Experiment 3: Method of Flow Measurement

Objective:

1. To demonstrate typical flow measurement devices for incompressible fluids:

(1) Venture meter, (2) Orifice plate and (3) rotameter.
2. To compare the difference in flow rate incurred by each of these device.

Abstract:

In this experiment, the method of flow measurement is studied by several

demonstrations that had been done using venture meter, orifice plate and rotameter, as
mentioned above. The experiment used the flow of liquid to demonstrate the flow
measurement method. In the experimental procedure, before any further, the experiment
required the removal of air bubble by turning on all valves; except inlet valve, allowing the
liquid to the manometer. The reason is to get accurate reading and smooth liquid movement.
Next to obtain the constant reading for both venture meter and orifice plate, the liquid in
device is set up to 150 mm. this is required to get equal starting point for both devices. In the
next step of the experiment is where the reading started to be record, the results for the
calculation of flow rate. Finally, the device rotameter also studied by taking the time taken
needed for the liquid to reach the required readings; 200,300,400,500 and 600 (L/hr).

Discussion:
RECOMMENDATIONS.

Based on the experiment, there are many ways that we can used to obtain a good
result and improve the experiment. Firstly, before the start of the experiment, one must ensure
to read and analyse the lab manual carefully. So, during the experiment, it can go smoothly
after going through the procedures beforehand. And make sure to precisely convert the unit to
another desired unit.

Furthermore, one must ensure that there are no air bubbles in the manometer tubes for
better accuracy and to avoid reading errors. Depress the valve lightly allowing the fluid and
trapped air bubbles to be removed at certain unlimited time.

Next, while taking the readings of the manometer tubes, the observers eye must be
perpendicular to the reading scale to avoid parallax error; this is to obtain accurate data and
result.

Besides, one has to monitor the variable area meter of the rotameter. If the floats of
the rotameter exceeds or fall from the desired scale, adjust the liquid level by controlling the
inlet valve, so the floats will retain at the wanted scale.

Lastly, the experiment should be repeated three times in order to get average readings.
This will reduce the deviation from theoretical results. To get better results, the experiment
should have been repeated at least twice.

Tutorial:

1. What are the limitations of Bernoullis Theorem?

i) There are always some external forces acting on the liquid, which affects the flow
of liquid.
ii) In turbulence flow, some kinetic energy is converted into heat energy and in a
viscous flows, some energy is lost due to shear forces.
iii) When the liquid is flowing through curve path, the energy due to centrifugal
forces should also be taken account.
2. What are the primary considerations when selecting a flow meter to measure the
flow rate of a fluid?
i) Fluid type
ii) Application for environment
iii) Operating parameters like temperature
iv) Pressure and fluid
v) Flow meter technology
vi) Accuracy and repeatability requirement
vii) Maintenance requirement
viii) Instrument life cycle

3. Explain how flow rate is measured with obstruction type flow meters. Compare
orifice meters and venture meters with respect to cost size, head loss and
accuracy.
To measure flow rate, Q, we use the Bernoullis Equation;
Q = k p
The, change of pressure, p = h g
h Is the difference of the manometer reading obtained due to the obstructions in

the tubes used. The obstructions of the tubes use contain different area which causes
changes in the pressure reading,
F
p= F: force A: area
A

When an area of a tube increases, the pressure inside will decreases. The change in
pressure then can be used to calculate the flow rate using the Bernoullis Equation.
The k is constant for each meters coefficient discharge of liquid depends on each
resistance.