____________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
THERMOFLUID LABORATORY
(CGE 536)

EXPERIMENT : 4 FLOWMETER DEMONSTRATIONS

DATE PERFORMED : 18/10/2016

SEMESTER :3
PROGRAMME/CODE : THERMOFLUID LABORATORY (CGE
536)
GROUP : EH243 3B

INDIVIDUAL LAB REPORT

NAME: IDHAM ARIF ALAUDIN BIN SUDIN

STUDENT ID: 2015218706
LECTURERS NAME: MADAM AZZAH NAZIHAH BINTI CHE ABDUL
RAHIM
 TABLE OF CONTENT

No. Title Allocated marks % Marks

1 Abstract/summary 5

2 Introduction 5

3 Aims/objectives 5
4 Theory 5

5 Apparatus 5

6 Procedures 10

7 Result 10
8 Calculations 10

9 Discussion 20

10 Conclusions 10

11 Recommendations 5
12 References 5

13 Appendices 5

Total 100

Remarks:

Checked by:
 ABSTRACT/SUMMARY

The purpose of carrying out experiment of Flowmeter Demonstrations is to obtain the

flow rate measurement by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring techniques; using
rotameter, venturi and orifice meter and to investigate the loss coefficient of fluid through 90
degree elbow. The first part of this experiment is simply done by adjusting the flowrate of
rotameter. Then, a volume of 3 litre water is collected and recorded the time taken to collect

the water. The reading of hA to hJ is noted. The venturi and orifice flowrate is

calculated using Bernoullis equation. The second part of this experiment is done to find the

loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbows. Readings of h I and hJ is noted.

v2
Then, values of 2g were calculated. A graph was drawn to determine the loss coefficient,

K. The objectives of the experiment were achieved. The flow rate of three basic types of flow
measuring techniques; rotameter, venturi and orifice were calculated and the loss coefficient
when the fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow was determined.
 INTRODUCTION

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 which can be either
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
fluids flows through these devices.

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

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

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

3. Comparison of pressure drop against each devices.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

1. To obtain the flow rate measurement by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring
techniques; rotameter, venturi and orifice meter.

2. To investigate the loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow.

 THEORY

ROTAMETER

The rotameter is a flow meter in which a rotating free float is the indicating element.
Basically a rotameter consist of a transparent tapered vertical tube through which fluid flow
upward. Within the tube is placed a freely suspended float of pump-bob shape. When there
is no flow, the float rest on a stop at the bottom end. As flow commences, the float rises until
upward and buoyancy forces on it are balances 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.

VENTURI METER

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 below. The function of the converging portion is to increase the velocity of the
fluid and lower its static pressure. A pressure difference between inlet and throat is thus
developed, which pressure difference is correlated with the rate of discharge. The diverging
cone 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 21 p v2
+ +Z 1= 2 + 2 + Z 2
2g 2g

Use of the continuity equation A 1 V 1 =A 2 V 2 , equation above becomes:

[ ( )]
V 22 2
p1 p 2 A
+ Z1 Z 2= 1 2
2g A1

Ideal equation:

2 1 1

Q= A1 V 2= A 2 1
[ ( )] [
A2
A1
2
2g
p1 p2
( +Z 1Z 2 )] 2

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 of discharge. With Z 1=Z 2 in this apparatus, equation above

becomes:

2 1 1

[ ( )] [
A
Actual Q=Cd A 2 1 2
A1
2
(P P2
2g 1
)] 2

Hence,
 2 1 1

[ ( )] [ (
A
q=C d At 1 t
A
2 P P 2
2g 1
)] 2
Where;

Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.98)

D2 = throat diameter 16mm

D1 = inlet diameter 26mm

4 2
At = throat area 2.011 10 m

4 2
A = inlet area 5.309 10 m

m
g 9.81
= s2

kg
= density water 1000 m3

P1 = Inlet pressure (Pa)

P2 = throat pressure (Pa)

ORIFICE METER

The orifice is use as a metering device in a pipeline consists of concentric square-

edged circular hole in a thin plate, which is clamped between the flanges of the pipe.
 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 contracta. The centre of the
inlet pressure tap is located between one-half and two pipe diameters from the upstream side
of the orifice plates; usually a distance of one pipe diameter is employed.

The most important factors influencing the reading of an orifice meter are the size of
the orifice and the diameter of the pipe in which it is fitted, though a number of other factors
do affect the reading to some extent (Coulson and Richardson, 1999). Thus the exact position
and the method of fixing the pressure tappings are important because the area of flow, and
hence the velocity, gradually changes in the region of orifice (Coulson and Richardson,
1999). The most serious disadvantage of the meter is that the most of the pressure drop is not
recoverable, that is it inefficient. The velocity of fluid is increased at the throat without much
loss of energy (Coulson and Richardson, 1999). Equations (4) for the venturi meter can also
be applied to the orifice meter where:

2 1 1

[ ( )] [
A
Actual Q=Cd A 2 1 2
A1
2 P P2
2g 1( )] 2

The coefficient of discharge, Cd in the case of orifice meter will be different from that for the
case of a venturi meter.

2 1

[ ( )]
1
At 2
Q=C d A t 1
A [ 2 g ( hGhH ) ] 2

Where:

Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.63)

At = Orifice Area = 2.011 x 10-4 m2

A = Orifice Upstream Area = 5.309 x 10-4 m2

hG h H = Pressure difference across orifice (m)

 90 ELBOW

Fluid flowing in a pipeline where there is some pipe fitting such as bend or valve, and
change in pipe diameter. A 90 degree elbow is also called a 90 bend or 90 ell. It is a
fitting which is bent in such a way to produce 90 degree change in the direction of flow in the
pipe. It used to change the direction in piping and is also sometimes called a quarter bend.
A 90 degree elbow attaches readily to plastic, copper, cast iron, steel and lead. It can also
attach to rubber with stainless steel clamps. It is available in many materials like silicone,
rubber compounds, galvanized steel, etc. The main application of an elbow (90 degree) is to
connect hoses to valves, water pressure pumps, and deck drains.
 PROCEDURES

GENERAL START-UP

1. The flow control valve of hydraulic bench was fully closed and the discharge valve was
fully opened.

2. The discharge hose was ensuring to be directed to volumetric tank of fiberglass before
starting up system. Also the volumetric tank drain valve was ensuring to be left opened to
allow discharge back into sump tank.

3. The pump was started up. The bench valve was slowly opened. Water will flow from
hydraulic bench through to the flow apparatus and discharge through into the volumetric tank
of hydraulic bench and then was drained back into sump of hydraulic bench.

4. The flow control valve was opened. When the flow in the pipe is steady and there was no
trapped bubble, the bench valve was started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum
measurable flow rate.

5. The water level in the manometer board will begin to display different level of height.

6. The flow was slowly reduced by controlling the flow discharge valve of apparatus.

7. The water level in the manometer board will begin to level into a straight level.
DEMONSTRATION OF THE OPERATION AND CHARACTERISTIC OF THREE
DIFFERENT BASIC TYPES OF FLOWMETER

1. Apparatus was placed on bench, the inlet pipe was connected to bench supply and outlet
pipe was connected into volumetric pipe.

2. When the bench valve was fully closed and the discharge valve was fully opened, the
pump supply from hydraulic bench was started up.

3. The bench valve was slowly opened until it was fully opened.

4. When the flow in the pipe was steady and there was no trapped bubble, the bench valve
was started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.

5. By using the air bleed screw, the water level in the manometer board was adjusted.
Maximum readings on manometer were retained with the maximum measurable flow rate.

6. Readings on manometer (A-J), rotameter and measured flow rate was noted.

7. Step 6 was repeated for different flow rate. The flow rates can be adjusted by utilizing both
bench valve and discharge valve.

DETERMINATION OF LOSS COEFFICIENT WHEN FLUID FLOWS THROUGH

90 DEGREE ELBOW

1. Apparatus was placed on bench, the inlet pipe was connected to bench supply and the
outlet pipe was connected into volumetric pipe.

2. The bench valve was fully closed and when the discharge valve was fully opened, the
pump supply from hydraulic bench was started up.

3. The bench valve was fully slowly opened until it was fully opened.

4. When the flow in the pipe was steady and there was no trapped bubble, the bench valve
was started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
5. By using air bleed screw, the water level in the manometer board was adjusted. Maximum
readings on manometer were retained with the maximum measurable flow rate.

6. Readings on manometers (I and J) and measure flow rate were noted.

7. Step 6 was repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by utilizing
both bench valve and discharge valve.

GENERAL SHUT-DOWN

1. The water supply valve and venturi discharge valve were closed.

2. The water supply pump was turned off.

3. Water from the unit was drained off when not in use.
 APPARATUS

Rotameter

Discharge valve

Venturi 90 degree elbow

Orifice

Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus

 RESULTS

DEMONSTRATION OF THE OPERATION AND CHARACTERISTIC OF THREE

DIFFERENT BASIC TYPES OF FLOWMETER

Manometer reading (mm) Rotamete Vol Time Flowrate Flowmeter, Q

L (L) (min) ,Q( calculated using
r ( min L Bernoullis
min ) L
) Equation ( min

)
A B C D E F G H I J Venturi Orifice
22 22 20 21 21 21 21 19 20 20 5 3 0.456 6.579 6.453 5.752
1 0 8 4 5 6 6 1 1 0
23 23 19 21 22 23 22 13 17 17 10 3 0.272 11.029 11.319 10.975
7 2 7 8 4 5 9 8 7 4
28 27 20 24 26 27 34 16 15 15 15 3 0.190 15.789 16.305 15.648
4 3 1 8 0 1 8 3 8 2
34 32 20 28 30 31 31 10 13 12 20 3 0.139 21.583 20.717 20.191
0 4 6 4 3 9 8 2 3

DETERMINATION OF LOSS COEFFICIENT WHEN FLUID FLOWS THROUGH

90 DEGREE ELBOW

Volume (L) Time (s) Flowrate, Q Differential Velocity v2

L 2g (m)
Piezometer
( min ) m
Head, H ( s )

(m)
Elbow (

h I h J )

3 27.36 6.579 0.001 0.207 0.002

3 16.32 11.029 0.003 0.346 0.006
3 11.40 15.789 0.006 0.496 0.013
3 8.34 21.583 0.009 0.677 0.023
 2
v
GRAPH OF H AGAINST 2g

GRAPH OF AGAINST ^/
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01

(m) 0.01
0
0
0
0
0
0 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.03

^/ (m)

H
K 2
v / 2g

0.0030.001
= 0.0060.002

= 0.5
 CALCULATION

VENTURI METER

At = 2.011 10
4
m

4
A = 5.309 10 m

C d = 0.98

Rotameter ( ( h A hC ) Flowmeter, Q calculated using Bernoullis Equation (

L
min ) (m) L
min )

2 1

[ ( )]
1
A 2
Q=C d A t 1 t [ 2 g ( h A hC ) ] 2
A

5 0.221-0.208 Q=( 0.98 ) ( 2.011 104 )

= 0.013m
0.013
2( 9.81)


1

[ ( )]
4 2
2.011 10 2
1 4

5.309 10

= 6.453
10 0.237-0.197 Q=( 0.98 ) ( 2.011 104 )
= 0.040m
0.040
2( 9.81)


1

[ ( )]
2
2.011 104 2
1
5.309 104

= 11.319
15 0.284-0.201 Q=( 0.98 ) ( 2.011 104 )
= 0.083m
 0.083
2( 9.81)


1

[ ( )]
2
2.011 104 2
1
5.309 104

= 16.305
20 0.340-0.206 Q=( 0.98 ) ( 2.011 104 )
= 0.134m
0.134
2( 9.81)


1

[ ( )]
2
2.011 104 2
1 4

5.309 10

= 20.717
ORIFICE METER

At = 2.011 10
4
m

4
A = 5.309 10 m

C d = 0.63

Rotameter ( ( hG h H ) Flowmeter, Q calculated using Bernoullis Equation (

L
min ) (m) L
min )

2 1

[ ( )]
1
A 2
Q=C d A t 1 t [ 2 g ( hGhH ) ] 2
A

5 0.216-0.191 Q=( 0.63 ) ( 2.011 104 )

= 0.025m
0.025
2( 9.81)


1

[ ( )]
2
2.011 104 2
1
5.309 104

= 5.752
10 0.229-0.138 Q=( 0.63 ) ( 2.011 104 )
= 0.091m
0.091
2( 9.81)


1

[ ( )]
4 2
2.011 10 2
1 4

5.309 10

= 10.975
15 0.348-0.163 Q=( 0.63 ) ( 2.011 104 )
= 0.185m
 0.185
2( 9.81)


1

[ ( )]
2
2.011 104 2
1
5.309 104

= 15.648
20 0.318-0.010 Q=( 0.63 ) ( 2.011 104 )
= 0.308m
0.308
2( 9.81)


1

[ ( )]
2
2.011 104 2
1 4

5.309 10

= 20.191
90 DEGREE ELBOW

Diameter = 26mm

Volume = 3L

Rotameter ( Flowrate, Q ( m v
2

Velocity, V ( s ) 2g (m)
L m
3

min ) ) Q
s V=
A
5 1.097 104 1.097 104 ( 0.207 )2
V=

()
4
( 26 103 )
2 (2)(9.81)

= 0.002
= 0.207
10 1.838 10
4
1.838 10
4
( 0.346 )2
V=

4()( 26 103 )
2 (2)(9.81)

= 0.006
= 0.346
15 2.632 10 4
2.632 104 ( 0.496 )2
V=

4()( 26 103 )
2 (2)(9.81)

= 0.013
= 0.496
20 3.594 10
4
3.594 10
4
( 0.677 )2
V=

4()( 26 103 )
2 (2)(9.81)

= 0.023
= 0.677
 DISCUSSION

This experiment is conducted in order to obtain the flow rate measurement by

utilizing three basic types of flow measuring techniques (rotameter, venturi and orifice meter)
and to investigate the loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow.

From the experiment conducted, the flowrate of rotameter, venturi and orifice were
obtained. The result showed that the flowrate of venturi is higher than rotameter flowrate and
orifice flowrate. For second experiment, the flowrate of venturi, rotameter and orifice are

L L L
11.319 min , 11.029 min and 10.975 min respectively. For third experiment, the

L L
flowrate of venturi, rotameter and orifice are 16.305 min , 15.789 min and 15.648

L
min respectively.

For venturi meter which the flow area is at minimum at throat (probe C), the fluid is
accelerated from probe A to probe C. The area of probe is reduced from A to C where at this
state the fluid undergoes low pressure thus resulting in high flowrate.

However, for some experiments, the flowrate of rotameter is higher than venturi
flowrate and orifice flowrate. For first experiment, the flowrate of rotameter, venturi and

L L L
orifice are 6.579 min , 6.453 min and 5.752 min respectively. For fourth

L L
experiment, the flowrate of rotameter, venturi and orifice are 21.583 min , 20.717 min

L
and 20.191 min respectively.

These slight differences in pattern of result might happened because of some errors
made by experimenters. One of the errors is the parallax error. The observant should ensure
his or her eye level is the same as the reading of the manometer. Second, the experimenter
failed to perform general start-up procedures well, such as not fully removing air bubbles
from the tube of manometer, which then affected the readings later on.
 But, the value of orifice meter and rotameter does not show much difference where
the difference between these two is less than one. The pressure in the orifice is high thus the

L L
flowrate is low. The rotameter flow rate was adjusted from 5 min to 20 min . when

there is no flow; the float rests on a stop at bottom end. A flow commences, the float rises
until upward and buoyancy forces on it are balances 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
function flow rate. With a well-calibrated marked glass tube, the level of float becomes a
direct measure of flow rate.

The last part in this experiment is where the loss coefficient of fluid through 90
degree elbows. A graph was constructed by using the value of different in elbow hI and hJ and

V2
calculated 2 g . the gradient from the graph showed m = 0.5, which the value is less than

one. The value of loss coefficient K is dependent on the ratio on the bend radius to the pipe
inside the diameter. As this ratio increase, the value of K will increase will fall and vice versa.
Energy losses are proportional to the velocity head of the fluid as it flows around en elbow,
through an enlarge ment or contraction of the flow section, or through a valve. The two
piezometer used; one is placed upstream and the other downstream of the fitting at sufficient
distances as to avoid severe disturbance.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the objectives of the experiment are to obtain the flow rate
measurement by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring techniques; rotameter, venturi
and orifice meter.and investigate the loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow. These
objectives were successfully achieved.

The first part of this experiment was done by adjusting the flowrate of rotameter.
Then, a volume of 3 litre water is collected and recorded the time taken to collect the water.

The reading of hA to hJ is noted. The flow rate of three basic types of flow measuring

techniques; rotameter, venturi and orifice were obtained using Bernoullis Equation.

The result showed that the flowrate of venturi is higher than rotameter flowrate and
orifice flowrate for second and third experiment. For first and fourth experiment, the flowrate
of rotameter is higher than venturi flowrate and orifice flowrate. The reasons behind this
unusual results have been explained in the discussion part.

Besides, the loss coefficient when the fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow was

v2
determined. Readings of h I and hJ is noted. Then, values of 2g were calculated.

The value of loss coefficient, K is determined from the gradient of graph plotted where
gradient obtained was 0.5.
 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The time taken to collect 3 litre of water should be taken accurately in order to obtain
accurate flow rate.

2. The experiment should be started at the lowest height in order to prevent water from
overflow when the flowrate of manometer is increasing.

3. There should be no trapped bubble before starting the experiment.

4. Always check and adjust the rotameter reading because the reading will changes as the
water is running the in the tube.

5. Retain maximum readings on manometer with the maximum measurable flow rate.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/orifice-nozzle-venturi-d_590.html

2. http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/construction/plumbing/Principle-
Practice/Loss-Of-Head-In-Bends.html#.UX42taJZ93E

3. http://www.maxiflo.co.kr/English/Technology/flowmetertypes.htm

4. Coulson J.M, Richardson J.F, (1999). Chapter 6 Flow and Pressure Measurement, 232-
272.

5. http://www.hendersons.co.uk/wms/venturi_principle.html

6. http://www.lenntech.com/venturi.htm

7. http://engineering-references.sbainvent.com/fluid-mechanics/headloss.php#.UX42yqJZ93E
 APPENDICES

Rotameter Venturi meter and orifice meter

Full view of Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus