Lab Session 04:Objective:Demonstration of the operation and characterstics of three diffirent basic types of

flowmeter.
Theory:Equipment:In order to complete the demonstration we need a number of pieces of equipment.
The Hydraulics Bench which allows us to measure flow by timed volume
collection.
The Flow Meter Apparatus
A stopwatch to allow us to determine the flow rate of water.

Apparatus Diagram:-

Rotameter:The rotameter is a flow meter in which a rotating free float

indicating element. Usually a rotameter consists of a transparent

is the
tapered

vertical tube through which fluid flow upward. Within the tube is
placed a freely suspended float of pump bob shape. The float rests on a
stop at the bottom end when there is no flow. The float rises until upward as it
commences and buoyancy forces on it are balanced by its weight. If the
rate of flow is small the float rises only a short distance and vice versa.

Venturimeter:-

Generally, the venture meter are made from castings and

machined. This is

to close tolerances to duplicate the performance of the standard design. The venturimeter are

expensive, heavy and bulky. Excellent pressure recovery is form

as the conical diffuser section

downstream from the throat.

Orifice Meter:Orifice meter is constructed by
inserting a flat plate with a hole between two
flanges of a pipe. The geometry of the
orifice meter is simple, low in cost and
easy to install or r e p l a c e . T h e p r i m a r y
disadvantages of this meter are its
l i m i t e d c a p a c i t y a n d t h e h i g h permanent
head loss.

Manometer:- An instrument for measuring the pressure acting on a column of fluid, consisting
of a U-shaped tube of liquid in which a difference in the pressures acting in the two arms of the
tube causes the liquid to reach different heights in the two arms.

Bernoullis Equation for calculate flow rate:Q=C d At [ 2 g ( h1h2 ) ]

1
2

[ ( )]
A
1 t
A

-1/2

PROCEDURE:Equipment set up
1. Check all the clamps for tightness.
2. Check whether the water level in the tank is sufficient such that the suction pipe
of pump is completely immersed.
3. For measurement through Venturi, open the outlet valve of the Venturi meter and
close the valve of orifice meter.
4. For a good amount of variation in discharge also close the by-pass valve of pump.

5. Now switch on the pump.

6. Open the gate valve and start the flow.
7. If any air bubbles exist in U-tube manometer remove them through air cock valve.
Operate the air cock valve slowly and cautiously to avoid mercury run away
through water.
8. Wait for a while for stabilization of flow.
9. Close the gate valve of measuring tank and measure the time for discharge of five
liters of water and the manometer difference. Before taking any measurements,
make sure the flow is stable.
10. Repeat the procedure by changing the discharge by slowly opening the by-pass
valve and take the six readings.
11. Repeat the same for orifice meter.

Observations and Calculations:-

Safety Precautions:The major potential hazards associated with this particular

equipment are listed below.

INJURY THROUGH MISUSE

INJURY FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK

DAMAGE TO CLOTHING

RISK OF INFECTION DUE TO LACK OF CLEANLINESS

Conclusion:

By this experiment we easily find flow rate of venturi and orifice

meter.

We find Rotameter reading.

Comparing pressure drops across each device.