UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA

THERMODYNAMIC AND FLUID MECHANIC LABORATORY
(CHE486)
Name : Nursafika Bahira Binti Juli
Student No : 2016250278
Group : EH220 3G
Experiment : Flow meter Demostration
Date Performed : 4th October 2017
Semester :3
Program/code : EH 220
Submit to : Mdm Suhaiza Hanim Binti Hanipah

No. Title Allocated marks (%) Marks

1. Abstract 5
2. Introduction 5
3. Aims 5
4. Theory 5
5. Apparatus 5
6. Methodology 10
7. Results 10
8. Calculations 10
9. Discussion 20
10. Conclusion 10
11. Recommendations 5
12. Reference 5
13. Appendix 5
TOTAL MARKS 100
Checked by:

1
………………………
Date:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
ABSTRACT 3
INTRODUCTION 4
THEORY 5-9
AIMS 10
MATERIAL AND APPARATUS 10
METHODOLOGY 11-13
RESULTS 14-16
CALCULATIONS 16-17
DISCUSSION 18-19
CONCLUSION 19
RECOMMENDATION 19
REFERENCES 19
APPENDICES 20

2
1. ABSTRACT

Flow Meter Measurement Apparatus is designed to operate together with a basic

hydraulic bench or any water supply. This apparatus is to shown the different types of devices of
flow of an incompressible fluid. Three types of devices use are orifice, venturi and
rotameter. In this experiment, the flowrate of these device is calculated and being compared.
Different devices give out different pressure head, velocity and flowrate when using the
Bernoulli’s equation. The venturi meter has error 38%, the accurate measuring device rather
than orifice 52.8% and rotameter 52.7%. From the graph plotted, the loss coefficient when fluid
flows through a 90-degree elbow was obtained is k=1.089 x 10-3.

3
2. INTRODUCTION

SOLTEQR Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101) apparatus is to designed to

operate together with a basic hydraulic bench or any water supply. This apparatus can identify
the typical methods of flow measurement of an incompressible fluid.

To compare the flow measurement by using a venturi device, orifice device and rotameter
also can be done by this apparatus. The flow comparison can be further be used to compare
against the flow measurement of the hydraulics bench which can be either by Gravimetric or
Volumetric method, depending on the type of hydraulics bench used.

Other feature of the flow apparatus including a 90-degree elbow with pressure tapping
before and after this elbow. By added these features to the apparatus, the head loss and loss
coefficient when fluids flow through these devices can be calculated.

Figure 1 The Schematic diagram of flowmeter measurement.

4
3. THEORY
a) 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 flows commences, the float
rises upward and buoyancy forces on it are balanced by its weight. The float rises only some
short distances if the rate of flow is small, and vice versa, the points of equilibrium can be
noted as a function of the float becomes a direct measure of flow rate.

Figure 2.0 The Rotameter

5
b) Venturi meter
The venturi meter consists of a venturi tube and a suitable with differential pressure gauge.
The venturi tube has a converging portion, a throat and a diverging portion as shown in the
figure 3. The function of the converging portion is to increase the velocity of the fluid and
lower its static pressure. A pressure differences between inlet and throats is thus developed,
which pressure differences 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.

Figure 3.0 Venturi Meter

Assume incompressible flow and no frictional losses, from Bernoulli’s Equation

𝒑𝟏 𝒗𝟐 𝒑𝟐 𝒗𝟐
𝜸
+ 𝟐𝒈𝟏 + 𝒁𝟏 = 𝜸
+ 𝟐𝒈𝟐 + 𝒁𝟐 (1)

Use of the continuity Equation 𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑣1 = 𝐴2 𝑣2, equation (1) becomes

𝒑𝟏 −𝒑𝟐 𝒗𝟐𝟐 𝑨 𝟐
𝜸
+ 𝒁𝟏 − 𝒁𝟐 =
𝟐𝒈
[𝟏 − (𝑨𝟐) ] (2)
𝟏

Ideal
𝒑 −𝒑
2𝑔( 𝟏 𝟐 +𝒁𝟏 −𝒁𝟐 )
𝜸
𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑣1 = 𝐴2 √ 𝟐 (3)
𝑨
[𝟏−(𝑨𝟐) ]
𝟏

However, in the case of real fluid flow, the flow rate will be expected to be less that that
given by equation (2) because of frictional effects and consequent head loss between inlet

6
 and throat. In metering practice, this non-ideality is accounted by insertion of an
experimentally determined coefficient, Cd that is termed as the coefficient of discharge. With
Z1=Z2 in this apparatus, equation (3) becomes

𝒑 −𝒑
𝟐𝒈( 𝟏 𝟐 )
𝜸
Actual Q= Cd X A2 X √ 𝟐 (4)
𝑨𝟐
[𝟏−(𝑨 ) ]
𝟏

Hence,
𝒑 −𝒑
𝟐( 𝟏 𝟐 ) 𝟐𝒈(𝒉𝟏 −𝒉𝟐 )
𝝆
Actual Q= Cd X At X √ 𝟐 = Cd X At X (5)
𝑨𝒕
[𝟏−(𝑨 ) ]
√ [𝟏−( 𝑨𝒕 )𝟐]
𝟏 𝑨𝟏

Where,
Cd= coefficient of discharge (0.98)
D2= throat diameter (16mm)
D1= inlet diameter (26mm)
At = throat area (2.011 x 10 -4 m2)
g = 9.81 m/s2
𝜌 = density of water (1000 kg/m3)
𝑃1 = inlet pressure (Pa)
𝑃2 = outlet pressure (Pa)

c) Orifice meter
The orifice for use as a metering device in a pipeline consist 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 4.

Figure 4.0 Orifice Meter

7
 Pressure connections for attaching separate pressure gauges are made at holes in the pipe
walls on both side pf the orifice plate. The downstream pressure tap is placed at the
minimum pressure position, which=h is assumed to be at the vena contracta. The centre of
the inlet pressure tap is located between one- half and two pipe diameters is employed.
Equation (4) for the venturi metre can also be applied to the orifice meter where

𝒑 −𝒑
𝟐𝒈( 𝟏 𝟐 )
𝜸
Actual Q= Cd X A2 X √ 𝟐 (6)
𝑨𝟐
[𝟏−(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.

𝟐𝒈(𝒉𝟕 −𝒉𝟖 )
Actual Q = Cd X At X (7)
√ [𝟏−( 𝑨𝒕 )𝟐]
𝑨𝟏

Where,
Cd = coefficient of discharge (0.63)
D7= throat diameter (16mm)
D8 = inlet diameter (26mm)
At = throat area (2.011 x 10 -4 m2)
A = 5.309 x 10 -4 m2
g = 9.81 m/s2
(h7 -h8) = pressure difference across orifice (m)

d) 90º elbow
Figure 5 shows fluid flowing in a pipeline, where there is some pipe fitting such as bend or
valve, and change in pipe diameter. There is variation of piezometric head along the pipe
run, as would be shown by numerous pressure tapping at the pipe wall.

8
 Figure 5.0 The Piezometric head along the pipe.

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 fitting is found. From the velocity heads in the
upstream and downstream runs of pipe, total head loss ∆𝐻 can be determined in which
𝒗𝟐 𝒗𝟐
∆𝑯 = ∆𝒉 + 𝟐𝒈𝟏 + 𝟐𝒈𝟐 (8)

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 𝒗𝟐 (9)
𝟏⁄ 𝟐⁄
𝟐𝒈 𝟐𝒈

Figure 7 shows flow round a 90º elbow which has a constant circular cross section.

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

𝑲
∆𝑯 = 𝒗𝟐 (10)
⁄𝟐𝒈

Where,
K = coefficient of losses V = velocity of flow g = 9.81m/s2

9
4. AIMS
a) To compare of flow measurement using venturi, orifice and rotameter
b) To obtain the flowrate measurement by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring
techniques; rotameter, venturi meter, orifice meter.
c) To investigate the loss coefficients of fluid through 90-degree elbow.

5. MATERIALS AND APPRATUS

a) SOLTEQ® Hydraulic bench (Model: FM110)
b) Water supply

Staddle valve

Rotameter
Discharge valve

Manometer tube

Water supply

90-degree elbow
Water outlet

Orifice
Venturi Meter

Figure 7.0 Part Identification Diagram

10
6. 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 hydraulics bench (Model: FM 110) as follows:
a) The apparatus is placed on top of a suitable hydraulic bench
b) The apparatus on the bench top is levelled.
c) The hydraulic coupling is connected to the outlet supply of the hydraulic bench. The
discharge connect of the flow apparatus hose is connected to the collection tank of the
hydraulic bench.
d) Ready to started the apparatus.

Starting up the apparatus.

1) Fully closed the flow control valve of hydraulic bench and was fully opened the discharge
valve.
2) Ensured that discharge hose was properly directed to volumetric tank of fibreglass
before starting up system. Also ensured that volumetric tank drain valve was left OPEN
to allow flow discharge back into sump tank.
3) Step (b) was confirmed. The pump supply was started up from hydraulic bench. The
bench valve was slowly opened. At this point, the water will be flowing from hydraulic
bench through to the flow apparatus and discharge through into the volumetric tank of
hydraulic bench and then drained back into the sump tank of hydraulic bench.
4) The flow control valve was fully opened. The flow in the pipe was steady and no trapped
bubble, the bench valve was closed to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow
rate.
5) The water level in the manometer board began to display different level of water heights.
The water level was adjusted by using staddle valve.
6) At this point, the flow was slowly reduced by controlling the flow discharge valve of
apparatus. The discharge valve was totally closed.
7) The water level in the manometer board began to level into a straight level. This level
maybe at the lower or maybe at the higher end of the manometer board range.

11
6.2. Demonstration of the operation and characteristics of three different basic types of
flowmeter
1) The apparatus was placed on bench, inlet pipe was connected to bench supply and
outlet pipe into volumetric tank.
2) The bench valve was fully closed and the discharge valve fully opened, the pump was
started up supply from hydraulic bench.
3) The bench valve was slowly opened.
4) When the flow in the pipe was steady and there was no trapped bubble, the bench valve
was started to closed 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 were retained on manometers with the maximum measurable flow
rate.
6) The reading of manometer (A-J), rotameter was note at table 1.0 and flow rate was
measured.
7) Step 6 was repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by utilizing
both bench valve and discharge valve.
8) The bench and flow control valve was adjusted to demonstrate similar flow rates at
different flow rates.

6.3. Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90- degree elbow
1) The apparatus was placed on bench, inlet pipe was connected to bench supply and
outlet pipe into volumetric tank
2) The bench valve was fully closed and the discharge valve fully opened, the pump was
started up supply from hydraulic bench.
3) The bench valve was slowly opened.
4) When the flow in the pipe was steady and there was no trapped bubble, the bench valve
was started to closed 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 were retained on manometers with the maximum measurable flow
rate.
6) The reading of manometer (I and J) was noted at table 2.0 and flow rate was measured.
7) Step 6 was repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by utilizing
both bench valve and discharge valve.

12
 𝑉𝑠2
8) The tables were completed and the graph ∆𝐻 against for 90-degree elbow was
2𝑔

plotted. And the coefficient of losses was determined.

6.4. General shut-down Procedures

1) The water supply and venturi discharge valve is closed.
2) The water supply pump is turned off.
3) The water from the unit is drained off when not in use.

13
 7. RESULTS
7.1. Demonstration of the operation and characteristic of three different basic types of
flowmeter

Monometer Reading (mm) Rotameter

A B C D E F G H I J (L/min)
230 230 230 230 230 230 230 230 230 230 0
257 255 240 251 252 254 254 232 241 240 5
282 277 243 264 269 274 273 190 224 221 10
306 294 223 268 280 289 289 113 182 176 15
353 323 215 291 310 327 327 25 145 134 20
Table 1.0 The height of water level on manometer board and the rotameter readings.

Flowrate, Q
Rotameter (L/min) Vol (L) Time (min)
(L/min)
0 3 0 0.000
5 3 0.473 10.571
10 3 0.265 37.736
15 3 0.182 82.418
20 3 0.13 153.846
Table 2.0 The flowrate of water for different rotameter readings.

Flowrate calculate using the Bernoulli's Equation

Venturi Orifice
HA-HC (m) Q (m3/s) Q (L/min) HG-HH (m) Q (m3/s) Q (L/min)
0 0 0 0 0 0
0.017 0.00704 422.65 0.022 8.324 x10^-5 4.994
0.039 0.01067 640.16 0.083 1.617 x 10^-4 9.700
0.083 0.01556 933.89 0.176 2.354 x10^-4 14.126
0.138 0.02007 1204.19 0.302 3.084 x10^-4 18.504
Table 3.0 The flowrate calculated using the Bernoulli’s Equation.

14
7.2. Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid slows through a 90-degree elbow

Differential Piezometer
Volume Time Flowrate,
Head, ∆𝒉′ (mm) v (m/s) v2/2g (mm)
(L) (sec) Q (L/min)
Elbow (HI-HJ)
3 0 0 0 0 0
3 28.39 6.340 1 3.522 x 10^-5 6.324 x 10^-11
3 15.89 11.328 3 1.888 x 10^-4 1.817 x 10^-9
3 10.89 16.529 6 5.510 x 10^-4 1.547 x 10^-8
3 7.80 23.077 11 1.410 x 10^-3 1.014 x 10^-7
Table 4.0 The loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90- degree elbow.

GRAPH OF DIFFERENTIAL PIEZOMETER HEAD AGAINST

V2/2g (1.01𝑋 104 , 11)
12.0

∆𝐻 11−0
10.0 K= 𝑉2 = = 1.089𝑋10−3
DIFFERENTIAL PIEZOMETER HEAD (mm)

⁄2𝑔 1.01𝑋 104 −0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

(0,0)
0.0

V2/2g (X 10^-10) (mm)

GRAPH 1.0 ∆𝑯 AGAINST V2/2g

15
 Q Rotameter Q Venturi meter Q Orifice Experimental Q
(L/min) (L/min) (L/min)
0 0 0 0
5 422.65 4.994 10.571
10 640.16 9.700 37.736
15 933.89 14.126 82.418
20 1204.19 18.504 153.846
Table 5.0 comparison of flowrate, Q of the three-different measurement flowrate and the
experimental Q.

8. CALCULATIONS
Samples of calculation of Q
By using the data from table.
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝐿) 3𝐿 𝐿
Experimental Q= 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 = 0.473 𝑚𝑖𝑛
= 10.571 𝑚𝑖𝑛

By using Bernoulli’s equation

i. Venturi meter
𝑝 −𝑝
2( 1 2 ) 2𝑔(ℎ1 −ℎ2 )
𝜌
Actual Q= Cd X At X √ 𝐴 2
= Cd X At X √ 𝐴 2
[1−( 𝑡 ) ] [1−( 𝑡 ) ]
𝐴1 𝐴1

2𝑥9.81𝑚𝑠 −2 𝑥(0.257−0.240)𝑚 𝑚3
Actual Q = = 0.98 X 2.011x 10-4 m2 X 2 = 0.00704
√ [1−(
2.011𝑥10−4 𝑚2
) ]
𝑠
5.309𝑥10−4 𝑚2

ii. Orifice

2𝑔(ℎ7 −ℎ8 )
Actual Q = Cd X At X √ 𝐴 2
[1−( 𝑡 ) ]
𝐴1

2𝑥9.81𝑚𝑠 −2 𝑥(0.254−0.232) 𝑚3
Actual Q = 0.63 X 2.011x 10-4 m2 X 2 = 8.324 x10^-5
√ [1−(
2.011𝑥10−4 𝑚2
) ]
𝑠
5.309𝑥10 −4 𝑚2

iii. 90-degree elbow

𝐾
∆𝐻 = 𝑣 2 , from the graph 1.0
⁄2𝑔

∆𝐻 (11−0)𝑚𝑚
K= 𝑉 2 = (1.01𝑋 104 −0)𝑚𝑚
= 1.089𝑋10−3
⁄2𝑔

16
Calculation Error.
Rotameter
10.571−5
Rotameter % flow rate error = 10.571
x 100 = 52.7%

Venturi meter
10.571−422.65
Venturi meter % flow rate error = 10.571
x 100 = 38%

Orifice
10.571−4.994
Orifice % flow rate error = 10.571
x 100 = 52.8%

17
9. DISCUSSION
This experiment was conducted to see the three operations and characteristics of
different types of flow meter which is venturi meter, orifice and rotameter. The rotameter
flowrate and the time taken of the 3 L water flow out was recorded and the experimental
flowrate (Qexp) was calculated. The flow rate of flow measurement using venturi meter and
orifice was calculated by using the Bernoulli’s equation. From this, we can see which one of the
flow meter measurement give the accurate value. Besides that, the losses of coefficient through
90-degree elbow was determined from the Graph 1.0.

In this experiment, the manipulated variable was the rotameter flowrate. From the
Table1.0, point A to F was reading for venturi meter. It was decreased as water flow into the
inlet pipe, point A, from large area to the small area of pipe. At C point, it was the minimum
reading as it was going to the smaller area of pipe. Then, the reading form venturi meter was
increased from point C to the point F, which is point F was the outlet of venturi meter. Point G
and H was the reading of orifice meter. At point H was the minimum pressure position. This is
because water flow through the vena contracta. The water flow through the elbow 90-degree
reading was point I and J, has only smaller changes of pressure head.

Every reading of 5L/min of rotameter, the time taken for the 3L of water flow was
calculated as the table 2.0. From that table 2.0, as the rotameter reading increase, the time
taken of water was decreased. This make the Qexp increased as, rotameter reading increased.
From the head pressure at table 1.0, the flowrate for orifice and venturi meter was calculate by
using the Bernoulli’s equation (Table 3.0). For venturi meter, it used equation 5. However, orifice
used equation 7. From table 3.0, we can see that, as the difference of pressure head increase,
the flowrate also increases. So, we can conclude that the difference pressure head is directly
proportional to the flowrate. From data at Table 4.0, the graph ∆𝐻 against v2/2g was plotted at
the graph 1.0. The loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90-degree elbow was obtained
from the graph 1.0 was k=1.089 x 10-3.

From the calculation of error between Q actual and Q experimental, the orifice has a
largest of error, which is 52.8%. Then followed by rotameter, 52.7% and venturi meter, which is
only 38%. So, we can conclude that, the venturi meter was given almost accurate value rather
than orifice and rotameter.

There are some errors during this experiment. Firstly, during taking the reading of
manometer, the drag force of rotameter was not in steady state. So, this will affect the data in
table and calculation of Q. Next, when reading the water level, make sure the eyes must

18
 perpendicular to the water level. Taking the time taken of water flows up to 3L by using the
digital stopwatch. Lastly, make sure there is no bubbles trapped in the manometer devices.

10. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the working principle of flow measurement using venturi, orifice and
rotameter had been compared. The flowrate of measurement by these 3 devices was obtained
and being calculated by used the Bernoulli’s equation. The venturi meter only has 38% of error.
It was the most accurate device rather than orifice and rotameter. Lastly, from the graph plotted,
the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90-degree elbow was obtained is k=1.089 x 10-3.

11. RECOMMENDATION

There are a few recommendations for this experiment. First, make sure the discharge hose
was properly directed to volumetric tank of fibreglass before starting up system. Also ensured
that volumetric tank drain valve was left OPEN to allow flow discharge back into sump tank.

Next, make sure there is no trapped bubble inside the manometer tube. The trapped
bubbles can remove from the system by slowly press the staddle valve to allow the bubbles
escape out.
Lastly, make sure the water supply is free from any dust or impurities, so that the water is move
in steady state.

12. REFFERENCES
Y. A. Cengel & J. M. Cimbala (2009. “Fluid Mechanics, Fundamental and Applications”.
McGraw-Hill

(n.n).Pratical applicatioms of bernoulli’s equation. Retrieved on 7th October 2017 from

http://www.iith.ac.in/~ksahu/class11_FM

19
13. APPENDICES

Figure 8.0 dimension of venturi meter.

Figure 9.0 dimension of orifice.

20