CH 2100 Fluid Dynamics Fluid Lab 1

Determination of CD of Venturi meter and Orifice plate

Introduction

Measuring the flow is a crucial aspect in the process industry. Accurate flow measurements and controls
enable smooth and efficient operations. Numerous types of flow meters are available in the market, ranging
from simple differential pressure devices to complex electronic transducers.

Differential pressure devices include Venturi meter, Orifice plate and Pitot tube which are based on the
principle of the pressure drop across the meter is proportional to the square of the flow rate. It is estimated
that over 50% of all liquid flow measuring applications use differential type flow meters. Basically all
differential pressure devices have two elements, one of which makes a change of kinetic energy and the
other measures the differential pressure.

Theoretical approach

Bernoulli’s equation can be applied to both Venturi meter and Orifice meter
2 2
P1 V1 P V
+ + Z1 = 2 + 2 + Z 2
g 2 g g 2 g

Since the potential energy remains unchanged,

P1 − P2 V2 − V1
2 2

=
g 2g

According to the continuity of the flow

A1V1=A2V2

A1
V2 = V1
A2

2( P1 − P2 )
A2

Qtheoretical = --------------------------------------------- Equation 1
2
A 
1 −  2 
 A1 

However Q real and Q theoretical values are different.

--------------------------------------------- Equation 2
Q real = CD x Q theoretical
CH 2100 Fluid Dynamics Fluid Lab 1

Usually CD = 0.98 for venturi meter

CD = 0.63 for orifice plate

Equipment

FME18 manufactured by Edibon International, Spain, is used to demonstrate Venturi meter and Orifice
plate. The equipment consists of a Venturi meter, a Variable area flow meter and an Orifice plate.
Furthermore the equipment is shown in the following figure.

1. Outlet pipe
2. Flow control valve (VCC)
3. Orifice plate
4. Air inlet valve ( to be connected to the hand
pump)
5. Variable area flow meter
6. Eight bank manometer
7. Venturi meter
8. Pressure trapping

The followings are the technical specifications of Venturi meter and Orifice plate.

Venturi meter:

Upstream pipe diameter = 32 mm; A1=8.04x10-4 m2

Throat diameter =20mm; A2 =3.14x10-4 m2

Downstream taper =210 Upstream taper = 140

Orifice plate

Upstream pipe diameter= 35 mm; A1=9.62x10-4 m2

Orifice diameter=19mm; A2=2.83x10-4 m2

CH 2100 Fluid Dynamics Fluid Lab 1

Calculations

From equation 1 and 2,

2( P1 − P2 )
A2

Q real = CD 
2
A 
1 −  2 
 A1 

Y = m x X

Hence the gradient of the graph between Q real and K, directly gives CD.

ρ = 1000 kg/m3

Note: introduce correct units to the equation

Discussion

1. Plot the graphs of Qactual against √∆𝑃 and calculate CD values for the orifice plate and the venturi
meter.
2. Compare the results of two experiments and comment on the difference of CD value obtained for
venturi meter and orifice plate.