Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
Scribd
Upload
389 views

Lab 1-Calibration of A Rotameter

This document outlines a laboratory experiment to calibrate a rotameter. The aim is to determine the relationship between the float height reading on the rotameter and the actual flow rate. Students will collect flow rate and float height readings for varying flow rates. They will then plot a calibration curve showing the relationship and determine the equation that can be used to calculate flow rate from a float height reading. Appendices include the experimental readings and sample calculations. The assessment criteria include evaluating the results, discussion, conclusion and appendices.

Uploaded by

yonela
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
389 views

Lab 1-Calibration of A Rotameter

This document outlines a laboratory experiment to calibrate a rotameter. The aim is to determine the relationship between the float height reading on the rotameter and the actual flow rate. Students will collect flow rate and float height readings for varying flow rates. They will then plot a calibration curve showing the relationship and determine the equation that can be used to calculate flow rate from a float height reading. Appendices include the experimental readings and sample calculations. The assessment criteria include evaluating the results, discussion, conclusion and appendices.

Uploaded by

yonela
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 9

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Laboratory 1

Calibration of a Rotameter
Lecturer: V. Cain

Subject: FDM260S

Date: 13 March 2021

[Click here and type student number] [Click here and type name] Signed:

[Click here and type student number] [Click here and type name] Signed:

[Click here and type student number] [Click here and type name] Signed:

[Click here and type student number] [Click here and type name] Signed:

Assessment Criteria Comments Max

Results 4

Discussion 3

Conclusion 3

Appendix 5

Total 15

I (We) swear that this is the original work of the author(s). All information obtained directly or indirectly from other sources has been
fully acknowledged.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Aim of the Experiment


2. Theoretical Background
3. Experimental Apparatus
4. Experimental Procedure
5. Results
6. Discussion of Results
7. Conclusion

APPENDIX A: Experimental Readings and Calculations

APPENDIX B: Sample Calculations:


1. AIM OF THE LABORATORY EXPERIMENT

To calibrate the rotameter fitted on the fluid mechanics test bench.

2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of a Rotameter

A rotameter consists of a vertically mounted, tapered glass tube that is installed in the line where
flow is to be measured. Inside the tube is a float (typically stainless steel) that is lifted up under
the action of the drag force (and buoyancy) to a point where the drag force balances the weight
and the float level stays constant. A reading can then be taken on the scale on the glass tube. In the
case of a properly designed and manufactured rotameter the level to which the float rises is
directly proportional to the flow rate.

Before the rotameter, or any other measuring device, can be used it must be calibrated. This will
ensure that the measurements taken using the rotameter can be trusted.

3. EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS

3.1 Fluid mechanics test bench fitted with rotameter, pump, control-valve and catchment tank
with level sight-glass. Click here for a picture
3.2 Calibrated measuring bucket (5l)
3.3 Stop watch
4. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Step 1: Place the plug in the catchment tank drain and add 5l of water.
Step 2: Mark the level on the sight-glass after the water surface stabilised.
Step 3: Add another 5l of water to the catchment tank.
Step 4: Repeat step 2 and three until the catchment tank is full.
Step 5: Start the pump and open the control valve.
Step 6: Adjust the flow rate until the maximum is reached.
Step 7a: Drain the catchment tank
Step 7b: Replace the plug.
Step 8: Redirect the discharge from the pump into the catchment tank.
Step 9: Watch the increasing water level in the sight-glass and start the stopwatch when a
marking is reached.
Step 10: Take a reading of the height of the float.
Step 11: Stop the stopwatch when a next mark is reached (after about minute of flow has been
collected)
Step 12: Note the volume of water (V) that was collected and the time taken (t).
Step 13: Redirect the flow away from the catchment tank and drain the catchment tank.
Step 14: Decrease the flow by about 20 units on the rotameter scale.
Step 15: Repeat steps 7 to 13 until zero flow is achieved.
5. RESULTS

The following graph shows the relationship between the height of the float and the flow rate.

Figure 2: Calibration curve of the rotameter

6. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

This statement is extracted from the Calibration of a Rotameter Lab Report theoretical background “In the case of a
properly designed and manufactured Rotameter, the level to which the float (L) rises is directly proportional to the
flow rate (Q).”

i.e Q α L

6.1 Comment on the following:

6.1.1 Nature of the graph;


6.1.2 Slope of the graph; and
6.1.3 The Y-intercept.

6.2 For the purposes of the lab, the flow rate, Q, can be determined by using the equation of a straight line if the
float height value (L) is known. The relationship used will be that of the equation of a straight line, Q = mL
+ C.

Where: Q = The actual flow rate (m3/s);


m = The slope of the graph;
L = The float height reading;
C = The y-intercept.

Write down the equation obtained when the graph is drawn manually. Compare this equation to the one obtained by
using computer generated graph.

7. CONCLUSIONS
APPENDIX A: Experimental Readings and Results

Float height Time Volume Flowrate


L t V Q
mm Seconds l (liter) l/s
Reading Reading Reading Calculation
APPENDIX B: Sample Calculations:
For further reading:
Internet search results for the keyword “rotameter”
Altavista:

http://www.altavista.com/cgi-bin/query?pg=q&sc=on&q=rotameter&kl=XX&stype=stext

Useful web site

http://www.kinginstrumentco.com/about.htm

Fluid Mechanics 3rd Ed. Douglas JF, Gasiorek JM, Swaffield JA.

You might also like