
of total head is as follows:

v2
p

z constant
2 g g
By assuming steady incompressible flow, Bernoullis equation can be applied to
investigate the flow dynamics in pipe. The flow rate of the fluid can be measure by
applying Bernoullis equation and continuity.
However, in most cases, friction losses cannot be neglected. As a result, a loss coefficient
or discharge coefficient is found for various measurement devices. A discharge
coefficient can be loosely defined as the ratio of the actual flow rate to the ideal flow rate.
Objective
In this experiment, you are required to measure the flow rate of steadily flowing liquids
in pipes using venturi meter, orifice plate, rotameter and (i) manually using a measuring
beaker and stop watch (Armfield rig) or (ii) rotary vane water meter and stop watch, and
turbine flow meter (Didacta Italia rig). Application of Bernoulli equation to the
estimation of flow rates will be investigated.
Experimental Procedure
Turn on the tap slightly before turning on the pump. Adjust the flow rate by varying the
tap opening. The flow rate can be obtained by timing the volume of accumulated water in
the tank in the Armfield experimental rig. The flow rate can be read from the turbine flow
meter or by timing the volume of flow going through the rotary vane water meter.in the
Didacta Italia rig. For each flow rate, record the height difference of the manometer
connected to the venturi meter and orifice plate. The rotameter reading should also be
recorded. Note that the collected data should be wide spread, ranging from a low flow
rate to a maximum flow rate, totalling at least 8 measurements.
References
Munson, Young and Okiishi, Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, Section 3.6.3, Section
8.6
White, F.M., Fluid Mechanics, Chaps. 6.
Gerhart, Gross and Hochstein, Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, pp. 484-493, p. 203
and section 7.4.

Douglas, Gasiorek and Swaffield, Fluid Mechaics;, 2nd edition, Section 6.5, 6.7 and 6.8
Appendix 1: Specifications
Armfield Experimental Rig
Upstream
0.03175m
0.03175m

Throat
0.015m
0.02m

Didacta Italia Experimental Rig

Upstream
Venturi Meter
0.02m
Orifice Plate
0.05m

Throat
0.01m
0.02m

Venturi Meter
Orifice Plate

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Abstract
What principle was tested and how? What can be concluded? How well did it agree with
theoretical prediction? Where are the sources of errors?
Introduction
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information. Use in text citation where appropriate.
1) State in your own words the theory/principles in use for todays exercise.
2) How is the fundamental theory applied to this particular exercise? Describe how it
is used to make a theoretical prediction. What assumptions are made in the
process and how valid are they. How will they affect the theoretical predictions.

3) Briefly explain the advantages/disadvantages of each flow measuring technique.

Consider cost, ease of use, accuracy, possibility for automation, dependence on
fluid properties etc. Write in your own words and do not plagiarise.
Experimental Procedures
Describe the experimental procedure used in todays exercise. Draw a schematic of the
experimental rig. You can take pictures of the rig.
Results
1) Using the Bernoulli equation and continuity, express the volumetric flow rate Q,
in terms of upstream A1 and throat area A2, pressure difference p and fluid
density .
2) Plot the discharge coefficient versus Reynolds numbers for the venturi meter and
the orifice plate.
3) Compare the results in (b) with values obtained from literature. (Hint see Figure
8.41 and 8.45 in Munson et, al. 7th edition).
4) Plot rotameter reading against volumetric flow rate measured manually with
measuring cylinder or collection tank and stop watch.
5) Perform error analysis.
Discussion
Compare how well your measurements compare with theoretical predictions. Discuss
how the assumptions made (if any) have affected your theoretical predictions and
comparisons.
Discuss the main sources of error and how significant they are when making a
comparison with theoretical predictions.
Discuss why the discharge coefficient is much lower for the orifice plate compared to the
venturi throat.
Conclusion
What you did? What you found? How well does it agree with theory? State the reasons
for discrepancies. What is the conclusion?
References
List all references. Also include material obtained from the internet.

Flow Measurement experiment (Armfield Rig), Venturi Tube D=31.75mm,d=15mm;

Orifice Plate D=31.75mm, d=20mm.
No Volume Time
Rotameter Water Manometer (mm)
(litres) (seconds) (l/min)
h1
h2
h3
h4
h5
h6
h7
h8

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Flow Measurement experiment (Didacta Italia Rig)
No Measuring cylinder
Orifice Plate, Water
Manometer
D=50mm,d=20mm
Volume
Time
h1*(cm)
h2*(cm)
(litres)
(seconds)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Venturi Tube,
Mercury Manometer
D=20mm,d=10mm
h1*(cm)
h2*(cm)

Rotameter

(m3/h)