Flow Measurements in Pipes and

Ducts
Course No: M04-040
Credit: 4 PDH

Harlan H. Bengtson, PhD, P.E.

Continuing Education and Development, Inc.

P: (877) 322-5800
info@cedengineering.com

www.cedengineering.com
 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts

Dr. Harlan H. Bengtson, P.E.

COURSE CONTENT

1. Introduction
This course is about measurement of the flow rate of a fluid flowing under
pressure in a closed conduit. The closed conduit is often circular, but also may be
square or rectangular (such as a heating duct) or any other shape. The other major
category of flow is open channel flow, which is the flow of a liquid with a free
surface open to atmospheric pressure. Measurement of the flow rate of a fluid
flowing under pressure, is carried out for a variety of purposes, such as billing for
water supply to homes or businesses or, for monitoring or process control of a
wide variety of industrial processes that involve flowing fluids. Several categories
of pipe flow measurement devices will be described and discussed, including
some associated calculations.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

2. Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student will

• Be able to calculate liquid flow rate from measured pressure difference,

fluid properties, and meter parameters, using the provided equations for
venturi, orifice, and flow nozzle meters.

• Be able to calculate gas flow rate from measured pressure difference, fluid
properties, and meter parameters, using the provided equations for venturi,
orifice, and flow nozzle meters.

• Be able to determine which type of ISO standard pressure tap locations are
being used for a given orifice meter.

• Be able to calculate the orifice coefficient, Co, for specified orifice and pipe
diameters, pressure tap locations and fluid properties.

• Be able to estimate the density of a specified gas at specified temperature

and pressure using the Ideal Gas Equation.

• Be able to calculate the velocity of a fluid for given pitot tube reading and
fluid density.

• Know the general configuration and principle of operation of rotameters

and positive displacement, electromagnetic, target, turbine, vortex,
ultrasonic, coriolis mass, and thermal mass meters.

• Know recommended applications for each of the type of flow meter

discussed in this course.

• Be familiar with the general characteristics of the types of flow meters

discussed in this course, as summarized in Table 2 near the end of this
document.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

3. Types of Pipe Flow Measurement Devices

The types of pipe flow measuring devices to be discussed in this course are as
follows:

i) Differential pressure flow meters

a) Venturi meter
b) Orifice meter
c) Flow nozzle meter

ii) Velocity flow meters – pitot/pitot-static tubes

iii) Variable area flow meters - rotameters

iv) Positive displacement flow meters

v) Miscellaneous

a) Electromagnetic flow meters

b) Target flow meters
d) Turbine flow meters
e) Vortex flow meters
f) Ultrasonic flow meters
g) Coriolis mass flow meters
h) Thermal mass flow meters

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

4. Differential Pressure Flow meters

Three types of commonly used differential pressure flow meters are the orifice
meter, the venturi meter, and the flow nozzle meter. These three all function
by introducing a reduced area through which the fluid must flow. The decrease in
area causes an increase in velocity, which in turn results in a decrease in pressure.
With these flow meters, the pressure difference between the point of maximum
velocity (minimum pressure) and the undisturbed upstream flow is measured and
can be correlated with flow rate.

Using the principles of conservation of mass (the continuity equation) and the
conservation of energy (the energy equation without friction or Bernoulli
equation), the following equation can be derived for ideal flow between the
upstream, undisturbed flow (subscript 1) and the downstream conditions where
the flow area is constricted (subscript 2):

Where: Qideal = ideal flow rate (neglecting viscosity and other friction
effects), cfs

A2 = constricted cross-sectional area normal to flow, ft2

P1 = upstream (undisturbed) pressure in pipe, lb/ft2

P2 = pressure in pipe where flow area is constricted to A2, lb/ft2

β = D2/D1 = (diam. at A2)/(pipe diam.)

ρ = fluid density, slugs/ft3

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

A discharge coefficient, C, is typically put into Equation (1) to account for

friction and any other non-ideal factors, giving the following general equation for
differential pressure meters:

Where: Q = flow rate through the pipe and meter, cfs

C = discharge coefficient, dimensionless
All other parameters are as defined above.

Measurement of Gas Flows: Equations (1) and (2) apply for either liquid flow
or gas flow through differential pressure flow meters. For measurement of liquid
flow, the density can typically be assumed to be constant throughout the meter,
however, for measurement of gas flow, with a reasonable pressure change across
the meter, the density will change enough so that it can’t be taken as constant in
Equations (1) and (2). As a result, Equation (3), shown below, is typically used
for gas flow calculations with differential pressure flow meters.

Where: Q, C, A2, P1, P2, and β are as defined above for Equations (1) and (2).
(Note, however, that P1 in the denominator must be absolute pressure in
psia.)

Z = compressibility factor of the gas at P1, T1

R = Ideal Gas Law Constant = 345.23 psia-ft3/slugmole-oR

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

MW = molecular weight of the gas

T1 = upstream absolute temperature in the pipe, oR

Y = Expansion Factor of the gas – see equation for Y below

Gas Expansion Factor: The expansion factor, Y, is needed for gas flow through
a differential pressure flow meter in order to account for the decrease in gas
density due to the decreased pressure in the constricted portion of the flow meter.
For flow through an orifice meter, ISO 5167 – 2:2003 (reference #4 at the end of
this course) gives Equation (4), shown below, for the expansion factor, Y:

Y = 1 – (0.351 + 0.265β4 + 0.93β8)[1 – (P2/P1)1/k] (4)

(for P2/P1 > 0.75)

Where β, P1 and P2 are the diameter ratio, inlet pressure and pressure at
constriction, as defined above, and k is the specific heat ratio (Cp/Cv) for the gas.

For flow through a venturi meter, ISO 5167 – 4:2003 (reference #5 at the end of
this course) gives Equation (5), shown below, for the expansion factor, Y. This
expression for Y is often used for flow nozzle meter calculations also.

Where β and k are the diameter ratio and specific heat ratio as defined above, and
τ is the pressure ratio, P2/P1.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Each of the three types of differential pressure flow meters will now be
considered separately.

Venturi Meter: Fluid enters a venturi meter through a converging cone of angle
15o to 20o. It then passes through the throat, which has the minimum cross-
sectional area, maximum velocity, and minimum pressure in the meter. The fluid
then slows down through a diverging cone of angle 5o to 7o, for the transition
back to the full pipe diameter. Figure 1 shows the shape of a typical venturi
meter and the parameters defined above as applied to this type of meter. D2 is the
diameter of the throat and P2 is the pressure at the throat. D1 and P1 are in the
pipe before entering the converging portion of the meter.

Figure 1. Venturi Meter Parameters

Due to the smooth transition to the throat and gradual transition back to full pipe
diameter, the head loss through a venturi meter is quite low and the discharge
coefficient is quite high. For a venturi meter, the discharge coefficient is typically
called the venturi coefficient, Cv, giving the following equation for liquid flow
through a venturi meter:

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

The value of the venturi coefficient, Cv, will typically range from 0.95 to nearly
one. In ISO 5167 (ISO 5167-4:2003 – see reference #5 for this course), Cv is given
as 0.995 for cast iron or machined venturi meters and 0.985 for welded sheet
metal venturi meters meeting ISO specifications, all for Reynold’s Number
between 2 x 105 and 106. Information on the venturi coefficient will typically be
provided by venturi meter manufacturers or vendors.

Example #1: Water at 50o F is flowing through a venturi meter with a 2 inch
throat diameter, in a 4 inch diameter pipe. Per manufacturer’s information, Cv =
0.984 for this meter under these flow conditions. What is the flow rate through
the meter if the pressure difference, P1 – P2, is measured as 8 inches of Hg?

Solution: The density of water in the temperature range from 32o to 70oF is 1.94
slugs/ft3, to three significant figures, so that value will be used here. A2 = πD22/4
= π(2/12)2/4 = 0.02182 ft2. β = 2/4 = 0.5. Converting the pressure difference to
lb/ft2: P1 – P2 = (8 in Hg)(70.73 lb/ft2/in Hg) = 565.8 lb/ft2. Substituting all of
these values into Equation (6):

There is a bit more to the calculation for flow of a gas through a venturi meter, as
illustrated with Example #2, which considers the flow of air through the same
meter used for water flow calculation in Example #1, with the same measured
pressure difference.

Example #2: Air at 50o F is flowing through a venturi meter with a 2 inch throat
diameter, in a 4 inch diameter pipe. Per manufacturer’s information, Cv = 0.984
for this meter under these flow conditions. What is the flow rate through the
meter if the pressure difference, P1 – P2, is measured as 8 inches of Hg and the
pressure in the pipe upstream of the meter is 20 psia?

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Solution: As in Example #1: A2 = πD22/4 = π(2/12)2/4 = 0.02182 ft2. β = 2/4 =

0.5, and the pressure difference of 8 in Hg is equal to 565.8 lb/ft2 for P1 – P2.

In order to use Equation (3) to calculate the flow rate of air through the venturi
meter, values are needed for the following parameters in addition to the values
identified above for A2, β, and P1 – P2, the value given of 20 psia for P1 and the
value given above for the ideal gas law constant, R (345.23 psia-ft3/slugmole-oR).

• the compressibility factor of the air, Z

• the molecular weight of the air, MW
• the approach temperature of the air in oR, T1
• the expansion factor, Y

For a temperature of 50oF and pressure of 20 psia, the compressibility factor for
air can be taken to be one. The molecular weight of air is often rounded off to 29.
The absolute temperature T1 = 50 + 460 oR = 510 oR.

In order to use Equation (5) to calculate the expansion factor, Y, the parameter τ
can be calculated as:

τ = P2/P1 = P1 – (P2 – P1)/P1 = [(20*144) – 565.8]/(20*144) = 0.8035.

Using k = 1.4 for air and substituting values for k, τ, and β into Equation (5) gives
Y = 0.881. Now, substituting all of the calculated parameter values into Equation
(3) gives:

This type of calculation can be facilitated by the use of an Excel spreadsheet set
up to make the calculations. An example with the solution to Example #2 is
shown on the next page.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Orifice Meter: The orifice meter is the simplest of the three differential pressure
flow meters. It consists of a circular plate with a hole in the middle, typically
held in place between pipe flanges, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Orifice Meter Parameters

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

For an orifice meter, the diameter of the orifice, d, will be used for D2, A2 is
typically called Ao, and the discharge coefficient is typically called an orifice
coefficient, Co, giving the following equation for liquid flow through an orifice
meter:

The preferred locations of the pressure taps for an orifice meter have undergone
change over time. Previously the downstream pressure tap was preferentially
located at the vena-contracta, the minimum jet area, which occurs downstream of
the orifice plate, as shown in Figure 2. For a vena-contracta tap, the tap location
depends on the orifice hole size. This link between the tap location and the orifice
size made it difficult to change orifice plates with different hole sizes in a given
meter in order to alter the range of measurement. In 1991, the ISO-5167
international standard came out, in which three types of standardized differential
measuring pressure taps were identified for orifice meters, as illustrated in Figure
3 below. In ISO-5167, the distance of the pressure taps from the orifice plate is
specified as a fixed distance or as a function of the pipe diameter, rather than the
orifice diameter as shown in Figure 3.

In ISO-5167, an equation for the orifice coefficient, Co, is given as a function of

β, Reynolds Number, and L1 & L2, the distances of the pressure taps from the
orifice plate, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. This equation, given in the next
paragraph can be used for an orifice meter with any of the three standard pressure
tap configurations.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Figure 3. ISO standard orifice meter pressure tap locations

The ISO-5167 equation for Co is shown below as Equation (8): (The earlier 2001
version of this equation is given in reference #5 for this course, U.S. Dept. of the
Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Water Measurement Manual).

Co = 0.5961 + 0.0261β2 - 0.216β8 + 0.000521 (β106/Re)0.7

+ (0.0188 + 0.0063A)β3.5(106/Re)0.3
+ (0.043 + 0.080e-10L1/D1 - 0.123 e-7L1/D1)(1 - 0.11A)[β4/(1 - β4)]
- 0.031(M’2 = 0.8M’21.1)β1.3 (8)

A = (19,000β/Re)0.8 M’2 = 2(L2/D1)/(1 - β)

If D1 < 2.8 in, then add the following term to Co: 0.011(0.75 - β)(2.8 - D1)

Where: Co = orifice coefficient, as defined in equation (7), dimensionless

L1 = pressure tap distance from upstream face of the plate, inches

L2 = pressure tap distance from downstream face of the plate, inches

D = pipe diameter, inches

β = ratio of orifice diameter to pipe diameter = d/D, dimensionless

Re = Reynolds number = DV/ν = DVρ/µ, dimensionless (D in ft)

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

V = average velocity of fluid in pipe = Q/(πD2/4), ft/sec (D in ft)

ν = kinematic viscosity of the flowing fluid, ft2/sec

ρ = density of the flowing fluid, slugs/ft3

µ = dynamic viscosity of the flowing fluid, lb-sec/ft2

As shown in Figure 3: L1 = L2 = 0 for corner taps; L1 = L2 = 1 inch for flange

taps; and L1 = D & L2 = D/2 for D – D/2 taps. Equation (8) is not intended for
use with any other arbitrary values for L1 and L2.

The ISO 5167 standard includes several conditions required for use of Equation
(8) as follows:

• For all three pressure tap configurations:

- d > 0.5 in
- 2 in < D1 < 40 in
- 0.1 < β < 0.75

• For corner taps or (D – D/2) taps:

- Re > 5000 for 0.1 < β < 0.56
- Re > 16,000 β2 for β > 0.56

• For flange taps:

- Re > 5000
- Re > 170 β2(25.4 D1) (D1 in inches)

Fluid properties (ν or ρ & µ) are needed in order to use Equation (8). Tables or
graphs with values of ν, ρ, and µ for water and other fluids over a range of
temperatures are available in many handbooks and fluid mechanics or
thermodynamics textbooks, as for example, in reference #1 for this course.
Table 1 shows density and viscosity for water at temperatures from 32o F to 70o F.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Table 1. Density and Viscosity of Water

Example #3: What is the Reynolds number for water at 50oF, flowing at 0.35 cfs
through a 4 inch diameter pipe?

Solution: Calculate V from V = Q/A = Q/(πD2/4) = 0.35/[π(4/12)2/4] = 4.01 ft/s.

From Table 1: ν = 1.407 x 10-5 ft2/s. From the problem statement: D = 4/12 ft.
Substituting into the expression for Re: Re = (4/12)(4.01)/(1.407 x 10-5)

Re = 9.50 x 104

Example #4: Use Equation (8) to calculate Co for orifice diameters of 0.8, 1.6,
2.0, 2.4, & 2.8 inches, each in a 4 inch diameter pipe, with Re = 105, for each of
the standard pressure tap configurations: i) D – D/2 taps, ii) flange taps, and
iii) corner taps.

Solution: Making all of these calculations by hand using Equation (5) would be
rather tedious, but once the equation is set up in an Excel spreadsheet, the
repetitive calculations are easily done. Following is a copy of the Excel
spreadsheet solution to this problem.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Note that Co is between 0.597 and 0.617 for all three pressure tap configurations
for Re = 105 and β between 0.2 and 0.7. For larger values of Reynolds number,
Co will stay within this range. For smaller values of Reynolds number, Co will
get somewhat larger, especially for higher values of β.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Example #5: Water at 50oF is flowing through an orifice meter with flange taps
and a 2 inch throat diameter, in a 4 inch diameter pipe. What is the flow rate
through the meter if the pressure difference, P1 – P2, is measured as 3.93 psi.

Solution: Assume Re is approximately 105, in order to get started. Then from

the solution to Example #4, with β = 0.5: Co = 0.606.

From Table 1, the density of water at 50oF is 1.94 slugs/ft3 and its viscosity is
2.73 x 10-5 lb-sec/ft2. A2 = πD22/4 = π(2/12)2/4 = 0.02182 ft2. β = 2/4 = 0.5.
Converting the pressure difference to lb/ft2: P1 – P2 = (8 in Hg)(70.73 lb/ft2/in Hg)
= 565.8 lb/ft2. Substituting all of these values into Equation (7):

Check on Reynolds number value:

V = Q/A = 0.330/[π(4/12)2/4] = 3.78 ft/sec

Re = DV/ν = (4/12)(3.78)/(1.407 x 10-5) = 8.9 x 104

This value is close enough to 105, so that the value used for Co is probably ok.

Alternate Solution to Example #5: The flow rate can be calculated directly
without using information from Example #4, by using an iterative calculation to
get the value for Co, as illustrated in the Excel spreadsheet screenshot shown on
the next page. Note that instructions are included for using Excel's Goal Seek
tool to carry out the iterative calculation of Co. Note that the value calculated for
Co here is also 0.606 to 3 significant digits and the value calculated for the flow
rate Q is 0.330 cfs, the same as that calculated above.

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Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Note that the calculation is already pretty extensive to calculate the flow rate of a
liquid through an orifice meter, because of the complication of obtaining a value
for the orifice coefficient, Co. Additional steps are added for calculation of the
flow rate of a gas through an orifice meter, as illustrated in Example #2 for gas
flow through a venturi meter and in the next example for calculating the flow rate
of air through an orifice meter with the same pipe and orifice diameters and same
measured pressure difference as for water flow in Example #5.

Example #6: Air at 50o F is flowing through an orifice meter with flange taps
and a 2 inch throat diameter, in a 4 inch diameter pipe. What is the flow rate
through the meter if the pressure difference, P1 – P2, is measured as 3.93 psi and
the upstream pressure in the pipe, P1, is 20 psia?

Solution: The calculations will be similar to those used for Example #5, but
using Equation (3) for gas flow rather than Equation (7) for liquid flow through
an orifice meter. As in Example #5: A2 = πD22/4 = π(2/12)2/4 = 0.02182 ft2. β =
2/4 = 0.5, and the pressure difference, P1 – P2, is 3.93 psi.

In order to use Equation (3) to calculate the flow rate of air through the venturi
meter, values are needed for the following parameters in addition to the values
identified above for A2, β, and P1 – P2, the given value of 20 psia for P1 and the
value given above for the ideal gas law constant, R (345.23 psia-ft3/slugmole-oR).

• the compressibility factor of the air, Z

• the molecular weight of the air, MW
• the approach temperature of the air in oR, T1
• the expansion factor, Y
• the viscosity of air at 50oF (4 x 10-7 lb-sec/ft2)

For a temperature of 50oF and pressure of 20 psia, the compressibility factor for
air can be taken to be one. The molecular weight of air is often rounded off to 29.
The absolute temperature T1 = 50 + 460 oR = 510 oR.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

In order to use Equation (4) to calculate the expansion factor, Y, the ratio, P2/P1,
can be calculated as:

P2/P1 = P1 – (P2 – P1)/P1 = [(20*144) – 565.8]/(20*144) = 0.8035

Using k = 1.4 for air and substituting values for k, P2/P1, and β into Equation (4)
gives:

Y = 1 – (0.351 + 0.265(0.5)4 + 0.93(0.5)8)[1 – (0.8035)1/1.4] = 0.946

Now an iterative calculation like that used in Example #5 is needed to get values
for Co and Q. Again, use of an Excel spreadsheet is a convenient way to carry out
this calculation including the required iteration. The following figure is a
screenshot showing the Excel spreadsheet solution to Example #6, showing the
solution as: Q = 7.55 cfs.

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Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Flow Nozzle Meter: The flow nozzle meter is simpler and less expensive than a
venturi meter, but not quite as simple as an orifice meter. It consists of a relatively
short nozzle, typically held in place between pipe flanges, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Flow Nozzle Meter Parameters

For a flow nozzle meter, the exit diameter of the nozzle, d, is used for D2 (giving
A2 = An), and the discharge coefficient is typically called a nozzle coefficient, Cn,
giving the following equation for a flow nozzle meter:

Due to the smoother contraction of the flow, flow nozzle coefficients are
significantly higher than orifice coefficients. They are not, however as high as
venturi coefficients. Flow nozzle coefficients are typically in the range from 0.94
to 0.99. There are several different standard flow nozzle designs. Information on
pressure tap placement and calibration should be provided by the meter
manufacturer.

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5. Velocity Flow Meters – Pitot / Pitot-Static Tubes

Pitot tubes (also called pitot-static tubes) are an inexpensive, convenient way to
measure velocity at a point in a fluid. They are used in airflow measurements in
ventilation and HVAC applications. Definitions for three types of pressure and
how to measure those three different kinds of pressure are given below, because
understanding them helps to understand the pitot tube equation. Static pressure,
dynamic pressure and total pressure are defined below and illustrated in Figure 5.

Static pressure is the fluid pressure relative to surrounding atmospheric pressure,

measured through a flat opening, which is in parallel with the fluid flow, as
shown with the first U-tube manometer in Figure 5.

Stagnation pressure is the fluid pressure relative to the surrounding atmospheric

pressure, measured through a flat opening, which is perpendicular to and facing
into the direction of fluid flow, as shown with the second U-tube manometer in
Figure 5. This is also sometimes called the total pressure.

Dynamic pressure is the fluid pressure relative to the static pressure, measured
through a flat opening, which is perpendicular to and facing into the direction of
fluid flow, as shown with the third U-tube manometer in Figure 5. This is also
sometimes called the velocity pressure.

Figure 5. Various Pressure Measurements

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Static pressure is typically represented by the symbol, p. Dynamic pressure is

equal to ½ ρV2. Stagnation pressure, represented here by Pstag, is equal to static
pressure plus dynamic pressure plus the pressure due to a column of fluid of
height, h, equal to the elevation of the static pressure tap above the stagnation
pressure tap, as shown in the following equation.

Where the parameters with a consistent set of units are as follows:

Pstag = stagnation pressure, lb/ft2

P = static pressure, lb/ft2

ρ = density of fluid, slugs/ft3

γ = specific weight of fluid, lb/ft3

h = elevation of static pressure tap above stagnation pressure tap, ft

V = average velocity of fluid, ft/sec

(V = Q/A = volumetric flow rate/cross-sectional area normal to flow)

For pitot tube measurements, the static pressure tap and stagnation pressure tap
are at the same elevation, so that h = 0. Then stagnation pressure minus static
pressure is equal to dynamic pressure, or:

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The pressure difference, Pstag - P, can be measured directly with a pitot tube such
as the third U-tube in Figure 5, or more simply with a pitot tube like the one
shown in Figure 6, which has two concentric tubes. The inner tube has a
stagnation pressure opening and the outer tube has a static pressure opening
parallel to the fluid flow direction. The pressure difference is equal to the
dynamic pressure (½ ρV2) and can be used to calculate the fluid velocity for
known fluid density, ρ. A consistent set of units is: pressure in lb/ft2, density in
slugs/ft3, and velocity in ft/sec.

Figure 6. Pitot Tube

For use with a pitot tube, Equation (11) will typically be used to calculate the
velocity of the fluid. Setting (Pstag – P) = ∆P, and solving for V, gives the
following equation:

In order to use Equation (12) to calculate fluid velocity from pitot tube
measurements, it is necessary to be able to obtain a value of density for the
flowing fluid at its temperature and pressure. For a liquid, a value for density can
typically be obtained from a table similar to Table 1 in this course. Such tables
are available in handbooks and fluid mechanics or thermodynamics textbooks.
Pitot tubes are used more commonly, however, to measure gas flow, as for

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

example, air flow in HVAC ducts, and density of a gas varies considerably with
both temperature and pressure. A convenient way to obtain a value of density for
a gas at known temperature and pressure is through the use of the Ideal Gas Law.

The Ideal Gas Law, as used to calculate density of a gas is as follows:

Where: ρ = density of the gas at pressure, P, & temperature, T, slugs/ft3

MW = molecular weight of the gas, slugs/slug-mole (The average

molecular weight typically used for air is 29.)

P = absolute pressure of the gas, psia

T = absolute temperature of the gas, oR (oF + 459.67 = oR)

R = Ideal Gas Law constant, 345.23 psia-ft3/slug-mole-oR

But, you may ask, this is the Ideal Gas Law, so how can we use it to find the
density of real gases? Well, the Ideal Gas Law is a very good approximation for
many real gases over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. It does not
work well for very high pressures or very low temperatures (approaching the
critical temperature and/or critical pressure for the gas), but for many practical,
real situations, the Ideal Gas Law gives quite accurate values for density of a gas.

Example #7: Estimate the density of air at 16 psia and 85 oF.

Solution: Convert 85 oF to oR: 85 oF = 85 + 459.67 oR = 544.67 oR

Substituting values for P, T, R, & MW into Equation (13) gives:

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

ρ = (29)[16/(345.23)(544.67)] = 0.002468 slugs/ft3

Example #8: A pitot tube is being used to measure air velocity in a heating duct.
The air is at 85 oF and 16 psia. The pitot tube registers a pressure difference of
0.023 inches of water (Pstag – P). What is the velocity of the air at that point in the
duct?

Solution: Convert 0.023 inches of water to lb/ft2 (psf) (conversion factor is: 5.204
psf/in of water):

0.023 in of water = (0.023)(5.204) psf = 0.1197 psf

Air density at the given P & T is 0.002468 slugs/ft3 from Example #5.

Substituting into Equation (12), to calculate the velocity, gives:

6. Variable Area Flow Meter - Rotameters

A rotameter is a ‘variable area’ flow meter. It consists of a tapered glass or plastic

tube with a float that moves upward to an equilibrium position determined by the
flow rate of fluid going through the meter. For greater flow rate, a larger cross-
sectional area is needed for the flow, so the float is moved upward until the
upward force on it by the fluid is equal to the force of gravity pulling it down.
Note that the ‘float’ must have a density greater than the fluid, or it would simply
float to the top of the fluid. Given below, in Figure 7, is a schematic diagram of a
rotameter, showing the principle of its operation.

The height of the float as measured by a graduated scale on the side of the
rotameter can be calibrated for the flow rate of the fluid being measured in
appropriate flow units. A few points regarding rotameters follow:

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 Because of the key role of gravity, rotameters must be installed vertically.

 Typical turndown ratio is 10:1, that is, flow rates as low as 1/10 of the
maximum reading can be accurately measured.

 Accuracy as good as 1% of full scale reading can be expected.

 Rotameters do not require power, so they are safer to use with flammable
fluids, than an instrument using power, which would need to be explosion
proof.

 A rotameter causes little pressure drop.

 It is difficult to apply machine reading and continuous recording with a

rotameter.

Figure 7. Rotameter Schematic diagram

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

7. Positive Displacement Flow Meters

Positive displacement flow meters are often used in residential and small
commercial applications. They are very accurate at low to moderate flow rates,
which are typical of these applications. There are several types of positive
displacement meters, such as reciprocating piston, nutating disk, oval gear, and
rotary vane. In all of them, the water passing through the meter, physically
displaces a known volume of fluid for each rotation of the moving measuring
element. The number of rotations is counted electronically or magnetically and
converted to the volume that has passed through the meter and/or flow rate.

Positive displacement meters can be used for any relatively nonabrasive fluid,
such as heating oils, Freon, printing ink, or polymer additives. The accuracy is
very good, approximately 0.1% of full flow rate with a turndown of 70:1 or more.

On the other hand, positive displacement flow meters are expensive compared to
many other types of meters and produce the highest pressure drop of any flow
meter type.

8. Miscellaneous Types of Flow meters

In this section several more types of flow meters for use with pipe flow will each
be described and discussed briefly.

a) Electromagnetic flow meters

An electromagnetic flow meter (also called ‘magnetic meter’ or ‘mag meter’)

measures flow rate by measuring the voltage generated by a conductive fluid
passing through a magnetic field. The magnetic field is created by coils outside
the flow tube, carrying electrical current. The generated voltage is proportional to
the flow rate of the conductive fluid passing through the flow tube. An external
sensor measures the generated voltage and converts it to flow rate.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

In order to be measured by an electromagnetic flow meter, the fluid must have a

conductivity of at least 5 µs/cm. Thus, this type of meter will not work for
distilled or deionized water or for most non-aqueous liquids. It works well for
water that has not been distilled or deionized and many aqueous solutions. Since
there is no internal sensor to get fouled, an electromagnetic flow meter is quite
suitable for wastewater, other dirty liquids, corrosive liquids or slurries. Since
there is no constriction or obstruction to the flow through an electromagnetic
meter, it creates negligible pressure drop. It does, however, have a relatively high
power consumption, in comparison with other types of flow meters.

b) Target flow meters

With a target flow meter, a physical target (disk) is placed directly in the path of
the fluid flow. The target will be deflected due to the force of fluid striking it, and
the greater the fluid flow rate, the greater the deflection will be. The deflection is
measured by a sensor mounted on the pipe and calibrated to flow rate for a given
fluid. Figure 8 shows a diagram of a target flow meter.

Figure 8. Target Flow Meter

A target flow meter can be used for a wide variety of liquids or gases and there
are no moving parts to wear out. They typically have a turndown of 10:1 to 15:1.

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c) Turbine flow meters

A turbine flow meter operates on the principle that a fluid flowing past the blades
of a turbine will cause it to rotate. Increasing flow rate will cause increasing rate
of rotation for the turbine. The meter thus consists of a turbine placed in the path
of flow and means of measuring the rate of rotation of the turbine. The turbine’s
rotational rate can then be calibrated to flow rate. The turbine meter has one of
the higher turndown ratios, typically 20:1 or more. Its accuracy is also among the
highest at about + 0.25%.

d) Vortex flow meters

An obstruction in the path of a flowing fluid will create vortices in the

downstream flow if the fluid flow speed is above a critical value. A vortex flow
meter (also known as vortex shedding or oscillatory flow meter), measures the
vibrations of the downstream vortices caused by a barrier in the flow path, as
illustrated in Figure 9. The vibrating frequency of the downstream vortices will
increase with increasing flow rate, and can thus be calibrated to flow rate of the
fluid.

Figure 9. Vortex Flow Meter

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e) Ultrasonic flow meters

The two major types of ultrasonic flow meters are ‘Doppler’ and ‘transit-time’
ultrasonic meters. Both use ultrasonic waves (frequency > 20 kHz). Both types
also use two transducers that transmit and/or receive the ultrasonic waves.

For the Doppler ultrasonic meter, one transducer transmits the ultrasonic waves
and the other receives the waves. The fluid must have material in it that will
reflect sonic waves, such as particles or entrained air. The frequency of the
transmitted beam of ultrasonic waves will be altered, by being reflected from the
particles or air bubbles. The resulting frequency shift is measured by the receiving
transducer, and is proportional to the flow rate through the meter. A signal can
thus be generated from the receiving transducer, which is proportional to flow
rate.

Transit-time ultrasonic meters, also known as ‘time-of-travel’ meters, measure the

difference in travel time between pulses transmitted in the direction of flow and
pulses transmitted against the flow. The two transducers are mounted so that one

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is upstream of the other. Both transducers serve alternately as transmitter and

receiver. The upstream transducer will transmit a pulse, which is detected by the
downstream transducer, acting as a receiver, giving a ‘transit-time’ in the
direction of flow. The downstream transducer will then transmit a pulse, which is
detected by the upstream transducer (acting as a receiver), to give a ‘transit-time’
against the flow. The difference between the upstream and downstream transit
times can be correlated to flow rate through the meter.

The components of a transit-time ultrasonic flow meter are shown in Figure 10.
One of the options with this type of meter is a rail-mounted set of transducers,
which can be clamped onto an existing pipe without taking the pipe apart to
mount the meter. It could be used in this way to check on or calibrate an existing
meter, or as a permanent installation for flow measurement. Ultrasonic flow
meters are also available with transducers permanently mounted on an insert that
is mounted in the pipeline, much like other flow meters, such as an electro-
magnetic flow meter.

Like the electromagnetic flow meter, ultrasonic meters have no sensors inside the
pipe nor any constrictions or obstructions in the pipe, so they are suitable for dirty
or corrosive liquids or slurries. Also, they cause negligible pressure drop.

Figure 11. Transit-time Ultrasonic Flow Meter

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f) Mass flow meters

The two types of mass flow meters will be described and discussed here. They
are the coriolis mass flow meter and thermal mass flow meter. Both of these
types of flow meters measure mass flow rate rather than volumetric flow rate.

Coriolis flow meters make use of the Coriolis effect (a coriolis force that acts on
objects that are in motion relative to a rotating frame of reference. A coriolis flow
meter typically functions by generating a vibration of the tube or tubes that the
fluid is flowing through. Often the part of the tube that is vibrated is curved. The
amount of twist caused by the coriolis force is measured and is proportional to the
mass flow rate passing through the tube(s). Quite a variety of different designs are
used for coriolis mass flow meters.

Coriolis flow meters are among the most accurate of the types of flow meters
and have a very high turndown ratio (range from minimum to maximum readable
flow rate for a given meter).

Thermal mass flow meter typically include a means of heat input to the flowing
fluid and for temperature measurement at two or more points. The amount of
temperature increase and rate of heat input to the fluid are measured and can be
correlated with the flow rate of the fluid through its thermal properties.

Thermal mass flow meters are among the most accurate types of flow meters,
have a very high turndown ratio (range from minimum to maximum readable
flow rate for a given meter), and have a medium cost. On the other hand, they are
only useable for the flow of clean gases and do not work well for gas mixtures if
the gas composition varies with time

9. Comparison of Flow Meter Alternatives

Table 2 shows a summary of several useful characteristics of the different types

of pipe flow meters described and discussed in this course. The information in
Table 2 was extracted from similar tables at the Omega Engineering and ICENTA
web sites at:

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

http://www.omega.com/techref/table1.html, and

http://www.icenta.co.uk/knowledge-base/flow-selection-guide/

The flow meter characteristics summarized in Table 2 are: recommended

applications, typical turndown ratio (also called rangeability), pressure drop,
typical accuracy, upstream pipe diameters (required upstream straight pipe
length), effect of viscosity, and relative cost.

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10. Summary

There are a wide variety of meter types for measuring flow rate in closed
conduits. Fourteen of those types were described and discussed in this course.
This included a considerable amount of detail about pressure differential flow
meters (venturi, orifice and flow nozzle meters), such as equations and example
calculations for liquid flow and for gas flow through differential flow meters.

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 Flow Measurement in Pipes and Ducts – M04-040

Table 2 in Section 9, summarizes a comparison among those fourteen types of

flow meters: Orifice meter, Venturi meter, Flow nozzle meter, Pitot tube,
Rotameter, Electromagnetic flow meter, Target meter, Turbine meter, Vortex
flow meter, Ultrasonic (Doppler) flow meter, Ultrasonic (time of travel) flow
meter, Coriolis mass flow meter, and Thermal mass flow meter.

For each of these types of flow meters, Table 2 provides information about i)
recommended applications, ii) typical turndown ratio, iii) whether its pressure
drop is high, medium, low, or none, iv) typical accuracy in %, v) required
upstream pipe diameters of straight pipe, vi) effect of viscosity, and vii) relative
cost.

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References

1. Bengtson, H.H., “Excel Spreadsheets for Orifice and Venturi Flow Meters,” an
online informational article at www.engineeringexcelspreadsheets.com

2. Bengtson, H.H., "Spreadsheets for ISO 5167 Orifice Plate Flow Meter
Calculations," an online informational article at:
www.engineeringexcelspreadsheets.com

3. Munson, B. R., Young, D. F., & Okiishi, T. H., Fundamentals of Fluid

Mechanics, 4th Ed., New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc, 2002.

4. International Organization of Standards - ISO 5167-2:2003 Measurement of

fluid flow by means of pressure differential devices inserted in circular cross-
section conduits flowing full, Part 2: Orifice plates. Reference number: ISO 5167-
2:2003.

5. International Organization of Standards - ISO 5167-4:2003 Measurement of

fluid flow by means of pressure differential devices inserted in circular cross-
section conduits flowing full, Part 4: Venturi Tubes. Reference number: ISO
5167-4:2003.

6. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, 2001 revised, 1997 third
edition, Water Measurement Manual, available for on-line use or download at:
http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hydraulics_lab/pubs/wmm/index.htm

7. LMNO Engineering, Research and Software, Ltd website. Contains equations

and graphs for flow measurement with venturi, orifice and flow nozzle
flowmeters. http://www.lmnoeng.com/venturi.htm

8. Engineering Toolbox website. Contains information on flow measurement

with a variety of meter types. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fluid-flow-meters-
t_49.html

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