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TABLE OF CONTENT

No Title Page
1 Abstract. 2
2 Introduction.. 3
3 Objectives.. 4
4 Theory... 5 11
5 Material And Apparatus 12 13
6 Methodology. 14 18
7 Data and Results 19 21
8 Calculations... 22 28
9 Discussion. 29 32
10 Conclusion. 33
11 Recommendations. 34
12 Reference... 35
13 Appendix... 36
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 1
1.0 ABSTRACT

SOLTEQ Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101) is designed to


measure a flow of an incompressible fluid. From this experiment, we will obtain the flow rate
measurement with comparison of pressure drop by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring
techniques; ratometer, venture meter and orifice meter. Meanwhile, the loss coefficient can be
determined when fluid flows through a 90 elbow by measuring flow rate on manometers. Actual
flow rates for the water is determined by using a constant volume of 10L and the time taken for
the water to reach until 10L for each experiment. We could compare the flow rates of the
flowmeter based on the results we get from the graph. It shows that venturi meter is more
accurate compare to orifice meter which the flow rates of venturi meter is closer to the actual
value of the flow rates. On the whole, our experiment was successfully done because we has
achieved the objective of the experiment.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 2
2.0 INTRODUCTION

SOLTEQ Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101) apparatus is designed


to operate together with a basic hydraulic bench or a water supply. This enables students to
familiarize themselves with typical methods of flow measurement of an incompressible fluid.

This apparatus will allow students to compare between different types of flow measurement
devices, namely by using a venturi device, orifice device and rotameter. The data obtained can be
further used to compare against measurement obtained from the hydraulics bench.

Other feature of the flow apparatus includes a 90 degree elbow with pressure tappings. This
feature allows students to calculate the total head loss and loss coefficient when fluid flows
through the 90 degrees elbow.

In short, the apparatus allows the following experiment to be carried out:

1) A comparison of flow measurement using venturi, orifice, rotameter and bench.


2) Determination of total head loss and loss coefficient of fluid flow through a 90 degree
elbow.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 3
3.0 OBJECTIVE

Based on this experiment, the main objectives of this experiment is to obtain the flow rate
measurement with comparison of pressure drop by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring
technique which are rotameter, venturi meter and orifice meter. Besides, to investigate the loss
coefficient of fluid flow through 90 degree elbow. Other than that, to determine the total head

loss of fluid flow. Then, we need to learn how to plot graph of H against . Last but not least,

to verify experimentally the validity of Bernoullis equation for fluid flow.


SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 4
4.0 THEORY

Rotameter

The rotameter is a flow meter in which a rotating free float is the indicating element.
Basically, a rotameter consists of a transparent tapered vertical tube through which fluid flow
upward. Within the tube is placed a freely suspended float of pump-bob shape. When there is
no flow, the float rests on a stop at the bottom end. As flow commences, the float rises until
upward and buoyancy forces on it are balanced by its weight. The float rises only a short distance
if the rate of flow is small, and vice versa. The points of equilibrium can be noted as a function
of flow rate. With a well-calibrated marked glass tube, the level of the float becomes a direct
measure of flow rate.

Figure 1 Rotameter
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 5
Venturi Meter

Figure 2 Venturi Meter

The venturi meter consists of a venturi tube and a suitable differential pressure gauge. The
venturi tube has a converging portion, a throat and a diverging portion as shown in the figure
below. The function of the converging portion is to increase the velocity of the fluid and lower its
static pressure. A pressure difference between inlet and throat is thus developed, where pressure
difference is correlated with the rate of discharge. The diverging cone serves to change the area
of the stream back to the entrance area and convert velocity head into pressure head.

Assume incompressible flow and no frictional losses, from Bernoullis Equation

P V2 P V2
1
1
Z 1 2
2
Z 2 ................................................................
(1)
2g 2g

Use of the continuity Equation Q = A1V1 = A2V2, equation (1) becomes

PP V2 A 2
12
Z Z 2
1 2
...................................................... (2)
1 A
2g
2
1


Ideal
1
A 2 2
PP 1 2

2 12

QAV A 1 2g Z 1 Z 2 ....................... (3)


2 2 2 A1


SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 6
However, in the case of real fluid flow, the flow rate will be expected to be less than that
given by equation (2) because of frictional effects and consequent head loss between inlet and
throat. In metering practice, this non-ideality is accounted by insertion of an experimentally
determined coefficient, Cd,termed as the coefficient of discharge. With Z 1 = Z2 , equation (3)
becomes

A 2 12 P P 1 2
Actual Q C d A 1
2
2g
12
............................ (4)

2
A1

Hence,
1 1
A 2
2 P P 2

qC
d
A
t
1 t

2g

12



A

Where,

Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.98)


D2 = Throat diameter = 16 mm
D1 = Inlet diameter = 26 mm
At = Throat area = 2.011 x 10-4 m2
A = Inlet area = 5.309 x 10-4 m2
g = 9.81 m/s2
= Density of water = 1000 kg/m3
P1 = Inlet pressure (Pa)
P2 = Throat pressure (Pa)
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 7
Orifice Meter

The orifice for use as a metering device in a pipeline consists of a concentric square-edged
circular hole in a thin plate, which is clamped between the flanges of the pipe as shown in the
figure below.

Figure 3 Orifice Meter

Pressure connections for attaching separate pressure gauges are made at holes in the pipe
walls on both side of the orifice plate. The downstream pressure tap is placed at the minimum
pressure position, which is assumed to be at the vena contracta. The centre of the inlet pressure
tap is located between one-half and two pipe diameters from the upstream side of the orifice
plate, usually a distance of one pipe diameter is employed. Equation (4) for the venturi meter can
also be applied to the orifice meter where

A 2 12 P P 1 2
Actual Q C A 1 2g ............................... (6)
2 1 2

d

2
A
1

The coefficient of discharge, Cd in the case of the orifice meter will be different from that for
the case of a venturi meter.

At 2
qC d
A 1
t
12
2g h h 12
78

A

Where,

Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.63)


D7 = Orifice diameter = 16 mm
D8 = Orifice upstream diameter = 26 mm
2
At = Orifice area = 2.011 x 10-4 m
2
A = Orifice upstream area = 5.309 x 10-4 m
(h7 h8) = Pressure difference across orifice (m)
Page
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) 8
90ELBOW

Figure below shows fluid flowing in a pipeline where there is some pipe fitting such as bend
or valve, and change in pipe diameter. Included in the figure is the variation of piezometric head
along the pipe run, as would be shown by numerous pressure tappings at the pipe wall.

Figure 4 Piezometric head along the pipeline

If the upstream and downstream lines of linear friction gradient are extrapolated to the plane
of fitting, a loss of piezometric head, h, due to the fitting is found. By introducing the velocity
heads in the upstream and downstream runs of pipe, total head loss, H can be determined in
which

V2 V2
H h 1
2
............................................................... (8)
2g 2g

Energy losses are proportional to the velocity head of the fluid as it flows around an elbow,
through an enlargement or contraction of the flow section, or through a valve. Experimental
values for energy losses are usually expressed in terms of a dimensionless loss coefficient K,
where

H H
K V2 or V 2 (9)
1 2
2g 2g
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 9
For results of better accuracy, long sections of straight pipe are required to establish with
certainty the relative positions of the linear sections of the piezometric lines. However, in a
compact apparatus as described in this manual, only two piezometers are used, one placed
upstream and the other downstream of the fitting, at sufficient distances as to avoid severe
disturbances. These piezometers measure the piezometric head loss, h between the tapping.
Thus

h = h - hf ....................................................................... (10)

L V2
Where hf = 4 f ( )( )
D 2g

hf = friction head loss which would be incurred in fully developed flow along the
run of pipe between the piezometer tappings.
f = friction factor
L = distance between the piezometer, measured along the pipe center line
D = pipe diameter
V = average velocity of fluid flow in pipe

The friction head loss is estimated by choosing a suitable value of friction factor, f for fully
developed flow along a smooth pipe. The method used in this manual to determine the friction
factor is the Prandtl equation

1 4 log Re f 0.4 ................................................................. (11)


f

Typical values derived from this equation are tabulated in the table below:
4
Re, x 10 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
-3
F, x 10 9.27 7.73 6.96 6.48 6.14 5.88 5.67

In determination of the fraction factor, f, it is sufficient to establish the value of f at just one
typical flow rate, as about the middle of the range of measurement due to the fact that f varies
only slowly with Re, and the friction loss is generally fairly small in relation to the measured
value of h.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 10
Characteristic of flow through elbow and at changes in diameter 90 Elbow

Figure below shows flow round a 90elbow which has a constant circular cross section.

Figure 5 90 elbow

The value of loss coefficient K is dependent on the ratio of the bend radius, R to the pipe inside
diameter D. As this ratio increase, the value of K will fall and vice versa.

2
H = KV / 2g .. (12)

Where,

K = Coefficient of losses

V = Velocity of flow
2
g = 9.81 m/s
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 11

5.0 MATERIAL AND APPARATUS

Material
1) Water

Apparatus
1) Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101)

1) Manometer tubes
2) Discharge Valves
3) Water Outlet
4) Water Supply
6

8
5

SOLTEQ FLOWMETER
MEASUREMENT APPARATUS
(FM101) Page 12
2) Hydraulic bench To allow water flow by time volume collection to be measured.

3) Stop watch - determine the flowrate of the water

SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 13


6.0 METHODOLOGY
6.1 General Start-up Procedures

The Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101) is supplied ready for use and only
requires connection to the Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM 110) as follows:
1) The apparatus were placed on top of a suitable hydraulic bench.
2) The apparatus was levelled on the bench top.
3) The hydraulic coupling was connected to the outlet supply of the hydraulic bench.

4) The discharge connects of the flow apparatus hose were connected to the collection tank
of the hydraulic bench.
5) The apparatus was ready to operate.

Starting up the Apparatus:


1) The flow control valve of hydraulic bench was fully closed and the discharge valve was
fully open.

2) The discharge hose were ensured that it was properly directed to volumetric tank of
fibreglass before starting up system. Then the volumetric tank drain valve is ensured left
OPEN to allowed flow discharge back into sump tank.

3) Once step (b) is confirmed start up the pump supply from hydraulic bench. The bench
valve slowly opened. At this time, water flowing from hydraulic bench through to the
flow apparatus, and was discharge through into the volumetric tank of hydraulic bench
and then were drained back into sump tank of hydraulic bench.

4) Proceed to fully open the flow control valve. When the flow in the pipe is steady and
there is no trapped bubble, start to close the bench valve to reduce the flow to the
maximum measurable flow rate.

5) The water level in the manometer board will started to display different level of water
heights. (If the water level in the manometer board were too high where it is out of visible
point, the water level should be adjusted by using the staddle valve. With the maximum
measurable flow rate, retain maximum readings on manometer).
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 14
6) Then, the flow was slowly reduced by controlling the flow discharge valve of apparatus
and this discharge valve were closed totally.

7) The water level in the manometer board started to level into a straight level. This level
can be at the lower or at the higher end of the manometer board range. (At this time, the
pump from the hydraulic bench was, still supplying water at a certain pressure in the
system).

8) The Trapped Bubbles in the glass tube or plastic transfer tube was checked. Trapped
bubbles must be removed from the system for better accuracy, this can be done by slowly
press the plastic tube to push the bubbles up or lightly tab the glass tube to releasing
the bubbles upwards.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 15
Note:
If above methods fail, flush the system by bleeding were used to free air out. All that is
required is the use of a small object such as pen or screw driver, to depress the staddle valve,
found at the top right side of manometer board. Staddle valve were depressed lightly to allow
fluid and trapped air to escape out. (Take care it wet self or the premise). Allow sufficient time
for bleeding until all bubbles escape.

Once all bubbles have been bleed, start to reduce the water supply by manipulating BOTH
control valves, the flow apparatus discharge valve were reducing and then the hydraulic bench
valve in alternate motion, bringing down the DATUM level of the water in the manometer board.

(9) At this point the experiment may start proper.

(10) Data obtained from tubes that were used are:


Probe A and C for venturi calculation
Probe G and H for orifice calculation
Probe I and J for 90 degree elbow calculation
All other probe readings was for viewing of pressure curve ONLY.

(11) With above guide, the water level of each probe at a certain flow was recorded. With
the height difference, formulas provided were used to calculate. The results obtained
against rotameter and hydraulic bench was verified for experiment of flow
measurement comparison.

(12) The experiment was completed with other flow rates.

SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 16


6.2 Demonstration of the operation and characteristic of three different basic types of
flowmeter

Procedures:

1) The apparatus was placed on bench, inlet pipe were connected to bench supply and outlet
pipe into volumetric tank.

2) As the bench valve fully closed and as the discharge valve fully opened, start up the
pump supply from hydraulic bench.
3) The bench valve, were slowly opened until it was fully opened.

4) After the flows in the pipe were steady and there are certainly no trapped bubble, the
bench valve started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.

5) The water level in the manometer board was adjusted, by using the air bleed screw. The
maximum readings on manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate were
recorded.
6) The readings on manometers (A - J), rotameter and measured flow rate were recorded.

7) Step 6 is repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates were adjusted by utilizing both
bench valve and discharge valve.

8) To demonstrate similar flow rates at different system static pressures, bench and flow
control valve were adjusted together. Manometer levels were adjusted as required.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 17
6.3 Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow

Procedures:

1) The apparatus was placed on bench, inlet pipe were connected to bench supply and outlet
pipe into volumetric tank.

2) As the bench valve fully closed and as the discharge valve fully opened, start up the
pump supply from hydraulic bench.
3) The bench valve, were slowly opened until it was fully opened.

4) After the flows in the pipe were steady and there are certainly no trapped bubble, the
bench valve started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.

5) The water level in the manometer board was adjusted, by using the air bleed screw. The
maximum readings on manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate were
recorded.
6) The readings on manometers (I and J) were recorded and the flow rate were calculated.

7) Steps 6 were repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates were adjusted by utilizing
both bench valve and discharge valve.
8) The tables of data were completed.
2
9) The graph of H against VS / 2g for 90 degree elbow were plotted to determine the
coefficient of losses.

6.4 General Shut-down Procedures

1) The water supply valve and venturi discharge valve was closed.

2) The water supply pump was turned off.

3) The water from the unit were drain off after the experiment was finished.

SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 18


7.0 DATA AND RESULTS

Demonstration Of The Operation And Characteristis of Three Different Basic


Types of Flowmeter
Venturi Meter

Experiment Manometer Reading Volume Time Flowrate, Flowrate


(mm) (L) (min) Qa Calculated
A B C D E F (L/min) Using
Bernoullis
Equation
Qt (L/min)
1 378 361 263 323 340 356 10 0.5333 18.7512 19.1874
2 296 285 227 262 272 280 10 0.7000 14.2857 14.8626
3 221 215 182 201 206 211 10 0.9500 10.5263 11.1738
4 154 151 135 141 145 147 10 1.4000 7.1429 7.7988
5 87 85 81 82 83 84 10 2.9500 3.3898 4.3827

Orifice Meter

Experiment Manometer Reading Volume Time Flowrate, Flowrate


(mm) (L) (min) Qa Calculated Using
G H (L/min) Bernoullis
Equation
Qt (L/min)
1 355 179 10 0.5333 18.7512 15.2592
2 280 176 10 0.7000 14.2857 11.7300
3 211 158 10 0.9500 10.5263 8.3736
4 147 120 10 1.4000 7.1429 5.9767
5 84 76 10 2.9500 3.3898 3.2533

Rotameter

Experiment Volume Time Flowrate, Rotameter


(L) (min) Qa (L/min) Qt (L/min)
1 10 0.5333 18.7512 20
2 10 0.7000 14.2857 16
3 10 0.9500 10.5263 12
4 10 1.4000 7.1429 8
5 10 2.9500 3.3898 4
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 19
Comparison of Flow Rates Between The Flowmeters
25
Calculated Flow Rates, Qactual

20

15
Qactual
Qventuri
10
Qorifice
Qrotameter
5

0
4 8 12 16 20
Qrotameter (L/min)

The graph shows the comparison of the flow rates between the flowmeters. From
experiment 1 up to experiment 5, the graph shows that, the greater the flow rates of rotameter,
the greater the flow rates of venturi and orifice rotameter. However , since the coefficient of
discharged for orifice meter (0.63) is smaller than the venture meter (0.98) , the graph shows
that venturi meters shows that its flow rates calculated using Bernoullis equation is nearer to the
actual value of flow rates.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 20
Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 Elbow

Volume Time Time Flowrate, Manometer Differential V


(L) (s) (min) Qa Reading Piezometer (mm/s)
(L/min) (mm) Head, (mm)
(mm)
I J Elbow (hI-hJ)
-1 -5
10 32 0.5333 18.7512 250 232 18 5.6250 x10 1.6127x10
-1 -6
10 42 0.7000 14.2857 218 206 12 2.8571 x10 4.1606x10
-1 -7
10 57 0.9500 10.5263 176 169 7 1.2281 x10 7.6872x10
-2 -7
10 84 1.4000 7.1429 130 126 4 4.7619 x10 1.1557x10
-3 -9
10 177 2.9500 3.3898 80 79 1 5.6497 x10 1.6269x10

Graph of Against /
20
18
Differential Piezometer Head (mm)

16
14
12 y = 0.8931x + 4.6179
R = 0.829
10
8
6
4
2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
2 -6
V /2g x 10 (mm)

The graph shows that the differential pizometer head is increasing as the increasing.

Therefore, is increasing linearly with the . From the graph, we obtained can obtained the
coefficient of losses which is the slope of the graph.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 21
8.0 CALCULATIONS

Sample Calculation For Actual Flow Rate, Qa

Experiment Calculations
1
( )

2
( )

3
( )

4
( )

5
( )
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 22
Sample Calculation of Area of The Cross Section, A (Area of A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H
Calculated Using Continuity Equation)

Where,

*Since the area of the cross section is the same throughout the experiment, therefore the area
of the cross section for experiment 1 up to experiment 4 is the same.

Water Head A

H
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 23
Sample Calculation of Actual Flow Rates for Venturi Meter (Calculated Using Bernoullis
And Continuity Equation)

)+
*

* ( )+ [
[ ( ]

( )]
Where,

()()

Calculations
Experiment 1

[ ( )] [ ]

Experiment 2

[ ( )] [ ]

Experiment 3

[ ( )] [ ]

Experiment 4

[ ( )] [ ]

Experiment 5

[ ( )] [ ]
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 24
Sample Calculation of Actual Flow Rates for Orifice Meter (Calculated Using Bernoullis
And Continuity Equation)

* )+

* ( )+ [
[ ( ]

( )]
Where,

()()

Calculations
Experiment 1

[ ( )] [ ]

Experiment 2

[ ( )] [ ]

Experiment 3

[ ( )] [ ]

Experiment 4

[ ( )] [ ]

Experiment 5

[ ( )] [ ]
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 25
3
Convert the flow rates , Qt obtained for Venturi Meter from Qt (m /s) to Qt (L/min)

Experiment Calculations
1
( )( )

2
( )( )

3
( )( )

4
( )( )

5
( )( )

3
Convert the flow rates , Qt obtained for Orifice Meter from Qt (m /s) to Qt (L/min)

Experiment Calculations
1
( )( )

2
( )( )

3
( )( )

4
( )( )

5
( )( )

SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 26


Sample Calculation for the Velocity of water flowing through the 90 Elbow

Experiment Calculations
1

5
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 27
Sample Calculation for

Experiment Calculations
1

m
2

SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 28


9.0 DISCUSSION

From the experiment, we successfully obtained the flow rate measurement with
comparison of pressure drop by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring techniques which is
Rotameter, Venturi Meter and Orifice Meter. We use flow rates from the rotameter as the
parameter to gain to flow rates for venturi meter and the orifice meter. Besides, we also
determined the actual flow rates for the water using the constant volume of 10L and the time
taken for the water to be 10 L for each experiment.

Comparison of Flow Rates Between The Flowmeters


25
Calculated Flow Rates, Qactual

20

15
Qactual
Qventuri
10
Qorifice
Qrotameter
5

0
4 8 12 16 20
Qrotameter (L/min)

The graph shows that all the flow rates of the flowmeters increases as the flow rates of
rotameter increases. Although we set the flow rates of the rotameter to be the parameter of the
experiment, however the actual flow rates that we gain deviates from the rotameter flow rates.
Besides, the flow rates for venturi meter and orifice meter also deviate from the actual flow rates.
This could be happening due to the friction and the no-slip condition as water flows through each
of the flowmeters.

QRotameter > QActual > Qventuri > Qorifice


SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 29
The graph shows that compared to orifice meter, venturi meter is more accurate since the
flow rate obtained from venture meter is closer to the actual value of flow rate. Owing to its
streamlined design, its gradual contraction and expansion prevent flow separation and swirling,
and it suffers only frictional losses on the inner wall surfaces. The meter is streamlined shape
and almost eliminates boundary-layer separation and thus form drag is assumed negligible.
the system has a gradual change in diameter. the flow streamline through the venture does not
have to drastically change direction like the orifice flowmeter and are not obstructed by a float
like the rotameter. Thus, the venturi meter causes very low head losses.

However, orifice meter has the simplest design and it occupies minimal space. The
sudden change in the flow area in the orifice meters causes considerable swirl and as
the velocity of the flow increases, the vena contracta decreases.The smaller the vena contracta
gets the greater the pressure difference, and thus the higher the energy loss and thus significant
head loss. In general, orifice meter have the highest minor loss coefficient, while venturi meter
have the lowest.

When looking for a flowmeter to use for a certain device, a rotameter should only be
used if a large drop in pressure is acceptable, as the energy loss for the rotameter was much
higher than the Venturi and orifice. A Venturi Flowmeter should be used if a large change in
pressure will damage the pipes. However, this flow meter is that it is large, difficult and
expensive to manufacture. Also, because of its large area, it is difficult to install in our pipeline.
In contrast, orifice meter is very inexpensive for it is just a flat plate and a thin orifice plate. It is
also very easy to install in the pipeline very inexpensive for it is just a flat plate and a thin orifice
plate. It is also very easy to install in the pipeline

Manufacturers of various equipment use different coefficients to characterize the


hydraulic performance of their devices, and these difference must be understood when
applying them to calculations involving piping systems.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 30
When sizing a control valve, the minimum required flow coefficient is calculated based
on the design flow rate and expected pressure drop across the valve, and a valve is selected that
has a flow coefficient greater than the calculated value.

Why are the constants different? The answer is that the discharge coefficient for a given
valve is smaller for a liquid than it is for a gas due to the expansion of the gas as it passes
through the valve.

Over the course of history, the scientific and engineering study involving fluid flow in
piping systems has resulted in developing different coefficients to characterize the hydraulic
performance of various devices that obstruct fluid flow. Because engineers view the hydraulic
performance of devices differently, mistakes can be made if the proper concepts and equations
are not applied correctly. These can be costly mistakes in sizing and selecting the wrong
equipment which can mean the difference between the system having sufficient pressure
relieving capacity or the system rupturing during a high pressure relief incident.

From the experiment, we could observe that the fluid passes through the 90 elbow. The
component interrupt the smooth flow of the fluid and cause additional losses because of the flow
separation and mixing the component induced. A theoretical analysis is generally not plausible to
determine the minor losses. Therefore, experiment is carried out to determined the minor losses
which usually expressed in terms of the loss coefficient and resistance coefficient.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 31
We succeessfully investigate the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 elbow.

The loss coefficient can be obtained directly from the slope of the graph of against .

Graph of Against /
20
18
Differential Piezometer Head (mm)

16
14
y = 0.8931x + 4.6179
12
R = 0.829
10
8
6
4
2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
2 -6
V /2g x 10 (mm)

The graph shows that the differential piezometer head increases as the value of

increases. Therefore, is increasing linearly with the . From the slope of the graph, we

obtained the loss coefficient where K = .

For results of better accuracy, long sections of straight pipe are required to establish with
certainty the relative positions of the linear sections of the piezometric lines. However , in a
compact apparatus used in this experiment, only two piezometers are used , one placed
upstreams and the other downstream of the fitting, at sufficient distances to avoid severe
disturbances.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 32
10.0 CONCLUSION

Knowing that, flowrate is quantity of a gas or liquid moving through a pipe which passes
3
per unit time; usually represented by the symbol Q. The SI unit is m /s (cubic metres per
second). In this experiment, flowrate was measured by using orifice meter, venturi meter and the
rotameter. This measuring technique operation and characteristics are to be determined by
comparing pressure drop that will be calculated that related to the velocity of the fluid in the pipe
using the Bernoulli and Continuity equations.

From the data obtained, for the orifice meter high pressure drop is unrecovered this is
due to the flow rate is increased at the opening of the orifice plate and not much energy is lost
but as it flows through and starts slowing down, much of the excess energy is lost. Then as for
the rotameter, the energy losses were significantly higher than the Venturi and orifice flowmeters.
This high energy loss is due to the large drop in pressure due to friction.

For the venturi meter, the value obtained were closer to the actual flow rate this this is
due to lower pressure drop that results from its streamlined shape and almost eliminates
boundary-layer separation and thus form drag is assumed negligible. It has a converging and a
diverging part, Although, there may be some pressure loss in the converging part of the venturi
meter but in a properly designed venturi meter some percentage of pressure loss is attained back
in the diverging part of the meter. This meter is good for high pressure and energy recovery. To
be concluded, venture meter was more accurate compared to orifice meter and rotameter.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 33
11.0 RECOMMENDATION

Based on this experiment, there are many ways to improve the experiment and obtain the
best results. Firstly before we run the experiment, we must study the manual lab that have been
given to us. So, we can run the experiment smoothly and fully understand the unit and
procedures. We also can improve our skill and knowledge to ensure that experiment can be done
smoothly.

Besides, we have to ensure that there is no air bubbles for better accuracy and to avoid
readings error. We can used a pen or screw driver to depress the staddle valve at the top right side
of manometer board. Depress staddle valve lightly to allow fluid and trapped air to escape out.
Allow sufficient time for bleeding to allowing all bubbles escape.

Next, when we take the readings from the manometer, it should be taken at the eye level
which is perpendicular to our eyes to avoid parallax error. We must avoid parallax error to get
the accurate data and result.

We also have to monitor the water level in the manometer board. If the water level in the
manometer board is too high where it is out of visible point, we need to adjust the water level by
using the staddle valve. With the maximum measureable flow rate, retain the maximum readings
on manometer.

Last but not least, the experiment should be repeated three times in order to get average
readings. This will reduce the deviation from theoretical results. To get better results, the
experiment should have been repeated at least twice.
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 34
12.0 REFERENCES

Books

1) Kundu, Pijush K.; Cohen, Ira M. (2008), Fluid Mechanics (4th revised ed.), Academic
Press
th
2) Applied Fluid Mechanics 7 Edition, Robert L. Street, Gary Z. Watters, John K.
Vennard, John Wiley & Sons Inc.
th
3) Applied Fluid Mechanics 5 Edition, Robert L. Mott, Prentice Hall.
th
4) Fluid Mechanics 4 Edition, Reynold C. Binder
5) Fluid Mechanics with applications, Anthony Esposito, Prentice-Hall International Inc.

Web

1) http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pber.html
2) http://www.omega.com/prodinfo/flowmeters.html
3) http://www2.emersonprocess.com/en-us/brands/rosemount/flow/dp-
flow- products/compact-orifice-flowmeters/pages/index.aspx
4) http://www.lmnoeng.com/venturi.php
5) http://www.lmnoeng.com/orifice.php
6) https://www.scribd.com/doc/96259752/SOLTEQ-Flowmeter-Measurement-Apparatus
SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 35
13 APPENDIX

Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (FM101)


SOLTEQ FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS (FM101) Page 36

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