University Of Zakho

Department Of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Lab/ Thermodynamics

Experiment No. (4): Flowrate Measurement by using Orifice Meter

Student’s Name: Hivy Abdullah Omer

Date of experiment: 20/2/2022

Date lab report is submitted:27/2/2022

 1. INTRODUCTION
There are many situations in the engineering field where it is necessary to know the
flowrate in a pipe. There are various flow-measuring devices that all determine the flow
rate in a pipe but the most common is the obstruction type flowmeter. Obstruction
flowmeters operate on the idea that a decrease in flow area in a pipe causes an increase
in velocity that in turn decreases pressure. This correlation of pressure difference and
velocity provides the means of measuring flowrate. The different obstruction-type
flowmeters consist of the orifice meter, the nozzle meter, and the Venturi meter. In this
lab we will be measuring the flow through an orifice meter.

2. PURPOSE
To measure the velocity, flow rate of the fluid and the head loss of the orifice meter

3. APPARATUS
The figure below shows the flow measurement apparatus which consists of: a. Panel to
support the flow measurement parts. b. Eleven manometers to measure the heads at
different points along with the flow measurement apparatus. c. Flow measurement pipe
as shown in the third figure consists of Venturi meter, Orifice meter, diffuser and
rotameter. d. Hand pump to purge the air. e. Air purge valve. f. Gate valve (Control valve).
g. A hydraulic Bench is used to supply the water to the flow measurement apparatus, and
to measure the flow rate of water by the flow measurement apparatus.

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 4. THEORY
The orifice meter is used to measure the flow rate in pipes and it’s simply, consists of a
plate having a sharp-edged circular hole known as an orifice. The plate is fixed inside a
pipe, as shown in the below figure. It requires less space, while; the head loss across the
meter is greater than the Venturi meter.

For the flow in the Orifice meter, Bernoulli’s theorem states that:

𝑣2 𝑣𝐹 2
+ ℎ𝐸 = + ℎ𝐹 ………. (1)
2𝑔 2𝑔

Where 𝑔 is the gravity 𝑣𝐸, 𝑣𝐹, are the flow velocities at sections 𝐸, 𝐹.

ℎ𝐸, ℎ𝐹 , are the manometer readings at sections 𝐸, 𝐹. the equation of continuity is: -
Where the continuity equation is defined as:

𝑣𝐸𝐴𝐹 = 𝑣𝐸𝐴𝐹 ………. (2)

Where 𝑄 is the volumetric flow rate, 𝑚3 /𝑠. Substitute Eqn. (2) in Eqn. (1), yields: -

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 𝑣𝐹 2 𝐴𝐹 2 𝑣𝐹 2
( ) + ℎ𝐸 = + ℎ𝐹 ………. (3)
2𝑔 𝐴𝐸 2𝑔

2𝑔(ℎ𝐸−ℎ𝐹)
𝑣𝐹 = √ 𝐴𝐹 2 ………. (4)
1−( )
𝐴𝐸

Using Eqn. (2), the flow rate is: -

2𝑔(ℎ𝐸−ℎ𝐹)
𝑄 = 𝐴𝐵√ 𝐴𝐵 2 ………. (5)
1−( )
𝐴𝐴

This is the ideal flow rate.

The actual flow rate is: -

2𝑔(ℎ𝐸−ℎ𝐹)
𝑄 = 𝐶. 𝐴𝐹 √ 𝐴𝐹 2 ………. (6)
1−( )
𝐴𝐸

Where Co is the flow rate coefficient

𝐶𝑜  0.601.

The head loss of the Orifice meter is:

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = ℎ𝐸 − ℎ𝐹

5. PROCEDURE
To setup the orifice tube and venture meter apparatus two tubes were connected one on
each of the outlet and inlet of the apparatus. Tube which was connected to the venture
meter outlet was further connected to the measuring tank. To level the orifice meter and
venture tube apparatus, adjustable screws are provided at the apparatus.

Apparatus was connected to the power source to run the motor for water supply. Bench
valve and the control valve of the apparatus were open to let the water move into the tube
and to remove all the air pockets.

To raise the water level in the manometer tubes the control valve was closed gradually
and when the height of water level was enough high then the bench valve was gradually
closed. With both valves were closed there was a static water in the meter at a moderate
pressure.

Flow rate of the water was recorded and height of the water level was also recorded in all
the tubes. Difference between the heights of water level and the flow rate will change
upon opening any one of the apparatus valves.

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 6. CALCULATION AND RESULTS

Calculation
1. ℎ𝐸 = 356 𝑚𝑚 = 0.356 𝑚 ℎ𝐹 = 289 𝑚𝑚 = 0.289 𝑚
2
𝐴𝐸 = 0.002115 𝑚 𝐴𝐹 = 0.00031416 ℎ𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 10𝑐𝑚

Solution

Calculation for orifice meter

2𝑔( ℎ𝐸 − ℎ𝐹)
𝑄 = 𝐶 ∗ 𝐴𝐹√
1−(
𝐴𝐹)2
𝐴𝐸

2∗9.81(0.356−0.289)
𝑄 = 0.601 ∗ 0.00031416√ 0.00031416 2
1−( )
0.002115

𝑄 = 2.189 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

Calculation for rotameter

When height = 10𝑐𝑚 volume flow rate =14 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
Change 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛 to 𝑚3 /𝑠
1
14 ∗
1000 ∗ 60
𝑄 = 2.33 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠

2. ℎ𝐸 = 318𝑚𝑚 = 0.318 𝑚 ℎ𝐹 = 239 𝑚𝑚 = 0.239 𝑚

2
𝐴𝐸 = 0.002115 𝑚 𝐴𝐹 = 0.00031416 ℎ𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 10.5𝑐𝑚
Solution

Calculation for orifice meter

2𝑔( ℎ𝐸 − ℎ𝐹)
𝑄 = 𝐶 ∗ 𝐴𝐹√
1−(
𝐴𝐹)2
𝐴𝐸

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 2∗9.81(0.318−0.239)
𝑄 = 0.601 ∗ 0.00031416√ 0.00031416 2
1−( )
0.002115

𝑄 = 2.377 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

Calculation for rotameter

When height = 10.5𝑐𝑚 volume flow rate =14.5 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
Change 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛 to 𝑚3 /𝑠
1
14.5 ∗
1000 ∗ 60
𝑄 = 2.42 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠

3. ℎ𝐸 = 280𝑚𝑚 = 0.280 𝑚 ℎ𝐹 = 200 𝑚𝑚 = 0.2 𝑚

𝐴𝐸 = 0.002115 𝑚2 𝐴𝐹 = 0.00031416 ℎ𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 11𝑐𝑚
Solution

Calculation for orifice meter

2𝑔( ℎ𝐸 − ℎ𝐹)
𝑄 = 𝐶 ∗ 𝐴𝐹√
1−(
𝐴𝐹)2
𝐴𝐸

2∗9.81(0.280−0.2)
𝑄 = 0.601 ∗ 0.00031416√ 0.00031416 2
1−( )
0.002115

𝑄 = 2.392 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

Calculation for rotameter

When height = 11𝑐𝑚 volume flow rate =15 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛

Change 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛 to 𝑚3 /𝑠
1
15 ∗
1000 ∗ 60
𝑄 = 2.5 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠
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 4. ℎ𝐸 = 225𝑚𝑚 = 0.225 𝑚 ℎ𝐹 = 153 𝑚𝑚 = 0.153 𝑚
𝐴𝐸 = 0.002115 𝑚2 𝐴𝐹 = 0.00031416 𝑚2 ℎ𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 11.5𝑚
Solution

Calculation for orifice meter

2𝑔( ℎ𝐸 − ℎ𝐹)
𝑄 = 𝐶 ∗ 𝐴𝐹√
1−(
𝐴𝐹)2
𝐴𝐸

2∗9.81(0.225−0.153)
𝑄 = 0.601 ∗ 0.00031416√ 0.00031416 2
1−( )
0.002115

𝑄 = 2.269 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

Calculation for rotameter

When height = 11.5𝑐𝑚 volume flow rate =15.5 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛

Change 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛 to 𝑚3 /𝑠
1
15.5 ∗
1000 ∗ 60
𝑄 = 2.58 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠

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Results

Relationship between orifice meter and rotameter

𝐴𝐸 = 0.002115 𝑚2 𝐴𝐹 = 0.00031416 𝑚2

Run ℎ𝐸 ℎ𝐹 𝑄orifice 𝑄rotameter

1 0.356𝑚 0.289𝑚 2.189 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s 2.33 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

2 0.318𝑚 0.239𝑚 2.377 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s 2.42 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

3 0.280𝑚 0.200𝑚 2.392 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s 2.5 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

4 0.225 𝑚 0.153 𝑚 2.269 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s 2.58 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

2.6 2.58

2.55
2.5
2.5

2.45 2.42
rotameter

2.4

2.35 2.33

2.3

2.25

2.2
2.189 2.377 2.392 2.269
orifice meter

Result shows that with decrease in the flow rate the value of the ∆h is also decreasing.
So it can be said from the results that the difference in the height of water level is directly
proportional the flow rate. and also When the flow rate of the rotameter increase the flow
rate of the orifice meter increase. So we can say communication between of the two
manometer are same direction.

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7. DISCUSSION

1. Calculate the error related to the flow rate by using Rotameter?

𝑚3
1. 𝑄𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 = 2.189 ∗ 10−4 , 𝑄𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2.33 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠
𝑠

𝑄𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒−𝑄𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
Error = × 100%
𝑄𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒
2.189 ∗ 10−4 − 2.33 ∗ 10−4
error = × 100% = −6.4%
2.189 ∗ 10−4

𝑚3
2. 𝑄𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 = 2.377 ∗ 10−4 , 𝑄𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2.42 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠
𝑠

𝑄𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒−𝑄𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
Error = × 100%
𝑄𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒
2.377 ∗ 10−4 − 2.42 ∗ 10−4
error = × 100% = −1.8%
2.377 ∗ 10−4

3. 𝑄𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 = 2.189 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠 𝑄𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2.33 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠

𝑄𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒−𝑄𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
Error = × 100%
𝑄𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒
2.392 ∗ 10−4 − 2.5 ∗ 10−4
error = × 100% = −4.5%
2.392 ∗ 10−4
𝑚3
4. 𝑄𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 = 2.189 ∗ 10−4 , 𝑄𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2.33 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠
𝑠

𝑄𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒−𝑄𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
Error = × 100%
𝑄𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒
2.269 ∗ 10−4 − 2.58 ∗ 10−4
error = × 100% = −13.7%
2.189 ∗ 10−4

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 2. what are the sources of the error? how could be minimized?

There are some error that happened in this experiment that cause the result in accurate.
For example, some systematic error with the apparatus used The tube have air bubbles
in side it. It will affect the reading of the height of the manometer. Besides, the surface of
the manometer ruler was not clear, it make student hard to take the readings from the
scale. Furthermore, we did not start and stop the stop watch immediately when the water
level is reaching. Moreover, making it difficult to determine the initial and final boundary
values of the flowing water.

3. What modification can you suggest in equation (7) if you replace manometers
with pressure gauges?

In all forms of manometers (U tubes, well-types, and inclines) there are two liquid
surfaces. Pressure determinations are made by how the fluid moves when pressures are
applied to each surface. For gauge pressure, P2 is equal to zero (atmospheric reference),
simplifying the equation to

𝑝 = 𝑝𝑔ℎ

4. Compare the present results with the results of the venturi meter and supporting
your argument with a chart?

Run Ventari meter Orifice meter

1 2.076 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s 2.189 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

2 2.585 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠 2.377 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s
3 2.204 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠 2.392 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s
4 2.43 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /𝑠 2.269 ∗ 10−4 𝑚3 /s

10
 5

4.5

3.5
Orifice Meter

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
2.076 2.585 2.204 2.43
Venturi Meter

Change in the height of the water column of the venture meter is much less than the
change in the height of water column in the orifice plate this is because the difference in
diameter of the areas of orifice is much more than the venture meter. So we can say that
the difference in height of water column is directly proportional to the difference in the
diameter of the area.

5. What are the assumptions of Bernoulli's equation?

For Bernoulli's equation to be applied, the following assumptions must be met: The flow
must be steady. (Velocity, pressure and density cannot change at any point). The flow
must be incompressible – even when the pressure varies, the density must remain
constant along the streamline.

6 Where are these two pressure taps located?

Vena-contractive taps are located 1 pipe upstream and the downstream tap is located at
the point of minimum pressure to ensure a maximum differential pressure. These taps
are for small pipe diameters and they are similar to flange taps.

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