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; ratometer, 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 10L and the time
taken for the water to reach until 10L 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

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LABORATORY REPORT : EXPERIMENT FLOWMETER MEASUREMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract 1
Table of Contents 2
1) Introduction 3
2) Objectives 4
3) Theory 5
4) Material and Apparatus 12
5) Methodology 13
6) Results 17
7) Calculations 20
8) Discussion 21
9) Conclusion 22
10) Recommendations 23
11) Reference / Appendix 24

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INTRODUCTION

SOLTEQ® Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101) apparatus 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 by 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 fluid flows through these devices. In short, the
apparatus allows following range of experiment to be carried out:

a) Direct 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.

c) Comparison of pressure drop against each device.

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OBJECTIVE

In this experiment, there are several different main objectives, which are 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. Besides, to investigate the loss
coefficient of fluid flow through 90 degree elbow. Other than that, to determine the total head
loss of fluid flow. Last but not least, to verify experimentally the validity of Bernoulli’s
equation for fluid flow.

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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.

Venturi Meter

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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, 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 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.

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In metering practice, this non-ideality is accounted by insertion of an experimentally
determined coefficient, Cd that is termed as the coefficient of discharge. With Z1 = Z2 in this
apparatus, 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

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figure below. Figure 7: 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
contracta. 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

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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.

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

depending on the context.

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,

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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 ∆h’.

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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.

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Material and Apparatus

Material:

1) Water

Apparatus:

1) Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101)

llo
ll1

l1
11
1
l
o
ll
k
m
o
k
k
m
k
m

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

3) Stop watch - determine the flowrate of the water

METHODOLOGY

6.1 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 fibre
glass 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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DATA AND RESULTS

Demonstration Of The Operation And Characteristis of Three Different Basic Types of

Flowmeter Venturi Meter

Manometer Reading (mm)

A B C D E F G H I J

241 240 230 235 236 238 238 215 225 224

265 260 227 247 254 256 256 210 208 205

307 297 225 270 283 293 291 176 181 176

345 327 210 285 305 320 319 15 135 125

Rotameter Volume Time (s) Flowrate, Flowrate calculated using

(L/min) (L) Q the Bernouli’s equation
(L/min) (L/min)

1 2 3 4 Venturi Orifice

5 3 35 34 33 34 5.29 6.97 6.48

10 3 18 18 19 18 10.00 12.95 9.16
15 3 12 11 12 12 15.00 19.03 14.49
20 3 8 9 9 9 20.00 24.42 23.55

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Determination of the loss coefficient when the fluid flows through a 90˚ elbow.

Volume (L) Time (s) Flowrate, Differential Velocity, V 𝑉𝑠2

Q (L/min) Piezometer (m/s) 2𝑔
Head, Δh’ (mm)
(mm)
1 2 3 Average Elbow (hi-hj)

3 35 34 33 34 5.29 225-224 = 1 0.166 1.0

3 18 18 19 18 10.00 208-205 = 3 0.315 5.0

3 12 11 12 11 15.00 181-176 = 5 0.471 11.0

3 8 9 9 9 20.00 135-125 = 0.627 20.0

10

 Calculating flowrate of fluid flowing through Venturi meter.

The following equation is being used to calculate the flowrate of fluid flowing through Venturi
meter.

𝐴𝑡 −1/2
𝑞 = 𝐶𝑑 𝑥 𝐴𝑡 𝑥 [1 − ( )] [2𝑔(ℎ𝐴 − ℎ𝐶 )]1/2
𝐴

𝐿
For 5 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑞 = 0.98(2.011 𝑥 10−4 [1

−1/2
2.011 𝑥 10−4 1/2
𝑚2 1000 𝐿 60 𝑠
− ( )] [2(9.81)(0.241 − 0.230)] ( ) ( )
5.309 𝑥 10−4 𝑠 𝑚2 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿
𝑞 = 6.97
𝑚𝑖𝑛

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 𝐿
For 10 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑞 = 0.98(2.011 𝑥 10−4 [1

−1/2
2.011 𝑥 10−4 1/2
𝑚2 1000 𝐿 60 𝑠
− ( )] [2(9.81)(0.265 − 0.227)] ( ) ( )
5.309 𝑥 10−4 𝑠 𝑚2 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿
𝑞 = 12.65
𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝐿
For 15 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑞 = 0.98(2.011 𝑥 10−4 [1

−1/2
2.011 𝑥 10−4 1/2
𝑚2 1000 𝐿 60 𝑠
− ( )] [2(9.81)(0.307 − 0.225)] ( ) ( )
5.309 𝑥 10−4 𝑠 𝑚2 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝐿
𝑞 = 19.03
𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝐿
For 20 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑞 = 0.98(2.011 𝑥 10−4 [1

−1/2
2.011 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 1000 𝐿 60 𝑠
− ( )] [2(9.81)(0.345 − 210)]1/2 ( )( )
5.309 𝑥 10−4 𝑠 𝑚 2 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿
𝑞 = 24.42
𝑚𝑖𝑛

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 Determine the head loss coefficient

𝑉2
𝛥𝐻 = 𝐾 𝑥
2𝑔

As being compare the general equation of straight line and the equation above, it shows that
the coefficient of head loss, K can be determine from the gradient of the graph. This shows that
the value of the head loss coefficient is 0.3194

Calculating flowrate of fluid flowing through orifice meter

The following equation is being used to calculate the flowrate of fluid flowing through orifice
meter.

𝐴𝑡 −1/2
𝑞 = 𝐶𝑑 𝑥 𝐴𝑡 𝑥 [1 − ( )] [2𝑔(ℎ𝐴 − ℎ𝐶 )]1/2
𝐴

𝐿
For 5 𝑚𝑖𝑛
−1/2
−4
2.011 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 1000 𝐿 60 𝑠
𝑞 = 0.63(2.011 𝑥 10 [1 − ( )] [2(9.81)(0.238 − 0.215)]1/2 ( )( )
5.309 𝑥 10−4 𝑠 𝑚 2 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿
𝑞 = 6.48
𝑚𝑖𝑛

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 𝐿
For 10 𝑚𝑖𝑛
−1/2
−4
2.011 𝑥 10−4 1/2
𝑚2 1000 𝐿 60 𝑠
𝑞 = 0.63(2.011 𝑥 10 [1 − ( )] [2(9.81)(0.256 − 0.210)] ( ) ( )
5.309 𝑥 10−4 𝑠 𝑚2 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿
𝑞 = 9.16
𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝐿
For 15 𝑚𝑖𝑛
−1/2
−4
2.011 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 1000 𝐿 60 𝑠
𝑞 = 0.63(2.011 𝑥 10 [1 − ( )] [2(9.81)(0.291 − 0.176)]1/2 ( )( )
5.309 𝑥 10−4 𝑠 𝑚 2 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿
𝑞 = 14.49
𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝐿
For 20 𝑚𝑖𝑛

−1/2
−4
2.011 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 1000 𝐿 60 𝑠
𝑞 = 0.63(2.011 𝑥 10 [1 − ( )] [2(9.81)(0.319 − 0.015)]1/2 ( ) ( )
5.309 𝑥 10−4 𝑠 𝑚2 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛

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DISCUSSION

From these experiments, we can see the three operations and characteristic of three different
types of flow meter which is venturi meter, orifice meter and variable area meter. We also
record all the readings during these experiments and we can see which one of the flow meter
give the accurate value. 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 10L and the time taken for the water to be 10 L for
each experiment.

In this experiment, we can see 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.

After conduct these experiments, we are able to determine the value of flow rate of three
flowmeter and the value of head loss coefficient. From the theory, the venturi meter has a low
head loss, continued by variable area meter and then orifice meter. So, from the results shown
from above data, we can say that this result is agreed with the theory.

After calculated the flow rates, we noticed that there must be some errors. It is because from
the theory, venturi meter is a more accurate than orifice and variable area meter. From the
calculation, we determine that orifice meter is more accurate than others. Actually, it should be
the venturi meter. We found that one of the major factors that affect the readings is the bubble
in pipeline. Besides that, the position of eyes also gives effect to the manometer reading.

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 determine the
minor losses which usually expressed in terms of the loss coefficient and resistance coefficient.

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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.

As a conclusion, we can say that the most accurate flow meter is a venturi meter because 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 but from this experiment, we determine
that the flow rate % error for venturi meter is higher than the orifice meter. From the theory,
the more efficiency of flow meter has a less flow rate % error, but we obtained higher error in
venturi data because there might be mistakes and error has done while we conducting the
experiment.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

For the first recommendation for this experiment is make sure that there is no bubble in the
pipeline. The existence of bubble may cause the less accuracy of flow meter We can used a
pen or screw driver to depress the staddle valve at the top right side of manometer board.
Depress staddle valve lightly to allow fluid and trapped air to escape out. Allow sufficient time
for bleeding to allowing all bubbles escape.

Next, when we take the readings from the manometer, it should be taken at the eye level which
is perpendicular to our eyes to avoid parallax error. We must avoid parallax error to get the
accurate data and result.

We also have to monitor the water level in the manometer board. If the water level in the
manometer board is too high where it is out of visible point, we need to adjust the water level
by using the staddle valve. With the maximum measureable flow rate, retain the maximum
readings on manometer. Then, we also need make sure there is no small particles in the fluid
because some of the devices are very sensitive to these particles.

Last but not least, 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.

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REFERENCES

 Laboratory manual 1, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM Malaysia

 Fluid mechanics, Fundamental and Applications, Yunus A. Cengel and John

M.Cimbala,Mc Graw Hill

 Applied Fluid Mechanics 7th Edition, Robert L. Street, Gary Z. Watters, John K.
Vennard, John Wiley & Sons Inc.

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APPENDIXES

Figure A.1 : Rotameter

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 Figure A.2 : Discharge Valve.

Figure A.3: Manometer tubes

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 Figure A.4: Venturi & Orifice

Figure A.5 : SOLTEQ® Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101)

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