Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction..3

Objective.4

Theory.5-8

Apparatus....9

Procedures10-11

Results and calculation12-16

Discussion17

Conclusion...............................................................................................................................18

Recommendation.19

References...20

Appendices..............................................................................................................................21

1
ABSTRACT

This experiment were conducted to investigate and demonstrate the operation and characteristics of
the three different devices of flow meter. These three device has different accuracy of the data and also
different in energy losses. The apparatus that we used in for Flow Meter Demonstration Unit
experiment is the SOLTEQ Flow meter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101).We have to
identified three different types of flow meter contain that are found in the unit at the beginning of the
experiment. Orifice meter, Venturi meter and a Rotameter were the flow meters that placed in this unit
for this experiment. The Venturi and Orifice meter only can measured the output which not linear with
the flow rate, Q. The volume that are used in this experiment is constant that is 3L. For the first part of
this experiment we have to determine the flow rate by utilizing all three basic types of flow meter
measurement. The flow rate of the venturi meter are calculate by using this equation

1
2
2 g ( h A hC )
1
At 2 2
and to calculate the orifice meter flow rate we have to used this equation
A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2
2 g ( hGhH )
1
At 2 2
. When the value of the rotameter increased the value for both venturi meter flow
A
1
q=Cd x At x

rate and orifice meter flow rate are supposed to increase as well. For the second part for this
experiment we have to investigate the loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow. For this part
we have to calculate the velocity and also the velocity head of the fluid through 90 degree elbow. The
value for both velocity and the velocity head calculated were both directly increasing when the flow
rate are increased. For this part also we have to plot graph of differential of piezometer head against
the velocity head and the graph that we should get is a straight line graph while the graph that we have
been plotted were not a straight line graph. This is because there were some error occurs when we

conducting the experiment.

2
INTRODUCTION

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

together with a basic hydraulic bench or any water supply. 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
which can be either by Gravimeteric or Volumetric Method, depending on the type of hydraulics bench
in use.

Other features of the flow apparatus include a 90 degree elbow with pressure tappings before and
after this elbow. The purpose of these features is to provide an added function to this apparatus to
allow students to calculate the total head loss and loss coefficient when fluid flows through these
devices.

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

a) Direct comparison of flow measurement using venturi, orifice, rotameter and bench.

b) Determination of total head loss and loss coefficient of fluid flow through a 90 degree elbow.

c) Comparison of pressure drop against each device.

In various industrial plants, the accuracy of the measurement is very important and an inaccurate
measurement of the liquid flow can cause some serious problem in a industrial plants.

3
OBJECTIVES

The objective for this experiment is to determine the flow rate measurement by utilizing
three basic types of flow measuring techniques that is rotameter, venturi meter
and orifice meter. Other than that is to investigate the loss coefficient of fluid
through 90 degree elbow.

4
THEORY

There are three common apparatus to measures the flow rate in pipe or internal flow. The three
common devices uses in this experiment is venturi meter, orifice meter and the rotameter. These three
devices operates with the same principle which is the decrease in flow area in a pipe that will causes
an increase in velocity and will cause the decreasing in pressure.

Rotameter

The rotameter is a flow meter in which a rotating free float is the indicating element in this apparatus.
Basically, the rotameter consists of a transparent tapered vertical tube through which fluid flow
upward. Within the tube there are freely suspended float of pump-bob shape. The float of the
pump-bob shape stop at the bottom end when there is no flow of fluid happen. 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.

5
 Figure 1.1 Rotameter

Orifice meter

The orifice meter is use as the metering device in a pipeline that consists of a concentric square-edged
circular hole in a thin plate which is clamped between the flanges of the pipe. The pressure connection
for attaching the 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 positions that 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 and usually a distance of one pipe diameter
is employed.

The equation of the venturi meter also can be applied for orifice meter

2 g (h7h8)1 /2
1
At 2 2
Actual,Q= 1
A( )
Cd x At x

Where,

6
Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.63)

D7 = Orifice diameter = 16 mm

D8 = Orifice upstream diameter = 26 mm

At = Orifice area = 2.011 x 10-4 m2

A = Orifice upstream area = 5.309 x 10-4 m2

(h7 h8) = Pressure difference across orifice (m)

Figure 1.2 Typical orifice meter

Venturi meter

This device consists of a venture tube and suitable differential pressure gauge. As we know the venture
tube divide into 3 portion that is converging portion, a throat and a diverging portion.

2
3
Figure 1.3 Venturi meter

The first part is the converging portion and the function is to increase the velocity of the fluid and the
lower its static pressure. A pressure difference between the inlet and the throat developed and the

7
pressure difference is then correlated with the rate of discharge. For the third part of venturi meter is
the diverging cone that 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

p1 v 1 2p v 2

+ +Z 1= 2 + 2 + Z 2 (1)
2g 2g

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

A2 2

A1
1 .. (2)
p1 p 2 v 2

+ Z1 Z 2= 2
2g

Ideal

p1 p 2
2g( + Z1 Z 2) 1 /2

A 2 2 1
2 (3)
A1
1
Q=A 2 V 2 =A 2

In the case of real fluid flow, the flow rate will be expected to be less than that given by equation (2).
This is because of the frictional effects and the consequent head loss between inlet and throat. The
non-ideal is accounted by insertion of an experimentally determined coefficient, Cd that is the
coefficient of discharge. With Z1= Z2 in this apparatus, the equation (3) becomes

p1 p 2 1 /2
2g( )

A 2 2 12
Actual . (4)
A1
1
Q=Cd x A 2 x

Where,

Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.98)

8
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)

90o elbow

When 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 to the upstream and downstream runs of pipe, total

head loss, H can be determined in which

v1 v 2
2 2

H= h+
2 g 2 g .. (5)

The energy losses are proportional to the velocity head of the fluids as it is flows around the elbow and
through an enlargement or contraction of the flow section, or through the valve. The terms of a
dimensionless loss coefficient K are usually expressed the experimental values for the energy losses.

H H
K=
v 1 /2 g v 2 /2 g . (6)
2 2

APPARATUS

9
 4

2
7

Figure 1.4 SOLTEQ Flow meter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101)

1. Discharge Valve 5. Manometer

2. Water Outlet 6. Rotameter
3. Water Supply 7. 90 elbow
4. Staddle Valve 8. orifice meter

Procedures

10
General start-up procedures

The first thing that we do before we start the experiment was to fully close the flow control valve of
hydraulic bench and fully open the discharge valve. The discharge has been ensure to properly directed
to the volumetric tank of the fibreglass before we start the system. The flow discharge allowed back
into the sump tank by ensure the volumetric tank valve is left open. The bench valve were slowly
opened. At this point, the water flowing from the hydraulic bench to the flow apparatus and discharge
through into the volumetric tank of hydraulic bench and then drained back into the sump tank of the
hydraulic bench were observed. The procedure continued by fully opened the flow control valve. The
bench valve were closed when the flow in the pipe was steady and there were no trapped bubble to
reduce the flow to maximum measurable flow rate. The water level at the manometer board were
begin to display different level of height. The level of the height for each tube of the manometer has
been observed and the data were recorded in data sheet. At this point the flow were slowly reduce by
controlling the flow discharge valve of the apparatus. The water level at the manometer board were
began to level at straight level.

Demonstration of the operation and characteristic of three different basic type of flowmeter

The apparatus were placed on the bench and the inlet pipe were connected to bench supply and the
outlet pipe were into the volumetric tank. The pump supply from the hydraulic bench were start when
the bench valve were fully closed and the discharge valve were fully opened. The bench valve were
slowly opened until it is fully opened. The bench valve were closed when the flow in the pipe was
steady and there were no trapped bubble to reduced the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
The water level at the manometer board were adjusted by using the air bleed screw. The reading of the
manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate were recorded in the data sheet. The reading of
the rotameter were also recorded and the flow rate of the fluid were measured. The steps were repeated
with different flow rates by adjusted the flow rates.

Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow

The apparatus were placed on the bench and the inlet pipe were connected to bench supply and the
outlet pipe were connected into the volumetric tank. The pump supply from the hydraulic bench were
start when the bench valve were fully closed and the discharge valve were fully opened. The bench
valve were slowly opened until it is fully opened. The bench valve were closed when the flow in the
pipe was steady and there were no trapped bubble to reduced the flow to the maximum measurable
flow rate. The water level at the manometer board were adjusted by using the air bleed screw. The

11
reading of the manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate were recorded in the data sheet.
The reading of the rotameter were also recorded and the flow rate of the fluid were measured. The
steps were repeated with different flow rates by adjusted the flow rates. A graph H against VS2/2g for
90 degree elbow were plotted to determine the coefficient of losses.

Result and calculations

12
Demonstration of the operation and the characteristic of three basic types of flowmeter

Manometer reading (mm)

No. A B C D E F G H I J
1 240 239 229 235 237 238 238 212 220 220
2 265 259 221 242 248 255 254 166 199 198
3 305 291 209 265 276 286 285 99 170 169
4 353 333 210 290 309 325 325 15 135 130

No. Rotameter Vol (l) Time Flowrate Flowrate using Bernoulli eq

(l/min) (min) Q(l/min) Venture(l/mi Orifice(l/min)
n)
1 5 3 0.68 4.41 5.934 5.867
2 10 3 0.33 9.09 13.752 10.800
3 15 3 0.22 13.64 9.312 15.690
4 20 3 0.18 16.67 21.402 20.256

Calculation:
Venturi flow rate
Reading 1
1
2 g ( h A hC ) 2
1
At 2 2

A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2 ( 9.81 )( 0.240.229 ) 2 m3 /s
( 2.011 x 1 04 ) 2 12

( 5.309 x 1 04 )
1
4
q=0.98 x (2.011 x 10 ) x

1.9708 x 1 04 x m 3 /s
q=

1000
3
q = 9.89x10-5 m /s x 1
min
60

q = 5.934 l/min

Reading 2

13
 1
2 g ( h A hC ) 2
1
At 2 2

A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2 ( 9.81 )( 0.2650.221 ) m3 /s 2

( 2.011 x 1 04 ) 2 12

( 5.309 x 104 )
1
4
q=0.98 x (2.011 x 1 0 ) x

1.9708 x 1 04 x m 3 /s
q=

1000
3
q = 2.292x10-4 m /s x 1
min
60

q = 13.752 l/min
Reading 3
1
2
2 g ( h A hC )
1
At 2 2

A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2 ( 9.81 )( 0.3050.209 ) 2 m3 / s
( 2.011 x 1 04 ) 2 12

( 5.309 x 104 )
1
q=0.98 x (2.011 x 1 04) x

1.9708 x 1 04 x m 3 /s
q=

1000
3
q = 1.552x10 -4 m /s x 1
min
60

q = 9.312 l/min

14
Reading 4
1
2 g ( h A hC ) 2
1
At 2 2

A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2 ( 9.81 )( 0.3530.210 ) m3 / s
2

( 2.011 x 1 04 ) 2 12

( 5.309 x 104 )
1
4
q=0.98 x (2.011 x 1 0 ) x

1.9708 x 1 04 x m 3 /s
q=

1000
3
q = 3.567x10-4 m /s x 1
min
60

q = 21.402 l/min

Orifice flowrate
Reading 1
1
2
2 g ( hGhH )
1
At 2 2

A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2 ( 9.81 )( 0.2380.212 ) 2 m3 /s
( 2.011 x 1 04 ) 2 12

( 5.309 x 104 )
1
q=0.63 x (2.011 x 1 04) x

15
 4 3
1.267 x 1 0 x m /s
q=

1000
3
q = 9.778x10-5 m /s x 1
min
60

q = 5.867 l/min

Reading 2
1
2 g ( hGhH ) 2
1
At 2 2

A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2 ( 9.81 )( 0.2540.166 ) m3 /s 2

( 2.011 x 104 ) 2 12

( 5.309 x 1 04 )
1
4
q=0.63 x(2.011 x 10 ) x

1.267 x 1 04 x m3 /s
q=

1000
3
q = 1.80x10-4 m /s x 1
min
60

q = 10.8 l/min

Reading 3

16
 1
2 g ( hGhH ) 2
1
At 2 2

A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2 ( 9.81 )( 0.2850.099 ) m3 / s
2

( 2.011 x 1 04 ) 2 12

( 5.309 x 104 )
1
4
q=0.63 x (2.011 x 1 0 ) x

1.267 x 1 04 x m 3 /s
q=

1000
3
q = 2.615x10-4 m /s x 1
min
60

q = 15.69 l/min

Reading 4
1
2 g ( hGhH ) 2
1
At 2 2

A
1
q=Cd x At x

1
2 ( 9.81 )( 0.3250.015 ) m3 / s
2

( 2.011 x 1 04 ) 2 12

( 5.309 x 104 )
1
q=0.63 x (2.011 x 1 04) x

1.267 x 1 04 x m 3 /s
q=

1000
3
q = 3.376x10-4 m /s x 1
min
60

17
q = 20.256 l/min

Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow

2
Volume(L) Time Flowrate, Q Differential Piezometer V v
(sec) (L/min) Head, (mm) (m/s) 2g
( elbow hi-hj)
(mm)
3 41.03 4.41 0 0.14 0.99898
3 19.90 9.09 1 0.29 4.29
3 13.00 13.64 1 0.43 9.42
3 10.90 16.67 5 0.52 14.00

Calculation

Reading 1
Choose the min flow rate, Q = 4.41 l/min = 7.35 X 10-5 m3/s
Velocity of flow in the pipe (Diameter = 26 mm)
26 x 1 03 2

x
4
7.35 X 105 m3 /s
V=

V = 0.14 m/s
2
0.14


2
V
=
2g

= 0.00099898 m
= 0.99898 mm

Reading 2

18
Choose the min flow rate, Q = 9.09 l/min = 1.515 X 10-4 m3/s
Velocity of flow in the pipe (Diameter = 26 mm)
26 x 103 2

x
4
1.515 X 104 m3 / s
V=

V = 0.29 m/s
2
0.29


2
V
=
2g

= 0.00429 m
= 4.29 mm

Reading 3
Choose the min flow rate, Q = 13.64 l/min = 2.273 X 10-4 m3/s
Velocity of flow in the pipe (Diameter = 26 mm)
26 x 103 2

x
4
2.273 X 104 m3 / s
V=

V = 0.43 m/s
0.43 2


2
V
=
2g

= 0.00942 m
= 9.42mm

Reading 4
Choose the min flow rate, Q = 16.67 l/min = 2.778 X 10-4 m3/s
Velocity of flow in the pipe (Diameter = 26 mm)

19
 3 2
26 x 1 0

x
4
2.778 X 104 m3 /s
V=

V = 0.52 m/s
2
0.52


2
V
=
2g

= 0.014 m
= 14.00 mm

Graph of differential Piezometer head against Velocity head

6

Differential piezometer head,mm 3

2

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

velocity head,mm

20
 Figure 1.5 Graph of differential Piezometer head against Velocity head
Discussions

Flow meter demonstration experiment is to demonstrate three different types of flow meter
which are rotameter, venturi meter, orifice plate meter. In this experiment we has to determine
both venturi and orifice meter flow rate and also the velocity head.In this experiment as well
we can see the characteristic of three different types that is venturi meter, orifice meter,
rotameter and also how the this device operating.

From the theory for this experiment, we know that venturi meter is way more accurate
compared to orifice and also rota meter. The result that we get was different from the
theoretical value and this is because some error that occurred during conducting this
experiment. One of the major factor that caused our data to be different with theoretical value
is because parallax error which is the position of eyes during taken the manometer reading is
wrong. Our eyes were not perpendicular when we took the reading. We have to make sure our
eyes is at the right position when we take the data to prevent some error occurred. Next, we
didnt take the average data for this experiment which is more accurate compared to only one
data that we have been calculated. Other than that, the apparatus is also need to improve as
along the manometer and its needs to have more calibration in order to get more accurate
reading or data. There were also bubbled occurred in the pipeline when we conducted this
experiment and the bubbled occurred in the pipeline might have been influenced the reading
that we have take and the calculation that we have calculated.

For experiment 2, we also has determined the objective which is to investigate the lost
coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow. From the graph that have been plotted, gradient
(K) of the graph is 0.357 and for the theoretical value is 0.3 for Elbow flanged regular 90.
The percentage error for this experiment is less than 15% so our experiment can be considered
successful.

From the graph that we have plotted we notice that some different with the theoretical data
which the graph should be in a straight line. This case caused by some error in the differential
piezometer head that we take.

21
Conclusion

For the conclusion, we conclude that the venturi meter is more accurate compared to orifice
meter and also the rotameter. Based on theory of this experiment, the venturi meter is a
precise device in measuring the flow rate of any fluid as it has the diverged portion that
increases the velocity and reduces the friction loss compared to other two devices.

We also have determine the flow rate measurement by utilizing three basic types of flow
measuring techniques that is rotameter, venturi meter and orifice meter and for the
experiment 2 we also has investigate the loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow.
Form the calculation that we have made the percentage of error for the experiment 2 is less
than 15% and our experiment were considered as successful experiment.

22
Recommendation

There are so many ways to improve the data and to get a more accurate data that ensure that we have
drain all water from the apparatus when not in use and the apparatus should be stored properly to
prevent damage to occur. Other than that, any manometer tube that does not fill with water that
indicates that the tapping or the connection of the manometer is blocked. To remove the obstacle,
disconnect the flexible connection tube and blow through. Next, the apparatus should not be exposed
to any shock and stresses during the experiment because it can affect the reading that we should read.
Lastly, the students itself must fully understand before conducting the experiment.

23
References

1. K.L. Kumar, Engineering Fluid Mechanics, 1st Edition, (1976), S. Chand & Company
Ltd.
2. Lab manual, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM Shah Alam
3. https://www.coursehero.com/file/8491162/Flowmeter-Demonstration-full/

24
Appendices

Figure 1.5 SOLTEQ Flow meter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101

25