Fall 2016

EGR 250 Introduction to Thermal Engineering

Laboratory Assignment #1
Guessous/Sangeorzan/DelVescovo

Flow Rate Measurement and Calibration

Figure 1 Schematic of Armfield F1-21 Flowmeter Demonstration Unit [1]

Figure 1: Flowmeter Demonstration Rig Diagram

The purpose of this laboratory exercise is to introduce you to different fluid flow rate measureme nt
methods, associated experimental uncertainties and the calibration of orifice plate and venturi
meters. Figure 1 shows a schematic of the apparatus used in this experiment. The equipment
consists of a venturi meter, variable area meter and orifice plate meter, installed in a series
configuration to allow for direct comparison [2]. Pressure taps on either side of each flow meter
are connected to an eight-tube manometer bank which allows for measurement of the pressure
drop across each flow meter. The apparatus is mounted on an Armfield Hydraulics Bench and flow
control valves on the hydraulics bench as well as on the flow meter apparatus are used to control
the flow rate through the various flow meters. You will be comparing volumetric flow rate
measurements, taken using these three types of flow meters, to those determined indirectly using
a volume collection method that involves a graduated cylinder and a timer. You will also determine
calibration factors, known as discharge coefficients, for the venturi and orifice plate meters.

Orifice plate meter

Venturi meter

Figure 2 Orifice and venturi meters restrict the flow in a pipe. Volume flow rate can be related to the pressure drop
across the restriction [3].

Background Information:

Venturi and orifice plate meters are both restriction-type flow meters whose operation is based on
the basic physical principle that in an incompressible fluid, an increase in velocity results in a
decrease in pressure. By measuring the pressure drop between the lower velocity, higher pressure
section of the meter and the higher velocity, lower pressure section in the throat of the meter, one
can experimentally determine the volume flow rate. Using the Bernoulli equation and the
conservation of mass equation, one can show that the ideal flow rate for steady, incompress ib le
and frictionless flow through a venturi or orifice meter may be expressed as

ideal A d

2P

1 A d A u

Au

where,

D2
4

and

Ad

d2
4

(1)

D and d are the diameters at the inlet and the throat of the meter, respectively, is the fluid density,
P is the pressure drop across the venturi or orifice meter, and subscripts u and d respectively refer
to upstream and downstream.
Due to frictional and other effects, the actual flow rate deviates from the value given by equation
(1). To account for this deviation, a correction factor known as the discharge coefficient Cd is used
when determining the volume flow rate using a venturi or orifice plate meter,
C

d
ideal C d A d

2P

1 A d A u

(2)

Discharge coefficient values depend on a number of parameters including the downstream to

upstream diameter ratio d/D. Typical values are roughly around 0.6 and 0.98 for orifice and venturi
meters, respectively [3]. Table 1 lists the dimensions and manometer height readings to be used
for the venturi and orifice plate meter calculations.
Table 1 Upstream and downstream diameters to be used in flowrate calculations [1]
Venturi meter Orifice meter
Upstream Pipe Diameter, D (m)

0.03175

0.03175

Throat Diameter, d (m)

0.015

0.02

Upstream manometer height

h1

h6

Throat manometer height

h2

h7

Another indirect way of determining volume flow rate is using the volume collection method. The
volume collection method is an indirect experimental method that can be used to measure volume
flow rate by collecting a volume, c of fluid and recording the length of time, t, that it takes to
collect this volume. Two approaches can be used: setting a constant collection volume or setting a
constant collection time. The volume flow rate can then easily be determined from

c
t

(3)

Experiment Specifications:
1. Turn on the pump and adjust the control valve on the hydraulic bench, the exit valve of the
flow meter demonstration unit and the bleed valve on the manometer manifold to bleed off all
air bubbles.
2. Conduct steady-flow experiments, for at least 8 different flow rates (indicated by the variable
area flow meter) ranging between 5 and 15 L/min. Start at the highest flow rate. At each flow
rate, record the collection time needed to collect 15 L in the tank, as well as the eight
manometer heights. To do this, close the drain valve at the bottom of the tank of the hydraulic s
bench. Collect 15 L of water in the tank as indicated by the upper sight scale in the side of the
hydraulics bench and record the time required to do so.
3. Derive equations for the uncertainty and relative uncertainty of the indirectly measured volume
flowrates using the volume collection method. Express the venturi and orifice meter ideal
volume flowrates in terms of the appropriate manometer heights.
4. For each measured flow rate, calculate and tabulate the volume flow rate given by Eq. (3), as
well as the uncertainty and the relative uncertainty of the volume collection flow rate values.
In the same table, include the ideal venturi and orifice meter flow rates given by Eq. (1). Note
that the uncertainty of the variable area flow meter measurements is a constant (5% of flow
meter full scale).
5. On one graph, plot the volume collection volume flow rate c versus the ideal venturi and
orifice meter volume flow rates. Include error bars for the volume collection values. Next,
using appropriate trendlines in Excel, plot best fit curves that will allow you to determine the
discharge coefficients for the venturi and orifice plate meters. Make sure you show the
trendline equations and R2 values on the graph. Think about your choice of the type of
trendline (i.e. linear, power law, polynomial, etc.). Often the theoretical model dictates the
best type of trendline.
6. Using the C d values determined in part 5, calculate and tabulate the corrected venturi and
orifice plate meter flow rates. Evaluate the percentage difference between the variable area,
venturi and orifice meter flow rates, and the volume collection volume flow rates.
7. On a second graph, plot the flow rates determined by the three types of flow meters as a
function of c . Use the same scales for ordinate and abscissa and plot the results from all three
methods on the same graph. Include a 45 degree line on the graph. Include error bars for the
variable area flowmeter vs. volume collection flow rate data.
8. Comment on the results. Which flow meter seems to be most accurate? How could the
experimental uncertainties associated with the volume collection method be improved (hint:
look at the relative uncertainty equation that you derived in part 3)? What types of applicatio ns
is each type of flow meter (variable area, venturi, orifice meter) best suited for? What seem to
be the pros and cons of each type of flow meter? Make sure you include and properly cite
references that you consult.

References:
1. Armfield Limited, Flow Meter Demonstration F1-21 Instruction Manual, Issue 3, September
2001
2. http://discoverarmfield.com/en/products/view/f1-21/flow- meter-demonstration, accessed
January 18, 2015
3. Pritchard , P.J., 2011, Fox and McDonalds Introduction to Fluid Mechanics, 8th edition, John
Wiley & Sons.

Laboratory Report Contents:

Note: For lab #1, you will only include some of the sections detailed in the guide to laboratory reports handout. Your lab report should include the following:
Title page with abstract
Theory section showing Eq. (3), and the volume collection uncertainty and relative uncertainty equation derivations. Youll also want to include the
equations for the venturi and orifice meter ideal and corrected flow rates (Equations 1 and 2), as well as the expressions that you will use to determine
these flow rates in terms of the appropriate manometer heights. Make sure you include a schematic and define your variables. Dont forget to include
transition sentences to make the section more readable.
Results and Discussion section which should include:
Data table(s) that include your collected and calculated data (Tables 2 and 3 below can serve as guides for the type of information that should be
included in your data tables; you may include additional information if you wish)
versus the venturi and orifice meter ideal flow rates, with best fit curves to determine the discharge coefficients and
Flowrate graphs: One of
c

(Dont forget the 45 degree line and error bars as specified).

error bars for ; and one of the flow meter flow rates plotted versus
c

Discussion of results and conclusions; Make sure you discuss any trends that you observe from the tables and graphs and answer the questions
posed in the lab handout, including the information search.
References (including sources of information on the various types of flow meters; remember to cite these references in your report)
Appendix (Lab handout, original data sheet and sample calculations)

Table 2 List of collected data

Collection Volume Uncertainty =
Collection Time Uncertainty =
Variable Area Flow Meter: Maximum Flow rate =
Manometer height Uncertainty =
Variable Area Flow Meter
Volume Collection Method
Flow rate (L/min)
Collection volume (L) Collection time (s)

Table 3 List of calculated data

Venturi Meter: D =
d=
Orifice Meter: D =
d=
Variable Area Flow Meter

(L/min)

Uncertainty
(L/min)

Cd,v =
Cd,o =
Volume Collection Method

c
(L/min)

Uncertainty
(L/min)

Relative
uncertainty
(%)

Uncertainty =

h1

Manometer Heights (mm)

h2 h3 h4 h5 h6 h7

Venturi Meter

h8

Orifice Meter

Ideal

v,ideal

Corrected

Ideal

o,ideal

Corrected

(L/min)

(L/min)

(L/min)

(L/min)

% Difference with
c
Variable
Venturi
Orifice
Area

Pg. 4 of 6

Armfield Flowmeter Demonstration Unit Operating Procedure

Adapted from Armfield F1-21 Instruction Manual [1]

Figure 1 Schematic of Armfield F1-21 Flowmeter Demonstration Unit [1]

Figure 1: Flowmeter Demonstration Rig Diagram

To operate the unit, please follow the instructions below.
1. Fully open the outlet flow control valve at the top left hand end of the apparatus.
2. Close the bench flow control valve then start the service pump by pressing the switch on
the left hand side of the flow bench.
3. Gradually open the bench flow control valve and allow the pipework to fill with water
until all air has been expelled from the pipework.
4. If you see air bubbles in the manometer tubes, do the following in order to bleed the air
out:
a. Close both the bench flow control valve and the outlet flow control valve and
open the air bleed screw.
b. Remove the small cap from the adjacent air inlet/outlet connection (make sure
you dont lose it).
c. Connect a length of small bore tubing from the air valve to the volumetric tank.
d. Now, open the bench flow control valve and allow flow through the manometers
to purge all air from them and to fill them up; you should see water coming out of
the small tube that you just attached.
e. Now, tighten the air bleed screw and partly open both the bench valve and the
outlet flow control valve.
f. Next, open the air bleed screw slightly to allow air to enter the top of the
manometers, re-tighten the screw when the manometer levels reach mid height.
Pg. 5 of 6

5. Gradually increase the volume flowrate until the variable area flowmeter indicates full
scale or the maximum flowrate that you wish to achieve. You will need to adjust the
bench flow control valve and the outlet flow control valve in combination to maintain all
of the readings within the range of the manometers.
6. If the manometer pattern is too low on the manometers open the bench flow control valve
to increase the static pressure. If the pattern is too high open the outlet flow control valve
on the apparatus to reduce the static pressure.
7. The manometer levels can be adjusted further by using the air bleed screw and the hand
pump supplied. The air bleed screw controls the air flow through the air valve, so when
using the hand pump, the bleed screw must be open. To retain the hand pump pressure in
the system, the screw must be closed after pumping. If the levels in the manometer are
too high then the hand pump can be used to pressurize the top manifold. All levels will
decrease simultaneously but retain the appropriate differentials. If the levels are too low
then the hand pump should be disconnected and the air bleed screw opened briefly to
reduce the pressure in the top manifold. Alternatively the outlet flow control valve can be
closed to raise the static pressure in the system which will raise all levels simultaneously.
8. Once you are satisfied with your starting manometer levels, use the bench flow control
valve and the outlet flow control valve in combination to set the flow rate to the desired
value as indicated by the variable area flowmeter. Experiment by adjusting each valve
very slightly to see what effect each has on the manometer heights and the flow rate.
9. Once the flow rate is at the desired value, lower the rubber ball check-valve in the tank
and allow water to collect in the tank. Monitor the water level using the sight-glass on the
side of the flow bench tank. Once the water level exceeds the zero mark, start a timer and
record the time that it takes to collect the volume c that was specified in your lab
handout. Next record the manometer steady heights.
10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 for the next flowrates. You may wish to drain some of the water that
accumulated in the tank by lifting the ball valve then lowering it back down once the
sight-glass water level is back at a good starting level.
11. When you are done, slowly close the bench flow and outlet control valves, then switch
off the service pump.
12. If you notice any significant leaks, obstructions or other problems, please make sure you
notify your course instructor, TA and/or the lab manager.
References:
1. Armfield Limited, Flow Meter Demonstration F1-21 Instruction Manual, Issue 3,
September 2001

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