UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA

PROCESS ENGINEERING LABORATORY 1
(CPE465)
NAME

: MUHAMAD BAIHAKHI BIN SHAMSUDIN

STUDENT ID
: 2014442906
GROUP
: EH2202A
GROUP EXPERIMENT
:3
EXPERIMENT
: FLOWMETER DEMONSTRATION
DATE PERFORMED
: 28 APRIL 2015
SEMESTER
:2
PROGRAMME / CODE
: EH220 / CPE465
SUBMIT TO
: PUAN DIYANAH BINTI KAMARUDIN

No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Title
Abstract/Summary
Introduction
Aims
Theory
Apparatus
Methodology/Procedure
Results
Calculations
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
Reference / Appendix
TOTAL MARKS

Remarks:
Checked by:
--------------------------Date:

Allocated Marks
(%)
5
10
5
10
5
10
10
10
20
5
5
5
100

Marks

ABSTRACT
This experiment has been done to investigate and demonstrate the operation and
characteristics of three flow meter with different types including it accuracy and energy
losses. The Flow Meter Demonstration Unit was used as the apparatus in this experiment.
We need to identified three different types of flow meter contain or found in the unit at the
beginning of the experiment. Orifice meter, Venturi meter and Variable Rotameter were the
flow meters that placed in this unit. The Venturi and Orifice meter only can measured the
output which not linear with the flow rate, Q. The Variable rotameter was in the other hand.
The output which is directly proportional to the flow rate can measured by the variable
rotameter and no need to measure the pressure difference. The average timed flow rate, Q t
was calculated to be 10.85 l/min, the average venturi meter flow rate, Q v was calculated to
be 70.19 l/min, the average variable rotameter flow rate, Q r was calculated to

be 12.50 l/min and the average orifice plate flow rate, Q o was established to be
approximately 76.76 l/min. Thus, the average velocity had calculated was 0.34 m/s and the
average velocity head was 7.59 mm.

Introduction
In various industrial plants, process of measuring the flow of liquids is critical needed in
the pipeline. In some operation or process, accuracy can make the difference between
making a profit or having a loss to the plant or company. Because of that, accuracy of the
flow measurements is very important. A inaccurate measurement of the liquids flow can also
cause a serious result and can cause a death.
Nowadays, there are a lot of liquid flow measurements instruments and the flow rate can be
determined inferentially by measuring the change in kinetic energy or liquids velocity with
this instruments. The pressure differential that is forcing the liquid through a pipe or conduit
will affect the liquid velocity. The pipes cross-sectional area is known and it is remains
constant and because of this the average velocity is an indication of the flow rate. The
relationship of the liquids flow rate in such cases is:

Q=V A

SOLTEQ Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM101) apparatus is

designed to operate together with a basic hydraulic bench or any water supply. It is to
familiarize the students with typical methods of flow measurement of an incompressible
fluid.
The flow measurement comparison is able to demonstrate by the apparatus by using a
orifice device, venture device and rotameter. Based on the flow comparison, we can
compare against the flow measurement of the hydraulics bench which can be either by
Volumetric or Gravimeteric Method. The two methods is chosen depending on the type of
hydraulics bench in use. A 90 degree elbow with pressure tappings before and after this
elbow is another features of the flow apparatus. These features purpose is to provide an
added function to this apparatus to allow students to calculate the total head loss and loss
coefficient when fluid flows through these devices.
In short, the following range of experiment to be carried out is allowed by the apparatus.
a) Direct 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
elbow.
c) Comparison of pressure drop against each device.

Aims
1. To obtain the flow rate measurement by utilizing three basic types of flow
measuring techniques; rotameter, venturi meter and orifice meter.
2. To investigate the loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow.

THEORY
Three most common devices used to measure the flow rate in pipes or internal flow.
The three meters are orifice meter, Venturi meter, and rotameter. They operates with the
same principle which is the decrease in flow area in a pipe will causes an increase in velocity
that will cause decreasing in pressure. A correlation of the velocity with the pressure
difference provides a means of measuring the flow rate. By negligible the viscous effects and
under the assumption of a horizontal pipe, and with the application of the Bernoulli equation
between point (1) and (2), it gave:

Qideal =A 2 V 2 =A 2

Where, =

D 2 / D1 . There is a head loss between (1) and (2) so the equation becomes:

Q= A1 V 1= A2 V 2

Rotameter

2( p1 p2 )
4
(1 )

The rotameter is a flow meter in which a rotating free float is the indicating element.
Usually, 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. The float rests on a stop at the bottom end when there is no flow.The float rises until
upward as it commences and buoyancy forces on it are balanced by
its weight. If the rate of flow is small, the float rises only a short distance 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.

Orifice meter
Orifice meter is constructed by inserting a flat plate with a hole between two flanges
of a pipe. The geometry of the orifice meter is simple, low in cost and easy to install or
replace. The primary disadvantages of this meter are its limited capacity and the high
permanent head loss.

Pressure taps for orifices may be placed in several locations as shown in Figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1: Typical Orifice Meter

Venturi meter
Generally, the venture meter are made from castings and machined. This is to close
tolerances to duplicate the performance of the standard design. The Venturi meter are
expensive, heavy and bulky. Excellent pressure recovery is form as the conical diffuser
section downstream from the throat. The diagram of Venturi meter is shown in the Figure 4.2
below.

Figure 4.2: Diagram of Venturi meter

Applications of the Bernoulli equation yield the following result, which applies for both the
Venturi meter and the Orifice plate.

Bernoulli equation:

P1 + V12 + Z1 = P2 + V22 + Z2
g

2g

2g

Z1=Z2
P1 + V12 = P2 + V22
g

2g

2g

P1-P2 = V22-V12 ------------(1)

g

2g

from: Q1=Q2
A1V1=A2V2
V1=A2V2 ------------(2)
A1
(2) in (1) :
PI-P2 = V22-(A2V2/A1)2
g

2g

so;
V22[1-(A2/A1)2] = P
2g

g
V 2=

. ( 2P) ---------------(3)

[1-(A2/A1)]

Q = CdA2V2 ---------------------(4)

(3) in (4) ;
flow rate, Qv =

CdA2
[1-(A2/A1)]

. ( 2P)
p

where (2p) = (2gh)

p

where;
h : head difference in meter (m) from the manometer readings for the appropriate meter
g : acceleration due to gravity (m/s2)
Cd: discharge coefficient for meter
A1 : area of the test pipe upstream of the meter (m2)
A2 : throat area of the meter (m2)

It is necessary to use of discharge coefficient, Cd because of the simplifying

assumptions made when applying the Bernoulli equations. From this experiment, values of
this coefficient are determined. The assumed values used in the software are:
Venturi meter Cd = 0.98
Orifice plate Cd =0.63

The energy loss that occurs in a pipe fitting (so-called secondary loss) is commonly
expressed in term of e head loss (h, meters), and can be determined from the manometer
readings. For this experiment, head losses will be compared against the square of the flow
rate used. In addition, pressure loss for venturi and variable area flowmeter are low and for
orifice meter is medium.

APPARATUS

Staddle valve

Manometer tube

Discharge
valve
90o elbow

Orifice

Water outlet

Water supply

Venturi

General Start-up Procedures

The Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101) is supplied ready for use
and only requires connection to the Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM 110) as follows:
a) The apparatus was placed on top of a suitable hydraulic bench.
b) The apparatus was level on the bench top.
c) The hydraulic coupling was connected to the outlet supply of the hydraulic bench.
d) The discharge connect of the flow apparatus hose was connected to the collection
tank of the hydraulic bench.
e) The apparatus was ready to be started.

Starting up the Apparatus:

1. The flow control valve of hydraulic bench was fully closed and the
discharge valve was fully opened.
2. Before starting up system, the discharge hose was ensured properly directed to
volumetric tank of fibreglass. Also the volumetric tank
drain valve was ensured that left OPEN to allow flow discharge back into sump tank.
3. Once step (b) was confirmed, the pump supply was start up from hydraulic bench.
The bench valve was opened slowly. At this point, water flowing from
hydraulic bench through to the flow apparatus and discharge through into
the volumetric tank of hydraulic bench and then drained back into sump
tank of hydraulic bench can be seen.
4. The flow control valve was proceeded to fully open. When the flow in the pipe is
steady and there is 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 can be seen began to display
different level of water heights. (If the water level in the manometer board
is too high where it is out of visible point, adjust the water level by using
the staddle valve. With the maximum measurable flow rate, retain
maximum readings on manometer).
6. At this point, the flow was slowly reduced by controlling the flow discharge valve
of apparatus and this discharge valve might closed totally.
7. The water level in the manometer board can be seen
began to level into a straight level. This level maybe at the lower or maybe
at the higher end of the manometer board range. (Take note that the pump
from the hydraulic bench is at this time, still supplying water at a certain
pressure in the system).
8. The glass tube or plastic transfer tube has been watched out for Trapped Bubbles. If
bubbles present, it will remove remove from the system for better
accuracy. To do this, either slowly press the plastic tube to push
the bubbles up or lightly tab the glass tube to release the bubbles
upwards

Demonstration of the operation and characteristic of three different basic types of

flowmeter

1. The apparatus was placed on bench, inlet pipe was connected to bench supply and outlet
pipe was connected into volumetric tank.

2. With the bench valve fully closed and the discharge valve fully opened,
the pump supply was started up from hydraulic bench.
3. The bench valve was opened slowly until it is fully opened.
4. When the flow in the pipe is steady and there is 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, water level in the manometer board was adjusted.
The maximum readings was retained on manometers with the maximum measurable flow
rate.
6. The readings on manometers (A - J), rotameter was noted and flow rate was measured..
7. Step 6 was repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by
utilizing both bench valve and discharge valve.
8. To demonstrate similar flow rates at different system static pressures, bench and flow
control valve was adjusted together. Manometer levels was adjusting as required.

Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow
1. The apparatus was placed on bench, inlet pipe was connected to bench supply and
outlet pipe was connected into volumetric tank.
2. With the bench valve fully closed and the discharge valve fully opened,
the pump supply was started up from hydraulic bench.
3. The bench valve was opened slowly until it is fully opened.
4. When the flow in the pipe is steady and there is 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, water level in the manometer board was adjusted.

The maximum readings was retained on manometers with the maximum measurable flow
rate.
6. Readings on manometers (I and J) was noted and flow rate was measured.
7. Step 6 was repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by
utilizing both bench valve and discharge valve.
8. The tables was completed.

9. Graph

against Vs2/2g for 90 degree elbow was plotted to determine the coefficient

of losses.

Calculation

For rotameter flowrate = 5 l/min

Venturi flow rate,
2 1/ 2
1 /2
q = Cd At (1-(At/A1
[2g(ha-hc)

q = 0.98(2.011
(0.240-

104 )[1-((2.011

1 /2
0.230)
1000 l/ 1/60 min

104 )/( 5.309 104 )) 1 /2 [ 2(9.81)

q = 29.44 l/min

For rotameter flowrate = 10 l/min

Venturi flow rate,
2 1/ 2
1 /2
q = Cd At (1-(At/A1
[2g(ha-hc)

q = 0.98(2.011
(0.276-

10
1 /2

0.234)

)[1-((2.011

10

)/( 5.309 10

1 /2

))

[ 2(9.81)

1000 l/ 1/60 min

q = 60.32 l/min
For rotameter flowrate = 15 l/min
Venturi flow rate,
2 1/ 2
1 /2
q = Cd At (1-(At/A1
[2g(ha-hc)

q = 0.98(2.011
(0.284-

104 )[1-((2.011

104 )/( 5.309 104 )) 1 /2 [ 2(9.81)

1 /2
0.210)
1000 l/ 1/60 min

q = 80.07 l/min

For rotameter flowrate = 20 l/min

Venturi flow rate,
2 1/ 2
1 /2
q = Cd At (1-(At/A1
[2g(ha-hc)

q = 0.98(2.011
(0.335-

104 )[1-((2.011

1 /2
0.193)
1000 l/ 1/60 min

q = 110.92 l/min

104 )/( 5.309 104 )) 1 /2 [ 2(9.81)

For orifice flowrate = 5 l/min

2 1/ 2
1 /2
q = Cd At (1-(At/A7
[2g(hg-hh)

q = 0.98(2.011
(0.240-

104 )[1-((2.011

104 )/( 5.309 104 )) 1 /2 [ 2(9.81)

1 /2
0.228)
1000 l/ 1/60 min

q = 32.24 l/min

For orifice flowrate = 10 l/min

2 1/ 2
1 /2
q = Cd At (1-(At/A7
[2g(hg-hh)

q = 0.98(2.011
(0.264-

104 )[1-((2.011

104 )/( 5.309 104 )) 1 /2 [ 2(9.81)

1 /2
0.218)
1000 l/ 1/60 min

q = 63.13 l/min

For orifice flowrate = 15 l/min

2 1/ 2
1 /2
q = Cd At (1-(At/A7
[2g(hg-hh)

q = 0.98(2.011
(0.267-

104 )[1-((2.011

1 /2
0.162)
1000 l/ 1/60 min

104 )/( 5.309 104 )) 1 /2 [ 2(9.81)

q = 75.18 l/min
For orifice flowrate = 20 l/min
2 1/ 2
1 /2
q = Cd At (1-(At/A7
[2g(hg-hh)

q = 0.98(2.011
(0.305-

104 )[1-((2.011

104 )/( 5.309 104 )) 1 /2 [ 2(9.81)

1 /2
0.090)
1000 l/ 1/60 min

q = 136.49 l/min

Volume(L)

3
3
3
3

Time
(min)
0.58
0.40
0.28
0.15

Flowrate, Q
(L/min)
5.17
7.50
10.71
20.00

Differential
Piezometer V
Head, (mm)
(m/s)
( elbow hi-hj)
2
4
6
9

0.16
0.24
0.34
0.63

v2
2g
(mm)
1.30
2.94
5.89
20.23

The minimum flowrate,Q = 5.17 l/min = 8.62

10

104

m3 /s

/s

Velocity of flow in pipe (diameter= 26 mm)

V= 8.62

m3 /s

105

4
5.31 10

= 0.16 m/s
V = 1.30 mm
2g

The minimum flowrate,Q = 7.50 l/min = 1.25

Velocity of flow in pipe (diameter= 26 mm)

V= 1.25

10

/s

5.31 10

= 0.24 m/s
V = 2.94 mm
2g

The minimum flowrate,Q = 10.71 l/min = 1.79

Velocity of flow in pipe (diameter= 26 mm)

V= 1.79

10

m
4

5.31 10

/s

104

m3 /s

= 0.34 m/s
V = 5.89 mm
2g

The minimum flowrate,Q = 20.00 l/min = 3.33

104

m3 /s

Velocity of flow in pipe (diameter= 26 mm)

V= 3.33

10

/s

5.31 10

= 0.63 m/s
V = 20.23 mm
2g

Graph of differential piezometer head against velocity

14
12
10
8

piezometer head (mm)

6
4
2
0
1

velocity head (mm)

DISCUSSIONS
Flow meter demonstration is to demonstrate three different types of flow meter which
are variable rotameter, venturi meter, orifice plate meter. From the reading taken, we can
calculate variable rotameter flow rate, orifice plate flow rate, venture meter flow rate and the
head velocity.
Based on these experiments, we can see the characteristic of three different types of
flow meter which is venturi meter, orifice meter, rotameter and their operations. During these
experiments, we also record all the readings and from the values we can see which one of
the flow meter give the accurate value.
After these experiments have been conducted, we are able to determine the value of
flow rate of three flowmeter. Based on the results from this experiment, the average variable
flow rate for rotameter is 12.50 l/min, for venturi meter is 70.19 l/min and 76.76 l/min for
orifice flowmeter.
Theoretically, venturi meter is a more accurate than orifice and variable rotameter. If
the result different from the theoretical, there are some error occurs. One of the major factors
that affect the readings is the bubble in pipeline. Other than that, parallax error which is the
position of eyes during taken the manometer reading. If eyes is not perpendicular during
reading the scale, error occur during the reading taken. The apparatus is also need to
improve as along the manometer, it needs to have more calibration to get more accurate
reading. Taking the reading will be more accurate if we do not to evaluate the reading
manually, it is better to have its own pressure transmitter, so that the reading shown is
sharply accurate. The venturi meter is the precise device in measuring the flow rate of any
fluid as it has the diverged portion that increases the velocity and reduces the friction loss.
In general, the orifice plate has the inherent advantage of being easy and inexpensive
to replace,low cost mantainance ,however the initial installation may be costly due to the
requirement of special orifice-plate flanges containing pressure taps. The advantage of all is
that it has no moving parts and the differential pressure sensor can be removed and
replaced, if any broke down happen, without shutting down the process. The advantages of
the venturi meter over the orifice plate are its capacity to handle more flow while imposing
less permanent pressure loss on the system. Other advantages are its ability to be used with
fluid containing of relatively high percentage entailer solids and its greater accuracy over a
wider flow rate range.

Conclusion

As a conclusion, we can say that the most accurate flow meter is a venturi meter. Based

on theory the venturi meter is the precise device in measuring the flow rate of any
fluid as it has the diverged portion that increases the velocity and reduces the friction
loss. By utilizing three basic types of flow measuring techniques; rotameter, venturi
meter and orifice meter, the flow rate measurement is successfully obtained. We also
successfully investigated the Loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow.
Based on this experiment, we determine that the flow rate % error for the
orifice meter is lower than % error venturi meter. From the theory, the more efficiency
of flow meter has a less flow rate % error.

Recommendation
1. Students must run the experiment after fully understand the unit and procedures.
2. It is important to drain all water from the apparatus when not in use. The apparatus
should be stored properly to prevent damage.
3. The apparatus should not be exposed to any shock and stresses.
4. Any manometer tube, which does not fill with water or slow fill, indicates that tapping
or connection of the manometer is blocked. To remove the obstacle, disconnect the
flexible connection tube and blow through.
5. Students should wear protective clothing, shoes, helmet and goggles throughout the
laboratory session.

References
1. Bruce R. Munson, Donald F. Young, Theodore H. Okiishi, Fundamental of Fluid
Mechanics, Pipe Flow Rate Measurement, 5th Edition, (2006), John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.
2. K.L. Kumar, Engineering Fluid Mechanics, 1st Edition, (1976), S. Chand & Company
Ltd.
3. Robert A. Granger, Experiments in Fluid Mechanics, TheVenturi and Orifice Meters,
1st Edition, (1988), Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.
4. https://www.coursehero.com/file/8491162/Flowmeter-Demonstration-full/
5. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/flow-meters-d_493.html