BACHELOR OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (HONS)

LAB REPORT

EKB 2081 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LAB I

NAME Nisha Fareena Binti Sarfaraz Khan ID 1102171011

EXPERIMENT TITLE Venturi Meter

DATE OF EXPERIMENT 1/Nov/2018

DATE OF SUBMISSION 15/Nov/2018

NAME OF GROUP MEMBERS ID

NISHA FAREENA 1102171011

ABISHEK SEKHAR 1103173001

MATHANESHAN RAJAGOPAL 1103173003

MARKING SIGNATURES
DETAILS TOTAL MARKS
AWARDED

Attitude 5
Participation 5
Open ended 10 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LAB I
INCHARGE
Lab Report 40
(DR.YEE KIAN FEI/ IR.THAM /MS. NURUL
Total 60
SAKINAH)

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Table of Content:

1. Abstract……...………………………………………………………….…3
2. Introduction………….……………………………………………....….…4
2.1 Principles of venturimeter
2.2 Experimental Theory
2.3 Applications
2.4 Advantages/Disadvantages
3. Results and Discussion…..………………………………………….…..12
3.1 Calculation Results
3.2 Discussion
4. Conclusion and recommendations ……………………………….…...19
5. Reference ……………………………………………………………..…20
6. Appendix …………………………………………………………..……. 21

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 1. Abstract :

The main objective of this experiment is to obtain the coefficient of discharge

Cd, from experimental data by the use of Venturimeter. By the ratio of the actual
discharge Qa to its theoretical discharge Qt. The main function of venturimeter is to
measure the flow rate of the fluid flowing in a pipe by means of a manometer
attached to it. Basically it works on the principal of Bernoulli’s Theorem. The
pressure difference in the inlet and the throat area where the venture meter is
attached helps to measure the flow rate of the liquid by means of a manometric head
difference. The theoretical discharge Qt is measured by means of a formula and the
actual discharge Qa values are obtained by collecting 12L of water in the measuring
tank and note the time in seconds. The flow rates in Lpm are measured by the
rotameter. To avoid any eddies formation we start from 32Lpm down to 12Lpm. The
average value of the coefficient of discharge Cd obtained is 0.97 after repeating the
same experiment over six times. The slope of the graph constructed by taking Qa vs
Qt gives us the average value of Cd. Due to losses inside the pipe of the
venturimeter and manometer limbs the Cd value is always less than 1. The overall
experiment was performed according to the given instructions and guidelines and the
final result obtained established an important relationship between the flow of liquid
through a venturimeter.

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 2. Introduction:

A venture meter is a device to measure the flow rate of a flowing fluid through
a pipe first created by a hydraulic Engineer Clemens Herschel (1842-1930). Venturi
meters are made of cast iron, bronze or steel. It consist of a short conical inlet
section known as diverging section leads to a throat section, then to a long discharge
cone known as the converging section. One end of a manometer is attached at the
location of convergence and the other end is attached to the throat of the
Venturimeter thus measuring the pressure difference by means of manometer. An
example of Venturimeter is shown in the fig 1.1:

Fig 1.1: A Venturimeter.

D,d : Diameter of the inlet or pipe and throat.

P1, P2: Pressure at inlet and throat.

hm: Manometric deflection. (Venturi meter-construction, 2016, mecholic).

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 2.1. Principle of Venturimeter:

Venturimeter working is based on the Bernoulli’s principle. As the velocity

increases the pressure decreases due to the difference in the cross-sectional area of
the inlet and the throat. The cross-sectional are of the inlet is larger as compare to
the throat thus the flow rate at the throat will be larger as compare to the inlet. Thus
larger flow rate at the throat will result in decrease in pressure at this point. This
happens According to the continuity equation. The difference in the pressure
between the inlet and the throat is measured by means of a manometer attached
externally to the pressure points.

Venturi Effect:

When a fluid is flowing through a pipe and it faces constriction, the velocity of
the flow increases with the constriction with a corresponding drop in static pressure.
This is called the Venture effect. According to Bernoulli’s principle the flow speed is
inversely proportional to its static pressure. Which in terms means that when the
velocity of the flowing fluid increases the pressure decreases. (ScienceStruck,
2018,Venturi effect).

Fig 1.2: Venturi Effect.

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Mathematical Expressions:

The Bernoulli's theorem for the present problem can be written as,

= constant -------------------------------- ( i )

As z1=z2 due to horizontal flow of fluid.

After rearranging we get,

-------------------------------- ( ii )

As per continuity equation:

, ------------------------------------- ( iii )

By replacing in equation (ii) using equation (iii).

-------------------------------- ( iv )

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 , where h is the difference in height of liquid in the manometer

and is the density of the mercury in the manometer.

or, -----------------( v )

The volume flow rate Qt can be calculated as,

---------------------------- ( vi )

(Nptel, 2009, Fluid Dynamics).

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Actual Discharge & Theoretical Discharge:

Thus the equation (vi) under ideal condition gives theoretical discharge Qt. The
actual discharge is donated by Qa which is less than the theoretical discharge. Where
in this experiment the Qa (actual discharge) was denoted by the volume of water in
the tank which was 12L by the time measure in seconds.

Qa= Volume of water/ Time (m³/s) ,

Qt= Theoritical discharge is measured by the following formula.

Where h is the difference in the height of the manometer readings A1 is the area of
the inlet and A2 is the area of the outlet, g is acceleration due to gravity. By inserting
all the values we get Qt (theoretical discharge), which varies with the change of the
manometer height by changing the initial flow rate.

Co-efficient of Discharge Cd:

Co-efficient of discharge Cd, depends on the type of flow, type of fluid and the
dimensions of the venture pipe. For a well-designed venturimeter the value of Cd is
around 0.98. It is has no dimensions and only depends on the rate of flow and the
velocity of the working fluid. The value of Cd is higher in nozzle measurement flow as
compare to orifice measurement of flow. It can be increased by increasing the overall
pressure ratio or by decreasing the convergent angle in flow measurement. However,
by obtaining different values of Qa and Qt we can find the average value of Cd by the
ratio of the actual discharge to its theoretical discharge such that

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒
𝐶𝑑 = 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 (Dimensional-less)

𝑄𝑎
𝐶𝑑 =
𝑄𝑡

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 2.2. Experimental Theory:

In order to obtain laboratory results for the value of Cd, an experimental setup
of venturimeter was used in the laboratory to calculate the value of Qa and Qt. The
fig 1.3 shows the Venturimeter setup in the laboratory which indicates the inlet
convergent limb and the throat is attached to the manometer to its left which will give
the difference in height reading. And the flow to the manometer is regulated by
means of a valve. An aided centrifugal pump is attached to the apparatus to regulate
the flow of water by turning on the power supply.

Fig 1.3: Venturimeter in laboratory.

The following steps were performed to obtain the desired values in order to calculate
the value of Cd.

i. Switch on the motor and regulate the flow rate of the inlet valve starting from
32 L/min which is 0.54 L/s down to 12 L/min or 0.2 L/s.

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ii. After a uniform flow is established with no eddied formation note the
difference in the manometer reading of the right and the left limb as shown in
fig 1.4 and fig 1.5. This difference value is denoted by h and is used to
calculate the Theoretical Discharge Qt.

Fig 1.4: Difference in Fig 1.5: Difference in

Manometer readings Manometer readings.
at 20 L/min. 24 L/min.

iii. To obtain the value of actual discharge Qa, collect certain amount of water in
the measuring tank which in this case is 12L and note the time in seconds.
The fig 1.6 shows the volume scale of water collected in the tank.

Fig 1.6: Volume of water in the tank.

iv. Repeat the same experiment a few times to obtain different values of Qa and
Qt. Calculate the value of Cd and tabulate all the values.

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2.3. Applications of Venturimeter:
 Venturimeter is used to obtain the flow rate of water, gases suspended solids,
slurries and dirty liquids.
 It is used in medical industries to measure the flow rate of blood in the
arteries.
 Widely used in waste water treatment processes, because of its suitable
measurement of dirty fluid.
 Used in crude oil pipelines because the temperature and pressure do not
affect the accuracy of the fluid flow.
 Venturimeters are also used in carburettor to measure the air flow in a car
engine and to measure the correct amount of fuel is fed to the combustion
engine (Mech4study,2018,fluidmechanics).

2.4. Advantages & Disadvantages:

Advantages Disadvantages
1. Less losses and high accuracy. 1. Size and cost is high.
2. High co-efficient of discharge. 2. Difficult inspection due to its
3. Can measure 25-50% more construction.
flow as compare to any flow 3. Cannot be used for pipes with
measuring devices. small diameters.
4. Less susceptible to wear and 4. Big and heavy with
corrosion, ad can be installed in considerable length. (Prof. Kasim
any direction between pipes. Al-Aubidy,AMSS, p.11)

5. Suitable for measurement in

large pipes, with high pressure
recovery.

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 3. Results and Discussion:

Experiment conducted to measure the flow of water through a pipe by means

of a Venturimeter which is connected to a manometer in order to measure the
difference of height in the manometer reading due to the change in pressure in the
two limbs of the manometer. The same experiment is repeated six times with
different flow rate by regulating the inlet valve. Thus by doing this six different
reading for the Actual and Theoretical discharge are obtained. Which in return gives
us six different reading for the co-efficient of discharge Cd.

First of all we calculate the values of Qa, Qt and Cd.

3.1. Calculation results:

Data Analysis:

Diameter of the pipe inlet = d1 = 0.029m

Diameter of pipe outlet = d2= 0.017m

Area of pipe inlet = A1 = π/4(d1)² = π/4 x (0.029)² = 6.6 x 10^-4 m²

Area of pipe outlet = A2 = = π/4(d2)² = 2.27 x 10^-4 m².

Calculation of theoretical discharge, Qt:

Experiment 1:

Difference in height of manometric fluid = 24.5cm = 0.245m

Where,

6.6𝑥10^ − 4𝑥2.27𝑥10^ − 4√2𝑥9.81𝑥0.245

𝑄𝑡 =
√(6.6𝑥10−4 )²𝑥(2.27𝑥10−4 )²

Qt=5.3x10^-4 m³/s.

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Experiment 2:

6.6𝑥10^ − 4𝑥2.27𝑥10^ − 4√2𝑥9.81𝑥0.193

𝑄𝑡 =
√(6.6𝑥10−4 )²𝑥(2.27𝑥10−4 )²

Qt=4.7023x10^-4 m³/s.

Experiment No. Difference in Height of Theoretical Discharge,

Manometer, H (m). Qt x10^-4 (m³/s)
1 0.245 1.823
2 0.193 2.580
3 0.133 3.230
4 0.091 3.900
5 0.058 4.702
6 0.029 5.300
Table 1.7: Results of Theoretical Discharge.

Calculation Of actual discharge, Qa:

Volume of liquid in the tank

Qa =
Time in sec

Constant volume in the tank = 12L =0012 m³.

Experiment 1:

0.012𝑚³
𝑄𝑎 =
23.22𝑠

Qa=5.17x10^-4 m³/s.

Experiment 2:

0.012𝑚³
𝑄𝑎 =
26.60𝑠

Qa = 4.5113x10^-4 m³/s.

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 Experiment No. Volume in Tank, Time (Sec). Actual Discharge,
V (m³). Qax10^-4 (m³/s).
1 0.012 23.22 5.17
2 0.012 26.60 4.5113
3 0.012 32.72 3.67
4 0.012 39.19 3.06
5 0.012 51.45 2.3324
6 0.012 76.34 1.572
Table 1.8: Results of Actual Discharge.

Calculation for Cd value:

As we know,

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒
𝐶𝑑 =
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒

Experiment 1:

𝑄𝑎
𝐶𝑑 =
𝑄𝑡

5.17𝑥10^ − 4
𝐶𝑑 =
5.3𝑥10^ − 4

𝐶𝑑 = 0.98

Experiment 2:

𝑄𝑎
𝐶𝑑 =
𝑄𝑡

4.5113𝑥10^ − 4
𝐶𝑑 =
4.7023𝑥10^ − 4

𝐶𝑑 = 0.96

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 Experiment No. Actual Discharge, Theoretical Co-efficient Of
Qax10^-4 (m³/s). Discharge, Discharge, Cd.
Qt x10^-4 (m³/s)
1 5.17 5.3 0.98
2 4.5113 4.7023 0.96
3 3.67 3.9 0.94
4 3.06 3.23 0.95
5 2.3324 2.58 0.91
6 1.572 1.823 0.86
Table 1.9: Results for Co-efficient of Discharge Cd.

Calculation For Experimental Error:

In order to calculate the experimental error for the value of Cd obtained

experimentally to its theoretical value of 0.98, the following calculations are carried
out.

Experimental Value of Cd: 0.94

Accepted Value of Cd: 0.98

0.97-0.98 = -0.01

|- 0.01| = 0.01

0.01
= 0.0102
0.98

0.0102 x 100% = 0.1%

Experimental error = 0.1%

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 3.2. Discussion:

Graph for Actual Discharge Vs Theoretical Discharge:

The graph in fig 1.10 shows the relationship between Actual discharge Qa
and the theoretical discharge Qt. It is anticipated that the graph for actual discharge
and theoretical discharge will result in a straight line. From the gradient of the graph
the average value of Cd can be obtained. However, the line does not pass exactly
through the centre of origin which can be a result of experimental errors or human
errors while taking the readings.

Fig 1.10: Graph on Actual Discharge Vs Theoretical Discharge.

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Graph for Initial Flow rate Q Vs Co-efficient of Discharge Cd:

As the graph in Fig 1.11 shows that with the gradual increase of the flow rate
the Cd value is approximately approaching 1. The co-efficient of discharge for
Venturimeter is the measure of the efficiency for venturimeter. This in terms means
that the value of Cd approaches nearly 1 when the flow rate increases so that the
energy loses, friction loses, pressure loses and turbulence loses are less as 10% in
venturimeter flow. The straight line indicates that as the flow rate increases the
efficiency of venture meter increases. But the value of Cd can never be more then 1
because that means that the experiment will end up with more energy than it had
before. Plus Cd can never approach 1 which in return means that the experiment
carried was an ideal state with no losses at all.

Fig 1.11: Graph on Flow rate Q Vs Coefficient of discharge Cd.

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As evident from the graph 1.10 the relation between Qa and Qt is a straight line
indicating very less pressure, energy, turbulence and friction losses. Further on this
means that the value of Cd approximately approaches 1 which in this experimental
case is denoted to be an average of 0.97 with only 10% of all energy losses. Cd
value can never reach 1 as this might indicate an ideal condition where there are no
losses at all. Plus Cd value can never exceed 1 as this may result in excess of
energy after the experiment as compare to the beginning of the experiment.

As from the fig 1.11 we saw the result that as the initial flow rate increases the
value of Cd increases which shows that that value of Cd is more accurate with higher
flow rates. In high flow rates the flow of liquid becomes uniform and less turbulent
with no eddies formation and reduce energy losses thus the value of Cd is high at
higher flow rates as compare to lower flow rates.

Actual flow rate Qa is different the then the theoretical flow rate Qt, as Qa can
be measure through different methods and by dividing the volume of the fluid by the
time taken. Whereas, Qt is measured through a formula which includes a
manometric reading with the difference in heights of the liquid. Qt will have higher
flow rate as compare to Qa due to friction losses in actual flow processes.

The average value of Cd obtained from this experiment is 0.97 which shows
that there were certain losses during the experiment was conducted. Other errors
could be human measuring time for the collection of 12L of water. In addition the
values in the manometer and the flow meter was fluctuating due to which there could
be an error in the measurements. The detailed calculations and excel sheets with
graph calculations are attached in the appendix of the report as document 1, 2 and
3.

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 4. Conclusion & Recommendation:

In conclusion the experiment was conducted successfully. As from the results

it is evident that the increase in flow rate causes the differential head to rise in the
two limbs of the manometer which proves the Venturi effect. In addition, the average
value of Cd obtained is 0.97 which is close to the actual value of Cd 0.98 with a very
low error percentage error of (0.1%) denoted.

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 5. Reference:

Venturi Meter-Construction, working, equation, Application, Advantage, and

Disadvantage, 2016, Mecholic, [online].[Accessed 12th November,2018]. Available
from World Wide Web:

https://www.mecholic.com/2016/11/venturi-meter-construction-working-equation-
application-advantages.html.

Venturi Meter, 2009, NPTEL, [online]. [Accessed 12th November,2018]. Available

from World Wide Web:

https://nptel.ac.in/courses/122103011/22.

Venturi Effect and Its Applications, 2018, ScienceStruck, [online]. [Accessed 13 th

November, 2018]. Available from World Wide Web:

https://sciencestruck.com/explanation-applications-of-venturi-effect.

Fluid Mechanics, 2018, Mech4study, [online]. [Accessed 13th November, 2018].

Available from World Wide Web:

http://www.mech4study.com/2018/06/what-is-venturimeter-how-it-works.html

Advance Measurment System and Sensors, 2011, Flow and Temperature Sensors,
[online]. [Accessed 12th November, 2018]. Available from World Wide Web:

https://www.philadelphia.edu.jo/academics/kaubaidy/uploads/Sensor-Lect10.pdf

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6. Appendix:

1. Excel sheet for Graph 1.9 on Actual Discharge Vs Theoretical Discharge.

2. Excel sheet for graph 1.10 on Flow rate Q Vs Coefficient of discharge Cd.
3. Hand written Table of Calculations.

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