Experiment

EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF FREE AND FORCED VORTEX PROFILES
FORCED VORTEX FORMATION :
THEORY:
FIG 1 : FORCED VORTEX FORMATION
With forced vortex formation the angular velocity (ω) can be substituted directly into the
equation for the vortex contour. It is constant over the radius. The height h over the bottom of the
vortex as a function of radius r and angular velocity (ω) is thus:
ℎ = (𝑟 2 ∗ 𝜔2 )/(2 ∗ 𝑔)
Where h = initial (non-rotating) surface height of the fluid,
ω = angular velocity, radian/second
r = radius of the cylinder,
g = acceleration of gravity.
Aim :
The aim of this experiment is to study the relationship between the surface shape of a
forced vortex flow and the angular velocity of a rotating liquid in a cylindrical tank.
Objective :
 visualisation of various vortices

 investigation of forced vortices
 representation of surface profiles
 determination of velocity
There is often ambiguity in what constitutes vortex behaviour, and common descriptions
are qualitative in nature and therefore necessarily limited. Hence to identify the
quantitative features associated with vortices in order to provide a definition.
Understanding for the real world problems and solutions :

An understanding of real vortex behaviors is essential for effective real-world
application. In real fluids some blending between the forced and free vortex behaviors is
always observed, though in the vast majority of real-world engineering (high Reynolds
number/turbulent) flows there is a strong tendency to exhibit free vortex behaviour,
whereas the dominance of forced vortex behaviour is only observed in the vortex core
and in lower Reynolds number flows.
Understanding vortex behaviors enables effective, efficient real-world hydrodynamic
separation. A full understanding of real-world vortex behaviour enables engineers to
develop hydrodynamic separators that minimize short circuiting and maximize the
residence time of the fluid, ensuring that the best use is made of the available treatment
volumes. With this understanding, separation units can be designed to be resistant to
changes in inflow conditions, enabling them to collect targeted materials across a wide
range of flow rates.
THREE DESIGN BENEFITS THAT RESULT FROM UNDERSTANDING
VORTEX BEHAVIOUR
Minimize short circuiting: Cutting short circuiting means that a smaller tank is
required, with reliable performance at varying flow rates.
Extended residence time of solids: Increased residence time of solids leads to
better performance and/or the need for a smaller separation vessel. Sweep solids
to a central location for collection
Using the vortex to sweep solids: Means that no mechanical components are
required – reducing power and maintenance need, and making the system resilient
against FOG and rags.
Findings of the experiment :
 Angular velocity
 discharge
 depth of water at varied radial distances.
Sources of errors :
 Improper eye judgement while measuring number of rotations of paddle.

 Improper discharge calculation
 The complete experimental setup not placed on the leveled surface(bubble not
centered in level gauge) i.e. improper formation of vortex profile
 When outlet discharge is not maintained constantly with inlet discharge the series
of readings taken with height gauge is differed i.e. maintaining a constant depth of
water in cylinder.
 When aligning aid is not horizontal the readings measured corresponding to
height gauge are wrong.
APPARATUS :
1) Impeller vortex setup
 Slanted-seat valve for radial discharge regulation
 Inlet, tangential
 Tank, transparent
 Height gauge
 Height measuring device
 Radius measuring device
 Inlet ring
 In- or outlet, radial
 Selector ball valve for radial or tangential inlet
2) Collecting tank
3) Stop watch
4) Meter scale
Methodology to perform the experiment:-

1. Ensure that the control valve in closed condition (in clockwise direction) and the outlet
valve for the flow from the cylinder is fully open (in anti-clockwise direction). Switch
on the pump.
2. Gently, open the control valve (in anti-clockwise direction). The force of the flowing
water which enter into the cylinder will push the peddle blade to rotate at required
speed.
3. Ensure that the water level in the cylinder is at the maximum height and it is maintained
constantly. Use the outlet valve to control the water level in the cylinder. To open the
valve, turn the knob in anti-clockwise direction, to close it, turn the knob in clockwise
direction.
4. After the level of water is constantly maintained at the maximum height of the cylinder,
lower down each pointers of the vortex radius profile measurement gauge to the surface
of the water profile. At the same time, clock the time taken(in second) for the peddle
blade to rotate 50 cycle.
5. Measure the height of the vortex profile by measuring the height of each pointers of the
vortex radius profile measurement gauge. Record the data in the given table.
6. Repeat procedures (2) to (5) for two other different flow rates.
Discussion :
Forced vortex on the other hand is formed when a liquid is rotated by a paddle within a tank. The
surface profile of forced vortex is a parabolic shape and is dependent to the angular velocity of
the rotation. The rotational speed of the paddle was measured by counting the number of
rotations in 94 seconds. Three trials were conducted where both used different flow rates of
water. The angular velocities were calculated where it was used to compare the actual and
theoretical values centre between by plotting a graph of height against distance from centre
For the forced vortex experiment, we calculate the number of revolution based on the rotating
blades that formed the forced vortex also the length of the needles when it touched the water
surface and compare its value to the calculated length using specified equation. The average
velocity head, forced vortex experiment was determined & based on the graph, all angular speed
gives the same result on the trend line which is when the radius increased, the depth decreased.
or all the graphs, some of the measured depth of the vortex is slightly different from the
theoretical values . The difference between the heights between the measured and theoretical is
due to the error.
Conclusion :
Results and Calculations of the Experiment :
Height h in
mm
Radius r in
mm
Height h in
mm
Radius r in
mm
Height h in
mm
Radius r in
mm

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EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF FREE AND FORCED VORTEX PROFILES

FORCED VORTEX FORMATION :

FIG 1 : FORCED VORTEX FORMATION

Where h = initial (non-rotating) surface height of the fluid,

ω = angular velocity, radian/second

r = radius of the cylinder,

 visualisation of various vortices

Understanding for the real world problems and solutions :

Findings of the experiment :

 Improper eye judgement while measuring number of rotations of paddle.

Methodology to perform the experiment:-

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