ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module

EXPERIMENT 1

FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT


1.0 OBJECTIVE

1.1 To obtain the flow rate measurement by utilizing three basic types of
flow measuring techniques, which are rotameter, venturi meter and
orifice meter.
1.2 To determine total head loss and loss coefficient of fluid flow through
a 90 degree elbow.
1.3 To compare pressure drop against each device.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

SOLTEQ Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101) is designed to operate
together with a basic hydraulic bench or any water supply. It is to familiarize the students
with typical methods of flow measurement of an incompressible fluid.

The apparatus is able to demonstrate the flow measurement comparison by using a
venturi device, orifice device and rotameter. The flow comparison can be further be used
to compare against the flow measurement of the hydraulics bench.

Other features of the flow apparatus include a 90 degree elbow with pressure tappings
before and after this elbow.


3.0 THEORY

3.1 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.












Figure 1: The Rotameter

3.2 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 2.
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module














Figure 2: Venturi Meter

Assume incompressible flow and no frictional losses, from Bernoullis Equation


















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 that is termed as the coefficient of discharge.
With Z = Z in this apparatus, equation (3) becomes
1 2











Where,
Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.98)
D = Throat diameter
2
D = Inlet diameter
1
At = Throat area
A = Inlet area
2
g = 9.81 m/s
= Density of water
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module


P = Inlet pressure (Pa)
1
P = Throat pressure (Pa)
2

3.3 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 contracts. 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




















Where,
Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.63)
D = Orifice diameter
7
D = Orifice upstream diameter
6
At = Orifice area
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module


A = Orifice upstream area
(h h ) = Pressure difference across orifice (m)
6 7

3.4 90
o
elbow

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 a 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






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










depending on the context.
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module



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



















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






Typical values derived from this equation are tabulated in the table below:







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.
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module


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
















o
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.
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module


4.0 EQUIPEMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

4.1 Equipments




















































Figure 6: SOLTEQ Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101)

Note: Hydraulic bench is provided
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module


4.2 Specifications














Figure 7: Specification of Venturi Meter

Tapping A = 26 mm
Tapping B = 21.6 mm
Tapping C = 16 mm
Tapping D = 20 mm
Tapping E = 22 mm
Tapping F = 26 mm












Figure 8 : Specification of Orifice

Orifice upstream diameter (G) = 26 mm
Orifice diameter (H) = 16 mm
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module


5.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES


5.1 Experiment 1: Operation of three different basic types of flowmeters


5.1.1 Adjust the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
5.1.2 By using the air bleed screw, adjust water level in the manometer
board. Retain maximum readings on manometers with the
maximum measurable flow rate.
5.1.3 Note readings on manometers (A - H), rotameter and measured
flow rate.
5.1.4 Step 5.1.3 is repeated for different flow rates.
5.1.5 To demonstrate similar flow rates at different system static
pressures, adjust bench and flow control valve together. Adjusting
manometer levels as required.
5.1.6 You are also required to measure the flow rate using hydraulic
bench.

5.2 Experiment 2: Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows
through a 90
o
elbow

5.2.1 Adjust the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
5.2.2 By using the air bleed screw, adjust the water level in the
manometer board. Retain maximum readings on manometers with
the maximum measurable flow rate.
5.2.3 Note readings on manometers (I and J) and measured flow rate.
5.2.4 Step 5.2.3 is repeated for different flow rates
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module




RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS






















Table A





















Table B





The flowrate, Q is the flowrate measured from hydraulic bench.
ERT 205- Fluid Mechanic Engineering Laboratory Module


6.0 QUESTIONS


6.1 Experiment 1

1. Complete Table A.
2. Calculate the flow rate of venturi and orifice using Bernoullis equation. Show
your work.


7.2 Experiment 2
1. Complete Table B.
2. Plot graph H against for 90 degree elbow to determine the

coefficient of losses. Show your work.



8.0 CONCLUSIONS

1. Compare the results of the flow measurements.