GAS FLOW AND NETWORK ANALYSIS

ASSIGNMENT

MEASUREMENT OF FLOW RATE EXPERIMENT

BY
TEMITAYO UGOCHUKWU SOLANKE
@00695533

Lecturer: Dr. Abubakar Abbas

School of Computing, Science and Engineering,
Petroleum and Gas Engineering, MSc.
 TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstact…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
Preface……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 5
Apparatus description...................................................................................................... 7
Theory.....................................................................................………………………………….….. 8
Procedure....................................................................................................................... 10
Results………………………................................................................................................... 11
Calculation…….................................................................................................................12
Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 15
References...................................................................................................................... 16

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 ABSTRACT
The fluid flow rate was measured in this laboratory experiment using four distinct types of
measuring instruments: a venturi metre, Pitot tube, orifice plate, and input cone. The flow rates
(mass) recorded by the Venturi-meter, orifice plate, intake cone, and Pitot tube, respectively,
were about 0.2249, 0.2250, 1.600, and 0.2345 Kg/s when the damper was fully opened. The
results showed that the values generated by the Pitot tube, Orifice plate, and Venturi metre
were equal. This indicated that the three tools are reliable and capable of detecting flow. The
flow rates (mass) recorded by the Venturi-meter and orifice plate were similar to those
reported by the Pitot tube after the damper was around 50% opened.

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 PREFACE
AIM
To measure the rate of volumetric and mass flow using four various instruments.

OBJECTIVES
To use the various flow measuring instruments in measuring the both mass and volumetric flow
while:
 Damper is 100% open
 Damper is 50% open

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1. INTRODUCTION
Flow rate, sometimes called to as volume flow rate, is the amount of fluids that moves for every
unit of time within science and engineering, particularly fluid dynamics; it is typically denoted
by the letter Q (but occasionally by the letter V). The second primary kind of fluid velocity that it
differs with is mass flow rate. When the rate of fluid flow is mentioned, it usually refers to the
volumetric rate. The rate of volumetric flow is referred to as discharge in hydrometry. It is
important to distinguish between volumetric flow rate and volumetric flux, which is denoted by
the symbol q and has units of m3/s(m2s), or ms1. The volume flow rate is obtained by
integrating a flux across a certain region.
Since 5000 BC, humanity have been quantifying flow rates, with the Mesopotamians using the
first known instrument. They created a rudimentary plumbing system in ancient Sumerian
towns to transport water from neighboring rivers to every home, and they employed flow
monitoring methods to keep track of the river's flow rate into their canals. Mathematicians and
researchers have been creating ideas and instruments since the early eighteenth century, which
eventually led to the creation of the technology that we employ currently in flow rate
measurement. These gadgets use a variety of methods and systems that let us keep an eye on
and manage flow rates.
Flow rate measurement equipment is used by all industry segments that process gases and
liquids or have a need for fluid control, including utility companies that measure the flow of
wastewater into water filtration systems, power generation companies that need to measure
deionized flow, oil and gas companies that measure the flow of crude oil, and wine producers
that measure the supply during the bottling process. The necessity for flow rate monitoring is
probably present anywhere fluid flows through a system.
There are many alternatives for flow rate measuring in industrial settings. There are really more
than 100 distinct kinds of flow meters in use worldwide, and each one provides a different
answer based on the application's requirements and other factors like budget. A few of them
are:
One of the most common flow rate measuring tools is the Coriolis meter, which makes use of
the motion mechanics principles to induce a vibrating tube to twist in proportional to the mass
flow rate. An output is then produced by monitoring this response.
Through the use of Faraday's Law, magnetic flow meters transfer a reference voltage to
electrodes by passing a magnetic field through the medium that is travelling through the pipe.
The fluid's velocity is directly inversely proportional to this voltage.
Pressure differential flow meters: When a pipe is constricted, the pressure within the pipe
decreases. Using Bernoulli's equation and the premise which the pressure drop throughout the
narrowing is proportionate to the volumetric flow rate squared, the flow meter monitors this
pressure drop and computes the flow rate.

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Turbine flow meter: they are mechanical flow meters quantify the flow using a revolving
turbine. This allows a flow to be computed utilizing continuity equation since the turbine, which
is immediately in the flow, is rotated by the flow's velocity.
The kind of media flow is one of the most crucial aspects to take into account when examining
flow rate measurement since, how flow is measured might vary on what the flow is made up of.
In contrast to magnetic or ultrasonic flow meters, Coriolis, differential pressure, and positive
displacement volumetric flow rate measurement devices may all be utilized to estimate the
flow rate of gas.

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2. APPARATUS
Measurement methods for gases and liquids are considerably different from one another. Four
flow measuring equipment, including an orifice plate, a venturi meter, a Pitot tube traverse,
and an input cone were employed in this experiment.

Figure 1: Schematic illustration of Flow Measurement Devices

The fan enters the cone straight after drawing air via the environment. The consequence, its
static pressure on point "A" is lower when compared surrounding pressure. The air flow rate
within duct may be calculated using the pressure drop point A relative to atmospheric pressure.
Fluid velocity is measured just at tip of the Pitot tube, which is a thin tube with two holes on it.
Therefore, it is vital to measure all velocities throughout the duct's cross section in order to
determine the integrated flow. To calculate the pressure differential, the symbol ∆PBC is used.
A measuring device called a venture meter has a convergent pipe that increases velocity and
decreases pressure. The flow rate value is determined using the pressure drop (∆PBE). The
venturi utilizes throat geometry as well as a plate with a center hole inside the throat to restrict
the duct; the orifice plate is narrower. For determining flowrate, the orifice plate utilizes a
singular pressure difference, ∆PFG. U-tube manometers are used to gauge the pressure
differences between all of the included measuring tools. The damper controls various flow rates
in the duct; in this instance, we'll utilize the maximum setting and half of it. The orifice plate
and Venturi calibration data used in this experiment setup. Since the Pitot tube is considered as
an absolute method, it requires no calibration factor. The inlet cone must be calibrated using
the information from the three instruments.

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3. THEORY
We may construct an equation along a flow route or streamline by applying Bernoulli’s
equation, which connects the flow velocity "V" as well as pressure "P" within general flows.

1
P+ =Constant
2ρV2
We can observe that there is a general link between the flow rate and the device's pressure
differential, ∆P (Pa).

{ [ ( )] }
1
2ρ∆ P
m=C d A 2 2
kg /s
A2
1−
A1

Where,
A
2
1 as well as A2 = Inlet and throat areas in m

Cd = discharge coefficient that accounts for viscous motion and departures from the one-
dimensional scenario
The density, ρ is determined using gas equation of state which is
P amb
ρ=
(R /T )

Pamb = barometric pressure, Pa

T = Temperature of Lab, K
R= 287 J/kg K
While examining the Pitot tube, it was discovered that,
V 1/2
= {2∆P/ρ}

∆P is calculated using the manometer’s difference in height, ∆h,

∆P=ρ f g ∆h

Where,

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ρf = fluid density of manometer

∆h = Change in height (m)

The traverse technique that we use in this case only depends on calculating the velocities at
various places along the cross section that is being traversed. The mass flow rate generally is
calculated using 16 points inside a 4 by 4 grid and is represented by,
m=A*ρ*∑Vn/n

Where,
∑Vn/n =Average quantity of velocity readings

A = the cross-sectional area along the traverse.

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4. PROCEDURE
The fan was turned on and the damper was fixed to 100% openness. Once the inlet cone's
manometer reading was stable and recorded, the flow was permitted to stabilize. In a similar
manner, readings from the manometers for the Orifice plate and the Venturi metre were
obtained. Pitot tube transverse manometric measurements were taken at each of the sixteen
places when the damper was completely opened. When the damper got adjusted to 30% open,
this process was repeated. In the meanwhile, measurements of the barometric pressure and
laboratory air temperature were collected.

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5. DATA
Damper Position
Parameters
100% Opened 50% Opened
Inlet Pressure (mmH2O) 22 11.5
Orifice Plate Manometer Reading “4.Orifice” (mmH2O) 55.5 29.0
Venturi meter Manometer Reading (mmH2O) 63.0 32.0
Exit Pressure 2.0 29.0

Manometer Readings (mmH2O)

Position
100% Opened 50% Opened
1 14.9 3.5
2 12.0 4.5
3 15.0 5.0
4 14.5 3.5
5 14.9 4.5
6 15.0 6.0
7 14.0 6.0
8 14.0 4.5
9 12.0 5.0
10 14.0 6.0
11 15.0 6.5
12 12.5 5.0
13 16.5 5.5
14 20.0 6.5
15 18.0 7.0
16 19.0 6.5
Table 2: Pitot tube readings at 100% and 50% of both the damper apertures

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6. CALCULATIONS
Pamb 760 x 13.6 x 9.81 3
ρ= = =1.2 Kg/ m
RT 287 x 289.15

When the damper is completely opened

The manometer value on the venturi metre was 63 mmH2O.
784 x 9.81 x 63
However, ∆ P=ρf g ∆ h= =484.5 Pa
1000
Flow rate (mass),

[ ( )]
1 1
2ρ∆ P 2 2
m=C d A2 2
=0.97 x ( 1.2 x 484.5 ) x 0.00961=0.2249 Kg/s
A2
1−
A1

For Orifice plate, 55.5 mmH2O

784 x 9.81 x 55.5
∆ P=ρf g ∆ h= =426.85 Pa
1000
Also, flow rate (mass),

[ ( )]
1 1
2ρ∆ P 2
m=C d A2 2
=0.62 x ( 1.2 x 426.85 ) 2 x 0.01612=0.225 Kg/s
A
1− 2
A1

For Inlet Cone, 22 mmH2O.

784 x 9.81 x 22
∆ P=ρf g ∆ h= =169.203 Pa
1000
Also, flow rate (mass),

[ ( )]
1 1
2ρ∆ P 2 2
m=C d A2 2
=0. 52 x ( 1.2 x 169.203 ) x 0.021770=0.16 Kg/s
A2
1−
A1

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Table 3 shows the equivalent velocities for the sixteen manometer readings for the Pitot tube
transverse:

∆ h in m
( )
1
∆ P=ρf g ∆ h 2∆ P 2
Position ∆ h in mm V=
ρ
1 14.9 0.0149 114.600 13.82
2 12.0 0.0120 92.290 12.40
3 15.0 0.0150 115.365 14.00
4 14.5 0.0145 111.520 13.633
5 14.9 0.0149 114.600 10.627
6 15.0 0.0150 111.520 13.820
7 14.0 0.0140 107.674 13.396
8 14.0 0.0140 107.674 13.396
9 12.0 0.0120 92.290 12.40
10 14.0 0.0140 107.674 13.396
11 15.0 0.0150 115.365 14.00
12 12.5 0.0125 96.138 12.658
13 16.5 0.0165 126.902 11.749
14 20.0 0.0200 153.820 16.011
15 18.0 0.0180 138.438 15.189
16 19.0 0.0190 146.129 15.606
Table 3: Transverse velocities of a pitot tube for an absolute damper opening

m= A ρ
∑ V n = 0.01447 x 1.2 x 216.101 =0.2345 Kg /s
n 16

For period when damper is opened half way (50 percent),

The manometer reading for the Venturi metre was 63 mmH2O.
22
But, ∆ P=ρf g ∆ h=784 x 9.81 x =169.2028 Pa
1000
Also, flow rate (mass),

[ ( )]
1 1
2ρ∆ P 2
m=C d A2 2
=0 . 97 x (1.2 x 169.2028 ) 2 x 0.00961=0.134 Kg/s
A
1− 2
A1

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For the orifice plate, 56 mmH2O.
19
∆ P=ρf g ∆ h=784 x 9.81 x =146.1297 Pa
1000
Also, flow rate (mass),

[ ( )]
1 1
2ρ∆ P 2 2
m=C d A2 2
=062 x ( 1.2 x 146.1297 ) x 0.0161=0.1330 Kg/ s
A
1− 2
A1

Manometer reading for Inlet Cone was 21 mmH2O.

9.81 x 7.5
∆ P=ρf g ∆ h=784 x =57.68 Pa
1000
Flow rate (mass),

[ ( )]
1 1
2ρ∆ P 2
m=C d A2 2
=0 . 52 x ( 1.2 x 57.68 ) 2 x 0.02177=0.105 Kg/ s
A
1− 2
A1

∆ h (m)
( )
1
∆ P=ρf g ∆ h 2∆ P
Position ∆ h (mm) V= 2
ρ
1 3.5 0.0035 26.918 6.627
2 4.5 0.0045 34.609 7.514
3 5.0 0.0050 38.455 7.921
4 3.5 0.0035 26.698 6.627
5 4.5 0.0045 41.531 8.232
6 6.0 0.0060 46.146 8.677
7 6.0 0.0060 46.146 8.677
8 4.5 0.0045 34.609 7.154
9 5.0 0.0050 38.455 7.921
10 6.0 0.0060 46.146 8.677
11 6.5 0.0065 49.991 9.031
12 5.0 0.0050 38.455 7.921
13 5.5 0.0055 42.300 8.308
14 6.5 0.0065 49.991 9.031
15 7.0 0.0070 53.837 9.327
16 6.5 0.0065 57.682 9.701
Table 4: Transverse Pitot tube Velocities at 50% Damper Opening

m= Aρ
∑ V n = 0.01447 x 1.2 x 131.75 =0.146 Kg/s
n 16

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7. CONCLUSION
This laboratory investigation used four unique kinds of measuring equipment, including a
venturi metre, Pitot tube, orifice plate and inlet cone, to determine the rate of the fluid flow.
When the damper was absolutely opened, the flow rates (mass) measured by the Venturi-
metre, orifice plate, inlet cone, and Pitot tube were about 0.2249, 0.2250, 1.600, and 0.2345
Kg/s, respectively. The findings revealed that the values produced by the Venturi metre, Orifice
plate, and Pitot tube were identical. This suggested that the three instruments are effective and
trustworthy for measuring flow. Once the damper was approximately 50% opened, the flow
rates (mass) determined by the Venturi-metre and orifice plate were comparable to those
determined by the Pitot tube.

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REFERENCES
1. Abbas, HA. Hasan, AH, Al-Wahaibi, Y and Waleed, AK 2012 ‘Theoretical and
Experimental Study of Bubbly Gaswater Two Phase Flows through a Universal Venturi
Tube (UVT)’
2. International Journal of Information Science and Education,

3. Barbara, T and Mariusz, R 2020 ‘Correction of Wet Gas Flow Measurements Applying
Standard Orifice’ Int. J. Comp. Meth. And Exp. Meas.,
4. Elperin, T, Fominykh, A and Klochko, M 2002 ‘Performance of a Venturi meter in Gas–
liquid Flow in the Presence of Dissolved Gases’ Flow Measurement and Instrumentation,
5. Salah, BM and Dekham EI 2016 ‘Design and Evaluation of Orifice Meters Fluid Flow in
Pipelines’

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