FLUID MECHANICS

Flow measurement using differential head

Lab exp 3
Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Moniem
ID: 128697
Abstract

The aim of the experiment is to apply differential head devices and to measure the flow rate and
velocity of water in a pipe and to obtain a series of readings of head loss at different flow rates
through a venturi meter and Pitot tube. The experimental procedures are as follows: fill the pipe
network with water and open the appropriate valves to obtain flow of water the flow meters. From
the venturi and Pitot tube readings will be taken at different flow rates then measuring the
differential head produced by each flow meter, the head loss across each flow meter and volume
flow rate. In the result section it was founded that the venturi meter Measured Flow Rate Qm are
to 73 x 10-3, 247 x 10-3 and 493 x 10-3 in mH2O and calculated flow rate Qc are be 2.1978 x 10-4 ,
3.5 x 10-4 and 4.878 x 10-4 in m3/s. The Pitot tube differential head are 50 x 10-3, 90 x 10-3and 160
x 10-3 in mH2O and flow rate Q are 4.0816 x 10-4, 5.128 x 10-4 and 6.8965 x 10-4 in m3/s.

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Table of Contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3
1. Venturi Meter ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Pitot tube ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Experimental Procedures .............................................................................................................................. 7
Results ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Discussion...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Sources of Errors ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Human errors .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Instrumental errors ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Surrounding errors ...................................................................................................................................... 11
To eliminate errors...................................................................................................................................... 11
References .................................................................................................................................................. 12

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Introduction

1. Venturi Meter

A venturi meter is a device used for measuring the rate of a flow of a fluid flowing through a
pipe. It consist of three parts:
1. Throat
2. Diverging part
3. A short converging part

Figure 1 Parts of venturi

It is based on the principle of Bernoulli’s equation. Inside of the venturi meter, pressure
difference is created by reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow passage. The pressure
difference is measured by using a differential U-tube manometer. This pressure difference helps
in the determination of rate of flow of fluid or discharge through the pipe line. As the inlet area
of the venturi is large than at the throat, the velocity at the throat increases resulting in decrease
of pressure. By this, a pressure difference is created between the inlet and the throat of the
venturi. (saipaven, 2014)

D1 and D2 — Diameter at inlet and throat respectively

P1and P2 — Pressure at inlet and throat
V1 and V2 — Velocity at inlet ad throat

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Figure 2 manometer in venturi meter
 By applying Bernoulli’s equation

Let the velocity and pressure at the inlet are V1 and p1 respectively, while those at the throat
are V2 and p2. Now, applying Bernoulli’s equation between, we get

Equation 1

Equation 2

Where ρ is the density of fluid flowing through the venturi meter.

From continuity,

Where A1 and A2 are the cross-sectional areas of the venturi meter at its throat and inlet
respectively.

 With the help of Eq 1. Eq 2 can be written as

where and are the pressure heads and are defined as

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Hence, the volume flow rate through the pipe is given by

(NPTEL, 2015)

2. Pitot tube

pitot tube is used to measure fluid flow velocity which converts the kinetic energy in a fluid
flow to potential energy.

Figure 3 Pitot tube

The rules or theories is based on the Bernoulli Equation where each term of the equation
can be interpreted as pressure

p + 1/2 ρ v2 + γ h = constant along a streamline

where

p = static pressure (relative to the moving fluid) (Pa)

ρ = density (kg/m3)

v = flow velocity (m/s)

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γ = ρ g = specific weight (N/m3)

g = acceleration of gravity (m/s2)

h = elevation height (m)

Terms:
1. Static Pressure

The first term - p - is the static pressure. It is static relative to the moving fluid and can be
measured through a flat opening in parallel to the flow.

2. Dynamic Pressure

The second term - 1/2 ρ v2 is called the dynamic pressure.

3. Hydrostatic Pressure

The third term - γ h - is called the hydrostatic pressure. It represent the pressure due to
change in elevation.

4. Flow Velocity

In a measuring point we regard the hydrostatic pressure as a constant where h1 = h2 - and

this part can be eliminated. Since v2 is zero, (2) can be modified to:

p1 + 1/2 ρ v12 = p2

or

v1 = [2 (p2 - p1) / ρ] 1/2

where

p2 - p1 = dp (differential pressure)

(box, 2010)

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Experimental Procedures

 fill the pipe network with water and open the appropriate valves to obtain flow of water
the flow meters.

 From the venturi and Pitot tube readings will be taken at different flow rates then
measuring the differential head produced by each flow meter, the head loss across each
flow meter and volume flow rate

The tools and materials available for the test are as follows:-
 Venturi Meter.
 Pitot Tube
 Stop Watch

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 Results

Volume Time Flow Rate Qm Differential Head Calculated Flow Rate Qc

3 3
(liters) (secs) (m /s) (m) (m /s)

20 91 20 x 10-3 / 91 776 – 703 1.9185 x 10-4

= 2.1978 x 10-4 = 73x10-3

20 57 20 x 10-3 / 57 866 – 619 3.5289 x 10-4

= 3.5 x 10-4 = 247x10-3

20 41 20 x 10-3 / 41 993 – 500 4.9856 x 10-4

= 4.878 x 10-4 = 493x10-3

For Venturi meter

Equations used during calculations

Cd= 0.98
Do = 14mm  0.014 m
D1 = 24mm  0.024m
 Area of pipe = π D2 / 4

 For (Flow rate Qm)= V x 10-3 / T

 For (Calculated Flow Rate Qc)

𝐶𝑑. 𝐴𝑜
√2𝑔𝚫𝐡
√1 − (𝐴𝑜) 2
𝐴1

 Ao = 1.539 x 10-4
 A1 = 4.524 x 10-4

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 For Pitot tube

Volume Time Flow Rate Q Pipe Diameter Pipe Area Velocity Differential Velocity
(liter) (secs) (m3/s) (m) (m2) measured Head Calculated
(m/s) (mH2O) (m/s)

20 49 4.0816 x 10-4 0.902 500 – 450 0.9899

= 50 x 10-3
20 39 5.128 x 10-4 24 x 10-3 4.5238 x 10-4 1.1335 560 – 470 1.328

=90 x 10-3
20 29 6.8965 x 10-4 1.524 675 – 515 1.77

=160 x 10-3

Equations used during calculations

 For Velocity measured =

𝑄
𝐴

 Area of pipe = π D2 / 4

 For Velocity Calculated = (2gh) 0.5

Discussion

For Venturi meter

It shown from tabulated results that when time increases volume is constant and Calculated Flow
Rate Qc decreases and also the Flow Rate Qm increases the same follows with the differential
head.

For Pitot tube

The results show the volume stays constant and as velocity increases, the differential head also
increases. The same goes with the Flow Rate Q it increases.

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Conclusion

The experiment discusses the application of differential head devices and to measure the flow rate
and velocity of water in a pipe and to obtain a series of readings of head loss at different flow rates
through a venturi meter and Pitot tube. The aim was achieved and results are tabulated above,
regarding the readings of venturi meter Measured Flow Rate Qm are to 73 x 10-3, 247 x 10-3 and
493 x 10-3 in mH2O and calculated flow rate Qc are be 2.1978 x 10-4 , 3.5 x 10-4 and 4.878 x 10-4
in m3/s. and for the Pitot tube its differential head are 50 x 10-3, 90 x 10-3and 160 x 10-3 in mH2O
and flow rate Q are 4.0816 x 10-4, 5.128 x 10-4 and 6.8965 x 10-4 in m3/s with velocities 0.9899,
1.328 and 1.77 m/s. At the end, the diameters which are Do= 14 mm and D1= 24 mm.

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Sources of Errors

Human errors
Calculation error
When recording results and not being able to calculate the proper time.

Instrumental errors
Which could be the device has a malfunction such as the manometer readings.

Surrounding errors
Room temperature might decrease or increase the temperature of the fluids.
Rusting of the pipes where it the pipes are clogged and can cause specific errors in water flow
Through the pipes.

To eliminate errors
Recording the correct readings from the manometer readings and doing proper and precise
Mathematical equations and formulas. Doing the correct maintenance for the instruments
And machine in the lab, such as clearing up rust or any residue in the pipes for the water to
Flow easily.

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References
box, E. t. (2010, June 1). Engineering tool box. Retrieved from
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pitot-tubes-d_612.html

NPTEL. (2015, March 7). National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning. Retrieved from
http://www.nptel.ac.in/courses/112104118/lecture-15/15-1_mesure_flow.htm

saipaven. (2014, september 30). Mechanical Buzz. Retrieved from http://mechanicalbuzz.com/venturi-

meter-principle.html

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