Fluid Mechanics (CLB 11003)

Experiment 3: Method of flow measurement

Semester January 2017

Experiment 3
Method of Flow Measurement

Objective

 To demonstrate typical flow measurement devices for incompressible fluids:

(1) venturi meter, (2) orifice plate and (3) rotameter.
 To compare the difference in flow rate incurred by each of these device.

Overview

In engineering and industrial practice, fluid measurement of many of the variables

and properties, such as density, viscosity, pressure, velocity, flow rate and etc is one
of the problems most frequently encountered by engineers. It is therefore essential
for engineers to be well equipped with knowledge of the fundamentals and existing
methods of measuring various fluid properties and phenomena. This apparatus is
specially designed to obtain the flow rate measurement by utilizing three basic types
of flow measuring techniques, which are float-type flow meter, venturi meter and the
orifice meter.

Experimental Procedure

1. Check the measurement line to ensure all lines are connected.

2. Open all valves at pipe section and the six tubes manometer except for the inlet
valve.

3. Switch on the pump and open the inlet valve slowly to let the water flow for one
minute. Ensure all air has been expelled from the pipe work.
4. Close the outlet valve, vent valve and drain valve. Then switch off the pump.

5. Adjust the height of the manometer tubes to 150mm by opening vent valve 3 to 4
round & opening drain valve slightly.
6. Switch on the pump and open inlet valve slowly.

7. Adjust the height of the water in the manometer tubes with the help of inlet valve
until you get the difference in levels between each manometer.
8. Set the rotameter reading at 200L/hr.

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 Fluid Mechanics (CLB 11003)
Experiment 3: Method of flow measurement
Semester January 2017

9. Without adjusting any valves, convey the water outlet hose into a container
whose capacity is known and record the time taken for the water to fill it up to
20L in Table 1.
10. Record manometer readings in Table 1.
11. Repeat step 8 to 11 for other flow rate (300, 400, 500 and 600 L/hr).

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 Fluid Mechanics (CLB 11003)
Experiment 3: Method of flow measurement
Semester January 2017

Results

Table 1: Volumetric Flowrate

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 Fluid Mechanics (CLB 11003)
Experiment 3: Method of flow measurement
Semester January 2017

1. Determine the flow rate of Q as given by (1) venturi meter, (2) orifice plate

2. Calculate the percentage of difference in flow rate of (1) venturi, (2) orifice and (3)
rotameter. Compare all three measured flow rate.

Discussion

1. Discuss the difference of measured and calculated flow rate of each device.

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 Fluid Mechanics (CLB 11003)
Experiment 3: Method of flow measurement
Semester January 2017

Tutorial

1. What are the limitations of Bernoulli’s Theorem?

2. What are the primary considerations when selecting a flow meter to measure the
flow rate of a fluid?

3. Explain how flow rate is measured with obstruction-type flow meters. Compare
orifice meters and venturi meters with respect to cost size, head loss and
accuracy.

References

1. Robert L. Street, Gary Z. Walters, John K. Vennard. Elementary Fluid Mechanics.

7th Ed. JohnWiley & Sons Inc.

2. Anthony Esposito. Fluid Mechanics with Applications. Prentice Hall International

Inc.

3. Robert L.Mott. Applied Fluid Mechanics 5th Ed. Prentice Hall International Inc.