Defined as the passage of volume per unit time

Q̇ = ΔV/Δt
Flow

Conservation of flow
Q̇ = A₁V₁ = A₂V₂

Variable Orifice Flowmeter: The upward Gas flow measurement

force of flow exceeds the downward force of
gravity on the bobbin until, at the correct
reading, flow increases sufficiently out of
either side of the of the bobbin due to a Defined as an orderly movement of fluid that
widening tube, causing the upward force to ↓ complies with a model of parallel layers with
and equilibrate with gravity different velocities relative to each other

Modern spirometers measure the flow rate at If resistance to Laminar Flow is ↑, the
the mouth and derive the other parameters pressure must also ↑ so that flow remains
constant

Ohm’s Law
Laminar Flow Q̇ = ΔP/R

Principles
Q̇ = π.r⁴/8uL x ΔP

Q̇ = ΔV/Δt ∴ V = Q̇ .Δt → Volume-time Curve

r = radius → greatest effect on Q̇

Flow is illustrated on a V-t curve by the

Hagen Poiseuille Law u = Viscosity
gradient

L = length of the tube

ΔP is the driving P°

Defined as movement of a fluid in which small

scale currents move in irregular patterns even
though the overall flow is in one direction
Rotating Vane Flowmeter
A turbine which measures flow interrupts a
A dimensionless quantity that predicts the flow state
beam of light shining across it → beam
of a fluid based on the contributing parameters
interruption is then converted to a voltage
which is ∝ flow → Volume is then calculated
from flow as above r = tube radius

Small but negligible inertia of the vane makes Measurement of Respiratory Flow v = velocity
it most accurate at low flows
Re = 2rvp/u
Reynolds Number
p = fluid density
Pressure sensors on either side of a flow-
resisting mesh measure the pressure
difference between both sides which is ∝ Q̇ u = viscosity
(Ohm’s Law - assumes Laminar Flow)
Turbulent Flow
Measurement of Gas Flow < 2000 → Laminar Flow
No moving parts → reliable Pneumotachometer 2000 - 4000 → Transitional Flow
If > 4000 → Turbulent Flow

Large diameter favors Laminar Flow (Re)

Heating the resistance element prevents

Design
blockage of the mesh by liquid water
Flow rate ∝ P° in Laminar Flow
Differential Pressure Flowmeters

Q̇ ∝ √ΔP
Two pressure sensors in 2 tubes - one facing
the flow direction and the other not

The pressure in the tube facing the flow Turbulent Flow: Not so. Resistance increases
direction is higher due to its velocity (from Pitot Tube Flowmeter with increasing flow, so that as P° increases
flow) being halted as it rises up the tube, more and more, it increases the flow less
∴ Ek ↓ → mgh + P ↑

Total Energy = ½pv² + pgh + P

The pressure difference between the 2 tubes Higher flow → Higher Ek. For conservation
(eliminates hydrostatic P°) ∝ v² ∝ Q̇ of energy, the other components making up
From a Bernoulli derivation: v² = 2(P1-P2)/p Bernoulli's Principle the total energy of the system must ↓
→ ↓ Ep and ↓ Pressure Energy
→ Pressure surrounding a body at high flow
is lower

Air flow pushes against a diaphragm attached

to a spring. The air escapes through a slot Wright Peak Flow Meter
Entrainment is the attraction of molecules
until the force of air flow = -k.-x at which point
surrounding a body at high motion caused by
the spring overcomes the flow pressure and
relative negative pressure due to Bernoulli’s
pushes back, but a marker remains to
Principle
illustrate how far the diaphragm was pushed
(similar principle to variable orifice flowmeter)
Entrainment Ratio = Entrained Flow/Driving Flow
Venturi Effect

Jet Entrainment is when air is forced

through a constriction → higher flow → sub-
atmospheric pressure → air from the
surrounding atmosphere is drawn in via
apertures
An expandable ‘bell’ moves in response to
respiratory pressure changes → recorded on a
chart using a displacement sensor Applications: Ventrui Mask, Nebulizer
Benedict Roth Spirometer

The bell is made up of a rigid but freely

movable top, statically counterbalanced and
dynamically sealed with a stationary base

A body at high flow hugs the convex

Generally underestimates expired volumes contour of an obstruction in its path due to
due to contraction of exhaled air and water the obstruction causing ↓ Entrainment,
vapor condensation Coanda Effect resulting in a further ↓P° between the body
and the obstruction

Application: Switch-flow ventilator valve

Inspiration and expiration flow are controlled
by the air hugging the contours of the valve
walls, without being physically separated
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Flow/Conservation of flow
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Laminar Flow/Defined as an orderly movement...
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Laminar Flow/Ohm’s Law
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Turbulent Flow/Q̇ ∝ √ΔP/Flow rate ∝ P° in Laminar Flow
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Turbulent Flow/Q̇ ∝ √ΔP/Turbulent Flow: Not so.
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Venturi Effect/Entrainment is the attraction ...
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Coanda Effect/A body at high flow hugs the c...
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Benedict Roth Spirometer/An expandable ‘bell’ moves in ...
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Wright Peak Flow Meter/Air flow pushes against a diap...
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Measurement of Respiratory Flo.../Principles/Q̇ = ΔV/Δt ∴ V = Q̇ .Δt → Volum...
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Measurement of Respiratory Flo.../Rotating Vane Flowmeter/A turbine which measur
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Measurement of Respiratory Flo.../Differential Pressure Flowmete.../Pneumotachometer/Design
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Measurement of Respiratory Flo.../Differential Pressure Flowmete.../Pitot Tube Flowmeter/Two pressure sensors in 2 t
/Measurement of Gas Flow/Gas flow measurement/Variable Orifice Flowmeter: Th...