Application of Bernoulli's Equation to a Venturi - Fluid Flow

Fluid Flow Table of Contents | Hydraulic and Pneumatic Knowledge

Fluid Power Equipment

Many plant components, such as a venturi, may be analyzed using Bernoulli’s equation
and the continuity equation. A venturi is a flow measuring device that consists of a
gradual contraction followed by a gradual expansion. An example of a venturi is shown
in Figure 6. By measuring the differential pressure between the inlet of the venturi (point
1) and the throat of the venturi (point 2), the flow velocity and mass flow rate can be
determined based on Bernoulli’s equation.

Bernoulli’s equation states that the total head of the flow must be constant. Since the
elevation does not change significantly, if at all, between points 1 and 2, the elevation
head at the two points will be essentially the same and will cancel out of the equation. So
Bernoulli’s equation simplifies to Equation 3-13 for a venturi.

Applying the continuity equation to points 1 and 2 allows us to express the flow velocity
at point 1 as a function of the flow velocity at point 2 and the ratio of the two flow areas.

Using algebra to rearrange Equation 3-13 and substituting the above result for v1 allows
us to solve for v2.
Therefore the flow velocity at the throat of the venturi and the volumetric flow rate are
directly proportional to the square root of the differential pressure.

The pressures at the upstream section and throat are actual pressures, and velocities from
Bernoulli’s equation without a loss term are theoretical velocities. When losses are
considered in the energy equation, the velocities are actual velocities. First, with the
Bernoulli equation (that is, without a head-loss term), the theoretical velocity at the throat
is obtained. Then by multiplying this by the venturi factor (Cv), which accounts for
friction losses and equals 0.98 for most venturis, the actual velocity is obtained. The
actual velocity times the actual area of the throat determines the actual discharge
volumetric flow rate.

The pressure drop, P1-P2, across the venturi can be used to measure the flow rate using a
U-tube manometer as shown in Figure 6. The reading, R’, of the manometer is
proportional to the pressure drop and thus the velocity of the fluid.