1) ABSTRACT

The experiment of Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus is carried out to measure the flow
rate measurement by using three basic types of flow measuring techniques which are rotameter,
venturi meter and orifice meter.and to detrmine the loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree
elbow. The experiment is carried out by adjust the flowrate of rotameter and collect the volume
of 3 L water and record the time taken for collect the water. The reading of hA to hJ is noted. The
venturi and orifice flowrate is calculated using Bernoullis equation. For the second experiment
reading of hI and hJ is noted. A graph was constructed to determine the loss coefficient, K. The
result showed that the flowrate of venturi is higher than rotameter flowrate and orifice flowrate.
From the first experiment; at rotameter flowrate = 5 L/min, venturi flowrate showed 8.004 L/min
and orifice flowrate showed 5.636 L/min. The last part in this experiment is where the loss
coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbows. A graph was constructed by using the value of
different in elbow hI and hJ and calculated V2/2g. The gradient from the graph showed m = 1.0.
The objectives of the experiment are achieved. The flow rate of three basic types of flow
measuring techniques; rotameter, venturi and orifice were obtained and the loss coefficient when
the fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow was determined.

2) INTRODUCTION
The Flow meter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101) or SOLTEQ
Flowmeter 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. Thisfeature allows students to calculate the total head loss and loss
coefficient when fluid flowsthrough 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

3) OBJECTIVE
Based on this experiment, the main objectives of this experiment is 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. Then, we need to plot graph of piezometer head against velocity head to find
the value of loss coefficient, K.
to plot graph of H against
Last but not least, to verify experimentally the validity of Bernoullis equation for fluid
flow.

4) 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
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.

First, assume incompressinble flow and no frictional loses by using Bernoullis Equation

p1 v 21
p v2
+ +Z 1= 2 + 2 + Z 2 --------------------(1)
2g
2g

Use of the continuity equation Q= A1 V 1= A2 V 2 , equation (2) becomes

[ ( )]

p1 p 2
V
A
+ Z1 Z 2= 2 1 2

2g
A1

(2)

Ideal
2 1
2

[ ( )] [

A
Q= A1 V 2= A 2 1 2
A1

p p
2 g 1 2 +Z 1Z 2

)]

1
2

--------(3)

But 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 of discharge. With Z 1=Z 2 in this apparatus, equation 3 becomes

2 1
2

[ ( )] [

A
Actual Q=Cd A 2 1 2
A1

P P2
2g 1

)]

1
2

------(4)

Therefore,
2 1
2

[ ( )] [ (

A
q=C d At 1 t
A

P P 2
2g 1

)]

1
2

-----(5)

Where:
Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.98)
Throat diameter (D2) = 16 mm
Inlet diameter (D1) = 26 mm
Throat area (At) = 2.011 x 10-4 m2
Inlet area (A) = 5.309 x 10-4 m2
g = 9.81 m/s2
Density of water () = 1000 kg/m3
Inlet pressure (P1) = Pa
Throat pressure (P2) = Pa

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.

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

2 1
2

[ ( )] [

A
Actual Q=Cd A 2 1 2
A1

P P2
2g 1

)]

1
2

------(5)

The coefficient of discharge, Cd in the case of orifice meter

2 1
2

[ ( )]

A
Q=C d A t 1 t
A

[ 2 g ( hGhH ) ] 2 -----(6)

Where :

Cd

Coefficient of discharge (0.63)

At

Orifice Area = 2.011 x 10-4 m2

Orifice Upstream Area = 5.309 x 10-4 m2

hG h H

Pressure difference across orifice (m)

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

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.
H = KV2 / 2g (7)

Where,
K = Coefficient of losses
V = Velocity of flow
g = 9.81 m/s2

10

5) APPARATUS
1) Hydraulic bench to allow water by time volume collection to be measured.
2) Stop watch determine the flowrate of water.
3) Flow meter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101)

2
3
4

11

9
8

1) MANOMETER TUBE

6) ROTAMETER

2) DISCHARGE VALVE

7) 90o ELBOW

3) WATER OUTLET

8) ORRIFICE

4) WATER SUPPLY

9) VENTURI

5) STADDLE VALVE

MATERIAL

1) WATER

6) PROCEDURE
General Start-up Procedures
1) The flow control valve of hydraulic bench was fully closed and the discharge
valve was fully opened.
12

2) The discharge hose was ensuring to be directed to volumetric tank of

fiberglass before starting up system. Also the volumetric tank drain valve was
ensuring to be left opened to allow discharge back into sump tank.
3) The pump was started up. The bench valve was slowly opened. Water will
flow from hydraulic bench through to the flow apparatus and discharge
through into the volumetric tank of hydraulic bench and then was drained
back into sump of hydraulic bench.
4) The flow control valve was opened. When the flow in the pipe is steady and
there was no trapped bubble, the bench valve was started to close to reduce
the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
5) The water level in the manometer board will begin to display different level of
height.
6) The flow was slowly reduced by controlling the flow discharge valve of
apparatus.
7) The water level in the manometer board will begin to level into a straight
level.

Demonstration of the operation and characteristic of three different basic types of flowmeter.
1) Apparatus was placed on bench, the inlet pipe was connected to bench supply
and outlet pipe was connected into volumetric pipe.
2) When the bench valve was fully closed and the discharge valve was fully
opened, the pump supply from hydraulic bench was started up.
3) The bench valve was slowly opened until it was fully opened.
4) When the flow in the pipe was steady and there was no trapped bubble, the
bench valve was started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum
measurable flow rate.
5) By using the air bleed screw, the water level in the manometer board was
adjusted. Maximum readings on manometer were retained with the maximum
measurable flow rate.
6) Readings on manometer (A-J), rotameter and measured flow rate was noted.
7) Step 6 was repeated for different flow rate. The flow rates can be adjusted by
utilizing both bench valve and discharge valve.

13

Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow.
1) Apparatus was placed on bench, the inlet pipe was connected to bench supply
and the outlet pipe was connected into volumetric pipe.
2) The bench valve was fully closed and when the discharge valve was fully
opened, the pump supply from hydraulic bench was started up.
3) The bench valve was fully slowly opened until it was fully opened.
4) When the flow in the pipe was steady and there was no trapped bubble, the
bench valve was started to close to reduce the flow to the maximum
measurable flow rate.
5) By using air bleed screw, the water level in the manometer board was
adjusted. Maximum readings on manometer were retained with the maximum
measurable flow rate.
6) Readings on manometers (I and J) and measure flow rate were noted.
7) Step 6 was repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by
utilizing both bench valve and discharge valve.
General Shut-down procedures.
1) The water supply valve and venturi discharge valve were closed.
2) The water supply pump was turned off.
3) Water from the unit was drained off when not in use.

7) RESULT
14

Manometer reading (mm)

Rotamete
r, (l/min)

Vol.,
(l)

Time,
(min)

Flowrate
,Q
(l/min)

Flowrate
calculated using
Bernoullis
Equation (l/min)
Ventur
Orifice
i

179

171

159

160

152

149

144

120

129

128

0.44

6.82

8.004

5.636

257

251

216

237

242

246

244

159

190

189

10

0.24

12.50

11.459

10.607

284

272

200

246

257

268

266

84

156

153

15

0.18

16.67

16.402

15.521

334

313

196

272

291

303

306

122

116

20

0.13

23.08

21.024

20.060

Table 7.1: Table of demonstration of the operation and characteristic of three different basic
types of flow meter.

Differential Piezometer Head,

Volume
(L)

Time
(sec)

Flowrate, Q
(l/min)

h'

Elbow
3
3
3

26.4
14.4
10.5

6.82
12.50
16.67

(mm)

V (m/s)

V2/2g
(mm)

0.214
0.392
0.523

2.334
7.832
13.94

h I h J
)

1
1
3

Table 7.2: Table of loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow

15

8) CALCULATION
For rotameter 5 L/min

Sample calculation for actual flow

Flow rate, Q (L/min) =

Volume ( L)
time(min)

= 3 L/0.44 min
= 6.82 L/min

The coefficient of discharge, Cd for venturi meter.

2 g (h A hC ) 1/ 2
1
At 2 2

A
1
Q=Cd x At x

Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.98)

Throat area (At) = 2.011 x 10-4 m2
Inlet area (A) = 5.309 x 10-4 m2
g = 9.81 m/s2
Density of water () = 1000 kg/m3
HA = manometer reading at A
Hc = manometer reading at C

Q = 0.98 x 2.011 x 10-4 m2 x [1- (2.011 x 10-4 m2 / 5.309 x 10-4 m2)2 ]-1/2 [2(9.81 m/s2) (0.179m0.159m]1/2 m3/s x [ 60s/1 min x 1000 L/ 1m3]
Q =8.004 L/min

16

The coefficient of discharge, Cd for orifice meter.

2 g (hG h H )1/ 2
1
At 2 2

A
1
Q=Cd x At x

Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.98)

Throat area (At) = 2.011 x 10-4 m2
Inlet area (A) = 5.309 x 10-4 m2
g = 9.81 m/s2
Density of water () = 1000 kg/m3
HG = manometer reading at G
HH = manometer reading at H
Q = 0.63 x 2.011 x 10-4 m2 x [1- (2.011 x 10-4 m2 / 5.309 x 10-4 m2)2 ]-1/2 [2(9.81 m/s2) (0.144m0.120m]1/2 x [ 60s/1 min x 1000 L/ 1m3]
Q = 5.636 L/min

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

V=

Q
2
d
4

17

From the first reading, Q was obtained which

Flow rate, Q (L/min) =

Volume (L)
time(min)

= 3 L/0.44 min
= 6.82 L/min

Q=6.82

L
1 min 0.001 m3

x
min 60 s
1L

= 1.137 x 10-4 m3/s

3 2

26 x 10

4
1.137 x 104
V=

V = 0.214 m/s

To calculate

V2
2g

2
V 2 ( 0.214 m/s )
1000 mm
=

2
2 g 2(9.81 m/s )
1m

= 2.334 mm

18

9) 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
Rotameter, Venturi Meter and Orifice Meter. 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.

19

25

20
Qactual

Linear (Qactual)

Linear (Qactual)

Linear (Qventuri)

Qoriffice

Qrotameter

Linear (Qrotameter)

15

calqulated flow rate, Q

Qventuri

10

5
Linear (Qoriffice)
0

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

Rotameter (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 venture 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.
QActual > QRotameter > Qventuri > Qorifice

20

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

21

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 90 elbow. The
component interrupt the smooth flow of the fluid and cause additional losses because of the flow
22

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.

We succeessfully investigate the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 elbow.
The loss coefficient can be obtained directly from the slope of the graph of graph H against

Vs
2g

23

Graph of H againts V2/2g

16
14

f(x) = 4.43x + 0.65

12
10

Differential piezometer head (mm)

8
6
4
2
0
0.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

V2/2g (mm)

The graph shows that the differential piezometer head increases as the value of V2/2g
increases. Therefore, H is increasing linearly with the V2/2g . From the slope of the graph, we
obtained the loss coefficient where K = 4.4285

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 used in this experiment, only two piezometers are used , one placed upstream
and the other downstream of the fitting, at sufficient distances to avoid severe disturbances.

24

10)

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.

25

11)RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on this experiment, there are many ways to improve the experiment and obtain the
best results. Firstly before we run the experiment, we must study the manual lab that have been
given to us. So, we can run the experiment smoothly and fully understand the unit and
procedures. We also can improve our skill and knowledge to ensure that experiment can be done
smoothly.
Besides, we have to ensure that there is no air bubbles for better accuracy and to avoid readings
error. 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.
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.

26

12)

REFERENCES

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/compactorifice-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

27

13)

APPENDICES

Figure 1: Flow meter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101) or

SOLTEQ

28