Calibration of Flow Meter – Orifice Meter, Venturi Meter

A Venturi Meter as shown in Figure 1 is usually inserted directly into a pipeline. A manometer or
other device is connected to the two pressure taps as shown and measures the pressure drop between
points 1 and 2. The average velocity at point 1 where the diameter D1 m is v1 m/s, and at point 2 or the
throat the velocity is v2 and diameter D2. Since the reduction of D1 to D2 and the expansion from D2 back
to D1 is steady, diminutive frictional loss due to contraction and expansion is incurred. (Geankoplis, 2003)

Figure 1. Venturi Meter

Assuming turbulent flow and writing the mechanical balance equation between points 1 and 2 for an
incompressible liquid.

The continuity equation for constant p is

Combining both the equation

To account for the small friction loss an experimental CV is introduced to give

For many meters and a Reynolds number >104 at point 1, CV is about 0.98 for pipe diameters below 0.2 m
and 0.99 for larger sizes. However, these coefficients are not fixed and can vary. Individual calibration is
recommended. (Geankoplis, 2003)

The pressure difference occurs because the velocity is increased from v1 to v2. However, at the end of the
tube, the velocity returns to its original value of v1 for liquids. Because of frictional losses, some of the
pressure difference is not fully recovered. In a well-designed Venturi Meter, the permanent loss is about
10% of the pressure differential, and this means power loss. A Venturi Meter is often used to measure
flows in large lines such as the city water system. (Geankoplis, 2003)

Venturi Meter has several disadvantages when it comes to ordinary installation in a process plant.
It occupies a large space and is expensive. Another disadvantage is that the throat diameter is fixed so that
if the flow rate range is changed considerably, it will result into inaccurate pressure differences. The
Orifice Meter overcomes these disadvantages but it will sacrifice a larger power loss. (Geankoplis, 2003)

Figure 2. Orifice Meter

The equation for the Orifice Meter is similar to the Venturi Meter