EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

EXPERIMENT 7
CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER
OBJECTIVES:
To be able to compare the volume of the water by measurement and by weight.
To be able to exercise and enhance knowledge on measuring and computing
pressure including its relation with the other parameters such as height density
and gravitational acceleration guided by the equation P=.
To learn how to read the readings on the water meter.
THEORY/HYPOTHESIS:
Volume tank for liquids ranges in sizes from the large cylindrical steel tanks
holding several thousand gallons down to the calibrated cubic-foot bottles and the
chemists burettes and graduates. Many types of gages and devices are used to
indicate the liquid level, such as floats, linkages, gage-glass scales, and hook gages.
Physical tank calibration or wet calibrating involves the measuring of the actual
volumetric capacity of the vessel. This measurement must be precisely correlated to
depth so that a pressure/depth/volume table can be generated for the specific tank
geometry.
A weighted-water calibration is usually the most accurate, and this is done by
introducing water into the tank to be calibrated in carefully weighted amounts, observing
the water temperature. Critical to this procedure is the accuracy of the measuring
devices employed. A precision volume container or calibrator (calibration can) is
recommended. This volume measure should be certified and traceable to NIST
(formerly NBS) standards or through state bureau of weights and measures (USA).
The volume of most liquids, including water, is dynamic with temperature. Since
the objective of the calibration procedure is to determine a precise volume profile of the
tank, volume must be standardized to temperature; this requires a fairly accurate
temperature measurement of the water being used in the calibration process.
Temperature should be measured both at the beginning and at the end of the process.
Cool water (40-60F) is best used in calibration, never use hot water for a tank
calibration.
Measurements of fluid-flow quantities, both rates and velocities, are frequently
required in engineering. Many methods are available for such measurements, and the
engineer should know the advantages and limitations of several common methods. A
flow meter can also be used for tank calibrations. However, it should be noted that flow
meters are most accurate when flow rates remain relatively constant. In some
instances, a throttling valve should be employed to help maintain this constant flow rate.
Flow-measuring devices generally fall into one of two categories: quantity meters
and rate meters. The distinction between the two is based on the character of the
primary element, i.e., the element that interacts with the fluid. The secondary element
translates the interaction into numbers and indicates or records the values. Quantity

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

measurements, by mass or volume, are usually accomplished by counting successive

isolated portions, whereas rate measurements are inferred from the effects of flow rate
on pressure, force, heat transfer, flow area, etc. it is frequently possible to obtain the
rate of flow from a quantity meter by a suitable choice of the secondary element.
Orifices, nozzles, and venturis are by far the most common flowmeters for use in
closed conduits. The measured differential pressure results from a conversion between
static and velocity pressure, for the most part, and can be calculated by the steady-flow
energy equation.
For ease of analysis, the fluid properties, system geometry, and flow
characteristics are simplified by assumption and the actual deviations are accounted for
with correction factors. In particular, the fluid is assumed to be incompressible (constant
density); the flow area upstream from the metering element is assumed to be large
enough so that the velocity is negligible; the effect of elevation changes are assumed to
be negligible; and the flow is assumed to be steady, one-dimensional (uniform velocity
profiles, adiabatic, and to have no shaft work exchange with its surroundings.

Figure 1: Sample Set up

The following equations may be used in this experiment:
m
1.
Mass Density of water, w w
Vw
2.

Weight Density or Specific Weight of water, w

Ww
Vw

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

3.

Specific Volume of water, w

Vw
, (can also be determined from the steam table
mw

using the temperature.

LIST OF APPARATUS
1. Water tank / drum Used for
storing water and other related
liquid.

2. Platform Balance - a platform

balance is a form of equal-arm
balance in which two flat
platforms are attached to the top
side of the beam, one at each
end. The weight of an object is
found using the equilibrium of
forces.
3. Set of Counter Weights- A
counterweight is an equivalent
counterbalancing weight that
balances a load. Counterweights
are often used in traction lifts
(elevators), cranes and funfair
rides.

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

4. Water Meter- Used for measuring

the

volume

of

water

flowing

across a specific fluid flow path.

5. Steel Tape/Meter Stick- A meter

stick is a large ruler used for
measuring size or distance using
the metric scale.

PROCEDURE
Volume Measurement
1. Measure the tare weight of the steel drum as well as its diameter and height.
2. Get the initial reading of the water meter connected from the water supply line.
3. For trial 1, fill up the drum at a certain level and get the final reading of the
water meter.
4. Measure the height of water inside the drum and get the weight using the
platform balance.
5. Calculate the volume by measurement and volume by weight and compare
them with that of the water meter reading.
6. For trial 2, repeat the procedure no. 2 and add water to the drum up to the
desired second level.
7. Obtain the final reading of the water meter.

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

8. For the rest of the trials, repeat the above procedures as indicated in the data
sheet.
SET-UP OF APPARATUS

A. Determination of Volume by Water Meter

The volume of water was set to 36L by recording the initial reading on the meter.
The flow of water was stopped when the difference between the final and initial reading
is already 36.

B. Determination of Volume by Weight

The weight of the tank was first recorded. The volume of water was computed by
dividing its mass by its density.

C. Determination of Volume by Measurement

The diameter of the tank and height of the water at a reference point were
recorded. The volume of the water in the tank was computed using these dimensions.

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

FINAL DATA SHEET

By Meter

By Weight

By Measurement

TRIAL

I.R

F.R

Volume(L)

I.R

F.R

Volume(L)

% Difference

I.R

F.R

Volume(L)

% Difference

525

561

36

17.2

52.8

33.1

8.06

0.13

32.6

9.44

561

597

36

52.8

86.6

33.8

6.11

0.13

0.265

33.84

597

633

36

86.6

119.8

33.2

7.78

0.265

0.4

33.85

5.97

633

669

36

119.8

156.6

36.8

2.22

0.4

0.535

33.84

669

705

36

156.6

191.4

34.8

3.33

0.535

0.675

35.11

2.47

Tare Weight = __17.2 kg___

Tank Calibration:
1 inch = 6.37 L
1 cm = 2.52 L
1 inch = 6.37 kg
1 cm = 2.52 kg

Diameter of Drum = __0.565 m__

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

SAMPLE COMPUTATION:
BY METER (TRIAL 1):
=
= 561 525
=

BY WEIGHT (TRIAL 1):

Volume
=
= 52.8 17.2 = 33.1
=

33.1
1

= .

Percent Difference
=

36 33.1
100% =
100 % = . %

36

BY MEASUREMENT (TRIAL 1):

Volume
=

(0.565)2
2
1000
(0.13 ) (
) = .
= =
4
4
3

Percent Difference
=

36 32.6
100% =
100 % = . %

36

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

CALIBRATION
1 inch
2.54
1000kg
2

) = .
= = = (0.565)2 (1 ) ( 100 ) (
4
4
1
m3
BUT: 1 kg water = 1 L water
6.37 kg = .

1 cm

= =

1
1000kg
)(
) = . = .
= (0.565)2 (1 ) (
4
4
100
m3

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

TEST DATA ANALYSIS

37

36

36

36

36

36
35.8

35.11
34.8

35

34

33

36

33.8
33.84

33.85

33.84

Actual (L)
By Weight (L)

33.2

33.1

By Measurement (L)

32.6
32

31

30
Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Trial 4

Trial 5

The chart above shows the results for the measurement of the volume of water
added on the water tank per trial. The blue line shows the actual reading of the water
meter (which is 36L per trial). The orange line shows the measured volume using the
change in weight of the water drum and the gray line portrays the result using the
change in height. According to the data, all of the data found in each trial has a lower
result as compared to the actual value. This can be due to the error that the group didnt
consider the water left on the hose when the water is being poured to the tank. Also,
another possibility is that the meter itself can be inaccurate. This can be proven by the
fact that the data gathered for both measurement by weight and height are almost the
same per trial.

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

The figure above shows the computed calibration for the given water tank in the
institute. This implies that per 1 inch change in height of water level, the tank gains 6.37
L and per 1 cm increase in water level, there is an increase of 2.52 L of water in the
tank. For water, 1L = 1 kg, therefore, the calibration is the same.

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

DISCUSSION
The experiment is all about calibration of water tanks through measurement of volume
of tanks. This experiment employed the use of various methods in volume
measurement. These methods include measurement of volume by the use of water
meter, measurement of volume by weighing water sample and measurement of volume
of the container. Moreover, we compared and contrast the validity and accuracy of the
yield results of each method.
Initially, we measured the basic dimensions of the tank. We measure the
diameter and then the height of the tank. We place the tank at the platform balance and
filled the tank with sufficient amount of water.

(LEFT) Measuring the

diameter. (RIGHT) Measure
the height of the tank.

In the measurement of volume by the use of water meter, we observed the

following, the water meter continuously register reading as the water flows. The
difference in the reading between the final and initial registered reading is the volume of
the tank water. This method is the most accurate method of measuring the volume of
tanks since the water is directly routed to a device which directly measures the volume
of water passing. Knowledge of how to read the water meter is important. The last red
digits indicate volumes in liters while the first black digits represent the measurement in
cubic meters. When the reading is in between the two numbers, choose the number that
already passed the indicator. As what our professor have said, the encoder of the water
companies that visit our homes every month only reads the values that passed already
the indicator.

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

In the measurement of volume by weight, I realized that the result of the readings
is inconsistent since the platform balance deviates in reading as the load applied is
increased. The level of the platform balance should also be observed because the
weight of the tank may not be leveled and not on the center that causes the percent
difference. As we have learned in the previous experiment, the analog or the
conventional platform balance is not very accurate but we use this because it can carry
and measure heavier load than the digital platform balance. Moreover, the calculations
are also inconsistent since the temperature factor was not applied in the experiment.
This inconsideration accounted for a slight difference from the conventional reading.
Remember, the density of water changes with temperature. In the calculations I used 1
kg/L.
In the volume measurement by dimension, we noted
the

following

observations.

The

accuracy

of

the

measurement is the basis for acceptable results. The height

reading is taken by measuring the distance from the bottom
of the drum to the surface of the water. I realized that the
procedure that we did causes an error on the data that we
have gathered. This is because when we submerge the
meter stick I the water, it occupies space in the water which
adds another volume to the water and causes the water to
rise. There is already an error that acquired.

Submerging the meter stick

in the water gave a
difference in the values.

Tank Calibration is the process of accurately determining the capacity or partial

capacities of a tank and expressing this capacity as a volume for a given linear
increment or height of liquid. In other words tank calibration also means measuring
storage tanks, horizontal bullets, spherical tanks, vats, casks, barges, ship tanks and
liquid bulk containers. These measurements provide the necessary dimensions for
calculation of calibration charts.

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

At its simplest, a calibration of any vessel requires knowledge of the nominal

dimensions of the vessel from which the volume may be calculated. For a water tank
this may be enough and you probably will not need to call in a specialist tank calibrator.
At the other end of the scale, if you are selling a product on the basis of tank
levels, a tank can be measured precisely and calculations can be made to take into
account factors such as hydrostatic expansion of the tank during filling and thermal
expansion of the tank shell in service.
A flow meter can also be used for tank calibrations. However, it should be noted
that flow meters are most accurate when flow rates remain relatively constant. In some
instances, a throttling valve should be employed to help maintain this constant flow rate.
Generally, water should only be metered out of the tank. This avoids any
problems that can occur with fluctuations in supply pressure during tank filling. The
changing differential between water supply pressure and backpressure due to
increasing depth will cause the effective flow rate to vary. This relationship is difficult to
predict if water supply pressure fluctuates during the procedure.
A throttle valve (if used) would be used to gently restrict the flow of water out of
the tank when beginning the process. As depth in the tank decreased, the valve could
be slowly opened more fully to maintain relatively constant flow. (Because the
hydrostatic pressure pushing water out of the tank is reduced as depth decreases, the
throttle valve helps to equalize the flow rate.)
It will still be helpful to utilize some type of volumetric standard even when
metering is employed. It can be used to prove the meters functional accuracy. A
calibrator or volume standard is especially
recommended for measuring the final draw-offs
from the tank or for a fill-back procedure.
Water
measuring

metering
water

use.

is

the

In

many

process

of

developed

countries water meters are used to measure the

13

Water meter in residential houses

EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

volume of water used by residential and commercial building that are supplied with
water by a public water supply system. Water meters can also be used at the water
source, well, or throughout a water system to determine flow through that portion of the
system. In most of the world water meters measure flow in Cubic meters (m3) or litters
but in the USA and some other countries water meters are calibrated in cubic feet (ft.3),
or US gallons on a mechanical or electronic register. Some electronic meter registers
can display rate-of-flow in addition to total usage. There are several types of water
meters in common use. Selection is based on different flow measurement methods, the
type of end user, the required flow rates, and accuracy requirements.
3 Types of Water Meters Explained
Among the types of water meters are those that differ in the method used to
measure water volume, and the flow control and measurement devices in the water
meter itself. Learn more about the 4 most common types of water meters below.
Type 1 - Displacement Water Meters
Displacement water meters measure how much water occupies a given space
over a preset time. The water flow displaces the measuring device according to the
volume of water in either gallons or cubic feet that passes through the meter. A piston or
a mutating disk controls the movement of a magnet that activates the water volume
register.
Type 2 - Positive Displacement Meters
Positive displacement meters or PD meters are the most common water meters
for homes and small businesses. They can measure small volumes of water at low flow
rates to a high degree of accuracy. The water pipes in displacement water meters range
from as small as 5/8 inch up to 2 inches in diameter. A displacement meter is made of
brass, high-impact plastic and stainless steel. The measurement register consists of a
clear plastic bubble over the odometer-type or LCD display gauge. For measurements
of less than 1/10 of a gallon, a sweep hand is also used on the measurement register.

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

These meters can also be installed in separate units of a condominium or apartment to

track individual water usage.
Type 3 - Velocity Meters
The speed at which the water moves is measured by velocity water meters. The
velocity through the meter's specific volume is measured and converted to units of
volume, either gallons or cubic feet. These meters can be calibrated to adjust the
accuracy of their measurement.
Types of Velocity-Based Water Meters
1. Single and Multiple-Jet Water Meters
Single and multiple-jet water meters use velocity to measure water volume. The
water flow turns an impeller which rotates at a known speed compared to the water
speed. These meters have internal strainer grids to prevent the jets from clogging with
particles in the water. They are used for low-volume applications as the impellers
cannot withstand high flow rates.
2. Turbine Water Meters
Turbine meters are used for water pipe diameters up to 12 inches across. They
are used for high-volume commercial sites such as factories and large office
complexes, and as control meters for sections of a town or city. Fire hydrant water
meters are also of this type.
3. Compound Water Meters
In circumstances where water flow can vary from high velocity to low, a
compound meter can accurately measure water usage. These have two measuring
components and a valve to control the flow rate to each. The turbine meter handles high
flow rates and a multi-jet meter gauges the lowest flow. The utility reader adds the totals
indicated on both meters to determine total water usage.
4. Electromagnetic and Ultrasonic Meters

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

A pair of electromagnets can measure water flow in or out of the system in a

"mag meter", based on fluid induction principles. Ultrasonic meters send sound waves
through water to measure its speed, and derive a water volume reading. These are
used in large-volume applications and for fluids other than water.

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1. What is the significance of the term inferential as applied to flowmeters?
Inferential in flowmeters is associated with the flow of fluid such as a drop
in static pressure at a restriction in a pipe, or the rotation of an impeller or rotor,
rather than measurement of the actual mass flow. Inferential flowmeters do not
measure volume, velocity or mass, but rather measure flow by inferring its value
from other measured parameters. Examples of flowmeter technologies that
measure inferentially include differential pressure (orifices, venturi, nozzles),
target and variable area flowmeters
2. Certain flowmeters are known as variable head meters. Explain clearly what is
meant by the designation variable head.
The variable head meters work on the principle that a variation of the flow
rate through a constriction with a constant cross-sectional area causes a
pressure drop suffered by the fluid as it flows through the constriction. The
pressure drop is related to the flow rate, and hence variations of the pressure
drop can be used to measure variations in the flow rate. The most common
examples of variable head meters used in industry are the venturi meter and the
orifice meter.
3. What is meant by the primary element of certain types of flowmeters?
A primary element is the element of a flow meter that serves to indicate
the quantity or velocity of flow. For example, in the case of an orifice flow meter,
the differential pressure across the orifice plate is the primary flow element. A
turbine meter is equipped with a magnetic pickup that senses the proximity of the
turbine blades as the fluid motion causes the turbine to spin; this pickup is the
primary flow element for a turbine meter. Diaphragm meters and other positive
displacement meters are equipped with a crank shaft, the rotation of which acts
as the primary flow element
4. What is meant by the term discharge coefficient of a flowmeter?

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

The discharge coefficient is the ratio of the mass flow rate at the discharge
end of the nozzle to that of an ideal nozzle which expands an identical working
fluid from the same initial conditions to the same exit pressures.
5. What is meant by the term vena contracta?
It is the area of the contraction of the flow of the water when it is
discharged from an orifice.
6. Give the classification of flow meters.
Flowmeters are classified into many types:
a. Positive Displacement or Vollumetric Flowmeter - measures the volume of the
passing fluid directly by impellers, vanes and gears.
b. Differential pressure Flowmeter inferentially measures the volume of a
passing fluid by analyzing the pressures and forces acting over the devices.
c. Variable area flow meter measures the pressure of the fluid by constriction of
the flow area of the fluid.
d. Target or Momentum Flowmeter measures the internal forces of the fluid
particles by pacing a target plate where fluid forces will act.
h. Ultrasonic Flowmeter uses the effect of motion of a sound source and its
effect on the frequency of the sound to determine the fluid properties.
h. Thermal Flowmeter - thermal mass flowmeter operates independent of
density, pressure, and viscosity. It obtains thermal reception of the fluid through
receptors.
i. Mass Flow Meter - measure the mass flow rate directly.
7. All volumetric flowmeters that are subjected to high head pressure should be
protected by what type of valve?

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

Check valves are one of the best suitable valves that can be used to
protect volumetric flowmeters. A check valve or one-way valve is a mechanical
device, a valve, which normally allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through it in
only one direction.
8. Why is it necessary to blow steam after each run when the liquid metered is hot?
Yes. In order to prevent thermal deformation on the meter (which will
cause error in reading the flow of hot liquid), blowing of steam is required. This
ensures that the meter is cool and its components are not thermally stressed.
9. Why is a draw-off connection needed in the piping manifold when installing
volumetric flow meters?
In order to prevent unnecessary wastage of water and interruption of
water supply during the installation of a flowmeter, a draw-off connection is used.
It is simply an alternate route to where flowing water can pass.

10. What is the difference between an orifice and a nozzle?

An orifice is simply a bore or a hole on a fluid reservoir where fluids can
flow out. It is commonly situated below the water level. Meanwhile a nozzle is an
extension with an orifice on its mouth, to where the fluids can flow out. It can be
situated below the fluid level, or above the fluid level (which will require a pump
to operate).

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

CONCLUSION
For this experiment, the group was given 3 objectives, namely: to compare the
volume of the water by measurement and by weight; to be able to exercise and
enhance knowledge on measuring and computing pressure including its relation with
the other parameters such as height density and gravitational acceleration guided by
the equation P= and to learn how to read the readings on the water meter.
During the course of the activity, the group used to test in order to measure the
volume of water flowing into the tank. It was observed that the results for both
measurement and weight are almost coherent with one another, proving the validity of
the results. Also, the group compared the readings of the water meter with the data
gathered through the tests. According to the data, the reading on the water meter is
much higher compared to what the group has recorded for the first part. Possible
sources of error for this are the inaccuracy on the tests and the flaw of the water meter
itself.
To know the calibration for the water tank, the group made use of the concept
that pressure is dependent on the height of the fluid and gravitational acceleration or P
= . It was noticed, that when considering water, 1 kg = 1L.

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

RECOMMENDATION
Since the main source of error for this experiment is the inaccuracy of the
students while conducting the test, it is recommended that the procedure to be carefully
instructed by the facilitator.

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

REFERENCE
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/3-types-of-water-meters-explained#b
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/flow-meters-d_493.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_metering
https://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm/event/getFactSheet/whichfactsheet/4/

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EXP 7: CALIBRATION OF WATER TANK AND WATER METER

PRELIMINARY DATA SHEET

23