Lab # 4: Determination of Volumetric Flow Rate

using Hydraulic Bench

DEPARTMENT Mechanical Engineering
COURSE FM – II Lab
BATCH 2023
SEMESTER 4th
SUBMITTED BY Abdul Moiz (474550)

Page 1 of 6
Table of Contents
Objectives: .................................................................................................................................3
Apparatus: ..................................................................................................................................3
Pump: ..................................................................................................................................3
Sump Tank: .........................................................................................................................3
Flow Control Valve: ..............................................................................................................4
Open Channel: .....................................................................................................................4
Volumetric Tank: .................................................................................................................4
Dump Valve: ........................................................................................................................4
Sight Tube: ...........................................................................................................................4
Theory: .......................................................................................................................................4
Procedure: ..................................................................................................................................5
Data and calculations: ...............................................................................................................5
Discussion:.................................................................................................................................6
Conclusion: ................................................................................................................................6

Page 2 of 6
 Determination of volumetric flow rate
using hydraulic bench
Objectives:
• To know about the function of a Hydraulic Bench Apparatus.
• To calculate the volume flow rate of water from the Sump Tank to the
Volumetric Tank.

Apparatus:
Pump:

A pump is a type of turbomachinery used to transport fluids (such as water) from

one location to another by applying mechanical force. It primarily works by
converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Sump Tank:

In the Hydraulic Tank Apparatus, the sump tank stores fluid, which is then pumped
into the open channel and eventually into the volumetric tank.

Page 3 of 6
Flow Control Valve:

The flow control valve regulates the fluid flow rate. Turning it counterclockwise
opens the valve.

Open Channel:

The open channel is an elevated platform that allows fluid to flow after being
pumped. It directs the fluid toward the volumetric tank.

Volumetric Tank:

The volumetric tank acts as a storage unit for the water pumped from the sump tank
and passed through the open channel.

Dump Valve:

The dump valve is a loose pipe temporarily placed inside the volumetric tank. It
prevents water from flowing back into the sump tank. Lifting the valve allows the
water to return to the sump tank.

Sight Tube:

The sight tube is a type of manometer used to measure the amount of fluid in the
volumetric tank after pumping.

Theory:
Water is initially stored in the sump tank, located at the lower section of the system.
A centrifugal pump is used to draw water from the sump tank through a control valve
and direct it to the open channel's outlet. After passing through the testing unit, the
water is collected in a volumetric measuring tank designed to accommodate different
flow rates. This tank includes a stilling baffle and a remote sight tube with a
calibrated scale. A dump valve at the base of the tank allows the water to be recycled
back into the sump tank. To prevent overflow, an opening is incorporated into the
stilling baffle.

Page 4 of 6
Procedure:
1. Around 40–50 liters of water was poured into the sump tank, which was then
pumped through the open channel into the volumetric tank.
2. The pitot tube was inspected to ensure it was free of defects, as it was used to
measure the water level in the volumetric tank.
3. The flow control valve was turned counterclockwise by half a turn.
4. The motor pump was switched on, and the inlet pipe was held firmly to prevent
water from spraying uncontrollably.
5. As soon as the water level in the pitot tube rose above zero, a stopwatch was
started and continued until the desired water level was reached (in this case, 10L
for simplicity).
6. After completing the experiment, the dump valve was lifted to allow water to
return to the sump tank for further trials.
7. The procedure was repeated with different valve openings to observe variations
in flow rate.
8. Once all trials were completed, the flow rates were calculated based on the
displaced volume and the time taken for the volumetric tank to fill.

Data and calculations:

Sample calculation:
Flow rate=Q= V/t
Q=22/0.25
Q=88LPM (liters per minute)

No. of Volume in Liters(V) Time in Volumetric Flowrate (LPM)

readings Minutes(t)

1 22 0.25 88

2 21.5 0.248 86.69

3 17 0.318 53.459

4 12 0.135 88.889

Page 5 of 6
Discussion:
This experiment aimed to explore the functionality of the Hydraulic Bench
Apparatus and measure the volume flow rate of water from the sump tank to the
volumetric tank by adjusting the flow control valve. By rotating the valve at specific
angles for each observation, we were able to systematically vary the flow rate,
demonstrating a direct correlation between valve position and water flow.
Using the formula Q=V/t, the flow rate was calculated, showing that larger valve
openings led to higher flow rates due to reduced resistance. The experiment
emphasized the importance of precise measurements and valve control in fluid
mechanics, with applications in hydraulic system design and optimization.
However, certain limitations, such as potential measurement errors, were noted.
Future studies could incorporate digital sensors for improved accuracy. Overall, the
experiment provided valuable insights into the regulation and measurement of fluid
flow.

Conclusion:
The experiment successfully demonstrated how the Hydraulic Bench Apparatus can
be used to measure water flow rates by adjusting the flow control valve.
Incrementally rotating the valve by 180° confirmed that larger openings increased
flow rates due to decreased resistance. Applying the equation Q=V/t, the measured
flow rates were consistent, validating the valve’s role in regulating fluid flow.
Despite minor measurement inaccuracies, the results were reliable and met the
experiment’s objectives. The study reinforced key principles of fluid mechanics and
highlighted their practical applications in hydraulic systems.

Page 6 of 6