FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Terengganu

Kampus Bukit Besi,
Bukit Besi, Dungun, TERENGGANU

TECHNICAL/EXECUTIVE REPORT : CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Lab No. : 01 Module : 01

Topic : FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS Mark : 100

Date : 26/10/2017
Participant Course : Diploma in Chemical Engineering Semester : 3 Group: EH1103A
No. Name Matrix No. Signature
1 ARIF HANAFI BIN MD ZAKI 2016800892
2 MOHAMAD AZRI HAFIZUDDIN BIN JAMALI 2016800396

3 NABILAH HUDA BINTI HASMALSAH 2016697964

Instructor ENCIK AZAHARI BIN JOHAN

ABSTRACT

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

measure a flow of an incompressible fluid. From this experiment, we will obtain the flow rate
measurement with comparison of pressure drop by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring
techniques; rotameter, venture meter and orifice meter. Meanwhile, the loss coefficient can be
determined when fluid flows through a 90◦ elbow by measuring flow rate on manometers. Actual
flow rates for the water is determined by using a constant volume of 3L and the time taken for
the water to reach until 3L for each experiment. We could compare the flow rates of the
flowmeter based on the results we get from the graph. It shows that venturi meter is more
accurate compare to orifice meter which the flow rates of venturi meter is closer to the actual
value of the flow rates. On the whole, our experiment was successfully done because we has
achieved the objective of the experiment
INTRODUCTION

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

to operate together with a basic hydraulic bench or a water supply. This enables students to
familiarize themselves with typical methods of flow measurement of an incompressible fluid.
This apparatus will allow students to compare between different types of flow measurement
devices, namely by using a venturi device, orifice device and rotameter. The data obtained can be
further used to compare against measurement obtained from the hydraulics bench.
Other feature of the flow apparatus includes a 90 degree elbow with pressure tappings. This
feature allows students to calculate the total head loss and loss coefficient when fluid flows
through the 90 degrees elbow.

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

a) A 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.
OBJECTIVES

The main objectives for this experiment are as below:-

1. To obtain the flow rate measurement with comparison of pressure drop by utilizing three
basic types of flow measuring technique which are rotameter, venturi meter and orifice
meter.
2. To investigate the loss coefficient of fluid flow through 90 degree elbow.
3. To determine the total head loss of fluid flow.
4. We need to learn how to plot graph.
5. To verify experimentally the validity of Bernoulli’s equation for fluid flow.
THEORY
Rotameter

The rotameter is a flow meter in which a rotating free float is the indicating element.
Basically, a rotameter consists 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 rests on a stop at the bottom end. 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.

Figure 1 Rotameter
Venturi Meter

Figure 2 Venturi Meter

The 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, where
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 Bernoulli’s Equation

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 , Cd, termed as the coefficient of discharge. With Z1 = Z2 , equation (3) becomes
Orifice Meter

The orifice for use as a metering device in a pipeline consists of a concentric square-edged
circular hole in a thin plate, which is clamped between the flanges of the pipe as shown in the
figure below.

Figure 3 Orifice Meter

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 contract. The centre of the inlet pressure
tap is located between one-half and two pipe diameters from the upstream side of the orifice
plate, usually a distance of one pipe diameter is employed. Equation (4) for the venturi meter can
also be applied to the orifice meter where
90゜ELBOW

Figure below shows fluid flowing in a pipeline where there is some pipe fitting such as bend
or valve, and change in pipe diameter. Included in the figure is the variation of piezometric head
along the pipe run, as would be shown by numerous pressure tappings at the pipe wall.

Figure 4 Piezometric head along the pipeline

If 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 in the upstream and downstream runs of pipe, total head loss, H can be
determined in which

Energy losses are proportional to the velocity head of the fluid as it flows around an elbow,
through an enlargement or contraction of the flow section, or through a valve. Experimental
values for energy losses are usually expressed in terms of a dimensionless loss coefficient K,
where

For results of better accuracy, long sections of straight pipe are required to establish with
certainty the relative positions of the linear sections of the piezometric lines. However, in a
compact apparatus as described in this manual, only two piezometers are used, one placed
upstream and the other downstream of the fitting, at sufficient distances as to avoid severe
disturbances. These piezometers measure the piezometric head loss, h’ between the tapping.
Thus

The friction head loss is estimated by choosing a suitable value of friction factor, f for fully
developed flow along a smooth pipe. The method used in this manual to determine the friction
factor is the Prandtl equation

In determination of the fraction factor, f, it is sufficient to establish the value of f at just one
typical flow rate, as about the middle of the range of measurement due to the fact that f varies
only slowly with Re, and the friction loss is generally fairly small in relation to the measured
value of Δh’.
Characteristic of flow through elbow and at changes in diameter 90゜ Elbow

Figure below shows flow round a 90゜elbow which has a constant circular cross section.

Figure 5 90゜ elbow

The value of loss coefficient K is dependent on the ratio of the bend radius, R to the pipe
inside diameter D. As this ratio increase, the value of K will fall and vice versa.
APPARATUS
Material
1) Water

Apparatus
1) Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101)

1) Manometer 5) Staddle Valve

tubes
6) Rotameter
2) Discharge
Valves 7) 90⁰ Elbow

3) Water Outlet 8) Orifice

4) Water Supply 9) Venturi

2) Hydraulic bench – To allow water flow by time volume collection to be measured.

3) Stop watch - determine the flowrate of the water.

PROCEDURES

General Start-up Procedures

The Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101) is supplied ready for use and only
requires connection to the Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM 110) as follows:

a) The apparatus were placed on top of a suitable hydraulic bench.

b) The apparatus was levelled on the bench top.
c) The hydraulic coupling was connected to the outlet supply of the hydraulic bench.
d) The discharge connects of the flow apparatus hose were connected to the collection tank of the
hydraulic bench.
e) The apparatus was ready to operate.

Starting up the Apparatus:

1) The flow control valve of hydraulic bench was fully closed and the discharge valve was fully
open.
2) The discharge hose were ensured that it was properly directed to volumetric tank of fibreglass
before starting up system. Then the volumetric tank drain valve is ensured left OPEN to allowed
flow discharge back into sump tank.
3) Once step (b) is confirmed start up the pump supply from hydraulic bench. The bench valve
slowly opened. At this time, water flowing from hydraulic bench through to the flow apparatus,
and was discharge through into the volumetric tank of hydraulic bench and then were drained
back into sump tank of hydraulic bench.
4) Proceed to fully open the flow control valve. When the flow in the pipe is steady and there is
no trapped bubble, start to close the bench valve to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable
flow rate.
5) The water level in the manometer board will started to display different level of water heights.
(If the water level in the manometer board were too high where it is out of visible point, the
water level should be adjusted by using the staddle valve. With the maximum measurable flow
rate, retain maximum readings on manometer).
6) Then, the flow was slowly reduced by controlling the flow discharge valve of apparatus and
this discharge valve were closed totally.
7) The water level in the manometer board started to level into a straight level. This level can be
at the lower or at the higher end of the manometer board range. (At this time, the pump from the
hydraulic bench was, still supplying water at a certain pressure in the system).
8) The “Trapped Bubbles” in the glass tube or plastic transfer tube was checked. Trapped
bubbles must be removed from the system for better accuracy, this can be done by slowly “press
the plastic tube to push the bubbles up or lightly “tab” the glass tube to releasing the bubbles
upwards.

Note:
If above methods fail, “flush” the system by “bleeding” were used to free air out. All that is
required is the use of a small object such as pen or screw driver, to depress the staddle valve,
found at the top right side of manometer board. Staddle valve were depressed lightly to allow
fluid and trapped air to escape out. (Take care it wet self or the premise). Allow sufficient time
for bleeding until all bubbles escape.
Once all bubbles have been “bleed”, start to reduce the water supply by manipulating BOTH
control valves, the flow apparatus discharge valve were reducing and then the hydraulic bench
valve in alternate motion, bringing down the DATUM level of the water in the manometer board.

(i) At this point the experiment may start proper.

(j) Data obtained from tubes that were used are:

Probe A and C for venturi calculation
Probe G and H for orifice calculation
Probe I and J for 90 degree elbow calculation
All other probe readings was for viewing of pressure curve ONLY.

(k) With above guide, the water level of each probe at a certain flow was recorded. With
the height difference, formulas provided were used to calculate. The results obtained
against rotameter and hydraulic bench was verified for experiment of flow measurement
comparison.

(l) The experiment was completed with other flow rates.

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

Procedures:

1) The apparatus was placed on bench, inlet pipe were connected to bench supply and outlet pipe
into volumetric tank.
2) As the bench valve fully closed and as the discharge valve fully opened, start up the pump
supply from hydraulic bench.
3) The bench valve, were slowly opened until it was fully opened.
4) After the flows in the pipe were steady and there are certainly no trapped bubble, the bench
valve started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
5) The water level in the manometer board was adjusted, by using the air bleed screw. The
maximum readings on manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate were recorded.
6) The readings on manometers (A - J), rotameter and measured flow rate were recorded.
7) Step 6 is repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates were adjusted by utilizing both
bench valve and discharge valve.
8) To demonstrate similar flow rates at different system static pressures, bench and flow control
valve were adjusted together. Manometer levels were adjusted as required.
Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow

Procedures:

1) The apparatus was placed on bench, inlet pipe were connected to bench supply and outlet pipe
into volumetric tank.
2) As the bench valve fully closed and as the discharge valve fully opened, start up the pump
supply from hydraulic bench.
3) The bench valve, were slowly opened until it was fully opened.
4) After the flows in the pipe were steady and there are certainly no trapped bubble, the bench
valve started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
5) The water level in the manometer board was adjusted, by using the air bleed screw. The
maximum readings on manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate were recorded.
6) The readings on manometers (I and J) were recorded and the flow rate were calculated.
7) Steps 6 were repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates were adjusted by utilizing both
bench valve and discharge valve.
8) The tables of data were completed.
9) The graph of H against VS2 / 2g for 90 degree elbow were plotted to determine the coefficient
of losses.

General Shut-down Procedures

1) The water supply valve and venturi discharge valve was closed.

2) The water supply pump was turned off.

3) The water from the unit were drain off after the experiment was finished.
RESULTS
VENTURI METER

Experiment Manometer Volume Time Flowrate, Flowrate

Reading (L) (min) Qa Calculated
(mm) (L/min) Using
Bernoulli’s
A B C D E F Equation
Qt (L/min)

1 423 411 258 356 375 398 3 0.1637 18.326 22.983

2 401 390 314 364 375 386 3 0.2187 13.717 16.689
3 378 373 337 360 365 370 3 0.2870 10.453 11.4564
4 373 370 358 366 367 370 3 0.5213 5.7548 6.9294
5 371 370 366 369 369 370 3 1.0287 2.9163 4.0007

ORIFICE METER

Experiment Manometer Volume Time Flowrate, Flowrate

Reading (L) (min) Qa Calculated
(mm) (L/min) Using
Bernoulli’s
G H Equation
Qt (L/min)

1 399 159 3 0.1637 18.326 17.8194

2 386 263 3 0.2187 13.717 12.7566
3 370 313 3 0.2870 10.453 8.6838
4 370 350 3 0.5213 5.7548 5.1439
5 370 365 3 1.0287 2.9163 2.5720

ROTAMETER

Experiment Volume Time Flowrate, Rotameter

(L) (min) Qa Qt
(L/min) (L/min)
1 3 0.1637 18.326 20
2 3 0.2187 13.717 15
3 3 0.2870 10.453 10
4 3 0.5213 5.7548 5
5 3 1.0287 2.9163 2
 COMPARISON OF FLOW RATES BETWEEN
THE FLOWMETERS
25
CALCULATED FLOW RATES, QACTUAL

20

15
Qactual
Qventuri
10
Qorifice

5 Qrotameter

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
QROTAMETER (L/MIN)

The graph shows the comparison of the flow rates between the flowmeters. From experiment 1
up to experiment 5, the graph shows that, the greater the flow rates of rotameter, the greater the
flow rates of venturi and orifice rotameter. However , since the coefficient of discharged for
orifice meter (0.63) is smaller than the venture meter (0.98) , the graph shows that venturi meters
shows that its flow rates calculated using Bernoulli’s equation is nearer to the actual value of
flow rates.
Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90⁰ Elbow

Volume Time Time Flowrate, Manometer Differential V

(L) (s) (min) Qa (L/min) Reading Piezometer (mm/s)
(mm) Head, (mm)
(mm)
I J Elbow (hi-hj)
3 9.82 0.1637 18.326 254 227 27 2.7495 3.8531 ×
10-4
3 13.12 0.2187 13.717 311 297 14 1.0671 5.8038 ×
10-5
3 17.22 0.2870 10.453 333 325 8 0.4646 1.1002 ×
10-5
3 31.28 0.5213 5.7548 357 355 2 0.0639 2.0811 ×
10-7
3 61.72 1.0287 2.9163 366 365 1 0.0162 1.3376 ×
10-8

Graph of Δ𝒉′ Against 𝑽𝟐/𝟐𝒈

30
Differential Piezometer Head (mm)

25

20

15

10

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
V2/2g x 10-4 (mm)

The graph shows that the differential pizometer head is increasing as the increasing. Therefore,
is increasing linearly with the . From the graph, we obtained can obtained the coefficient of losses
which is the slope of the graph.
CALCULATIONS
Sample Calculation for Actual Flow Rates, QA

Flow Rate, Q (L/min) = Volume (L) / Time (min)

Convert time from second to minute

60 seconds = 1 minute
T = Time (s) / 60

T1 = 9.82 / 60
= 0.1637 min
T2 = 13.12 / 60
= 0.2187 min
T3 = 17.22 / 60
= 0.2870 min
T4 = 31.28 / 60
= 0.5213 min
T5 = 61.72 / 60
= 1.0287 min

Experiment Calculations
1 Flow Rate, QA (L/min) = 3 / 0.1637
= 18.326
2 Flow Rate, QA (L/min) = 3 / 0.2187
= 13.717
3 Flow Rate, QA (L/min) = 3 / 0.287
= 10.453
4 Flow Rate, QA (L/min) = 3 / 0.5213
= 5.7548
5 Flow Rate, QA (L/min) = 3 / 1.0287
= 2.9163
Sample Calculation of Area of the Cross Section, A (Area of A, B, C, D, E, F
Calculated Using Continuity Equation)

A = πD2/ 4
Where
A = Area of the cross section A, B, C, D, E, F (m2)
D = Diameter of the cross section A, B, C, D, E, F (m)

*Since the area of the cross section is the same throughout the experiment, therefore the area of
the cross section for experiment 1 up to experiment 5 is the same.

Water Head A (m2)

A AA = π (0.0260)2 / 4
= 5.3093 × 10-4 m2
B AB = π (0.0216)2 / 4
= 3.6644 × 10-4 m2
C AC = π (0.0160)2 / 4
= 2.0106 × 10-4 m2
D AD = π (0.0200)2 / 4
= 3.1416 × 10-4 m2
E AE = π (0.0220)2 / 4
= 3.8013 × 10-4 m2
F AF = π (0.0260)2 / 4
= 5.3093 × 10-4 m2
G AG = π (0.0160)2 / 4
= 2.0106 × 10-4 m2
H AI = π (0.0260)2 / 4
= 5.3093 × 10-4 m2
Calculation of Actual Flow Rates for Venturi Meter (Calculates Using Bernoulli’s
and Continuity Equation)

Calculations
Experiment 1
Qt = (0.98)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0.423-0.258)]1/2
= 3.8305 × 10-4 m3/s
= 22.983 L/min

Experiment 2
Qt = (0.98)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0. 401-0.314)]1/2
= 2.7815 × 10-4 m3/s
= 16.689 L/min

Experiment 3
Qt = (0.98)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0. 378-0.337)]1/2
= 1.9094 × 10-4 m3/s
= 11.4564 L/min

Experiment 4
Qt = (0.98)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0. 373-0.358)]1/2
= 1.1549 × 10-4 m3/s
= 6.9294 L/min

Experiment 5
Qt = (0.98)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0. 371-0.366)]1/2
= 6.6679 × 10-5 m3/s
= 4.0007 L/min
Calculation of Actual Flow Rates for Orifice Meter (Calculated Using Bernoulli’s
And Continuity Equation)

Calculations
Experiment 1
Qt = (0.63)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0.399-0.159)]1/2
= 2.9699 × 10-4 m3/s
= 17.8194 L/min

Experiment 2
Qt = (0.63)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0.386-0.263)]1/2
= 2.1261 × 10-4 m3/s
= 12.7566 L/min

Experiment 3
Qt = (0.63)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0.370-0.313)]1/2
= 1.4473 × 10-4 m3/s
= 8.6838 L/min

Experiment 4
Qt = (0.63)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0.370-0.350)]1/2
= 8.5732 × 10-5 m3/s
= 5.1439 L/min

Experiment 5
Qt = (0.63)(2.0106 × 10-4)[1-(2.0106 × 10-4/5.3093 × 10-4)2]-1/2[2(9.81)( 0.370-0.365)]1/2
= 4.2866 × 10-5 m3/s
= 2.5720 L/min
Sample Calculation for the Velocity of water flowing through the 90⁰ Elbow

Experiment Calculation
1 V = (254-227) / 9.82
= 2.7495 mm/s

2 V = (311-297) / 13.12
= 1.0671 mm/s

3 V = (333-325) / 17.22
= 0.4646 mm/s

4 V = (357-355) / 31.28
= 0.0639 mm/s

5 V = (366-365) / 61.72
= 0.0162 mm/s

Sample Calculation for

Experiment Calculations
1 = (2.7495mm/s) / 2(9810 mm/s2)
2

= 3.8531 × 10-4 mm
2 = (1.0671mm/s)2 / 2(9810 mm/s2)
= 5.8038 × 10-5 mm
3 = (0.4646mm/s)2 / 2(9810 mm/s2)
= 1.1002 × 10-5 mm
4 = (0.0639mm/s)2 / 2(9810 mm/s2)
= 2.0811 × 10-7 mm
5 = (0.0162mm/s)2 / 2(9810 mm/s2)
= 1.3376 × 10-8 mm
DISCUSSION
From the experiment, we successfully obtained the flow rate measurement with comparison of
pressure drop by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring techniques which is Venturi Meter and
Orifice Meter and Rotameter. We use flow rates from the rotameter as the parameter to gain to flow
rates for venturi meter and the orifice meter. Besides, we also determined the actual flow rates for the
water using the constant volume of 3L and the time taken for the water to be 3 L for each experiment.

COMPARISON OF FLOW RATES BETWEEN

THE FLOWMETERS
25
CALCULATED FLOW RATES, QACTUAL

20

15
Qactual
Qventuri
10
Qorifice

5 Qrotameter

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
QROTAMETER (L/MIN)

The graph shows that all the flow rates of the flowmeters increases as the flow rates of rotameter
increases. Although we set the flow rates of the rotameter to be the parameter of the experiment,
however the actual flow rates that we gain deviates from the rotameter flow rates. Besides, the flow
rates for venturi meter and orifice meter also deviate from the actual flow rates. This could be
happening due to the friction and the no-slip condition as water flows through each of the flowmeters.

Qventuri > QActual > QRotameter > Qorifice

 The graph shows that compared to orifice meter, venturi meter is more accurate since the
flow rate obtained from venture meter is closer to the actual value of flow rate. Owing to its
streamlined design, its gradual contraction and expansion prevent flow separation and swirling,
and it suffers only frictional losses on the inner wall surfaces. The meter is streamlined shape and
almost eliminates boundary-layer separation and thus form drag is assumed negligible.
the system has a gradual change in diameter. the flow streamline through the venture does not
have to drastically change direction like the orifice flowmeter and are not obstructed by a float
like the rotameter. Thus, the venturi meter causes very low head losses.

However, orifice meter has the simplest design and it occupies minimal space. The
sudden change in the flow area in the orifice meters causes considerable swirl and as
the velocity of the flow increases, the vena contracta decreases.The smaller the vena contracta
gets the greater the pressure difference, and thus the higher the energy loss and thus significant
head loss. In general, orifice meter have the highest minor loss coefficient, while venturi meter
have the lowest.

When looking for a flowmeter to use for a certain device, a rotameter should only be used
if a large drop in pressure is acceptable, as the energy loss for the rotameter was much higher
than the Venturi and orifice. A Venturi Flowmeter should be used if a large change in pressure
will damage the pipes. However, this flow meter is that it is large, difficult and expensive to
manufacture. Also, because of its large area, it is difficult to install in our pipeline. In contrast,
orifice meter is very inexpensive for it is just a flat plate and a thin orifice plate. It is also very
easy to install in the pipeline very inexpensive for it is just a flat plate and a thin orifice plate. It
is also very easy to install in the pipeline

Manufacturers of various equipment use different coefficients to characterize the

hydraulic performance of their devices, and these difference must be understood when applying
them to calculations involving piping systems.

When sizing a control valve, the minimum required flow coefficient is calculated based
on the design flow rate and expected pressure drop across the valve, and a valve is selected that
has a flow coefficient greater than the calculated value.

Why are the constants different? The answer is that the discharge coefficient for a given
valve is smaller for a liquid than it is for a gas due to the expansion of the gas as it passes
through the valve.
 Over the course of history, the scientific and engineering study involving fluid flow in
piping systems has resulted in developing different coefficients to characterize the hydraulic
performance of various devices that obstruct fluid flow. Because engineers view the hydraulic
performance of devices differently, mistakes can be made if the proper concepts and equations
are not applied correctly. These can be costly mistakes in sizing and selecting the wrong
equipment which can mean the difference between the system having sufficient pressure
relieving capacity or the system rupturing during a high pressure relief incident.

From the experiment, we could observe that the fluid passes through the 90⁰ elbow. The
component interrupt the smooth flow of the fluid and cause additional losses because of the flow
separation and mixing the component induced. A theoretical analysis is generally not plausible to
determine the minor losses. Therefore, experiment is carried out to determined the minor losses
which usually expressed in terms of the loss coefficient and resistance coefficient.
CONCLUSION
Knowing that, flowrate is quantity of a gas or liquid moving through a pipe which passes
per unit time; usually represented by the symbol Q. The SI unit is m3/s (cubic metres per
second). In this experiment, flowrate was measured by using orifice meter, venturi meter and the
rotameter. This measuring technique operation and characteristics are to be determined by
comparing pressure drop that will be calculated that related to the velocity of the fluid in the pipe
using the Bernoulli and Continuity equations.

From the data obtained, for the orifice meter high pressure drop is unrecovered this is due
to the flow rate is increased at the opening of the orifice plate and not much energy is lost but as
it flows through and starts slowing down, much of the excess energy is lost. Then as for the
rotameter, the energy losses were significantly higher than the Venturi and orifice flowmeters.
This high energy loss is due to the large drop in pressure due to friction.

For the venturi meter, the value obtained were closer to the actual flow rate this this is
due to lower pressure drop that results from its streamlined shape and almost eliminates
boundary-layer separation and thus form drag is assumed negligible. It has a converging and a
diverging part, Although, there may be some pressure loss in the converging part of the venturi
meter but in a properly designed venturi meter some percentage of pressure loss is attained back
in the diverging part of the meter. This meter is good for high pressure and energy recovery. To
be concluded, venture meter was more accurate compared to orifice meter and rotameter.
REFERENCE
Books
1) Kundu, Pijush K.; Cohen, Ira M. (2008), Fluid Mechanics (4th revised ed.), Academic Press
2) Applied Fluid Mechanics 7th Edition, Robert L. Street, Gary Z. Watters, John K. Vennard,
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
3) Applied Fluid Mechanics 5th Edition, Robert L. Mott, Prentice Hall.
4) Fluid Mechanics 4th Edition, Reynold C. Binder
5) Fluid Mechanics with applications, Anthony Esposito, Prentice-Hall International Inc.

Web
1) http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pber.html
2) http://www.omega.com/prodinfo/flowmeters.html
3) http://www2.emersonprocess.com/en-us/brands/rosemount/flow/dp-flow-products/compact-
orifice-flowmeters/pages/index.aspx
4) http://www.lmnoeng.com/venturi.php
5) http://www.lmnoeng.com/orifice.php
6) https://www.scribd.com/doc/96259752/SOLTEQ-Flowmeter-Measurement-Apparatus
 Authorize Person Initial Date Stamp
Approval Technician

Instructor

Allocated Marks for Technical/Executive report

Criteria Full Marks

Abstract 10
Objective 10
Data/Results/Calculation 20
Discussion 30
Conclusion 10
References 10
Overall structure/organization and Quality 10
TOTAL 100

Comments:
APPENDIX