ORIFICE

- An orifice is an opening (usually circular) with a closed perimeter through

which fluid flows. It is used primarily to measure or to control the flow of

fluid. The upstream face of the orifice may be rounded or sharp. An orifice

with prolonged side, such as a piece of pipe, having a length of two or three

times its diameter, is called a short tube. Longer tubes such as culverts under

embankments are usually treated as orifice although they may also be treated

as short pipes.

The figure below shows a general case of fluid flow through an orifice. Let 𝑝𝐴

and 𝑝𝐵 be the air pressures in the chambers A and B, respectively and 𝑣𝐴 be the

velocity of the stream normal to the plane of the orifice. Consider 1 and 2 such that

𝑣1 = 𝑣𝐴 and 𝑣2 = v and writing the energy equation between these two points

neglecting losses:
 h

vA v
1 2

Chamber A Chamber B

Energy equation between 1 and 2 neglecting head lost:

𝐸1 = 𝐸2

𝑣1 2 𝑝1 𝑣2 2 𝑝2
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2
2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾

𝑣𝐴 2 𝑝𝐴+ 𝛾ℎ 𝑣2 𝑝𝐵
+ + 0 = 2𝑔 + +0
2𝑔 𝛾 𝛾
 𝑣𝐴 2 𝑝𝐴 𝑣2 𝑝𝐵
+ +h = +
2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾

𝑣2 𝑝𝐴 𝑝𝐵 𝑣𝐴 2
=h+ – +
2𝑔 𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔

Theoretical velocity, 𝑣𝑡 = √2𝑔𝐻

Actual velocity, v = 𝐶𝑣 √2𝑔𝐻

Theoretical discharge, 𝑄𝑡 = 𝐴√2𝑔𝐻

Actual discharge, Q = CA√2𝑔𝐻

𝑝𝐴 𝑝𝐵 𝑣𝐴 2
H= h+ – +
𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔

Where H is the total head producing flow in meters or feet of the flowing fluid. It can be noted

as the sum of the flow energy upstream less the flow energy downstream, or

H = 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑢𝑝𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 - 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚

Coefficient of Discharge, C or 𝐶𝑑

𝑄
𝐶𝑑 =
𝑄𝑡

Coefficient of Velocity, 𝐶𝑣
𝑣
𝐶𝑣 = 𝑣
𝑡

Coefficient of contraction, 𝐶𝑐
𝑎
𝐶𝑐 = 𝐴

Relationship between the Three Coefficients

C = 𝐶𝑐 x 𝐶𝑣
Ex. 1.

Calculate the discharge in liters per second through a 100-mm diameter orifice under a

head of 5.5m of water. Assume 𝐶𝑐 = 0.61 and 𝐶𝑣 = 0.98.

Solution:

Q = CA√2𝑔𝐻

C = 𝐶𝑐 x 𝐶𝑣 = 0.61 x 0.98 = 0.5978

H = 5.5 m
𝜋
Q = 0.5978( 4 )(0.100)2 √2(9.81)(5.5)

Q = 0.0487 𝑚3 /s = 48.77 L/s Ans.

Ex. 2.
The discharge through a 75 –mm diameter orifice at the bottom of a large tank was

measured be 1,734 liters in 1 minute. If the head over the orifice remain constant at 5.5 m,

compute the coefficient of discharge.

Solution:
𝑄
C=𝑄
𝑡

Since the head is constant , the flow is steady, thus;

𝑉𝑜𝑙 1734/1000
Q = 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 = = 0.0289 cu.m/ sec
1(60)

𝜋
𝑄𝑡 = 𝐴√2𝑔𝐻 = ( 4 )(0.075)2 √2(9.81)(5.5) = 0.04589 cu.m/sec

C = 0.0289/0.04589
C = 0.63 Ans.
ORIFICE
An opening usually circular with a closed perimeter through which fluid flows. It

is used primarily to measure or to control the flow of fluid. The upstream face of the orifice

may be rounded or sharp. The analysis of the quantity of water which can be discharged

through an orifice is arrived at in a simple, straightforward manner by the application of

Bernoulli's equation.

Theory:

Consider a small orifice in the side of a vessel with the head of water above the orifice

kept constant.

Figure 1: Discharge through an orifice

Applying Bernoulli's theorem between the surface of the water 1 and the orifice O
𝐸1 = 𝐸2
𝑉12 𝑃1 𝑉22 𝑃2
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2
2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾
However 𝑃1 = 𝑃2 = atmospheric pressure
𝑉1 = 0 and 𝑍1 − 𝑍2 = 𝐻
Hence substituting these into Bernoulli’s equation gives
𝑉22
𝐻= .
2𝑔

In other words, the theoretical velocity of the water passing through the orifice is given by
𝑉2 = √2𝑔ℎ
and hence the quantity of water being discharged through the orifice is given by
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑉 = 𝐴√2𝑔ℎ
 However, in practice the discharge is always less than this theoretical amount due

to the viscosity of the fluid, to surface tension and due to resistance of the air. The disparity

between the theoretical discharge velocity and the actual discharge velocity is allowed for

by introducing a factor 𝐶𝑣 known as the coefficient of velocity so that

𝑉𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 = 𝐶𝑣 √2𝑔ℎ
If the discharge from a sharp edged orifice is examined closely it will be observed

that the minimum diameter of the jet of water discharging from the orifice is smaller than

the orifice diameter. The plane at which this occurs is known as the vena contracta, which

is the plane where stream lines first become parallel. Applying the discharge equation at

the vena contracta

𝑄 = 𝐴𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑣 √2𝑔ℎ

Which can be written as

𝑄 = 𝐶𝑐 𝐴𝐶𝑣 √2𝑔ℎ
Where: 𝐶𝑐 = Coefficient of contraction or more simply as

𝑄 = 𝐶𝑑 𝐴√2𝑔ℎ
Where: 𝐶𝑐 = 𝐶𝑐 𝐶𝑣

For Constant Head:

Figure 2: Under Constant Head

Example:

1. An open cylindrical tank, 2.4 m in diameter and 6 m tall has 1m of glycerin (Sg = 1.5), 2.5

m of water, and 1.5 m of oil (Sg = 0.82). Determine the discharge

through the 125 mm diameter located at the bottom of the tank. Assume C =

0.65.

Solution
𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√2𝑔ℎ
1 0.82
𝐻 = 1 + 2.5 1.5 + 1.5 1.5

H = 3.487 m of Glycerin
𝜋
𝑄 = 0.65 𝑥 (0.125)2 𝑥 √2(9.81)(3.487)
4
3
𝑄 = 0.66 𝑚 ⁄𝑠

2. A steel barge, rectangular in plan, floats with a draft of 1.5 m. If the barge is 10m long, 5 m wide,

and 2 m deep, compute the time necessary to sink it to its top edge after opening a standard orifice,

180 mm in diameter, in its bottom. Neglect the thickness of the vertical sides and assume C = 0.60.

Note:

When the orifice is opened, the barge will sink a volume equal to the volume of

water inside the barge.

Fig. A Fig. B
Solution
Volume = Q t
Volume = 5 (10) (0.5)
Volume = 25 𝑚3

𝑄 = 𝐶𝑑 𝐴√2𝑔ℎ

𝜋 3
𝑄 = 0.6 (0.18)2 √2 (9.81)(1.5) = 0.08283 𝑚 ⁄𝑠
4

25 = 0.08283 (t)

𝑡 = 301.83 sec = 5.03 𝑚𝑖𝑛

Orifice
An orifice is an opening usually circular with a closed perimeter through which fluid flows.

It is used primarily to measure or to control the flow of fluid. The upstream face of the orifice

maybe rounded or sharp. An orifice with prolonged side, such as piece of pipe, having a length of

two or three times its diameter, is called short tube. Longer curves such as culverts under

embankments are usually treated as orifice although they may also be treated as short pipes.

According to shape, orifice maybe circular, square, or rectangular in cross-section. The

circular sharp-crested orifice is most widely used because of the simplicity of its design.

Theoretical velocity,𝑣𝑡 = √2𝑔𝐻

Actual velocity,𝑣 = 𝑐𝑣 √2𝑔𝐻

Theoretical discharge,𝑄𝑡 = 𝐴√2𝑔𝐻

Actual discharge,𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√2𝑔𝐻

Head Loss
The head loss through Venturi meters, orifice, tubes, and nozzles maybe expressed as:

The ideal energy between 1 and 2 is:

𝐸1 = 𝐸2
𝑣12 𝑝1 𝑣22 𝑝2
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2
2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾
𝐴1 𝑣1 = 𝐴2 𝑣2
 𝐴 2
𝐴2 𝑣12 ( 2)
𝐴1
𝑣1 = 𝐴 𝑣2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 = 𝑣22
1 2𝑔 2𝑔

𝐴2 2 𝑣12 𝑝1 𝑣22 𝑝2
( ) + + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2
𝐴1 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾
𝐴 2 𝑣2 𝑝 𝑝
[1 − ( 2 ) ] 1 = ( 1 + 𝑧1) + ( 2 + 𝑧2 )
𝐴 2𝑔 𝛾
1 𝛾

1 𝑝 𝑝
𝑣𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = √2𝑔 [( 𝛾1 + 𝑧1 ) − ( 𝛾2 + 𝑧2 )] → (𝑎)
√1−(𝐴2 /𝐴1 )2

Considering head lost between 1 and 2:

𝐸1 − 𝐻𝐿 = 𝐸2
𝑣12 𝑝1 𝑣22 𝑝2
+ + 𝑧1 − 𝐻𝐿 = + + 𝑧2
2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾
This equation simplifies to:

1 𝑝 𝑝
𝑣𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = √2𝑔 [( 𝛾1 + 𝑧1 ) − ( 𝛾2 + 𝑧2 ) − 𝐻𝐿] → (𝑏)
√1−(𝐴2 /𝐴1 )2

Since 𝑣𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 = 𝐶𝑣 𝑣𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 𝑣

1 𝑝 𝑝
𝒗 = 𝐶𝑣 √2𝑔 [( 𝛾1 + 𝑧1 ) − ( 𝛾2 + 𝑧2 )]
√1−(𝐴2 /𝐴1 )2

Squaring both sides and arranging terms:

𝑣2 𝐴 2 1 𝑝 𝑝
[1 − ( 2 ) ] 2 = ( 1 + 𝑧1 ) − ( 2 + 𝑧2 )
2𝑔 𝐴1 𝐶𝑣 𝛾 𝛾

from (b)
2
𝑝1 𝑝2 𝑣2 𝐴
( + 𝑧1 ) − ( + 𝑧2 ) = [1 − ( 2 ) ] + 𝐻𝐿
𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔 𝐴1

2 2
𝑣2 𝐴 1 𝑣2 𝐴
[1 − ( 2 ) ] = [1 − ( 2) ] + 𝐻𝐿
2𝑔 𝐴1 𝐶2
𝑣 2𝑔 𝐴 1

𝑣2 𝐴 2 1 𝑣2 𝐴 2
𝐻𝐿 = 2𝑔 [1 − (𝐴2 ) ] 𝐶 2 − 2𝑔 [1 − (𝐴2 ) ]
1 𝑣 1

𝟏 𝑨 𝟐 𝟐 𝒗𝟐
𝑯𝑳 = ( 𝟐 − 𝟏) [𝟏 − ( ) ]
𝑪𝒗 𝑨𝟏 𝟐𝒈
If the orifice or nozzle takes off directly from a tank where 𝐴1 is very much greater than 𝐴2 , then

the velocity of approach is negligible and reduce to:

𝟏 𝒗𝟐
𝑯𝑳 = ( − 𝟏)
𝑪𝟐𝒗 𝟐𝒈

Note: 𝑣 is actual velocity

EXAMPLE:
1. Water discharges through an orifice in the side of a large tank shown. The orifice is

circular in cross-section and 50mm diameter. The jet is the same diameter as the orifice.

The liquid is water, and the surface elevation is maintained at a height of 3.8m above the

center of the jet. Compute the discharge;

a. Neglecting loss of head

b. Considering the loss of head to be 10% of height

Solution:
a) ℎ = 3.8 m

𝐸1 = 𝐸3
𝑣12 𝑝1 𝑣32 𝑝3
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧3
2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾

8𝑄2
0 + 0 + 3.8 = 𝜋2 𝑔𝐷4 + 0 + 0
3

8𝑄2
= 3.8
𝜋2 (9.81)(0.05)4

𝑸 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏𝟔𝟗𝟓 𝒎𝟑/s = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟗𝟓 𝑳 /s

b) 𝐻𝐿 = 0.10ℎ = 0.10(3.8)

𝐻𝐿 = 0.38 𝑚
𝐸1 − 𝐻𝐿 = 𝐸3
 𝑣12 𝑝1 𝑣32 𝑝3
+ + 𝑧1 − 𝐻𝐿 = + + 𝑧3
2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾

8𝑄2
0 + 0 + 3.8 − 0.38 = 𝜋2 𝑔𝐷4 + 0 + 0
3

8𝑄2
= 3.42
𝜋2 (9.81)(0.05)4

𝑸 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏𝟔𝟎𝟖 𝒎𝟑/s = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟎𝟖 𝑳 /s

EXAMPLE:
2. A 1.5m diameter cylindrical tank 3m high contains 2.5m of water. A 100 mm diameter

circular sharped edged orifice is located at its bottom. Assume c=0.60

a. How long will it take to lower the water level to 1m deep after opening the tank?

b. How long will it take to empty the tank?

Solution:
a) 𝐻1 = 2.5 m

𝐻2 = 1 m

2𝐴𝑠
𝑡= (√𝐻1 − √𝐻2 )
𝐶𝐴𝑜 √2𝑔

𝜋
2 × 4 × (1.5)2
𝑡= 𝜋 (√2.5 − √1 )
0.60 × 4 × (0.1)2 √2(9.81)
𝒕 = 𝟗𝟖. 𝟒 𝒔

b) 𝐻1 = 2.5 m

𝐻2 = 0 m
2𝐴𝑠
𝑡= (√𝐻1 − √𝐻2 )
𝐶𝐴𝑜 √2𝑔
𝜋
2 × 4 × (1.5)2
𝑡= 𝜋 (√2.5 − √0 )
0.60 × 4 × (0.1)2 √2(9.81)
𝒕 = 𝟐𝟔𝟕. 𝟕𝟐 𝒔
 ORIFICE WITH FALLING HEAD

Formulas

 Time to remove water from h1 to h2 for cylindrical tank:

ℎ1
∫ 𝐴𝑠𝑑ℎ/𝐶𝐴√2𝑔ℎ
ℎ2

 Time for water level to be of the same level:

2𝐴𝐵√ℎ
𝑡 = (𝐴+𝐵)𝐶𝐴
√2𝑔
Example:

1. A water tank has a leak at the bottom which causes the water surface to drop from

elevation 5m to elevation 4.48 in a period of 10 hrs. if the elevation at the bottom of

the tank is zero.

a.) What will be the elevation of the water surface in the tank after 5 full days starting

from elevation 5m. If no water other than the leaking water is drained from the tank.

b.) How long will it take to lower the water surface by 1.2 m.

c.) How long will it take to empty the tank?

Solution:
a.) Elevation of water surface after 5 days:

2𝐴𝑠(√ℎ1 − √ℎ2
𝑡=
𝐶𝐴√2𝑔
2𝐴𝑠
Let K = 𝐶𝐴√2𝑔
t= K (√ℎ1 − √ℎ2)
10(3600) = K (√5 − √4.48)
K = 301339
When t= 5 days
5(3600)(24) = 301339 (√5 − √4.48)
Then:
 √5 − √ℎ2 − 1.434

√ℎ2 = .802
ℎ2 = . 𝟔𝟒 𝒎
b.) Time to lower the water surface to 5 – 1.2 = 3.8 m:

t= K (√ℎ1 − √ℎ2)
t= 301339 (√5 − √3.8)
t= 86397 sec.
t= 24 hrs.

c.) Time to empty:

t= K (√ℎ1 − √ℎ2)
t= 301339 (√5 − √0)
t= 673814 sec.
t= 187.17 hrs.
t= 7.8 days
 2. A prismatic vessel has two compartments A and B communicating by an orifice 0.3 m.

square with C=0.60. The horizontal cross section of A is 10 sq.m. and that of B is 40

sq.m. At a certain time the water in A is 6 m. above the center of the orifice and in B is

3 m.

a.) Compute the discharge from A to B.

b.) Find the time in which the water surfaces in the two tanks will reach the same

elevation.

c.) How soon thereafter will the water surface be 1 meter apart.

Solution:
a.) Discharge from A to B:
Q= CA√2𝑔ℎ
Q= 0.60 (.3)(.3) √2(9.81)(3)
Q= .414 m³/s

b.) Time in which the water surfaces in the two tanks will reach the same elevation.
 2𝐴𝐵√ℎ
𝑡=
(𝐴 + 𝐵)𝐶𝐴√2𝑔
𝐴𝑠 = .3(. 3)
𝐴𝑠 = .09
𝐴 = 10𝑚² 𝐵 = 40𝑚²
2(10)(40)√3
𝑡=
(10 + 40)(. 60)(.09)√2(9.81)
𝑡 = 𝟏𝟏𝟓. 𝟖𝟔 𝒔𝒆𝒄.

c.) Time for the water surface to be 1 m apart.

𝑥+𝑦+1= 3
𝑥+𝑦=2
10𝑥 = 40𝑦
𝑥 = 4𝑦
4𝑦 + 𝑦 = 2
5𝑦 = 2
𝑦 = .40
𝑥 = 4(. 14) = 1.6
Vol. of water moving out of A
= 10(1.6) = 16𝑚³
𝐶𝐴√2𝑔(√ℎ1 + √ℎ2)
𝐴𝑣𝑒 𝑄 =
2
. 60(.09)√2(9.81)(√3 + √1)
𝑄𝑎𝑣𝑒 =
2
𝑚3
𝑄𝑎𝑣𝑒 = .3267
𝑠
𝑉
𝑡=
𝑄
16
𝑡=
. 3267
𝑡 = 𝟒𝟖. 𝟗𝟕𝒔𝒆𝒄.