“Flow Rate and Discharge Coefficient Determination

Using Different Flow Metering Devices”

Abstract

Fluids specifically water, as an essential substance, is being supplied to all over the
world through pipelines. Water, alongside with other materials are in the form of fluids that are
transported flow through pipes and conduits. As such it is necessary to be able to quantify and
control the amount of water leaving a reservoir and entering channels, such as pipes. To do so,
apparatuses were designed to measure flow.

Flow meters are devices that measure the amount of liquid or gas or vapor that passes
through the apparatus. Flow meters measure flow as the amount of fluid passing through the
flow meter during a time period. To transport any material like water through a pipe requires a
certain amount of energy. An energy or pressure difference must exist to cause the liquid to
move. A portion of that energy is lost to due resistance to flow. Hypothetically, this internal
resistance experienced to flow is called head loss.

Since volumetric flow rate is essential apparatuses are installed to measure flow rates.
These apparatuses can contribute head loss and the expected flow rate is deduced because of
this. On this account, the researchers endeavor to determine flow rates using flow meters
utilizing the Flow Meter Demonstration Apparatus.

In harmony with this, the researchers will compare flow metering methods harnessing
rotameter, orifice plate, Pitot tube and Venturi Nozzle. The aforementioned devices shall be
compared on their flow coefficients and theoretical flow entering and passing the devices.

Keywords: Head Loss; Flow Coefficient; Flow Rate; Flow Meters

Introduction

The researchers seek to perform an experiment which involves flow measurements and
flow coefficients using four distinct methods. All apparatuses that are to be utilized conform the
established theorems in fluid dynamics.

Any time a liquid flow changes direction there is resistance. Since, all liquids are matter
and have mass and according to the fundamentals of mechanics, liquids have inertia. This
means the liquid will always try to continue moving in the same direction. When the liquid
encounters a change in direction, its momentum carries the flow to the outer edge of the
fitting. Because the liquid is trying to flow around the outer edge of the fitting, the effective area
of the fitting is reduced. The velocity of the liquid increases and the head loss due to friction
increases.
 Cross section change, in accordance to the continuity equation for fluids, cause an
increase of velocity of fluids flowing. As liquid flows into a channel on a longer basis and
changes in the channel, it causes head loss and the initial flow rate do change.

Materials and Methods

MATERIALS AND APPARATUS:

Hydraulic Bench
Fluid Meter Demosnstration Apparatus
Rotameter
Orifice Plate
Measuring Nozzle
Venturi Tube

Procedures

A. Preparing and Performing a Pressure Measurement

1. Connect the connecting hoses to one of the two measuring elements and to the 6 tube
manometer.
2. Close the ventilation valve on the 6 tube manometer.
3. Open the ventilation valve on the 6 tube manometer.
4. Start the water inlet via HM 150.
5. Close the gate valve.
6. Rinse the 6 tube manometer until no more bubbles are visible.
7. Stop the water inlet.
8. Close the ventilation valve.
9. Open the ventilation valve and adjust the water level in the tube manometer.
10. Close the ventilation valve.
11. Carefully open the gate valve.
12. Carefully open the water inlet.
13. Observe the heights of the water columns on the tube.
14. Adjust the flow rate with the gate valve.

B. Calibration of Flow Meters

 1. Prepare the HM 150 and the HM 150.13.
2. Switch on the pump on the HM 150.
3. Open the gate valve on the HM 150.13 and initially set a low flow rate.
4. Use the HM 150 to perform a volumetric measurement and note the result.

C. Flow Measurements

a. HM 500.01 Rotameter

Description: The rotameter consists of a vertical conical measuring section, through

which flow is carried along along by the flow due to its flow resistance.

The rotameter float is housed in a conical tube made of transparent PA which

opens out in the direction of flow. The flow resistance of the float causes it to be
subjected to an upward force. This force counteracts the downward gravitational force
of the float. The float moves vertically until equilibrium is established between the two
forces. The flow rate is read from the scale by way of the resultant position of the float.

1. Switch the pump on HM 150.

2. Let the water rise causing the stainless float of the rotameter rise.
3. Wait until the float rise in a stable condition.
4. Measure the flow rate value.
5. The measured flow rate is always read at the upper edge of the float.

b. HM 500.08 Orifice Plate Flow meter &

c. HM 500.09 Measuring Nozzle

Desciption: The orifice and nozzle are what is known as the restrictors. They
both represent a constriction in a tube. The reduction in cross section results in the
velocity increase of the flowing medium. This is associated with a pressure loss
between the normal tube cross section before the inlet and the constricted tube cross
section at the orifice.

The orifice plate narrows the cross-section in the tube. The constriction of the cross-
section causes an increase in velocity which results in a measurable decrease in
pressure. Taking the orifice geometry into account, the flow rate can be calculated from
the decrease in pressure using Bernoulli’s principle and the Continuity law.

1. Insert either the orifice disk into the housing and fit the housing in the tube.
2. Connect the pressure connections on the housing to two measuring tubes on the
manometer panel.
3. Prepare the manometer panel for different pressure measurement.
4. Switch the pump on the HM 150.1 and initially set a low flow rate.
5. Note the differential pressure resulted.
d. HM 500.06 Venturi Tube

Desciption: A Venturi Tube with a volumetric flow running through it results in a

pressure loss. The flow measurement with the Venturi tube on HM 150.13 is carried out.

The venturi nozzle is installed in the water circuit. The flow rate measurement is
based on the differential pressure method.
A constriction of the nozzle cross-section causes an increase in velocity which results in
a measurable decrease in pressure. Taking account of the geometry of the nozzle, the
flow rate can be calculated from the decrease in pressure using Bernoulli’s principle and
the Continuity law.

1. Prepare the HM 150 and HM 150.13

2. Connect the pressure connections on the Venturi nozzle to two measuring tubes on the
manometer panel.
3. Prepare the manometer panel for differential pressure measurement.
4. Switch on the pump on HM 150.
5. Open the gate valve on the HM 150.13 and initially set a low flow rate
6. Note the differential pressure value on the manometer panel in the table.

RESULTS
ROTAMETER

Trial VOLUME TIME QT QA QT

C
(m3) (sec) (li/hr) 3
(m /s) 3
(m /s)
 1.667  10-
1 0.01 56.19 600 1.780  10-4 4 0.937

3.056  10-
2 0.01 32.16 1100 3.110  10-4 4 0.983

3.056  10-
3 0.01 27.25 1100 3.670  10-4 4 0.833

3.056  10-
4 0.01 28.93 1100 3.457  10-4 4 0.884

3.056  10-
5 0.01 32.19 1100 3.107  10-4 4 0.984

3.194  10-
6 0.01 30.63 1150 3.265  10-4 4 0.978

3.194  10-
7 0.01 28.27 1150 3.537  10-4 4 0.903

2.778  10-
8 0.01 31.03 1000 3.223  10-4 4 0.862

2.778  10-
9 0.01 32.29 1000 3.097  10-4 4 0.897

2.639  10-
10 0.01 34.88 950 2.867  10-4 4 0.92

AVERAGE FLOW COEFFICIENT 0.918

ORIFICE PLATE
D1 D2 h1 h2 V2 QA QT
Trial C
(mm) (mm) (m) (m) (m/s) (m3/s) (m3/s)
 1.360  10-
1 70 18.5 0.325 0.315 0.444 4 1.193  10-4 0.878

1.097  10-
2 70 18.5 0.395 0.39 0.314 4 8.440  10-5 0.769

1.243  10-
3 70 18.5 0.3 0.292 0.397 4 1.067  10-4 0.858

1.241  10-
4 70 18.5 0.215 0.207 0.397 4 1.067 10-4 0.86

1.018  10-
5 70 18.5 0.22 0.215 0.314 4 8.440  10-5 0.829

6 70 18.5 0.26 0.254 0.344 1.054 10-4 9.247  10-5 0.877

1.052  10-
7 70 18.5 0.265 0.26 0.314 4 8.440  10-5 0.803

9.873  10-
8 70 18.5 0.235 0.231 0.281 4 7.553  10-5 0.765

1.042  10-
9 70 18.5 0.245 0.242 0.243 4 6.532  10-5 0.627

1.210  10-
10 70 18.5 0.27 0.262 0.397 4 1.067  10-4 0.882

AVERAGE FLOW COEFFICIENT 0.815

NOZZLE

Trial D1 D2 h1 h2 V2 QA QT C
 (mm) (mm) (m) (m) (m/s) (m3/s) (m3/s)
1 70 14 0.34 0.3 0.893 1.780  10-4 1.375  10-4 0.772
2 70 14 0.37 0.29 1.263 3.110  10-4 1.944  10-4 0.625
3 70 14 0.375 0.27 1.447 3.670  10-4 2.228  10-4 0.607
4 70 14 0.37 0.31 1.094 3.457  10-4 1.684  10-4 0.487
5 70 14 0.37 0.29 1.263 3.107  10-4 1.944  10-4 0.626
6 70 14 0.3 0.21 1.34 3.265  10-4 2.063  10-4 0.632
7 70 14 0.36 0.19 1.841 3.537  10-4 2.834  10-4 0.801
8 70 14 0.38 0.26 1.547 3.223  10-4 2.381  10-4 0.739
9 70 14 0.385 0.35 0.835 3.097  10-4 1.285  10-4 0.415
10 70 14 0.39 0.31 1.263 2.867  10-4 1.944  10-4 0.678
AVERAGE FLOW COEFFICIENT 0.638

VENTURI METER

Trial A1 A2 h1 h2 V2 QA QT C
(mm2) (mm2) (m) (m) (m/s) (m3/s) (m3/s)
 1 338.6 84.6 0.31 0.238 1.228 1.179  10-4 1.039  10-4 0.881

2 338.6 84.6 0.315 0.24 1.253 1.083  10-4 1.060  10-4 0.978
3 338.6 84.6 0.35 0.263 1.349 1.219  10-4 1.141  10-4 0.936
4 338.6 84.6 0.3 0.225 1.253 1.098  10-4 1.060  10-4 0.965
5 338.6 84.6 0.34 0.26 1.294 1.371  10-4 1.095  10-4 0.799
6 338.6 84.6 0.32 0.27 1.023 1.225  10-4 8.655  10-5 0.706
7 338.6 84.6 0.34 0.28 1.121 1.091  10-4 9.484  10-5 0.87
8 338.6 84.6 0.33 0.26 1.21 1.069  10-4 1.024  10-4 0.958
9 338.6 84.6 0.35 0.27 1.294 1.448  10-4 1.095  10-4 0.756
10 338.6 84.6 0.32 0.25 1.21 1.337  10-4 1.024  10-4 0.765

AVERAGE FLOW COEFFICIENT 0.861

STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA:

Device ROTAMETER ORIFIC NOZZL VENTURI
E E
Trial 1 0.937 0.878 0.772 0.881
Trial 2 0.983 0.769 0.625 0.978
Trial 3 0.833 0.858 0.607 0.936
Trial 4 0.884 0.86 0.487 0.965
Trial 5 0.984 0.829 0.626 0.799
Trial 6 0.978 0.877 0.632 0.706
 Trial 7 0.903 0.803 0.801 0.87
Trial 8 0.862 0.765 0.739 0.958
Trial 9 0.897 0.627 0.415 0.756
Trial 10 0.92 0.882 0.678 0.765
PARAMETERS
SUM 9.8 8.1515 6.38 8.61

MEAN 0.918 0.815 .638 0.861

8.453805 6.695466 4.203158 7.508228

STANDAR
D 0.052 0.079 0.12 0.099
DEVIATION
SS
0.02472889999999 0.08812839999999
(Sum of 0.0564756 0.1301656
8 9
Squares)

N 10 10 10 10

The total sample size is N=40. Therefore, the total degrees of freedom are:
dftotal = 40 - 1= 39
Also, the between-groups degrees of freedom are df between = 4 – 1 = 3, and the within-
groups degrees of freedom are:
dfwithin = dftotal - dfbetween = 39 – 3 = 36
First, we need to compute the total sum of values and the grand mean. The following is
obtained

Also, the sum of squared values is

Based on the above calculations, the sum of squares is computed as follows

The within sum of squares is computed as shown in calculation below:

The between sum of squares is computed directly as shown in the calculation below:

Now that sum of squares are computed, we can proceed with computing the mean sum
of squares.

Finally with having already calculated the mean sum of squares, the F-statistic is
computed as follows:

1. Null and Alternative Hypothesis

Ho: All means are equal
Ha=Not all means are equal
2. Rejection Region
Based on the information provided, the significance is = 0.05, and the degrees of
freedom are
df1 = 3 & df2 , therefore, the rejection region for this R-test for this F-test is R ={ F : F >
Fc =2.866)
3. Test Statistics

4. Decision about the null hypothesis

Since it is observed that F = 17.57 > Fc = 2.866 it is then concluded that the null
hypothesis is rejected.
5. Conclusion
It is concluded that the null hypothesis Ho is rejected. Therefore, there is enough
evidence to claim that not all 4 population mean are equals.

Discussion

Fluids specifically water, as an essential substance, is being supplied to all over

the world through pipelines. Water, alongside with other materials are in the form of
fluids that are transported flow through pipes and conduits. As such it is necessary to be
able to quantify and control the amount of water leaving a reservoir and entering
channels, such as pipes. To do so, apparatuses were designed to measure flow.

Flow meters are devices that measure the amount of liquid or gas or vapor that
passes through the apparatus. Flow meters measure flow as the amount of fluid
passing through the flow meter during a time period. To transport any material like water
through a pipe requires a certain amount of energy. An energy or pressure difference
must exist to cause the liquid to move. A portion of that energy is lost to due resistance
to flow. Hypothetically, this internal resistance experienced to flow is called head loss.

Since volumetric flow rate is essential apparatuses are installed to measure flow rates.
These apparatuses can contribute head loss and the expected flow rate is deduced because of
this. On this account, the researchers endeavor to determine flow rates using flow meters
utilizing the Flow Meter Demonstration Apparatus.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded after conducting several tests on the flow meters
used the following: The rotameter is not applicable to be used in pipes due to
calibration. The Venturi Meter produces the highest pressure differences. The Orifice
Plate and Nozzles yields low pressure differences. The flow coefficient of the meters
used are (arranged from highest to lowest)
a. Rotameter 0.918
b. Venturi Meter 0.861
c. Orifice Plate 0.815
d. Measuring Nozzle 0.638
The higher the pressure difference the higher the flow rate. From the statistical
treatment of data it proved that the flow metering devices are not related to each other
and has a significant difference on their flow coefficients.
.

References

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Qahtan S. K., (2010) Phase Flow Rate Measurements Of Annular Flows. University
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Documentation
CONNECT THE MANOMETER TO
PREPARE THE APPARATUS
THE METERING DEVICE
 CALIBRATE AND
OPERATE
REMOVE
THEEXCESS
APPARATUS
AIR
RECORD VOLUME AND TIME
OPEN THE WATER OUTLET OF COLLECTION

RECORD THE READING OF ROTAMETER SET UP NEW DEVICE

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

1338 ARLEGUI ST., QUIAPO, MANILA

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

HYDRAULICS ENGINEERING
CE 411- CE42FA4
 FINAL REQUIREMENT
MANUSCRIPT

“Flow Rate and Discharge Coefficient Determination

Using Different Flow Metering Devices”

SUBMITTED TO:
__________________________
ENGR. GERARDO G. JUSTO

MARCH 2019