PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

University of the City of Manila

College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

INTRODUCTION
An orifice plate is a device used for measuring flow rate, for reducing pressure or for
restricting flow (in the latter two cases it is often called a restriction plate). Either a volumetric or
mass flow rate may be determined, depending on the calculation associated with the orifice plate.
It uses the same principle as a Venturi nozzle, namely Bernoulli's principle which states that
there is a relationship between the pressure of the fluid and the velocity of the fluid. When the
velocity increases, the pressure decreases and vice versa.

Figure 1: Pipe Orifice

The working principle of an orifice is no different from that of a venture meter. An

orifice plate is fundamentally a plate with a hole machined through it which is inserted into a
pipe. As flow passes through the hole it produces a pressure difference across the hole (some of
which is recovered). The plate must be sufficiently thin that over the range of permitted thickness
its thickness does not affect the discharge coefficient but thick enough not to be distorted by the

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 1

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

forces imposed by the pressure difference. The pressure difference is proportional to the square
of the flowrate (mass or volume).

The hole may be of any shape if the discharge coefficient is determined by calibration. A
few shapes and designs have been produced for which the discharge coefficient can be predicted.
Of these only for a round sharp-edged centrally located hole are there sufficient data to allow
prediction of flowrate with an uncertainty which is low enough to use for trade in the most
valuable fluids.

MECHANISMS OF AN ORIFICE METER

An orifice plate is a thin plate with a hole in it, which is usually placed in a pipe. When a
fluid (whether liquid or gaseous) passes through the orifice, its pressure builds up slightly
upstream of the orifice but as the fluid is forced to converge to pass through the hole, the velocity
increases and the fluid pressure decreases. A little downstream of the orifice the flow reaches its
point of maximum convergence, the vena contracta (see drawing to the right) where the velocity
reaches its maximum and the pressure reaches its minimum. Beyond that, the flow expands, the
velocity falls and the pressure increases. By measuring the difference in fluid pressure across
tappings upstream and downstream of the plate, the flow rate can be obtained from Bernoulli's
equation using coefficients established from extensive research

In general, the mass flow rate is measured in kg/s across an orifice can be described
as

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 2

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

where:

= coefficient of discharge, dimensionless, typically between 0.6

and 0.85, depending on the orifice geometry and tappings
= diameter ratio of orifice diameter t o pipe diameter,
dimensionless
= expansibility factor, 1 for incompressible gases and most liquids,
and decreasing with pressure ratio across the orifice, dimensionless
= internal orifice diameter under operating conditions, m
= fluid density in plane of upstream tapping, kg/m³
= differential pressure measured across the orifice, Pa

The overall pressure loss in the pipe due to an orifice plate is lower than the measured

pressure usually by a factor of

For the orifice diameter of equal or less than 1/5 that pipe diameter the following
Equation holds.

where:
Vo = velocity of the fluid
Co = coefficient of the orifice

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 3

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

gc = acceleration due to gravity

H = head in (m)

For the approximate or preliminary design, however, it is satisfactory to use an equation

as follows:

where:
Vo = velocity through the orifice
β = ratio of the orifice diameter to pipe diameter
Pa , Pb = pressure at station a and b in figure 5 – 1.

Note Co which is always determined experimentally and varies considerably with

changes in and with Reynold’s number at the orifice. This Reynolds number is determined by:

where:
Do = Orifice Diameter

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 4

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Under these conditions, Co may be taken as 0.61. Furthermore, If less than 0.25 1 - D4
differ negligibly from unity and equation (2) becomes:

The mass flowrate m is given by:

For the cross-sectional area of the orifice, So equations gives:

where: Da = Diameter of the pipe

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 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

Figure 2: Pipe Orifice

As the fluid flows through the orifice plate the velocity increases, at the expense of
pressure head. The pressure drops suddenly as the orifice is passed. It continues to drop until the
“vena contracta” is reached and then gradually increases until at approximately 5 to 8 diameters
downstream a maximum pressure point is reached that will be lower than the pressure upstream
of the orifice. The decrease in pressure as the fluid passes thru the orifice is a result of the
increased velocity of the fluid passing through the reduced area of the orifice. When the velocity

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 6

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

decreases as the fluid leaves the orifice the pressure increases and tends to return to its original
level. All of the pressure loss is not recovered because of friction and turbulence losses in the
stream. The pressure drop across the orifice increases when the rate of flow increases. When
there is no flow there is no differential. The differential pressure is proportional to the square of
the velocity, it therefore follows that if all other factors remain constant, then the differential
pressure is proportional to the square of the rate of flow.

Operating Conditions:

1. Operating environment: Laboratory environment

2. Storage temperature range: –25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport)
3. Operating temperature range: +5°C to +40°C

Specification:

1. Nett dimensions: 720 mm x 520 mm x 470 mm

2. Packed dimensions and weight: 0.18 m3 and 15 kg
3. Maximum head: 365 mm
4. Maximum flow rate: Nominally 13 litres per minute
5. Operating relative humidity range: 80% at temperatures <31°C decreasing linearly to
50% at 40°C

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 7

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

PARTS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ORIFICE METER APPARATUS

1 3
3
2 1
4
4

1. Manometer 5. Flow Dissipatpor

2. Pitot Tube 6. Outlet
3. Inlet 7. Leg Support
4. Overflow Pipe

Manometer - an instrument for measuring the pressure of a fluid,

consisting of a tube filled with a liquid, the level of the liquid being
determined by the fluid pressure and the height of the liquid being
indicated on a scale.

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 8

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Pitot Tube - an instrument for measuring fluid velocity,consisting

of a narrow tube, one end of which is open and facesupstream, the
other end being connected to a manometer.

Inlet – the junction where the water enters the apparatus

Overflow Pipe - prevents the glass cylinder to overflow.

Flow Dissipator - this is where the orifice plate is found, the taps
inside dissipate the flow and thus a change in pressure occurs.

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 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Outlet - this is where the fluid that flows within the apparatus
exits. This is connected to a weigh tank of the hydraulic bench.

Leg support - support the apparatus and enables the appropriate

levelling of the apparatus to the bench supply valve.

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 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

EXPERIMENT ON ORIFICE METER APPARATUS

Calibration of an Orifice Meter

Objectives:

o To explore the use of an orifice meter and manometer for predicting fluid discharge
through a pipe.
o Determine the uncertainty (using least squares analysis) in the measured values of K,
assuming that the uncertainty in K results from uncertainty in both the manometer
readings and the information used to determine discharge.

Equipment:

The apparatus consisted of a pipe equipped with an orifice meter, a differential mercury
manometer, and a discharge control valve. A pump at the upstream end of the apparatus supplied
energy to the water in the pipe to make high flow rates possible. A calibrated measuring tank,
used to measure water volume, was located at the pipe outlet. A digital stopwatch was used to
measure time.

Procedure:

1. Close all operating valves.

2. Turn on the pump that supplies water to the pipe with the orifice meter.
3. Open the valve on the discharge side of the pump.
4. With no flow in the pipe loop, open the appropriate manometer valves and adjust the
manometer reading to show zero pressure drop.
5. Adjust the flow in the pipe by opening the valve at the measuring tank. At this time the
flow is diverted directly into the lower reservoir.
6. Divert the water into the measuring tank and measure the time required for a specific
volume of water to accumulate.

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 11

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

7. Record the following:

o water levels at the start of the timed period and at the end of the period,
o the time interval,
o and the observed manometer reading.
8. Collect data for 10 to 15 different discharges.

Theory:

Discharge in a pipe can be measured with an orifice meter composed of an orifice plate and a
manometer. The orifice causes a pressure loss across the plate that increases as flow increases.
The manometer provides a means of measuring the pressure loss and predicting the flow.

According to Potter and Wiggert (1997) the fundamental discharge relationship for an orifice
meter is

Here the pipe discharge Q (m3/s) depends on an orifice coefficient K, the orifice area Ao (m2),
the gravitational constant g and the pressure-head drop. In Eq. 1 the pressure-head drop is
determined by the product R(S-1) where R is the manometer reading in meters and S is the
specific gravity of the manometer fluid. The derivation of Eq. 1 depends on three assumptions:

1. The Bernoulli Equation applies to this situation.

2. The pressure measured at the side of the pipe downstream of the orifice plate provides an
accurate means of determining the pressure at the center line of the pipe at that cross
section.
3. Coefficients can be introduced into the equation to compensate for the following:
o that the conditions required for application of the Bernoulli Equation are not met;
o that the pressure at the downstream pressure tap does not allow accurate
determination of fluid pressure on the central streamline at that cross section.

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 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Experiments have shown that the coefficient K depends on two dimensionless numbers—the
ratio of the orifice and pipe diameters (Do/D), and the Reynolds number Re of the flow. For any
fixed diameter ratio, K only depends on the Reynolds number of the flow and tends to a constant
value at large Reynolds numbers. As the diameter ratio increases, the variation in K with
Reynolds number increases. Eq. 1 may be used to predict flow without calibrating the specific
meter if the meter is constructed and operated according to established criteria. In this case K
must be obtained from published relationships.

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 13

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

INSTALLATION AND SERVICING INSTRUCTION

Installation Instruction
The apparatus is delivered assembled and should be checked for transit damage upon receipt. To
install the apparatus:
a.) Remove the transit wire from the glass rotameter. To do this:
o Slacken the “U” bolt and hose clips at the top of the rotameter.
o Remove the blot securing the flow control valve.
Lift the control valve, elbow and Perspex assembly from the rotameter.
o Remove the wire and fix the assembly back in position.
b.) Connect the supply hose from the Hydraulic Bench to the inlet end of the apparatus.
Secure with the hose clips provided.
o Note that the apparatus control valve is on the downstream side.
c.) Connect a second hose to the outlet end of the apparatus and direct the free end into the
hole in the center of the Bench.
d.) Check that the air purge valve is tightly closed.
e.) Open the control valve on the apparatus to approximately a third of its fully open
position.
f.) Switch on the bench and allow water to fill the apparatus.
o To aid air removal, tilt the rotameter end of the apparatus.
g.) Adjust the control valve on the apparatus until the water level in the manometer tube
nearest the rotameter is just on the zero mark of the scale.
o To dislodge entrained air in the manometer tubes gently tap the tubes with the
fingers.
h.) Gradually increase the flow rate to maximum keeping all water levels within the scale
length.
o It may be found helpful to couple a bicycle pump to the purge valve and
manipulate accordingly to contain all water levels within the scale.

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 14

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

i.) Tighten the purge valve and check that the water are steady.
o A steady rise in levels will be seen if the purge valve is leaking. If tightening does
not stop the leak replace the seal in the valve.
j.) Check that the tube ferrules and the top manifold are free from water blockage.
o Ferrules blockage will suppress the water level. Ferrules can be cleared with a
sharp burst of pressure from the bicycle pump.
o If blockage were suspected in the course of an experiment, the experiment may
have to be repeated again after releasing the blockage.

Routine Care and Maintenance

o When not in use water should not be allowed to stand in the apparatus for long periods.
o After use, the apparatus should be fully drained and dried externally with a lint-free cloth.
o If the control valve shows signs of leaking, the procedure for checking and inspecting is
as detailed for the Service and Installation of Hydraulic Bench Section.
o If the plastic manometer tubes become discolored a stain and Deposit Remover is
available. See “the Removal and Prevention of Scale” section.

Prevention and Removal of Scales

Prevention of Scales
Scale can be caused by impurities in the water depositing on the inside of the Hydraulics
apparatus. This is particularly noticeable to plastic manometer tubes where the water is
essentially static and impurities can deposit on its walls.
To prevent scale forming in the hydraulics apparatus, it is recommended that “stain and
deposit prevention solution” be added to the water supply e.g. Hydraulic Bench sump tank.
o The solution is especially desirable in hard water areas.
* This is available ex-stock from tecquipment Limited, or accredited agents.

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 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Removal of Scales
If excessive deposits do form in the manometer tubes, a “stain and deposit Remover” solution
can be used to clean it.
o Do not allow any of this fluid to contact paintwork. Any droplets should be removed
immediately with a cloth and the area washed with clean water.
o This solution must also not be allowed to be in contact with tin or zinc components. It
will react with these metals and leave a black deposit on them.
o This solution will not remove natural discoloration of plastic manometer tubing
which can occur after many years of service.

To clean out chalky deposits:

a.) Position the apparatus over a water drainage area in the laboratory. Ensure that a main
water supply is near at hand so that the apparatus can eventually be thoroughly washed
out.
b.) Drain all water from the apparatus.
c.) If possible tilt the apparatus onto its back.
d.) Remove the purge valve from the manometer manifold.
e.) Connect a short length of plastic tubing onto the screwed end of the manifold.
f.) Connect a small funnel to the plastic tubing and pour in the stain and deposit remover.
o It is recommended that for economical use of the remover fluid, only the
manometer tubes over the scale length need be filled with fluid.
g.) Leave the fluid in the tube for 3 to 4 hours.
h.) Drain all remover fluid via funnel.
i.) Close the outlet valve of the apparatus.
j.) Connect the main supply to the inlet end of the apparatus.
k.) Thoroughly wash out the equipment, allowing water to drain through the funnel.

CHE 511.1 | Series/Parallel Pump | Dionisio – Mendoza - Saya 16

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

H4 TecQuipment Flow through an Orifice Apparatus

TecQuipment’s Flow through an Orifice apparatus allows

students to measure:
 Decrease in flow
 Contraction of the stream
 Energy loss

They find these measurements as water leaves an orifice.

Students can also use the apparatus to study different shapes of

orifice (extra orifices are available separately).

The apparatus works with either of TecQuipment’s hydraulic

benches (H1 or H1D, available separately) and stands on the hydraulic bench worktop. The
equipment has a transparent cylindrical tank, with a mounting in the base for different orifices.
TecQuipment supplies the apparatus with a sharp-edged orifice already mounted.

Water flows into the tank from the hydraulic bench through an adjustable diffuser. The flow rate
and an overflow pipe set the water level. To change the level in the tank (and so the head on the
orifice), students adjust the flow to the diffuser. Water leaves the tank through the orifice. The jet
that leaves the orifice discharges into the hydraulic bench measuring tank.

Standard Features:

o Direct measurement of total head, head loss and diameter of jet

o Vertical water jet
o Integral Pitot traverse tube

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 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
University of the City of Manila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

o Sharp-edged orifice included

o Sets of additional interchangeable orifices available (H4a)
o Works with TecQuipment’s gravimetric or volumetric hydraulic benches for easy
installation

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