____________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA
RESERVOIR AND GAS LABORATORY
(CGE 617)

EXPERIMENT : GAS FLOWMETER

DATE PERFORMED : 16/05/2018
SEMESTER :4
PROGRAMME/CODE : RESERVOIR AND GAS LABORATORY (CGE 617)
GROUP : EH243/4

NAME STUDENT ID
MUHAMMAD AFIF BIN AHMAD MURAD 2016691754
NOOR SHAMIMI BINTI RAMLI 2016691668
NUR AMELINA BINTI BOHAIRAH 2016691704
NURSHAZWANI SYUHADA BINTI AL BADRI 2016691734
SITI NUR IZZATY BINTI NAZAR 2016691684

NO. TITLE ALLOCATED MARKS % MARKS

1 Abstract / Summary 5
2 Introduction 5
3 Aims / Objectives 5
4 Theory 5
5 Apparatus 5
6 Procedures 10
7 Result 10
8 Calculations 10
9 Discussion 20
10 Conclusions 10
11 Recommendations 5
12 References 5
13 Appendices 5
TOTAL 100

Remarks :

Checked by :
TABLES OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGES

Summary 1

Introduction 1

Objectives 2

Theory

Apparatus/ Materials

Procedure

Result

Discussions

Conclusions

Reference

Appendices
ABSTRACT

The purposes of this experiment are to obtain and compare the flow rate measurement by
utilizing mass flow rate meter and rotameter. The measurements are obtained using different
measuring equipment and techniques. The measuring equipment involve are orifice, venturi
meter, rotameter and differential transmitter. This experiment is started with supplying the
equipment with compressible fluid which in this case is a gas. Then, according to different
tests conducted, different sets of valves which range from V1 – V13, are either opened or
closed. The values showed on the indicators are observed and recorded. Each test is run for
five times for a same pressure and then repeated again with higher pressure. Generally, the
results are expected to be in such a way that as the flow rate increases, the pressure will
decrease.

INTRODUCTION

SOLTEQ Gas Flow Measurement Bench (model: FM120) apparatus has been designed to
study on the fluid flow of compressible gas. The unit is self contained supplied with facilities
to study the fluid flow measurement using different flow measuring device, such as electronic
flowmeter, orifice, venture and rotameter. The investigation of compressible fluid flow is
done by using different measurement devices (e.g orifice and venture) as well as secondary
flow measurement devices (e.g differential transmitter). In additional to this a rotameter is
also provided for direct flow measurement and indication. Pressure and flow measurement
are provided for flow compensation of a compressible fluid. All the flow measuring devices
are strategically arrange in a pipe work for easy access and configuration, so that the
comparison of different measurement or devices can be accomplished.
In short, the apparatus allows following range of experiment to be carried out:

A) Flow measurement using electronic flowmeter

B) Flow measurement using venturi meter
C) Flow measurement using orifice plate
D) Flow measurement using rotameter
E) Use of manometers
F) Flow compensation for pressure and temperature.
OBJECTIVES

1. To obtain the flow rate measurement by utilizing mass flow meter and rotameter.

2. To compare flow rate measurement by utilizing mass flow rate meter and rotameter.

APPARATUS

The equipment used in this experiment is a SOLTEQ Gas Flow Measurement Bench
(MODEL: FM 120) which comes with the following facilities:
1. Ball valve
2. Globe valve
3. Venturi
4. Orifice plate
5. Electronic flowmeter
6. Pressure sensor
7. Temperature sensor
8. Rotameter

PROCEDURE

Experiment 1: Determination of the operation and characteristic of mass flow meter

and rotameter
1. The pressure tubing was connected and the compressor pressure was set to 1 bar.
2. Open valve V1, V2 and V13.
3. Regulate valve V13 to 10 LPM.
4. After the reading has stabilized, the temperature reading recorded, TT1, pressure reading,
PT1 and mass flow meter, FT1.
5. Step 3 and 4 was repeated with different flow rates.
6. The experiment was repeated with different compressor pressure.

Note:
1. The mass flow meter, FT1 unit LPM is defined at conditions 0 ℃ ,1.0132 bar(abs).
2. The rotameter unit LPM is defined at conditions 20 ℃,1.0132 bar (abs).
 Experiment 2: Determination of the operation and characteristic of venturi meter
1. The pressure tubing was connected and the compressor pressure was set to 1 bar.
2. Open valve V4, V5, V9 and V10.
3. Rotameter was set to 10 LPM by regulating V13.
4. After the reading has stabilized, record the temperature, TT1, pressure reading, PT1, mass
flow meter, FT1 and differential pressure reading, DPT1.
5. Step 3 and 4 was repeated for different flow rates.
6. The experiment was repeated for different compressor pressure.

Experiment 3: Determination of the operation and characteristics of orifice meter.

1. The pressure tubing was connected and the compressor pressure was set to 1 bar.
2. Open valve V7, V8, V11, and V12.
3. The rotameter was set to 10 LPM by regulating valve V13.
4. After the reading has stabilized, the temperature reading was recorded,TT1, pressure
reading,PT1, mass flow meter,FT1 and differential pressure reading, DPT1.
5. Step 3 and 4 was repeated for different flow rates.
6. The experiment repeated for different compressor pressure.

RESULTS

Experiment 1: Determination of the operation and characteristic of mass flow meter

and rotameter

For pressure compressor at 1 bar:

Pressure, PT1 Mass flow Rotameter Temperature,TT1 Mass flow meter Rotameter
(bar) meter,FT1 (LPM) (̊ C) reading FT1 at reading at
(LPM) standard condition standard
condition
0.77 13.8 10 28.9 21.96 23.57
0.72 25.0 20 28.9 36.67 41.57
0.69 35.8 30 28.9 54.42 58.41
0.67 45.2 40 28.9 67.90 72.90
0.64 54.0 50 28.9 79.70 85.51
 For pressure compressor at 3 bar:
Pressure, PT1 Mass flow Rotameter Temperature,TT1 Mass flow meter Rotameter
(bar) meter,FT1 (LPM) (̊ C) reading FT1 at reading at
(LPM) standard condition standard
condition
2.74 21.4 10 29.1 71.64 76.90
2.67 38.7 20 29.0 127.18 136.45
2.61 54.2 30 29.1 175.16 188.00
2.50 62.3 40 29.1 195.22 209.52
2.42 69.9 50 29.1 214.05 229.72

Experiment 2: Determination of the operation and characteristic of venturi meter

For pressure compressor at 1 bar:

Pressure, Rotameter Temperature,TT1 Differential Calculated
PT1 (LPM) (̊ C) pressure,DPT1 flowrate, Q
(bar) (mbar) (LPM)
0.74 10 28.9 2 × 103 2.53
0.71 20 28.9 3 × 103 3.05
0.69 30 28.9 4 × 103 3.48
0.67 40 28.9 5 × 103 3.81
0.60 50 28.9 10 × 103 5.10

For pressure compressor at 3 bar:

Pressure, Rotameter Temperature,TT1 Differential Calculated
PT1 (LPM) (̊ C) pressure,DPT1 flowrate, Q
(bar) (mbar) (LPM)
1.40 10 28.8 2 × 103 3.50
1.37 20 29.0 3 × 103 3.49
1.34 30 29.0 4 × 103 3.41
1.32 40 29.0 5 × 103 3.39
1.19 50 29.3 17 × 103 3.22
 Experiment 3: Determination of the operation and characteristic of orifice meter

For pressure compressor at 1 bar:

Pressure, Rotameter Temperature,TT1 Differential Calculated
PT1 (LPM) (̊ C) pressure,DPT1 flowrate, Q
(bar) (mbar) (LPM)
0.75 10 28.9 2 × 103 2.60
0.72 20 28.9 4 × 103 3.54
0.70 30 28.9 6 × 103 4.28
0.68 40 28.9 9 × 103 5.15
0.64 50 28.9 14 × 103 6.25

For pressure compressor at 3 bar:

Pressure, Rotameter Temperature,TT1 Differential Calculated
PT1 (LPM) (̊ C) pressure,DPT1 flowrate, Q
(bar) (mbar) (LPM)
2.72 10 29.4 3 × 103 5.96
2.68 20 29.3 4 × 103 6.83
2.63 30 29.5 6 × 103 8.28
2.59 40 29.6 9 × 103 10.09
1.78 50 29.6 68 × 103 22.94
CALCULATION

Experiment 1: Determination of the operation and characteristic of mass flow meter

and rotameter
The mass flow meter, FT1 unit LPM is defined at conditions 0 ℃ ,1.0132 bar(abs).
𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑃2 𝑉2
=
𝑇1 𝑇2

For pressure compressor at 1 bar:

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.77)×13.8
=
273.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 21.96

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.72)×25.0
=
273.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 36.67

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.69)×35.8
=
273.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 54.42

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.67)×45.2
=
273.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 67.90

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.64)×54.0
=
273.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 79.70
The rotameter unit LPM is defined at conditions 20 ℃,1.0132 bar (abs).

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.77)×13.8
=
293.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 23.57

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.72)×25.0
=
293.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 41.51

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.69)×35.8
=
293.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 58.41

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.67)×45.2
=
293.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 72.90

1.0132 × 𝑉1 (1.0132+0.64)×54.0
=
293.15 28.9+273.15

𝑉1 = 85.51

For pressure compressor at 3 bar, just follow this calculation to find 𝑉1

Experiment 2: Determination of the operation and characteristic of venturi meter

For pressure compressor at 1 bar :

𝐷1 = 0.0127 m

𝐷2 = 0.00635 m

0.00635 𝑚
𝛽=
0.0127 𝑚

=0.5
−1
E = (1 − 𝛽4 ) 2
−1
= (1 – 0.54 ) 2

= 1.0328

𝑃
Density, 𝜌 =
𝑅𝑇

0.74 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

= 0.85 kg/𝑚3

𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.74 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.85×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=2.53 LPM

0.71 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

= 0.82 kg/𝑚3
 𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.71 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.82×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=3.05 LPM

0.69 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

= 0.80 kg/𝑚3

𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.69 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.80×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=3.48LPM

0.67 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

= 0.77kg/𝑚3

𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.67 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.77×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=3.81 LPM

0.60 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

= 0.69 kg/𝑚3
 𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.60 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.69×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=5.10 LPM

For pressure compressor at 3 bar just follow this calculation to find Q.

Experiment 3: Determination of the operation and characteristic of orifice meter

For pressure compressor at 1 bar :

𝐷1 = 0.0127 m

𝐷2 = 0.00635 m

0.00635 𝑚
𝛽=
0.0127 𝑚

=0.5
−1
E = (1 − 𝛽4 ) 2
−1
= (1 – 0.54 ) 2

= 1.0328

𝑃
Density, 𝜌 =
𝑅𝑇

0.75 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

=0.88 kg/𝑚3
 𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.75 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.88×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=2.60 LPM

0.72 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

=0.83 kg/𝑚3

𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.72 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.83×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=3.54 LPM

0.70 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

=0.81 kg/𝑚3

𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.70 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.81×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=4.28 LPM

0.68 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

=0.78 kg/𝑚3
 𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.68 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.78×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=5.15 LPM

0.64 × 105 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜌= 𝐽
287 𝑘𝑔 𝐾 × (28.9 + 273.15)𝐾

=0.74 kg/𝑚3

𝐶𝑑 𝐸𝜋𝐷2 √2𝜌∆𝑃
Q (at PT1 0.64 bar) =
4

0.006352 ×√2×0.74×2
= 0.7× 1.0328 × 𝜋 × × 1000 × 60
4

=6.25 LPM

For pressure compressor at 3 bar, just follow this calculation to find

DISCUSSION

The objectives of this experiment are to obtain the operation and characteristic of flow
by utilize mass flow meter and rotameter and to compare the flow rate measurement by
utilizing three different types flow measurement device. During conducting this experiment,
we used three different types of flow measurement devices which are orifice, venture meter
and rotameter. Before conducting this experiment, we are required to study the effect to the
flow rate measurement when it comes into different types of flow measurement device.
During conducting the experiment, the gas flow measurement bench has been designed to
study on the fluid flow of compressible gas. We used three different flow measurement
devices as stated above. All of these three devices resulting in different measurement of flow
rate when the fluid flow through it. As later we can see, presence of rotameter also helps in
providing direct flow measurement and indication. Pressure and flow measurement are
provided for flow compensation of a compressible fluid.

The expected result from the orifice meter will differ for any one of the device when
the fluid flow through this device. For instance, the result from the orifice should be
increasing in flowrate when the velocity of fluid is increase. As expected, the flowrate of
fluid flow is higher while the velocity of fluid increases. This is due to the fact that abrupt
constriction at the orifice plate in an orifice will result in high velocity of fluid flow. Besides,
venture meter exhibit the same characteristic as orifice. Result from experiment 1, 2 and 3
obtained have shown that the flowrate increase as the pressure decrease. To make sure that
our experiment is successful, we have conducted another same experiment at different
pressure which is 3 bar. As expected, the result shows increasing in flowrate while decreasing
in pressure. So our objective has been achieved.

For the second objectives, we are required to compare the flow rate measurement by
utilizing mass flowmeter and rotameter. For rotameter, it has rotating free float which
indicating element. As flow commence, the float rises until upward and buoyancy force on it
are balance by its weight and the float will rise in a short distance if the rate of flow is small
and vice versa. The levels of the float are used in measured of flow rate. From the experiment,
the mass flow meter and rotameter reading at the standard condition is at decreasing in
pressure. From the experiment conducted, flow rate measurement was obtained by utilize
mass flowmeter and rotameter. Experiment 1 till 3 are conducted by utilize the rotameter by
10,20,30,40 and 50 LPM respectively. The result obtained shows that each increment of
rotameter reading will result in increasing of flow rate measurement. For instance, in
experiment 3, for rotameter reading at 10 LPM, the calculated flow rate gives 5.96 LPM
whereas for rotameter reading 50 LPM, the calculated flowrate is 22.94 LPM. Unfortunately,
our result for experiment 2 does not come as expected. It shows in decreasing value of
calculated flow rate. This may be due to the reduction in orifice size that shows decreasing
flow as only so much liquid can pass through the orifice. If the inlet pressure is constant and
the outlet pressure is effectively zero (atmospheric), there is nothing to restrict flow on the
exit side of the orifice. How much liquid passes through the orifice depends on the pressure
of the liquid as it approaches the orifice, the size and length of the orifice and the pressure on
the exit side of the orifice. Reduction in the size of the nozzle would provide reduced
pressure drop because of the reduced flow.

CONCLUSION

In the conclusion, for the first objective that is to obtain the operation and
characteristic of flow by utilize mass flow meter and rotameter. Result from experiment 1, 2
and 3 obtained have shown that the flowrate increase as the pressure decrease for the pressure
at 1 bar. Then, at 3 bar pressure, the result also shows increasing in flowrate while decreasing
in pressure. So our objective has been achieved.

For the second objective, we are required to compare the flow rate measurement by
utilizing mass flowmeter and rotameter. Experiment 1, 2 and 3 are conducted by utilize the
rotameter by 10,20,30,40 and 50 LPM respectively. The result obtained shows that each
increment of rotameter reading will result in increasing of flow rate measurement. For
experiment 3, the rotameter reading at 10 and 50 LPM shows that the flow rates are 5.96 and
22.94 LPM respectively. But, for experiment 2 it shows in decreasing value of calculated
flow rate. This may be due to the reduction in orifice size that shows decreasing flow as only
so much liquid can pass through the orifice.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Make sure there is constant supply of the compressible fluid to avoid deviations
between readings.
2. Make sure to let the compressible fluid to flow for a few seconds for a constant flow
and more accurate measurement.
3. As the pressure increases, the reading on pressure indicator will become more
unstable, therefore make sure not to wait the constant flow for too long.
4. Make sure the required valves to be full opened for a constant flow and the unrequired
valves fully closed to avoid misdirection of the fluid flow.
REFERENCES

1. Solteq - Laboratory Equipment Supplies

Retrieved from https://www.labequip.co.za/p/629936/gas-flow-measurement-bench--
fm120
2. Harlan Bengtson. Aug 24, 2010. Bright Hub Engineering. Retrieved from
https://www.brighthubengineering.com/hydraulics-civil-engineering/52906-orifice-
flow-nozzle-and-venturi-meter-for-pipe-flow-measurement
3. John Fuches. 30 March 2012. Reducing flow vs reducing Pressure. Retrieved from
https://techblog.ctgclean.com/2012/03/reducing-flow-vs-reducing-pressure-which-is-
it/
4.