SIMPLE PITOT TUBE

The principle of flow measurement by Pitot tube was adopted first by a French Scientist
Henri Pitot in 1732 for measuring velocities in the river. A right-angled glass tube, large enough
for capillary effects to be negligible, is used for the purpose. One end of the tube faces the flow
while the other end is open to the atmosphere. Pitot tubes are used in a variety of applications
for measuring fluid velocity. This is a convenient, inexpensive method for measuring velocity at
a point in a flowing fluid. A pitot tube is essentially a flow sensor instrument. Simple pitot tubes
have one hole at the front; however, planes will often use pitot-static tubes with two openings
rather than separate pitot tubes and static ports.
Pitot tube measures two pressures: the static
and the total impact pressure. The static pressure is the
operating pressure in the pipe, duct, or the environment,
upstream to the pitot tube. It is measured at right angles
to the flow direction, preferably in a low turbulence
location.
The Pitot tube is inserted into the duct with the
tip pointed toward the airflow. The positive port of the
manometer is connected to the total pressure port (Pt)
and the negative to the static pressure port (Ps). The
manometer will then display velocity pressure which can
be converted to velocity. Pitot tubes work as flow
sensors to measure the speed and pressure of air,
liquid or gas. These readings allow pilots to gauge
airspeed and altitude and have a wide variety of applications in other equipment. The tubes can
usually be spotted beneath the cockpit on the front fuselage or along the wing.
Calibration of a simple pitot tube
In modern Pitot tubes, proper nose or tip design - along with sufficient distance between nose,
static pressure taps and stem - will minimize turbulence and interference. This allows use
without correction or calibration factors. All Dwyer Pitot tubes are built to AMCA and ASHRAE
standards and have unity calibration factors to assure accuracy.
1. To ensure accurate velocity pressure readings, the Pitot tube tip must be pointed directly
into (parallel with) the air stream. If the Pitot tube is correctly aligned, the velocity pressure
indication will be at its maximum. Accurate readings cannot be taken in a turbulent air
stream.
2. A Pitot tube should be inserted at least 8-1/2 duct diameters downstream from elbows,
bends or other obstructions which create turbulence. To ensure precise measurements,
straightening vanes should be located 5 duct diameters upstream from the Pitot tube if
used.
3. Air velocity is not laminar or equal in across sectional area of a duct so a traverse of the
duct needs to be performed to determine an average velocity. Friction closer to the walls
of the duct will slow down the airflow as they are scrubbing the duct walls.
4. To assure accurate measurement, a defined pattern needs to be followed.
Procedure in Using the Simple Pitot Tube in Measuring
1. By taking Pitot tube readings with extreme care, air velocity can be determined within an
accuracy of ±2%. For maximum accuracy, the following precautions should be observed:
2. Duct diameter should be at least 30 times the diameter of the Pitot tube.
3. Located the Pitot tube section providing 8-1/2 or more duct diameters upstream and 1-
1/2 or more diameters down stream of Pitot tube free of elbows, size changes or
obstructions.
4. Provide an egg-crate type of flow straightener 5 duct diameters upstream of Pitot tube.
5. Make a complete, accurate traverse.
6. In small ducts or where traverse operations are otherwise impossible, an accuracy of
±5% can frequently be achieved by placing Pitot tube in center of duct. Determine
velocity from the reading, then multiply by 0.9 for an approximate average.