VENTURI METER

Introduction
This experiment aims at assessing both the discharge and flow coefficients (Cd & K) of a Venturi meter through relating the actual discharge measured in this experiment to the theoretical discharge obtained after deriving the Venturi discharge formula from the Bernoulli and continuity equations. After plotting the flow coefficient as a function of the corresponding Reynolds number, a consequent comparison was done with the certified values in the textbook to reach a comprehensive conclusion, in which all substantial errors were justified.

 

Theory and Assumptions

The procedure of theoretically quantifying the discharge for a Venturi meter lies, basically, in the combined aid of the Bernoulli and continuity equations relating the pressures, velocities, and areas at two given points in the Venturi tube. Consequently, all assumptions made are indispensable for using those two equations in their abridged forms. The following set of conditions have been accounted for:       Bernoullis equation relates the pressure, velocity, and elevation between any two points in the flow field of a flow that is steady, irrotational, nonviscous, and incompressible.

In order to relate the velocities in Eq (1), the continuity equation for a constant discharge (QIdeal) and different areas has been used. I need not mention that the following simplified form of the continuity equation involves flow streams having a uniform velocity across the flow section of a steady, incompressible, and one-dimensional flow.

Fluid is assumed to be water with no impurities, thus with a density of and a temperature of 20c. (Temperature data is essential for obtaining the viscosity used in calculating Reynolds number. Unfortunately, this fact was overlooked during the experiment and the temperature had to be assumed.)

     

Experimental Apparatus

Bernoulli apparatus connected to the differential manometer at six different points Hydraulic bench, on which the jet apparatus rests. It contains the water pump and keeps track of the volume of water accumulating.

 

A stopwatch to measure the time needed for a certain volume of water to be supplied; in order to then calculate the actual rate of flow (Qactual). A thermometer to measure the water temperature, which yields a corresponding kinematic viscosity required in calculating Reynolds number.

Top

Experimental Procedure
The procedure undertaken in this experiment consists of three main parts:
1. Relieving the system of all bubbles in the manometer and Venturi tube

Fully open both the supply valve in the hydraulic bench and the exit valve on the apparatus.

Allow water to flow freely (at maximum flow), and then close the exit valve. Gradually, start unscrewing the spindle situated on the manometer top to let all air leak out. A jet of water will issue out of the manometer carrying with it all bubbles in tubes.

After enough water has flowed out (and you regard a bubble-free system), start closing the spindle. Fully shut the supply valve. Open the exit valve.

2. Bringing down the manometer readings to a convenient level Slowly, open the spindle once more allowing some air to enter the system. As the water level in the manometer tubes decreases, wait until it reaches a level around 160, where you then tightly close the spindle.

3. Recording the manometer readings at points 1, 2, 5, and 6 for seven different flow rates Discharge is measured by using the stopwatch to record the time need for a certain volume of water to accumulate. (A meter next to the supply valve keeps track of the water volume). For seven different discharges*, take the manometer readings at points 1, 2, 5, and 6. (During the course of the experiment, a clogging was discovered in point 4 after three different discharges were calculated. This forced us to revert to point 5 and left us with only the last five readings at that point, instead of seven readings, as in the case with points 1, 2 & 6).

Measure the water temperature. (Regrettably, the temperature issue was overlooked while performing the experiment. Consequently, as indicated in the Theory and Assumptionssection, a value of 20c has been assumed.)
* Manometer readings are very sensitive to small variations in flow, thus 1/8 valve turns are sufficient.

Data and Measurements

 Flow rates (and corresponding tap readings): For seven different rates of flow, the manometer readings at points 1, 2, 5, & 6 have been recorded. The time taken for 3 liters of water to accumulate was used to calculate the actual discharges at the seven different stages of this experiment.
Tap 1(mm) 187.5 214 224 230 256 269 280 Tap Tap 2(mm) 5(mm) N/A 174 N/A 191 197 123 200 121 218 99 225 93 232 83 Tap Actual Time(sec) Volume(l) 6(mm) Discharge(l/sec) 117 32.7 3 0.092 86 28.65 3 0.105 68 24.2 3 0.124 59 21.95 3 0.137 36 20.2 3 0.148 23 18 3 0.167 7 17.3 3 0.173

Reading 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

 Tap 1 2 5 6

Areas at different taps: Area (mm2) 497 167.4 88.2 78.5

Diameter (mm) 25.0 14.6 10.6 10.0

Results and Calculations

 Derivation of Venturi discharge formula:
Starting with the Bernoulli equation for any two points in the Venturi tube:

Taking all points at the centerline of the tube, the elevation z cancels out from the equation. This leaves us with Bernoulli equation yielding: to be substituted in the previous

Having

constant by

rate

of

flow and

throughout by

the :

tube,

the continuity

equation replaces

, being a function of the areas and manometer readings at different points (all of which have been reported in the Data and Measurements section), is a value easily determined by applying the discharge formula for different pairs of taps.

Reading 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

h1h6 (mm)
70.5 128 156 171 220 246 273

h2h6 (mm)
57 105 129 141 182 202 225

h5h6 (mm)
N/A N/A

QIdeal 13 6 (m /sec) 9.35E-05 1.26E-04 1.39E-04 1.46E-04 1.65E-04 1.75E-04 1.84E-04

QIdeal 23 6 (m /sec) 9.40E-05 1.28E-04 1.41E-04 1.48E-04 1.68E-04 1.77E-04 1.87E-04

QIdeal 56 (m
3

/sec)

N/A N/A

55 62 63 70 76

1.79E-04 1.90E-04 1.91E-04 2.02E-04 2.10E-04

Introducing the discharge coefficient

Reading QActual(m3/sec) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
9.20E-05 1.05E-04 1.24E-04 1.37E-04 1.48E-04 1.67E-04 1.73E-04

QIdeal1/sec) 9.35E-05 1.26E-04 1.39E-04 1.46E-04 1.65E-04 1.75E-04 1.84E-04

6(m
3

QIdeal2/sec) 9.40E-05 1.28E-04 1.41E-04 1.48E-04 1.68E-04 1.77E-04 1.87E-04

6(m
3

QIdeal56(m
3

/sec)

Cd 1-6 0.98 0.83 0.89 0.94 0.90 0.96 0.94

Cd 2-6 0.98 0.82 0.88 0.93 0.88 0.94 0.93

Cd 5-6
N/A N/A

N/A N/A

1.79E-04 1.90E-04 1.91E-04 2.02E-04 2.10E-04

0.69 0.72 0.77 0.83 0.82

And the flow coefficient we are left with:

Reynolds number:
Referring to TABLE A.5 in textbook, the kinematic viscosity of water at a temperature of 20c is . Moreover, tap 6 being our reference point, then ,and Reynolds number becomes: ,

Reading QActual(m3/sec) 1 9.20E-05 2 1.05E-04 3 1.24E-04 4 1.37E-04 5 1.48E-04 6 1.67E-04 7 1.73E-04

Cd 1-6 0.98 0.83 0.89 0.94 0.90 0.96 0.94

Cd 2-6 0.98 0.82 0.88 0.93 0.88 0.94 0.93

Cd 5-6
N/A N/A

0.69 0.72 0.77 0.83 0.82

K 1-6 1.00 0.84 0.90 0.95 0.91 0.97 0.95

K 2-6 1.11 0.93 0.99 1.05 1.00 1.07 1.05

K 5-6
N/A N/A

1.52 1.58 1.70 1.82 1.80

Red 1.17E+04 1.34E+04 1.58E+04 1.74E+04 1.88E+04 2.13E+04 2.20E+04

Top

Conclusion and Error Justification

As a start, allow me to divide this section into two parts: 1) Pointing out the consistency, in some areas, of the reported data with the theory and methodology governing this experiment. 2)Throwing light on any outstanding deviation from approved results in the textbook, and consequently justifying this inconsistency by its sources of error.

The head loss across the Venturi meter is minimal when compared to that involved in other flow-measuring device such as the sharp-edged orifice or the flow

nozzle. This is due to the simple fact that there is no vena contracta to cause a significant head loss manifested in an abrupt expansion. This leaves us with friction and heat as the only source of any head loss (no matter how minute) that increases as the flow and the distance between the two taps under analysis increases.

Consequently, with the distance separating taps 5 & 6 being smaller than that separating 1 & 6, Bernoullis equation ought to yield a greater QIdeal for 5 & 6 than for 1 & 6 (since a smaller head loss is involved). This is evident in the following table:

Reading QActual(m3/sec) 1
9.20E-05

QIdeal 1-6 (m3/sec)

9.35E-05

QIdeal 23 6 (m /sec) 9.40E05

QIdeal 56 (m
3

/sec)

N/A

1.28E04

N/A

1.05E-04

1.26E-04 1.41E04 1.79E04 1.90E04 1.91E04 2.02E04 2.10E04

3
1.24E-04 1.39E-04 1.46E-04 1.65E-04 1.75E-04 1.84E-04

4 5 6 7

1.37E-04 1.48E-04 1.67E-04 1.73E-04

1.48E04 1.68E04 1.77E04 1.87E04

It follows that the discharge coefficient is relatively smaller for taps 5 & 6 where QIdeal is greatest. On the other hand, the flow coefficient, K, being directly proportional to maximum. , yields greatest values for taps 5 & 6 (K5-6) where this ratio is

References

J. A. Roberson and C. T. Crowe: Engineering Fluid Mechanics 6th Edition

Lecture notes of Fluid Mechanics CE055 & Applied Fluid Mechanics CE075 by Professor C. J. Inglessis

 

Lab handouts in Fluid Mechanics Laboratory CE078 Previous lab report: Venturi Meter (November 1999)