FLUID MECHANICS LAB MANUAL

DETERMINATION OF FLOW
VELOCITY USING A PITOT TUBE
AIM:
To utilize a pitot tube to determine the flow velocity while determining the coefficient of
discharge of the setup.

1. INTRODUCTION
Flow measurement is the quantification of bulk fluid movement. Determination of flow
velocity can be done using devices such as pitot tubes, orifice meters etc. Flow
measurement methods other than positive-displacement flowmeters rely on forces
produced by the flowing stream as it overcomes a known constriction, to indirectly
calculate flow. Flow may be measured by measuring the velocity of fluid over a known
area.

2. THEORY
When a fluid flows through a pipe, it exerts both dynamic as well as static pressure. Static
pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid when it is at rest. It is measured perpendicular
to the fluid surface and is independent of the direction of flow. Dynamic pressure is the
pressure exerted by fluid movement. It is measured parallel to the direction of flow and
depends on the velocity of the fluid. We can utilize the difference in static and dynamic
pressure compute the flow velocity. The Pitot tube makes it possible to study flow
measurement according to the principle of dynamic pressure. The Pitot tube is installed in
the interrupted pipe below the manometer panel. The Pitot tube consists of a tube bent at
right angles. The end of the Pitot tube that is located in the fluid is aligned against the
flow. At the other end, the Pitot tube is connected to the manometer panel. The pressure
head measured here corresponds to the sum of the static and dynamic pressure head (total
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 FLUID MECHANICS LAB MANUAL

pressure head). The other pressure measuring point is directed perpendicular to the
direction of flow, so that only the static pressure head is measured. From the difference, it
is possible to determine the dynamic pressure head, and thus the maximum flow velocity
in the centre of the pipe. The flow rate can in turn be calculated Pitot tube from this flow
velocity.

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
A. Measurements of the flow rate using pitot tube
B. Determining the coefficient of discharge for the setup

4. SYSTEM LAYOUT

1. Venturi nozzle
2. Outlet
3. Gate valve
4. Rotameter
5. Bleed valve
6. Manometer panel
7. Feed

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 FLUID MECHANICS LAB MANUAL

8. Pipe break for different flow meters

1. Pitot tube
2. Connection for static pressure head
3. Connection for total pressure head

5. PROCEDURE
A. Connect the pitot tube system in the pipe break. Connect the hoses to the
manometer fittings. In order to obtain correct measured values, the hoses must be
completely filled with water. Slightly open the ball valve in the feed line.
B. Open the coupling that is connected to the manometer panel.
C. Turn on the pump.
D. Close the coupling as soon as there is no more air in the hose.
E. Connect the coupling to the manometer panel
F. Open the drain valve.
G. Adjust the valve controlling the flow such that the top of the rotameter shows the
correct and desired flow rate.
H. Using manometer measure the static and dynamic pressures. The difference
corresponds dynamic head.
I. Measure the volumetric flow using a measuring tank and a stopwatch.
J. Continue the experiment by increasing the flow in increments and repeating the
head difference and volumetric flow measurements.

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 FLUID MECHANICS LAB MANUAL

6. OBSERVATION
SN H1 H2 W t
In cm In cm In L In sec

7. CALCULATIONS
Volumetric flow rate
𝑊 3
𝑄= 1000𝑡
(𝑚 /𝑠)
Pressure calculation

Δ𝑝 = ρ𝑔Δℎ (𝑃𝑎)
Velocity calculation

2Δ𝑝
𝑉𝑎𝑐𝑡 = ρ
(𝑚/𝑠)
Velocity (theoretical) calculation
𝑄
𝑉𝑡ℎ = 𝐴
(𝑚/𝑠)
2
π𝑑 2
𝐴 = 4
𝑚
d = 17 mm

8. RESULTS
SN Δh Q Δp Vact Vth
In m In m3/s In Pa
In m/s In m/s

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 FLUID MECHANICS LAB MANUAL

9. CONCLUSIONS
Draw your own key observations and conclusions on the experiment conducted.
What are some of the applications of pitot tube?

10. TASKS
Plot Vact v/s Vth.

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