CHAPTER I

Design and Development of Liquid Flow Test Bed

Introduction:

This chapter discusses the brief background of Liquid Flow Test Bed; including

the related topics and the objectives to be attained, significance of the study, and slope

and limitations study and the definition of terms used.

In some other school they have a lot of apparatus that students can use in

performing an experiment. We the students encounter a lot of problems when it comes

in experimentation because our school don’t have the apparatus has other school have,

and the engineering students left behind in terms of understanding of this

instrumentation. So, we the researchers conduct a research of some apparatus that we

can contribute to our laboratory room so that the next generation of engineering will

have an apparatus that can be used in performing an experiment.

In the industries, many different flow meters are used to measure the different

types of fluid flow. The choice of the flow meter might depend on many factors such as

the temperature, pressure conditions, density, viscosity, conductivity or even the

conditions of the fluids such as slurries or normal fluid. The selection of the type of flow

meters might also be accounted to the accuracy of the flow meters itself.

In the help of internet we the researchers decide to propose a Liquid Flow

Test Bed. This proposal is designed to operate together with a basic water supply. This

enables the students to easily familiarize themselves with a typical method of reading

the flow meter of an incompressible fluid.

 The principal materials used are Rota meter and Digital Turbine Meter. In this

research it will allow the students to compare the rate of flow of fluid running through the

pipes goes to the Rota meter and Digital Turbine Meter into actual measurement of

fluids. The data obtained in this research can be further used to understand more about

the flow measurement.

Therefore, the experiment serves to expose the students to the types of flow

meters available in the market and to introduce them to the basic working mechanism of

the named flow meters like rotameter and digital turbine flow meter. They may be asked

to select a suitable flow meter for the plant or industry when they are in the work

environment. The basic knowledge of the flow meters as well as their mechanisms and

working principles is important in order to be technically sound in the work environment.

Hence, the researchers want to form a concept and develop a design of this

instrumentation apparatus to avoid large expenses caused by a repetitive work.

Objectives:

The general objective of this research is to fabricate and develop a Liquid Flow Test

Bed; specially, this included:

1) To design a Liquid Flow Test Bed that can be used in experimentation.

2) To test in difference developing possible laboratory experiment.

3) To develop a laboratory manual and exercise.

4) To evaluate the performance of Liquid Flow Test Bed.

Significant of study:

In pursuance of this study, the result will surely help to upbringing the idea and

be able to support the following:

Instructors: This study will serve as a reference and they can easily

explain/discuss it in actual presentation of the apparatus.

Researchers: This study can be used by other researchers as a reference for

some innovations and improvements to project dealing with the same concept.

Students: They can use it in performing an experimentation so they can gain a

knowledge about this research

Scope and Limitation study:

The scope of this study is to build a “DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF LIQUID

FLOW TEST BED”. The apparatus will be used mainly for experimental purposes. The

apparatus included a motor, pipes, pressure gauge and a water as a raw material. The

pipes are connected to the motor as a source of the force that will pump the water

through the pipes and goes to the Rota Meter and Digital Turbine Meter. The welded

part of the apparatus are properly grind. This will be conducted in the machine

shop/laboratory of our school by the researchers.

Definition of terms:

The following are defined operationally in order to provide the readers an

apparent information and ideas in this study:

Centrifugal Pump – Serves as the main source of the apparatus.

Water pressure gauge -Instrument for measuring the condition of a fluid (liquid

or gas) that is specified by the force that the fluid would exert.

Flow rate - is the speed at which fluid in a pipe moves, or the speed at which it

moves from a reservoir into a wellbore.

Rota Meter -  is a device that measures the volumetric flow rate of fluid in a

closed tube.

Digital Turbine Meter - is a liquid/gas velocity measurement device. The turbine

flow meter contains a free- spinning turbine rotor that turns at a speed that is

proportional to the flow velocity.

Performance – the way the apparatus operates.

Angle Bar - The main supporting materials for the frame.

Frame – Serves as housing of the apparatus.

 CHAPTER II

Related Studies

This chapter provides an overview of previous research on knowledge sharing

and intranets. It introduces the framework for the case study that comprises the main

focus of the research described in this thesis.

According to Muhammed Liakit Ale et al. (2015). In modern age of

industrialization measuring the flow of fluid in an industry is a major issue for controlling

the production process. Along with the flow of fluid, temperature is also a matter of

concern for quality maintenance of the product. Keeping those things in mind this

project is so designed and fabricated to record the flow rate and temperature of either a

liquid (such as oil or water) or a gas (such as natural gas) simultaneously and precisely.

And the output is shown in a liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Here a fluid (liquid) is passed

through a turbine and rotated it at a rate that is proportional to the rate of flow of the

fluid. An opto-sensor will then pick up the turbine rotation and send a pulse signal to the

Arduino. A temperature sensor is also used to measure the temperature of the flowing

fluid. We calibrated the Sensors with great care that's why a highly precise results of not

more than 3% error were recorded.

The researchers observed that the relation between the measured rpm and

measured flow is almost linear. This related study helps us learn more about the Rota

Meter and how we can use it in our thesis making

 According to Wei Jiang et al. (2016). The researchers observed that due to the

viscous shear stress, there is an obvious error between the real flow rate and the

rotameter indication for measuring viscous fluid medium. At 50 cSt the maximum error

of DN40 orifice rotameter is up to 35 %. The fluid viscosity effects on the orifice

rotameter are investigated using experimental and theoretical models. Wall jet and

concentric annulus laminar theories were adapted to study the influence of viscosity.

And a new formula is obtained for calculating the flow rate of viscous fluid. The

experimental data were analyzed and compared with the calculated results. At high

viscosity the maximum theoretical results error is 6.3 %, indicating that the proposed

measurement model has very good applicability.

The researchers conclude that the experimental results indicate that at the same

viscosity, the viscosity effect increases with the increase in flow rate. The greater the

viscosity becomes, the larger error produced. The error also increases at the same flow

rate.

According to Awu J, C Mbajiorgu et al. (2017) Low cost digital turbine water flow

meter was developed in the instrumentation laboratory unit of the national center for

agricultural mechanization-ilorin. System testing which comprises the component test,

integration test, functional test and extreme case test were carried out during the

developmental stage. The used of Hall Effect switch was considered to reduce

mechanical contact bounds while measuring the water flow. The flow meter was

calibrated using a standard global water flow probe under a controlled flow rate range

from 0.5 to 5.0 m3 /s. The corresponding frequency of flow, measure voltage and
calculated voltage to every giving flow rate was measured. The result shows r squared

values for the flow rate/frequency and flow rate/measured voltage relationship of 0.998

and 0.984 respectively. The result shows that the developed water flow meter is a

system equipped with capability to measure water flow rate from closed irrigation pipe.

Development of other type’s flow meter other than turbine flow meter is highly

recommended.

Turbine meters have found widespread use for accurate water measurement

applications. The unit consists of a multiple-bladed rotor mounted with a pipe,

perpendicular to the liquid flow. The rotor spins as the liquid passes through the blades.

The rotational speed is a direct function of flow rate and can be sensed by magnetic

pick-up (Hall Effect). Electrical pulses is be counted and totalized

According to M Sai and Kumar K. Rupendra (2017) The work is to demonstrate

the performance of single stage gas turbine which is able to operate with hot air as a

working fluid at specific boundary conditions. These boundary conditions were chosen

to be compatible with a Brayton cycle. The evaluation is dependent on the turbine

efficiency and output power. Firstly, preliminary design work was completed in order to

figure out the turbines shapes and find initial information about the impact of various

factors on their efficiency values and output powers. Factors considered were: inlet

pressure, inlet temperature, rotational speed and the mass flow rate. The performance

was predicted at a constant pressure of 3 bars by varying inlet temperature (400K & 600
K) at different rotational speeds. Subsequently, three-dimensional computational fluid

dynamics (CFD) modelling was completed for a gas turbine to study the effect of other

factors and have accurate results. The simulation results showed that an improvement

in total turbine efficiency from 45 to 66% for a fixed cycle boundary conditions. In this

paper, a series of computational simulations have been conducted to provide pre-test

performance for the single stage gas turbine. The performance of single stage gas

turbine with compressed air as a working fluid has been investigated at different

boundary conditions.

According to Xiaoting Li et al. (2012) The glass tube rotameter is usually used

only for site instructions, without remote transmission. In this paper, the inductance

sensor detects the float's displacement, with the coil around the inner tube, core

installed on the float. As a result, the displacement of the float caused by the flow can

reflect the inductor changes. It turns the inductance changes to voltage amplitude

changes through the three-point capacitance oscillator circuit, and we can get the DC

voltage signal by filtering the sine wave through high-frequency filter circuit. After

sampling process in AD converter, the output voltage can be measured. Based on the

relationship between voltage and inductance, and inductance and flow, we can program

in the MSP430 to get flow. The realization of non-electrify electrometric measurement

by transforming float displacement changes to inductance changes improves the

measurement accuracy, and achieves the remote transmission by precision current

transmitter.

Chapter III
 METHODS AND MATERIALS

This chapter gives an outline of research methods that were followed in the

study, the diagram of methods and materials that will be use. . The researcher also

discusses the methods used to analyze the data.

METHODS:

DEVELOPMENT OF THE DESIGN

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Unavailability of  Fabrication of Liquid  Design and

Liquid Flow Test Flow Test Bed Development of

Bed in Laboratory  Develop a Liquid Flow Test

Room Laboratory manual Bed

and exercise

 Test and Evaluate

of the designed and

fabricated of Liquid

Flow Test Bed.

Figure 3.1 Conceptual Framework

Mechanical Design by Components

 The mechanical design of the study wherein the input materials were the

following: AC Motor, Rotameter, Digital Turbine Meter, G.I. Plain Sheet, Angle Bar, Gate

Valve and G.I. Pipes and Fittings. On the other side is the fabrication, the installation of

pipes, valve and the motor. Furthermore, the output is Design and Development of the

Liquid Flow Test Bed.

Research Design

The researcher has come up with such design for the research project. Starting

with the frame of the project, we used steel or cast iron for the durability and stability.

This frame holds the entire apparatus components. Then, there are two water tanks that

are placed inside the frame, one on the lower left and one on the upper left side of the

frame. The main purpose of this tank is to contain the water that is use on the project

operation.

A 1 HP water pump is place at the bottom part of the frame where the suction is

connected to the lower left water tank. Its purpose is to pump the water to the other tank

using G.I. pipe and fittings connection. Before the connection go to the upper left tank,

we put a T-shape pipe to produce a parallel flow. Then place the rotameter (connection

A) and turbine flow meter (connection B) in each connection. It will end up at the upper

left water tank. With the same water flow rate, students now able to observe the

readings both measuring devices, and therefore, are able to conclude own statement

regarding the difference of the two. A gate valve is connecting the two tank and control

the water transfer from the upper left tank to lower left tank.

The researchers come up with these formulas:

 Through the book of mechanical engineering formulas Second Edition by Jas

Tordillo:

For Centrifugal Pump:

h = (p2 - p1) / (ρ  g) + v22 / (2 g)  

Where:

h = total head developed (m) 

p2 = pressure at outlet (N/m2)

p1 = pressure at inlet (N/m2)

ρ =   density (kg/m3)

g = acceleration of gravity (9.81)  m/s2

v2 = velocity at the outlet (m/s)

Pump Efficiency

e = Pout / Pin  (2)

Where:

e = efficiency (%) Pout = power output  

Pin = power input

For Specific Speed:

 n √Q
N=
((H)3 /4 )

Where:

N = RPM of pump

Q =  Flow rate in Gallons per minute (GPM)

H = Head in feet

For Actual Discharge, Q:

Q= AV

Where:

A= Area of the pipe in m 2

V= Velocity of fluid in m/s

For Constant Speed ( N 1=¿ N 2) Variable Impeller Diameter

Q1 D1 H1 D1 2
= =( )
Q2 D2 H2 D2

Where:

Q= Flow Rate of Fluid in L/Min

D= Diameter of pipe in inches

 MATERIALS:

Motor Water Pump. A water pump is any device for moving water. Some uses

of water pumps include: Obtaining water from ground wells for drinking, cooking, and

other purposes. Moving a water in active solar heating systems.

G.I Plain Sheet. Galvanization is the process of applying a protective zinc

coating to steel or iron in order to prevent it from rusting. Galvanized iron

(GI) sheets are steel sheets which are basically coated with zinc and include a range of

hot dip galvanized and electro-galvanized steel sheets.

G.I. Pipes. Galvanized Iron (GI) Pipes are manufactured using mild steel strips of

Low Carbon Steel Coils. The GI Pipes are generally used for distribution of treated or

raw water in rural or urban areas. These pipes are cheaper, light weight and easy to

handle.

Rotameter. A rotameter is a device that measures the volumetric flow rate of

fluid in a closed tube. It belongs to a class of meters called variable area meters, which

measure flow rate by allowing the cross-sectional area the fluid travels through to vary,

causing a measurable effect.

Digital Turbine Meter. A turbine flow meter is a volume sensing device. As liquid

or gas passes through the turbine housing, it causes the freely

suspended turbine blades to rotate. The velocity of the turbine rotor is directly

proportional to the velocity of the fluid passing through the flow meter.

 Timer. A timer is a specialized type of clock used for measuring specific time

intervals. Timers can be categorized into two main types. A timer which counts upwards

from zero for measuring elapsed time is often called a stopwatch, while a device which

counts down from a specified time interval is more usually called a timer.

Angle Bar. Angle bar, also known as “L-bar”, “L-bracket” or “angle iron, is a

metal in the form of a right angle. Steel angle bar is the most widely used structural

steel by the construction industry because of its very economical cost. Structural

steel angles are manufactured by rolling pre-heated blooms to form angle shape.

Super Vulcaseal. Super Vulcaseal is an elastomeric, solvent-release

temperature curing sealant. It is best used for sealing, patching and filling of leaks,

cracks, holes and gaps. Super Vulcaseal is a one-component sealant for use on and

between all common household, automotive and construction materials.

G. I. Fittings. Pipe fitting or pipefitting is the occupation of installing or repairing

piping or tubing systems that convey liquid, gas, and occasionally solid materials.

Gate Valve. A device for controlling the passage of fluid or air through a pipe,

duct, etc. especially an automatic device allowing movement in one direction only.

Teflon Tape. Thread seal tape (also known as PTFE tape, Teflon tape, or

plumber's tape) is a poly tetra fluoro ethylene (PTFE) film tape commonly used in

plumbing for sealing pipe threads. The tape is sold cut to specific widths and wound on

a spool, making it easy to wind around pipe threads.

Bolts and Nuts. A bolt is a form of threaded fastener with an external male

thread. Bolts are closely related to screws.

 Electrical Wire. An electrical cable is an assembly of one or more wires running

side by side or bundled, which is used to carry electric current.

Electrical Switch. An electrical switch is any device used to interrupt the flow of

electrons in a circuit. Switches are essentially binary devices: they are either completely

on (“closed”) or completely off (“open”).

References:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en-

PH&authuser=0&ei=3vLQXLGaC_nXz7sP9pm00AI&q=rotameter+calibration+unit&oq=r

otameter+calibration+unit&gs_l=psy-

ab.3..33i160l2.42510.44364..44616...0.0..0.396.1300.0j1j3j1......0....1..gws-

wiz.......0i71j0j0i67j33i21.0IVN32MXnD8

https://www.skcltd.com/products2/calibration/rotameters.html

http://wikepedia.com/rotameter

http://researchgate.com/

https://www.google.com/search?

q=centrifugal+pump+unit&oq=centrifugal+pump+unit&aqs=chrome..69i57.10651j0j4&so

urceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.google.com/search

https://www.quora.com/A-centrifugal-pump-works-at-a-certain-speed-for-a-certain-flow-

rate-and-pressure-If-the-flow-rate-is-increased-what-happens-to-pressure-and-speed

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/pump-efficiency

https://www.skcltd.com/products2/calibration/rotameters.html

http://wikepedia.com/rotameter
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q=centrifugal+pump+unit&oq=centrifugal+pump+unit&aqs=chrome..69i57.10651j0j4&so

urceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Shaft Diameter Water

Speed Rotameter Of Flow Rate

Trials Time Power
(rpm) (L/Min) Pipe
(Watts)

1st Trial

2nd Trial

3rd Trial
 Testing and Evaluation of the Performance of a Design and Develop Liquid Flow

Test Bed

For testing and evaluation of Liquid Flow Test Bed, it will undergo three trials at

different time.

Figure 3.2 Evaluation Test Form

Design and Development of Liquid Flow Test Bed

A Research Partial Proposal presented to

The College of Engineering and Technology

Northwest Samar State University

Calbayog City

Requirement for the Research 1

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Prepared by:

Novela, Frankie C.

Pelenio, Wowie B.

Labasbas, Gerald B.

Labasbas, John Winston B.

Montilla, Gerick R.

Calosor, Alvin A.
Penaranda, Roderick P.

Adviser:

Engr. Rhio Dimakiling

School Year 2018-2019