FLOW THROUGH AN ORIFICE

OBJECTIVE:

 To determine the coefficient of discharge of orifice (Cd), coefficient of

contraction (Cc) and coefficient of velocity of orifice (Cv).

THEORY:

An orifice is an opening on the side or at the bottom of a tank through which fluid
flows. A mouthpiece is a short length of pipe attached to the orifice. The cross-section
of opening may be rectangular, square, circular or triangular. The purpose of orifice is
to measure discharge.

The liquid flows through the orifice in the form of jet. The area of the jet if fluid goes
on decreasing and becomes minimum. This contracted section is called vena-
contracta. This section is approximately at a distance of half of diameter of the orifice.
At this section, streamlines are parallel to each other. Beyond vena-contracta, the jet
diverges and is attracted in the downward direction by gravity.

HYDRAULIC COEFFICIENTS:


Coefficient of velocity (Cv)

Coefficient of contraction (Cc)

Coefficient of discharge (Cd)

(a) Co-efficient of Velocity (Cv) : It is the ratio between actual velocity of water jet
at vena -contracta and theoretical velocity of jet.
Mathematically ,
V
Cv =
√(2gH)

Where,

V = Actual velocity
√(2gH) = Theoretical Velocity
(b) Co-efficient of Contraction (Cc) : It is the ratio between the area of jet at vena-
contracta and area of the orifice . Mathematically,

Ac
Cc =
A

Where,
Ac = Area of jet at vena-contracta
A = Area of orifice

(c) Co-efficient of Discharge (Cd) : It is the ratio of the actual dischargefrom an

orifice to the theoretical discharge from the orifice.

Q
Cd =
Qth
Where,
Q = Actual discharge
Qth = Theoretical discharge

also we have,
Cd = Cv * Cc

Fig : Orifice Flow

For our setup we calculate required co-efficient from following formulas.

Theoretical Discharge (Qth ) = A√(2gH)

Volume of Water (v)

Actual Discharge (Q) =
Time (t)

Q
Co-efficient of discharge(Cd) =
Qth

Actual velocity (Vact)

Co-efficient of velocity (Cv) =
Theoretica Velocity (Vth)

x
=
2√(yH)

Cd
Co-efficient of Contraction (Cc)
=
Cv

Where,
x = Horizontal distance traveled by particle in time ‘t’
y = Vertical Distance traveled by particle in time ‘t’
H = Head over Orifice
EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF HYDRAULIC CO - EFFICIENTS:

1.
Determination of Co-efficient of Discharge (C d): The water is allowed to flow
through an orifice filled to a tank under a constant head, H. The water is collected in a
measuring Tank for a known time, t. The height of water in the measuring tank is
noted down. Then, actual discharge through orifice.

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘∗𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘

Q= 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒(𝑡)

𝑄
Cd =
𝑎∗√2𝑔𝐻

2.
Determination of Co-efficient of Velocity (C v) : Let C-C represents the vena-
contracta of jet of water coming out from an orifice under constant head as H as
shown in figure above. Consider a liquid particle which is at vena-contracta at any
time and takes the position at P along the jet in time,t.

𝑉 𝑔𝑥2 1 𝑥2
Coefficient of velocity (C ) = =√ × =√ 𝑋
v =
𝑉𝑡ℎ 2 √2𝑔𝐻 4𝑦𝐻 √4𝑦𝐻
𝑦

3.
Determination of Co-efficient of Contraction (Cc): The Co-efficient of
contraction is determined from the equation.
Cd
Cd=Cv × Cc → Cc =
Cv

Fig : Experimental Setup

PROCEDURE:

1. After ensuring the pipe were properly connected, water was allowed to flow
through the pump into tank.
2. When the water level reached the height of overflow pipe, the inflow of water
was regulated so that small discharge was obtained from the flow.
3. There will be steady discharge as the rate of inflow will be equal to discharge
and no gradual increase in water level is seen.
4. Then, frame was adjusted so that row of needles is parallel with jet, but it is
located 1 or 2 mm behind it, which will avoid disturbing the jet but will
minimize errors due to parallax and just follow the profile of jet.
5. The securing screw for each needle was released until its point was just below
the jet.
6. The location of top of each needle was located on paper. The horizontal
distance from the plane of orifice to the coordinate point was noted marking
position of the first needle.
7. The vertical distance of each needle making the trajectory of jet was also
gradually measured.
8. The volumetric flow rate i.e. actual discharge through the orifice can be
determined by intercepting jet, using the vessel of known size and a
stopwatch.
9. Then hydraulic constants Cd, Cv and Cc were respectively calculated.

OBSERVATION TABLE:

4
Diameter of orifice (d) = 8mm i.e. r = 4mm =
10 = 0.4cm
2 2
Area of orifice (a) = 𝜋𝑑 = 𝜋(8) = 50.26 𝑚𝑚2
4 4

Given, Datum reference distance (m)= 4.6 cm

OBSERVATION TABLE 1:

Head above orifice (H) = 73.7cm

 SN X(mm) y’(cm) y = (y’ – m + r)mm Cv = Mean Cv
x/2√(yH)
1 75 4.9 7 0.522
2 125 5.5 13 0.639
3 175 5.8 16 0.806
4 225 7.1 29 0.769
5 275 8.3 41 0.791
6 325 10.6 64 0.748 0.732
7 375 12.1 79 0.777
8 425 14.9 107 0.757
9 475 17.9 137 0.747
10 525 20.7 165 0.753
11 575 24.9 207 0.736
12 625 28.4 242 0.740

OBSERVATION TABLE 2:

Head above orifice (H) = 62.6 cm

S.N. x(cm) Y’(mm) y = (y’ – m + r)mm Cv = x/2√(yH) Mean Cv

1 7.5 50 8.0 0.529

2 17.5 56 14.0 0.935

3 22.5 64 22.0 0.959

4 27.5 78 36.0 0.916

5 32.5 91 50.0 0.919

6 37.5 111 69.0 0.902 0.852

7 42.5 138 96.0 0.867

8 47.5 165 123.0 0.856

9 52.5 198 156.0 0.840

 10 57.5 135 193.0 0.827

11 62.5 275 233.0 0.818

OBSERVATION TABLE 3:

Head above orifice (H) = 41.5 cm

S.N. x(cm) Y’(cm) y = (y’ – m + r)cm Cv = x/2√(yH) Mean Cv

1 7.5 5.2 1.0 0.582

2 12.5 6.2 2.0 0.686

3 17.5 7.6 3.4 0.737

4 22.5 8.9 4.7 0.806

5 27.5 12 7.8 0.764 0.739

6 32.5 15.1 10.9 0.764

7 37.5 18.1 13.9 0.781

8 42.5 23.1 18.9 0.759

9 47.5 27.1 22.9 0.770

Calculation Table :

No of H(cm) Qth = Q = Cd = Q/Qth Cv Cc = Cd/ Cv

Obs. A√(2gH) Volume/Time
(m3/S) (m3/S)

1 73.7 1.911x10-4 1.221x10-4 0.639 0.785 0.814

2 62.6 1.764x10-4 1.184x10-4 0.671 0.852 0.788

3 41.5 1.434x10-4 0.988x10-4 0.689 0.739 0.932

GRAPH:

Fig: Graph between ‘x’ vs ‘y’ distance

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

The experiment delved into the influence of an outdated machine, human errors, and
intentionally introduced errors on the outcomes, with a particular focus on an orifice
flow meter. The aged equipment, including the orifice flow meter, contributed to
measurement fluctuations, highlighting the necessity for modern and calibrated
instruments to ensure precise data. Human errors, spanning data recording and
procedural lapses, emphasized the importance of stringent protocols and training.

Furthermore, intentional errors underscored the vulnerability of experimental

integrity, emphasizing the need for robust validation processes, especially when
dealing with instruments like the orifice flow meter. In conclusion, the study
illuminated the intricate nature of errors in scientific endeavors, emphasizing the
significance of equipment upgrades and meticulous procedural adherence, particularly
in the context of specialized devices like the orifice flow meter. Recognizing and
addressing these factors are crucial for enhancing experimental reliability, and
future research should
prioritize technological advancements and continuous training to mitigate errors and
improve the accuracy of scientific outcomes.

In conclusion, we determined the value of Coefficient of velocity (C v), Coefficient of

contraction (Cc) and Coefficient of discharge (C d) and the graph was drawn between
‘x’ distance and ‘y’ distance of the flow meter.

PRECAUTION:
1) Taking readings of scales (distances) carefully.
2) Using stable power input to motor.
3) Handling the equipment with much care.
4) Aligning the vertical needles with the water jet with much attention.
5) Confirming the flow rate is uniform before conducting the experiment.