Objective: To demonstrate the use of Orificemeter as flowmeter and to determine the Coefficient of discharge.
Equipments: 1. Measuring tank to measure flow rate. 2. A pipe line with Orificemeter. 3. Tappings with ball valves are provided at inlet & Throat of Orificemeter and those are connected to U-Tube Manometer. 4. A constant steady supply of water with a means of varying the flow rate. 5. Stop watch
General: An Orifice meter is used to measure the discharge in any closed surface. Orifice meter works on the principle that by reducing the cross section area of the flow passage, a pressure difference between the two sections is developed and this difference enables the determination of the discharge through the pipe. In a water distribution system and in processing industries it is necessary to measure the volume of liquid flowing through a pipe line. The orifice meter is introduced in the pipeline to achieve this. Hence knowledge of the value of the coefficient of discharge of the orifice meter is a must. Orifice meter consists of a flat circular plate with a circular hole called orifice, which is concentric with the pipe axis pressure tapings are connected to pipe wall on the both sides of the plate. So that the difference in the fluid pressure on both sides of the orifice plate are measured. As the fluid passes through the orifice meter, a lot of eddies are formed and there is a loss of energy due to which the actual discharge Q a, is far less than Qth. The discharge computation is based on Bernoulli’s principle applied at the inlet of the orifice meter and at Vena Contracta of stream. The working principle is very much similar to Venturimeter. Usually the value of Cd is less than that of Venturimeter due to more losses, as sudden contraction is involved. Procedure: 1. Keep the main gate valve opened and allow the flow through orifice meter. 2. Remove the air bubbles from the manometer. 3. Start the trial with low discharge and allow the flow to be stabilized. 4. Note down manometer reading. 5. By using a stop clock, note down the time taken by water in the collecting tank to rise to a known height (usually 10 cm). 6. Increase the discharge gradually and repeat the trials. 7. Trials are repeated for different discharges up to maximum discharge. 8. Due care must be taken while measuring manometer readings and time.
Observation:
Calculation:
orifciemeter in sq.m. Result: The average co-efficient of discharge of orificemeter has been found out.
Precautions: 1. All the joints should be leak proof and water tight. 2. Manometer should be filled to about half the height with mercury. 3. All valves on the pressure feed pipes and manometer should be closed to prevent damage and over loading of the manometer before starting the motor. 4. Ensure that gauge glass and meter scale assembly of the measuring tank is fixed vertically and water tight. 5. Ensure that the pump is primed before starting the motor. 6. Remove the air bubbles in differential manometer by opening air release valve. 7. Take the differential manometer readings without parallax error. 8. Ensure that the electric switch does not come in contact with water.
