FLOW MEASURING DEVICES

Rotameters

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotameter
Venturi Meter
 Change Equation
Select an equation to solve for a different unknown

Solve for flow rate

Solve for pressure differential

Where
Q = flow rate
A1 = Area 1
A2 = Area 2
P1 = Pressure 1
P2 = Pressure 2
rho = density

Venturi:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcZckKUmD4w&NR=1&feature=endscreen

Venturi:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xUdPVpafyI
Orifice Meter:

Orifice, Nozzle and Venturi Flow Rate Meters

The orifice, nozzle and venturi flow rate meters use the Bernoulli Equation to
calculate the fluid flow rate using pressure difference through obstructions in
the flow
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In a flow metering device based on the Bernoulli Equation the downstream pressure after an obstruction will be
lower than the upstream pressure before. To understand orifice, nozzle and venturi meters it's therefore
necessary to explore the Bernoulli Equation.

The Bernoulli Equation

Assuming a horizontal flow (neglecting minor elevation differences between measuring points) the Bernoulli
Equation can be modified to:

p1 + 1/2 ρ v12 = p2 + 1/2 ρ v22 (1)

where

p = pressure

ρ = density

v = flow velocity

The equation can be adapted to vertical flow by adding elevation heights h1 and h2.

Assuming uniform velocity profiles in the upstream and downstream flow - the Continuity Equation can be
expressed as

q = v1 A1 = v2 A2 (2)

where

q = flow rate

A = flow area

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

q = A2 [ 2(p1 - p2) / ρ(1 - (A2 / A1)2) ]1/2 (3)

For a given geometry (A), the flow rate can be determined by measuring the pressure difference p1 - p2.

The theoretical flow rate q will in practice be smaller (2 - 40%) due to geometrical conditions.

The ideal equation (3) can be modified with a discharge coefficient:

q = cd A2 [ 2(p1 - p2) / ρ(1 - (A2 / A1)2) ]1/2 (3b)

where

cd = discharge coefficient

The discharge coefficient cd is a function of the jet size - or orifice opening - the

area ratio = Avc / A2

where
 Avc = area in "vena contracta"

"Vena Contracta" is the minimum jet area that appears just downstream of the restriction. The viscous effect is
usually expressed in terms of the nondimensional parameter Reynolds Number - Re.

Due to the Benoulli and Continuity Equation the velocity of the fluid will be at it's highest and the pressure at
the lowest in "Vena Contracta". After the metering device the velocity will decrease to the same level as before
the obstruction. The pressure recover to a pressure level lower than the pressure before the obstruction and
adds a head loss to the flow.

Equation (3) can be modified with diameters to:

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

where

D2 = orifice, venturi or nozzle inside diameter

D1 = upstream and downstream pipe diameter

d = D2 / D1 diameter ratio

π = 3.14

Equation (4) can be modified to mass flow for fluids by simply multiplying with the density:

m = cd π / 4 D22 ρ [ 2 (p1 - p2) / ρ (1 - d4) ]1/2 (5)

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.

The Orifice Plate

The orifice meter consists of a flat orifice plate with a circular hole drilled in it. There is a pressure tap upstream
from the orifice plate and another just downstream. There are in general three methods of placing the taps.
The coefficient of the meter depends upon the position of taps.

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color: Black, Complex Script Font: Arial

 Flange location - Tap location 1 inch upstream and 1 inch downstream from face of orifice
  "Vena Contracta" location - Tap location 1 pipe diameter (actual inside) upstream and 0.3 to 0.8 pipe
diameter downstream from face of orifice
 Pipe location - Tap location 2.5 times nominal pipe diameter upstream and 8 times nominal pipe
diameter downstream from face of orifice

The discharge coefficient - cd - varies considerably with changes in area ratio and the Reynolds number. A
discharge coefficient cd = 0.60 may be taken as standard, but the value varies noticeably at low values of the
Reynolds number.

Discharge Coefficient - cd

Reynolds Number - Re
Diameter Ratio
d = D2 / D1
104 105 106 107

0.2 0.60 0.595 0.594 0.594

0.4 0.61 0.603 0.598 0.598

0.5 0.62 0.608 0.603 0.603

0.6 0.63 0.61 0.608 0.608

0.7 0.64 0.614 0.609 0.609

The pressure recovery is limited for an orifice plate and the permanent pressure loss depends primarily on the
area ratio. For an area ratio of 0.5, the head loss is about 70 - 75% of the orifice differential.

 The orifice meter is recommended for clean and dirty liquids and some slurry services.
 The rangeability is 4 to 1
 The pressure loss is medium
 Typical accuracy is 2 to 4% of full scale
 The required upstream diameter is 10 to 30
 The viscosity effect is high
 The relative cost is low

References

 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). 2001. Measurement of fluid flow using small bore
precision orifice meters. ASME MFC-14M-2001.
 International Organization of Standards (ISO 5167-1:2003). Measurement of fluid flow by means of
pressure differential devices, Part 1: Orifice plates, nozzles, and Venturi tubes inserted in circular cross-
section conduits running full. Reference number: ISO 5167-1:2003.
 International Organization of Standards (ISO 5167-1) Amendment 1. 1998. Measurement of fluid flow
by means of pressure differential devices, Part 1: Orifice plates, nozzles, and Venturi tubes inserted in
circular cross-section conduits running full. Reference number: ISO 5167-1:1991/Amd.1:1998(E).
 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). B16.36 - 1996 - Orifice Flanges
 The Venturi Meter
In the venturi meter the fluid is accelerated through a converging cone of angle 15-20o and the pressure
difference between the upstream side of the cone and the throat is measured and provides a signal for the rate
of flow.

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color: Black, Complex Script Font: Arial

The fluid slows down in a cone with smaller angle (5 - 7o) where most of the kinetic energy is converted back to
pressure energy. Because of the cone and the gradual reduction in the area there is no "Vena Contracta". The
flow area is at a minimum at the throat.

High pressure and energy recovery makes the venturi meter suitable where only small pressure heads are
available.

A discharge coefficient cd = 0.975 can be indicated as standard, but the value varies noticeably at low values of
the Reynolds number.

The pressure recovery is much better for the venturi meter than for the orifice plate.

 The venturi tube is suitable for clean, dirty and viscous liquid and some slurry services.
 The rangeability is 4 to 1
 Pressure loss is low
 Typical accuracy is 1% of full range
 Required upstream pipe length 5 to 20 diameters
 Viscosity effect is high
 Relative cost is medium

References

 International Organization of Standards - ISO 5167-1:2003 Measurement of fluid flow by means of

pressure differential devices, Part 1: Orifice plates, nozzles, and Venturi tubes inserted in circular cross-
section conduits running full. Reference number: ISO 5167-1:2003.
 American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME FED 01-Jan-1971. Fluid Meters Their Theory And
Application- Sixth Edition

The Nozzle
Nozzles used for determining fluid's flowrate through pipes can be in three different types:

 The ISA 1932 nozzle - developed in 1932 by the International Organization for Standardization or ISO.
The ISA 1932 nozzle is common outside USA.
  The long radius nozzle is a variation of the ISA 1932 nozzle.
 The venturi nozzle is a hybrid having a convergent section similar to the ISA 1932 nozzle and a
divergent section similar to a venturi tube flowmeter.

Discharge Coefficient - cd

Reynolds Number - Re
Diameter Ratio
d = D2 / D1
104 105 106 107

0.2 0.968 0.988 0.994 0.995

0.4 0.957 0.984 0.993 0.995

0.6 0.95 0.981 0.992 0.995

0.8 0.94 0.978 0.991 0.995

 The flow nozzle is recommended for both clean and dirty liquids
 The rangeability is 4 to 1
 The relative pressure loss is medium
 Typical accuracy is 1-2% of full range
 Required upstream pipe length is 10 to 30 diameters
 The viscosity effect high
 The relative is medium

Rotameter

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

.
Techfluid-CG34-2500 for water flow measurement
Medical oxygen regulator with rotameter

A rotameter is a device that measures the 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. [1]

Contents

[hide]

 1 History

 2 Implementation

 3 Advantages

 4 Disadvantages

 5 References

 6 External links

History[edit]

The first variable area meter with rotating float was invented by Karl Kueppers in Aachen in 1908. This is described in the
German patent 215225. Felix Meyer found the first industrial company "Deutsche Rotawerke GmbH" in Aachen
recognizing the fundamental importance of this invention. They improved this invention with new shapes of the float
and of the glass tube. Kueppers invented the special shape for the inside of the glass tube that realized a symmetrical
flow scale.

The brand name Rotameter was registered by the British company GEC Elliot automation, Rotameter Co, originally
located on the Purley Way in Croydon after taking over the old Watermans Dry cleaning factory at the end of the Second
World War, but later relocating in the 70's to Crawley, and still exists, having been passed down through the acquisition
chain: KDG Instruments, Solartron Mobrey, and Emerson Process Management (Brooks Instrument)in Great Britain.
Whereas in many other countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Italy the brand name Rotameter is
registered by Rota Yokogawa GmbH & Co. KG in Germany which is now owned by Yokogawa Electric Corp.

Implementation[edit]

A rotameter consists of a tapered tube, typically made of glass with a 'float', made either of anodized aluminum or a
ceramic, actually a shaped weight, inside that is pushed up by the drag force of the flow and pulled down by gravity. The
drag force for a given fluid and float cross section is a function of flow speed squared only, see drag equation.

A higher volumetric flow rate through a given area increases flow speed and drag force, so the float will be pushed
upwards. However, as the inside of the rotameter is cone shaped (widens), the area around the float through which
the medium flows increases, the flow speed and drag force decrease until there is mechanical equilibrium with the
float's weight.

Floats are made in many different shapes, with spheres and ellipsoids being the most common. The float may be
diagonally grooved and partially colored so that it rotates axially as the fluid passes. This shows if the float is stuck since
it will only rotate if it is free. Readings are usually taken at the top of the widest part of the float; the center for an
ellipsoid, or the top for a cylinder. Some manufacturers use a different standard.

The "float" must not float in the fluid: it has to have a higher density than the fluid, otherwise it will float to the top
even if there is no flow.

The mechanical nature of the measuring principle provides a flow measurement device that does not require any
electrical power. If the tube is made of metal, the float position is transferred to an external indicator via a magnetic
coupling. This capability has considerably expanded the range of applications for the variable area flowmeter, since the
measurement can observed remotely from the process or used for automatic control.

Advantages[edit]

 A rotameter requires no external power or fuel, it uses only the inherent properties of the fluid, along with
gravity, to measure flow rate.

 A rotameter is also a relatively simple device that can be mass manufactured out of cheap materials, allowing
for its widespread use.

 Since the area of the flow passage increases as the float moves up the tube, the scale is approximately linear.[1]

 Clear glass is used which is highly resistant to thermal shock and chemical action.

Disadvantages[edit]

 Due to its use of gravity, a rotameter must always be vertically oriented and right way up, with the fluid
flowing upward.

 Due to its reliance on the ability of the fluid or gas to displace the float, graduations on a given rotameter will
only be accurate for a given substance at a given temperature. The main property of importance is the density
of the fluid; however, viscosity may also be significant. Floats are ideally designed to be insensitive to viscosity;
however, this is seldom verifiable from manufacturers' specifications. Either separate rotameters for different
densities and viscosities may be used, or multiple scales on the same rotameter can be used.
  Due to the direct flow indication the resolution is relatively poor compared to other measurement principles.
Readout uncertainty gets worse near the bottom of the scale. Oscillations of the float and parallax may further
increase the uncertainty of the measurement.

 Since the float must be read through the flowing medium, some fluids may obscure the reading. A transducer
may be required for electronically measuring the position of the float.

 Rotameters are not easily adapted for reading by machine; although magnetic floats that drive a follower
outside the tube are available.

 Rotameters are not generally manufactured in sizes greater than 6 inches/150 mm, but bypass designs are
sometimes used on very large pipes.[1]

Rotameter Equations and Derivations

Rotameter is mounted vertically. The bottom of the tube is

narrow and gets wider as the top is reached. The flow
originates from the bottom and moves the rotameter’s float
up to the position in which the weight of the float balances
the force exerted by the flow. If the flow remains lower
than that of the speed of sound, then the incompressible
Bernoulli’s equation can be applied as a balance on
the rotameter system.

1V2 p
z C
2 g g

In this equation:
g = gravitational acceleration
V = velocity of the fluid
 z = height above an arbitrary origin
C = constant along any streamline in the flow but varies from
streamline to streamline, a streamline is defined as a path in a steady
flow field along which a given fluid particle travels

First, set equation equal to zero because all forces are balanced on the
rotameter when the float is stationary, followed by simplifications:
1 V 2 p
g  z 0
2 g g 

1
V 2  gz   p
2

Then equate for points at bottom (a) and top (b) of the float:
1 1
V2 2  V1 2  gz 2  gz1  p1  p2
2 2

Which simplifies to:

1  V 
2

p  gh f  Vb 1   a  
2

2   Vb  

Where the subscript f defines properties of the float, in this case hf is

the height of the float.

The volumetric flow rate is the same at the top and the bottom
of the float, therefore:
 Q  Va Aa  Vb Ab

Where Q is the volumetric flow, V is the linear flow, and A is the area

Solving for V to get:

b

A  Q
Vb  Va  a  
 Ab  Ab

Substituting this value of simplified Bernoulli’s equation yields:

1 Q 
2
 A 
2

p  gh f    1   b  
2  Ab    Aa  

Solving for Q:
2p  gh f 
2
Q 
  
 Ab    A 2 
 1   b  
  Aa  

 
 
 2p  gh  
Q  Ab
f

   A 2  
  1   b   
   Aa   
 

The change in pressure is found to be mostly as a result from the weight

of the float.
F
p 
A

V f  f   g
p 
Af

Where V is the volume of the float,

f f is the density of the float, and
Af is the area of the float.
Ideal inviscid fluids would obey the flow equation found above, but the
small amount of energy converted to heat most of the time lowers the
actual velocity of the fluid. The viscosity of the fluid is accounted for
through the use of the discharge coefficient (C).
 V f  f    
2g  h f 
 Af 
Q  CAb  
  A 2 
 1   b  
  Aa  

Turbine meter: