EXPERIMENT # 1

OBJECTIVE

Study the characteristics of Hydraulic Bench and determine the volume and the mass flow

rates of fluid flowing through this unit.

APPARATUS

Hydraulic Bench, Stop Watch

DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT

This unit is designed as a portable and self-contained service module for the range of accessories
described later in this data sheet.

The bench is constructed from lightweight corrosion resistant plastic and is mounted on wheels for
mobility. The bench top incorporates an open channel with side channels to support the accessory
on test.
 Volumetric measurement is integral and has been chosen in preference to other methods of flow
measurement for its ease of use, accuracy and safety in use (no heavy weights for students to
handle).

The volumetric measuring tank is stepped to accommodate low or high flow rates. A stilling baffle
reduces turbulence and a remote sight tube with scale gives an instantaneous indication of water
level. A measuring cylinder is included in the supply for measurement of very small flow rates.

A dump valve in the base of the volumetric tank is operated by a remote actuator. Opening the
dump valve returns the measured volume of water to the sump in the base of the bench for
recycling. An overflow in the volumetric tank avoids flooding.

Water is drawn from the sump tank by a centrifugal pump and a panel mounted control valve
regulates the flow. An easy-to-use quick release pipe connector situated in the bench top allows for
the rapid exchange of accessories without the need for hand tools.

Each accessory is supplied as a complete piece of equipment needing no additional service items
other than the Hydraulics Bench. When coupled to the bench they are immediately ready for use.

Technical Details
Pump Centrifugal type, max. head , max. flow ⁄
Motor rating
Sump tank capacity
High flow volumetric tank
Low flow volumetric tank
Height of working surface above floor level
Overall Dimensions
Height
Width
Depth

SUMMARY

A Hydraulic Bench is a self-contained water supply device that allows recirculating water from a Sump
Tank into different hydraulic devices. A centrifugal Pump moves water from the Sump Tank through a hose
into a Water Inlet at the top of the bench. This Water Inlet point can be used to attach close-conduit devices
(e.g., a Venturi meter), or fitted with a device to allow flow into a small flume for open-channel flow tests
(e.g., Weir Plate tests). Figure 1 shows front, side, and top views of diagrams of the Hydraulic Bench.
Water is stored in a sump tank in the lower
part. A centrifugal pump is provided to draw
the water from
the sump tank through a control valve to an
outlet in the bed of the open channel. After
passing through
testing unit, water is collected in the
volumetric measuring tank which is stepped
to accommodate high
and low flow rates. The volumetric tank
incorporates a stilling baffle and remote
sight tube with
calibrated volumetric scale. A dump valve at
the base of the tank returns water to the
sump tank for
recycling. An overflow opening is
incorporated on the stilling baffle to prevent
overtopping if the dump
valve is left closed.
Water is stored in a sump tank in the lower
part. A centrifugal pump is provided to draw
the water from
the sump tank through a control valve to an
outlet in the bed of the open channel. After
passing through
testing unit, water is collected in the
volumetric measuring tank which is stepped
to accommodate high
and low flow rates. The volumetric tank
incorporates a stilling baffle and remote
sight tube with
calibrated volumetric scale. A dump valve at
the base of the tank returns water to the
sump tank for
recycling. An overflow opening is
incorporated on the stilling baffle to prevent
overtopping if the dump
valve is left closed.
EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE

1) Set up the equipment and identify its components.

2) Connect one end of the hose to the hydraulic bench supply and place the other end in the
volumetric tank; in order to facilitate the timed volume collections.
3) Start the pump of the hydraulic bench and initiate the flow by gradually opening the flow
control valve.
4) After the steady state is achieved, direct the water outlet hose into the bench volumetric tank.
Collect water with a particular capacity and record the time taken for the water to fill it up.
Take at least 4-5 measurements and record the timings in order to calculate (average) volume
flow rate.
5) Divide the volume collected in the volumetric tank by the time taken to collect that capacity in
order to calculate average volume flow rate.
6) Compute the average mass flow rate.
7) Repeat the experiment by varying the flow of water through the hydraulic bench by adjusting
the flow control valve.
8) Compute the average values of volume and mass flow rates
OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS
̇
Volume Flow Rate

Obs. No. Volume ( Liters) Time (Secs ) Volume Flow rate (m3/s) Mass Flow rate (kg/s)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mean = (m3/s) Mean = (kg/s)

RESULTS (Graphs & Remarks on trends)

CONCLUSIONS
(Possible Reasons)
1. The cause of the flow decrease is due to two factors: volumetric efficiency of the pump and reduced
motor speed. Volumetric efficiency is a measure of the actual flow compared to expected theoretical
(calculated) flow volumetric efficiency decreases as pressure increases.

2. When the temperature decreases the volumetric flow decreases due to higher fluid density.

3. In a fluid passing through a pipe, a reduction in the diameter of the pipe can compress the flowing
fluid. It flows faster, which increases the flow rate. And if the diameter increases, then the flow rate
reduces.

4. This relationship can be expressed by the equation F = Q/t. Fluid flow requires a pressure gradient
(ΔP) between two points such that flow is directly proportional to the pressure differential. Higher
pressure differences will drive greater flow rates. The pressure gradient establishes the direction of
flow.