Flow Rate Measurement

Group Member

Registration Number

Mehroze Ali Najmi

ME-113071

M u h a m m a d Ta h a

ME-113085

R a s i k h Ta r i q

ME-113006

Muhammad Adam Khan

ME-113125

Muhammad Mubbashar Khan

ME-113126
1

Instrumentation and Measurement Project Presentation ME Department, Mohammad Ali Jinnah

Presentation Flow
Introduction
Flow Meters
Calibration of Flow Meter
Project Accomplishments
M.A. Jinnah University, Flow Rate Measuring
Instruments
2

Mehroze Ali
Najmi
ME 113071

Introduction To Fluids

Introduction To Fluids

A fluid is anything that flows, usually a liquid or a gas.

Fluids are treated as continuous media.

Their motion and state can be specified in terms of the velocity

u, pressure p, density , etc.

Ability of fluid to change at every point in space x and at time t.

Depending on the relationship between shear stress, and the

rate of strain and its derivatives, fluids can be categorize as:
1.

Newtonian fluid

2.

Non-Newtonian fluid

Newtonian Fluids

Fluids for which the shearing stress is linearly related to the

rate of shearing strain are called or known as Newtonian fluid
and also referred as rate of angular deformation.

Fortunately most common fluids, both liquids and gases, are

Newtonian.

Non-Newtonian Fluids:

Fluids for which the shearing stress is not linearly related to the rate of
shearing strain are called or known as non-Newtonian fluids.

The slope of the shearing stress versus rate of shearing strain graph is
called apparent viscosity.

Denoted by (ap

For Newtonian fluids the apparent viscosity is the same as the viscosity and
is independent of shear rate.

On the basis of this apparent viscosity we have two more types of NonNewtonian Fluids:

).

1.

shear thinning fluids

2.

shear thickening fluids

Shear Thinning Fluids

For shear thinning fluids the apparent viscosity decreases with

increasing shear rate.

The harder the fluid is sheared, the less viscous it becomes.

Many colloidal suspensions and polymer solutions are shear
thinning

Example: Paint does not drip from the brush because the
shear rate is small and the apparent viscosity is large.

Shear Thickening Fluids

For shear thickening fluids the apparent viscosity increases with

increasing shear rate.

The harder the fluid is sheared, the more viscous it become.

Example:

Water sand is known as quicksand.

Common examples of this type of fluid include

watercorn starch mixture and watersand mixture .

Variation of shearing stress with rate of shearing strain for several

types of fluids, including common non-Newtonian fluids

Volumetric Flow Rate

Volume flow rate is the volume of a fluid which passes through a given
surface area in time t.

The SI unit of volumetric flow rate is m 3/s.

There are many types of instruments for measuring liquid and/or gas
flow.

The accuracy of flow measurement will vary from instrument to

instrument and the desired accuracy will vary from application to
application.

Measuring flow is one of the most important aspects of process

control.

Flow tends to be the most difficult variable to measure.

Properties Affecting Fluid Flow

Velocity of Fluid:

Velocity of fluid is defined as the fluid speed in the direction of flow.

Fluid velocity depends on the head pressure that is forcing the fluid
through the pipe. Greater the head pressures, faster the fluid flow rate.

Pipe Size:

Increasing the diameter and/or length of the pipe will increase the
potential of flow.

Pipe Friction:

Pipe Friction reduces the flow rate through the pipe. Flow rate of the
fluid is slower near walls of the pipe than at the center.

Properties Affecting Fluid Flow

Fluid Viscosity:

Viscosity is physical resistance to flow. Higher viscosity the fluid,

the slower fluid flow.

Specific Gravity of the Fluid:

At any given operating condition, higher the fluid's specific gravity,

lower the fluid's flow rate.

Fluid Condition:

The condition of the fluid (clean or dirty) also limitations in flow

measurement, some measuring devices become blocked/plugged
or eroded if dirty fluids are used.

Properties Affecting Fluid Flow

Velocity Profiles:

Velocity profiles have major effect on the accuracy and

performance of most flow meters. The shape of the velocity
profile inside a pipe depends on the momentum or internal forces
of the fluid, that moves the fluid through the pipe, the viscous
forces of the fluid that tend to slow the fluid as passes near the
pipe walls.

Types of Flow Profiles:

There are three types of flow based on the profile.

1.

Laminar or Streamlined Flow

2.

Transitional flow

3.

Turbulent flow

Laminar or Streamlined Flow:

Laminar flow is described as liquid flowing through a pipeline,

divisible into layers moving parallel to each other.

Types of Flow Profiles

Transitional flow:

Transitional flow is between laminar and turbulent flow profiles.

Its behavior is difficult to predict and it may oscillate between the
laminar and turbulent flow profiles.

Turbulent flow:

Turbulent is the most common type of flow pattern found in

pipes. Turbulent flow is the flow pattern which has a transverse
velocity (swirls, eddy current).

Figure 1: Laminar, Transition and Turbulent Flow

Types

Muhammad
Taha
ME 113085

Importance of Fluid
Measurement

The most diverse substances are transported and distributed in

piping system in every single day

The fluids flowing through pipe have different properties, so

different flow measuring devices are used

The maintenance of definite rates of flow is important for

maximum efficiency and production

Importance of Fluid
Measurement

Costs which are based on flow measurements will be incorrect

if the measurement are erroneous

Huge volumes of gas, steam and liquid may have to be

measured daily, a very small percentage error can amount to
large sums.

Types of Flow Meters

Generally 5 Types of flow meters are used:

1. Mechanical Flow Meters

2. Electronic Flow Meters
3. Differential pressure Flow Meters
4. Variable area Flow Meters
5. Mass Flow Meters

Types of Flow Meters

1.Mechanical flow meters

Mechanical flow meters that measure flow using an

arrangement of moving parts, either by passing isolated known
volumes of a fluid through a series of gears or chambers or by
means of a spinning turbine or rotor

Types of Flow Meters

1.Mechanical flow meters

Turbine Flow Meter

The Turbine Flow meter translates the mechanical action of the

turbine rotating in the liquid flow around an axis into userreadable rate of flow.

Types of Flow Meters

1.Mechanical flow meters

Turbine Flow Meter

When fluid hits the blade of turbine it starts rotating and it

creates a pulse (frequency)

This rotation is sensed and output is given in frequency.

Types of Flow Meters

1.Mechanical flow meters

Turbine Flow Meter

When fluid moves faster more pulses are generated

This frequency is transformed to an electric signal using Voltage

Transducer, which can be integrated with a software e.g.
( LABVIEW)

Thus calibrated into a readable output for flow rate

Types of Flow Meters

2) Electronic flow meters

Electronic flow meters represent a logical grouping of flow

measurement technologies. All have no moving parts and are
made possible by today's sophisticated electronics technology

Types of flow meters

2) Electronic flow meters

Many types of electronic flow meters are used:

Magnetic flow meters,

Vortex flow meters,

Ultrasonic flow meters

Rasikh Tariq
ME 113006

28

Flow Rate
Measuring
Instruments

Outline

Orifice Meter

Types

Measurement
System

Venturi Meter

Nozzle Meter

Differential
Pressure Flow
Rate
Measurement

Mass Flow
Meters

Installation

Advantages

29

Disadvantages

Differential Pressure Flow Rate

Measurement
Principal

Change in velocity of fluid yields a change in pressure

Applicability for Best Possible Results

Flow conditions are turbulent

30

Orifice Meter
Governing Principal
Bernoulli's

Equation

C = Orifice Flow Coefficient

31

Venturi Meter
Governing Principal
Bernoulli's

Equation

32

Nozzle Meter
The

ISA 1932 nozzle

The

long radius nozzle

The

venturi nozzle

33

Applicability of Nozzle Meters

The flow nozzle is recommended for both clean and dirty

liquids.

The range ability is 4 to 1.

The relative pressure loss is medium.

Typical accuracy is 1-2% of full range.

Required upstream pipe length is 10 to 30 diameters.

The viscosity effect high.

34

Measurement System
Remote Flow
Indicator or
Controller
Static Pressure
Profile

Transmitt
er

Pressure Loss

Output of the
transmitter is not
linear.
Thus, signal
conditioning is
necessary.

P diaphragm
35

Installation

36

Comparison

Advantages

Disadvantages

They are easy to install.

The process fluid is in the

impulse lines to the
differential transmitter may
freeze or block.

One differential pressure

transmitter applies for any
pipe size.
Many DP sensing materials
are available to meet
process requirements.
Orifice plates have no
moving parts and have
been researched
extensively; therefore,
application data well
documented.

Their accuracy is affected

by changes in density,
viscosity, and temperature.
They require frequent
calibration.

37

The flow meter accelerates, linearizes and stabilizes the

velocity profile. (Source: Veris Inc)

38

Outline

Orifice Meter

Flow Rate
Measuring
Instruments

Types

Measurement
System

Venturi Meter

Nozzle Meter

Differential
Pressure Flow
Rate
Measurement

Mass Flow
Meters

Installation

Advantages

39

Disadvantages

Muhammad
Adam Khan
ME 113125

40

Variable Area Flow Meters

Fluid flow moves the float upward against gravity.

Float will find equilibrium when area around float generates

enough drag equal to weight - buoyancy.

Some types have a guide rod to keep float stable.

Low Cost (pricing usually starts < $50)

Simple Reliable Design

Can Measure Liquid or Gas Flows

Tolerates Dirty Liquids or Solids in Liquid

42

Measurement Procedure
1. For accurate flow measurement, the system media, pressure,
and temperature should be consistent with the calibration of the
flowmeter.
2. Close the integral metering valve on the flowmeter before the
system is pressurized.
3. Open the shutoff valves upstream and downstream of the
flowmeter
4. Add system pressure slowly.
5. Adjust the metering valve until the flowmeter shows the
desired flow rate.
43

Installation

flush out the pipe or tube leading to the flow meter.

For gas flow applications, dry the pipe or tube leading to the flow meter

The variable area flow meter must be installed as vertically as possible

to ensure the most accurate flow reading

Direction of flow is from bottom to top in vertical models and can be

either right to left or left to right in horizontal models, as specified when
ordering.

Align the pipe or tube leading to and from the flow meter axially with
the connections on the flow meter to keep them free of stress. If
necessary, support the pipe or tube leading to and from the flow meter
to prevent vibration being transmitted to the flow meter.
44

Measuring Principles of Variable Area

Flowmeters

Flow Rate Analysis.

The forces acting on the bob lead to equilibrium between:

the weight of the bob bgVb acting downwards

the buoyancy force gVb and

the drag force Fd acting upwards.

b gVb gVb Fd

Where Vb is the volume and

rb is the density of the bob,
r is the density of the fluid, and
g is the gravitational acceleration

for laminar flow:

where the parameter is defined in terms of a constant

K =Vb/D3b characteristic of the shape of the bob:

for turbulent flow:

Similarity Analysis

The basic scaling parameter for flow is the Reynolds

number, defined as:

where UIN is the velocity at the rotameter inlet, and the tube diameter
D is represented by its value at the inlet, equal to the bob diameter Db.
Through the Reynolds number regimes of laminar or turbulent flow,
and particularly important for the rotameter flow regimes with strong
or weak viscosity dependence can be distinguished.
It has been found to be practical for rotameters to use an alternative
characteristic number, the Ruppel number, defined as:

where mb = bD3b is the mass of the bob.

By combining Equations, the mass flow through the rotameter
can be written as:

The relationship between the Ruppel number and the Reynolds

number:

The advantage of the Ruppel number is its independence of the flow rate.
Since the Ruppel number contains only fluid properties and the mass and
the density of the bob, it is a constant for a particular instrument.

Design Charts for Laminar Rotameters

Design Charts for Turbulent Rotameters

Applications

1.Chemical injection/dosing controls the flow

rate of the fluid to be mixed (added) to the
primary fluid
2. Boiler control measures steam flow to a
boiler or measure the gases that heat the boiler
3. Tank blanketing inert gas is the blanket
over the liquid in a tank, which prevents the
liquid from giving off vapors which could ignite
and then explode
4.Simple flow measurement options such as
flow switch (alarm) or continuous electronic.

Muhammad
Mubbasher
Khan
ME 113126

52

General Principle of Calibrating

Flow Measurement Instruments

CALIBRATION
A calibration applies a known input value to a
measurement system for the purpose of
observing the system output value. It
establishes the relationship between the input
and output values. The known value used for
the calibration is called the standard.

53

Methodology
Standards for flow measurement are based on a
comparison of the quantity of fluid passed, or
passing, through the flow meter with the quantity
measured by the standard. Standards can be based
on the measurement of mass or volume. The
required mass or volume quantity can be calculated
from the measured quantity from a knowledge of
the fluid density at the test flow meter.
54

Calibration Errors

Calibration errors include those elemental errors that

enter the measuring system during its calibration.
Calibration errors tend to enter through three sources.

Reference value used in the calibration.

The instrument or system under calibration.

Calibration process.
55

Flow Meters Available in our

University
1. Rota meter
2. Venturi Meter
3. Orifice meter

These flow meters are already been described in former sections.

56

Venturi Meter

57

Venturi and Orifice Meter

58

Rotameter

59

Conclusion

In this project we learnt a lot about flow

measurement devices and also discuss types of
these devices. In which we studied that every type
have its own working principle which differentiate it
from other. In mechanical engineering field accurate
measurement of flow rate of liquids and gases is an
essential requirement for maintaining the quality of
industrial processes.

60

Flow Analysis of Orifice meter

Pressure
Flow Rate Difference
6
4.47
8
5.47
10
7.42
12
9.33
14
10.67
16
12.61
18
13.89
20
15.45

Flow analysis of Orifice meter

12

10

Differential Pressure

10

Flow Rate
61

Thank you!

62