1.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this experiment is to calibrate the venturi and orifice meter. This also

includes comparing the two apparatus by plotting their coefficient of discharge with Reynolds

number. These devices estimate the fluid flow velocity by the use of pressure drop principle. The

coefficient of discharge is measured using the pressure drop. This allows the students to compare

the obtained data from that of the standard. The experiment assumes the fluid to be incompressible.

In industry, when controlling the production rate, flow rates must be measured. If not,

turbulent flow rates may cause unfinished mixing or laminar flows may slow the production.

Venturi and orifice both provides ease of reading of these kinds of factor.

2. THEORITICAL BACKGROUND

Venturi Meter

A venturi meter is a device that is usually used to measure the flow of a fluid in the pipe.

A Venturi meter may also be used to increase the velocity of any type fluid in a pipe at any

particular point. It basically works on the principle of Bernoulli's Theorem. The pressure in a fluid

moving through a small cross section drops suddenly leading to an increase in velocity of the flow.

The fluid of the characteristics of high pressure and low velocity gets converted to the low pressure

and high velocity at a particular point and again reaches to high pressure and low velocity. The

point where the characteristics become low pressure and high velocity is the place where the

venturi flow meter is used.

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 The Venturi meter is constructed as shown in Figure 1.1. It has a constriction within itself.

The pressure difference between the upstream and the downstream flow, Δh, can be found as a

function of the flow rate. Applying Bernoulli’s equation to points 1 and 2 of the Venturi meter and

relating the pressure difference to the flow rate yields. The discharge coefficient of a Venturi meter

is typically 0.985 but may be even higher if the convergent section is machined.

Figure 1.1

The Orifice Meter

The orifice meter consists of a throttling device (an orifice plate) inserted in the flow. This

orifice plate creates a measurable pressure difference between its upstream and downstream sides.

This pressure is then related to the flow rate. Like the Venturi meter, the pressure difference varies

directly with the flow rate. Figure 1.2 describes the basic components of an Orifice meter.

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 Figure 1.2

Bernoulli’s Principle

Both devices are based on Bernoulli’s Principle

Assuming a horizontal flow (neglecting the minor elevation difference between the

measuring points) the Bernoulli Equation can be modified to:

p1 + 1/2 ρ v12 = p2 + 1/2 ρ v22

Equation (1)

Assuming uniform velocity profiles in the upstream and downstream flow - the Continuity

Equation can be expressed as

q = v1 A1 = v2 A2

Equation (2)

Combining (1) and (2), assuming A2 < A1, gives the "ideal" equation:

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 q = A2 [ 2(p1 - p2) / ρ(1 - (A2 / A1)2) ]1/2

Equation (3)

For a given geometry (A), the flow rate can be determined by measuring the pressure

difference p1 - p2.

Equation (3) can be modified with diameters to:

q = cd (π / 4) D22 [ 2 (p1 - p2) / ρ (1 - d4) ]1/2

Equation (4)

where

D2 = orifice, venturi or nozzle inside diameter (m, in)

D1 = upstream and downstream pipe diameter (m, in)

d = D2 / D1 diameter ratio

The coefficient of discharge, Cv (for venturi) and Co (for orifice), can be calculated using

the following equation

C = Qactual/ Qtheoritica

(Equation 5)

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 When measuring the mass flow in gases, its necessary to considerate the pressure reduction

and change in density of the fluid. The formula above can be used with limitations for applications

with relatively small changes in pressure and density.

Although both uses the same principles, there are some differences of these apparatus:

• A venturi meter can be used to measure the flow rates of all incompressible

fluids (gases with low pressure variations, as wells as liquids), whereas an

orifice meter is generally used for measuring the flow rate of liquid.

• Venturi meters are only installed in pipelines, and the accelerated flow through

the apparatus is subsequently decelerated to the original velocity at the outlet

of the venturi meter. The flow continues through the pipe line. In the orifice

meter, the entire potential energy of the fluid is converted into kinetic energy,

and the jet discharges freely into the open atmosphere.

C. Because venturi is theoretically has lesser pressure loss, then it is assumed to have

a greater coefficient of discharge than that of the orifice.

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3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Materials

Hydraulic Bench Apparatus

Orifice meter, Venturi meter

Stopwatch

Water

Caliper

Manometer

3.1.1 Specifications for the apparatus

Orifice meter – D1- 26.6mm D2 – 13.0mm

Venturi meter – D1 – 26.6mm D2- 20mm

3.2 Methods

Materials and apparatus were checked and prepared before the experiment started

and were also cleaned appropriately. For the calibration of venture meter/ orifice meter

apparatus, the venturi or orifice meter apparatus was set up. The diameter of both apparatus

was recorded for the purpose of computation. The pump was started and the main

regulating flow valve was opened to fix the water flow rate. The tubes from the venture or

orifice pressure tapping points to the manometer (mouth or inlet tap point and throat tap

point) were connected. It was ensured that there is no trapped air in the connecting lines.

Ample time was allowed to stabilize the flow before readings were taken. The upstream

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and downstream of the manometer were read and recorded. The theoretical volumetric flow

rate was computed. For any reading of the manometer, the volume discharged was

collected at the outlet and the time to collect the volume discharged at the outlet was

measured using a graduated cylinder. The volume collected and the time was recorded. The

actual volumetric flow rate from the volume collected divided by the time obtained was

computed. A total of ten (10) trials were taken by adjusting the main flow regulating valve.

All the data were recorded and the coefficient of discharge of the Venturi and Orifice

apparatus and their Reynolds Number were computed respectively

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4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Results

A. Orifice meter

30000

25000 y = 80571x - 38286

20000
Reynolds No.

15000

10000

5000

0
0.69 0.7 0.71 0.72 0.73 0.74 C 0.75 0.76 0.77 0.78 0.79 0.8

Figure 4.1.1 Coefficient of discharge vs. Reynolds number for orifice meter

B. Venturi meter

16000
14000
12000
REynolds No.

10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
C

Figure 4.1.2 Coefficient of discharge vs. Reynolds number for orifice meter

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4.2 Discussion

In orifice meters, the C and Reynolds number is direct proportional as shown in

figure 4.1. On the other hand, the relationship of C and Reynolds number is inversely

proportional, as shown in Figure 4.2

From the tables 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 (appendix) it is confirmed that the pressure drop in orifice

meter is greater than that of the venturi meter.

As observed also, the flow of the water in the venturi and orifice meter are turbulent. This

is because the equipment needed more speed to avoid bubbles from getting into the tubes.

Also it is observed that Reynolds number of smaller compared to that of orifice because

venturi meter provide smooth flow than that of orifice.

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5. CONCLUSION

In orifice meters, the C and Reynolds number is direct proportional. On the other hand, the

relationship of C and Reynolds number is inversely proportional. The tables also show a greater

discharge as the pressure drop increases. This supports the Bernoulli’s principle but however there

are errors in the experiment. The errors of the experiment may lie on the flow rates. The flow is

not very consistent. This causes the graph to be distorted a little. Overall the objectives of the

experiment were met and the students learned the characteristics of both apparatus. The experiment

gives knowledge to the student since both apparatus is commonly used in the industry.

6. RECOMMENDATION

In manipulating both devices, it is recommended to let the flow of water to above 70 cm to

avoid bubbles from getting in the tube. For ease, valves must be labeled according to the beginners’

view to avoid confusion. Also, the diameter of the pipe must be shown in the specification.

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7. APPENDICES

Trial Manometer Reading Rm(cm) Volumetric Coefficient Reynolds

Upstream Downstream flowrate Q of discharge Number

(cm) (cm) (x10-5

m3/s)

1 71.75 73.5 1.75 5.65 0.703784643

17913.35385
2 73 75 2 6.0 0.72268771
18525.45246
3 77.25 79.5 2.25 6.3 0.715424333
19649.20959
4 74 76.5 2.5 6.25 0.673324519
20712.08551
5 81.5 84.4 2.9 7.12 0.712189246
22307.59879
6 80.5 83.5 3.0 7.0 0.688417385
22688.95289
7 79.5 82.5 3 7.5 0.737590055
22688.95289
8 87 90 3 7.79 0.766110204
22688.95289
9 88.4 92 3.6 8.0 0.718212821
24854.50261
10 93.6 97.4 3.8 9.0 0.786439155
25535.57399
Table 4.1.1: Data from Orifice Meter

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Trial Manometer Reading Rm(cm) Volumetric Coefficient Reynolds

flowrate Q of number
Upstream Downstream
(x10-5 discharge

m3/s)

1 72 71.8 0.2 4.5

0.59612302 7131.102413
2 88 88.3 0.3 6.6
0.7138742 8733.781108
3 72.4 72.4 0.4 4.6
0.4308898 10084.90175
4 88.5 88.9 0.4 6.5
0.60886602 10084.90175
5 72.4 72.8 0.5 4
0.33513005 11275.26293
6 84.5 85 0.5 5.88
0.49264117 11275.26293
7 67 67.5 0.5 3.4
0.28486054 11275.26293
8 62 62.5 0.5 3.9
0.3267518 11275.26293
9 84.5 85 0.5 5.7
0.47756032 11275.26293
10 63 63.7 0.7 3.22
0.22800545 13341.07101
Table 4.1.2: Data from venturi Meter

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8. REFERENCES

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-venturimeter-and-orificemeter

https://www.mecholic.com/2016/11/venturi-meter-construction-working-equation-application-

advantages.html

http://www.thermopedia.com/content/1241/

https://www.slideshare.net/HirizzaJunkoYamamoto/calibration-of-venturi-and-orifice-meters

https://www.slideshare.net/HirizzaJunkoYamamoto/calibration-of-venturi-and-orifice-meters

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/orifice-nozzle-venturi-d_590.html

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