Flow Measurements

In process industries, Flowing systems require energy,

typically provided by
-pumps and compressors,
The two produce a pressure difference as the driving force
Wide variety of methods and instruments for
measuring flow
Devices based on Bernoulli principle;
-orifice plate,
-rotameter,
-Pitot-static tube,
-Venturi meter

Devices based on Bernoulli Principle

Orifice plate meter
An orifice plate is a very simple device installed in a straight
run of pipe. The orifice plate contains a hole smaller than
the pipe diameter. The flow constricts, experiences a
pressure drop, and then the differential pressure can be
related to a flow.

It is also important to note that relating differential

pressure to flow across an orifice depends on the
location of the pressure taps in relation to the orifice. In
the Figure below, the pressure taps are designated as P1
and P2. "D" is the diameter of the pipe and "d" is the
diameter of the orifice.

Let apply Bernoullis equation at points 1 and 2

(see orifice plate arrangement above) which have the
same elevation (z1=z2)

u12 p1 u 22 p 2

5.1

Pitot tube
The Pitot tube (named after Henri Pitot in 1732) measures a
fluid velocity by converting the kinetic energy of the flow
into potential energy. The conversion takes place at the
stagnation point, located at the Pitot tube entrance (see
the schematic below). The device is based on Bernoulli
principle and is used in finding the velocity of a moving craft
such as a boat and airplane.

3. Venturi meter
A venturi meter is a tube with a constricted throat that
increases velocity and decreases pressure. They are used for
measuring the flowrate of compressible and incompressible
fluids in pipeline
Contracting
section

Expanding
section

Pipe

Pipe
Throat

V1

D1

High-pressure tap
p1

D2

V2

D1

Low-pressure tap
p2

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Problem:
Water is flowing in a schedule 40 pipe having nominal D1 = 4 inch with a flowrate of 325
gal/min at 60F. The pressure differential in the manometer connected to the two taps of
the venturi meter is 50 inch Hg. Calculate (a) throat diameter D2 of the venturi meter to
the nearest 1/8 inch and (b) power consumed by the venturi meter (assume 10%
pressure loss).

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4. Rota Meter

Annular
area a

p2

Scale

z2

Tapered
tube
Float

Flow

Mg

z1
p1

A rotameter consists of a tapered tube, typically made of glass, with a float

inside that is pushed up by flow and pulled down by gravity. At a higher flow
rate more area (between the float and the tube) is needed to accommodate
the flow, so the float rises.
15

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17

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The flow rate is then

2 Mg 1

Q A u1 A
2
A
A 1
a

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