Process Instrumentation Dynamics & Control

Unit-2

Course Code : FT-315 Semester : V

Evaluation Scheme : CIE Marks :30 Marks (20 + 10) SEE Marks : 100
 Unit-2

Flow Measuring Instruments

Contents:-Flow measuring devices for incompressible and compressible fluids.

Electro-hydraulic valves, hydraulic servomotors, electro-pneumatic valves.
Pneumatic actuators.
 Flow measuring devices for
incompressible and compressible fluids.

• The orifice meter is used for measuring the rates of flow in incompressible fluid
only. 

• Venturimeter is used for measuring rates of flow in both incompressible and

compressible fluids.

• Pitot Tube can be used to measure fluid flow velocities by measuring the
difference between static and dynamic pressure in the flow in liquid

• Rotameter is used for measuring the rates of flow in incompressible fluid

 Flowmeters

Principle:
• Operates on the principle that restriction or obstruction in the line or pipe of a
flowing fluid introduced by the orifice plate or venturi tube or elbow, produces
differential pressure across the restriction element which is proportional to the
flow rate.
• The flow rate is proportional to the square root of the differential pressure.
• The relationship was derived from Bernoulli's theorem.
Principle:
The basic equation is given as,
Q = KA √2gh/ρ
Where,
Q = Volumetric flow rate
K = constant
A = Cross sectional area of pipe through which fluid is flowing.
g = Acceleration due to gravity
h = Differential head (pressure) the restriction element.
ρ = Density of flowing liquid.
Principle:
Reynolds Number: It is very important reference number in
the accurate determination of flow. It is used to determine the
point at which the flow goes from viscous to turbulent stage.
• Parts of differential flow meters:
• It consists of two parts:
a) Primary elements -
• The parts of the meter used to restrict the fluid flow in the pipe line in
order to produce a differential pressure. They are
• i) Orifice plates, ii) Venturi tubes, iii) flow nozzles, iv) dall tubes, v)
Pitot tubes, vi) annular tubes, vii) elbow taps
• b) Secondary elements -
• These elements measure the differential pressures produced by the
primary elements & convert them into signals. They are
• i) Manometer, ii) Bellow meters, iii) Force balance meters & iv) Ring
balance meters
• Parts of differential flow meters:

a) Primary elements -
• Orifice plates:
• These are the simplest & cheapest form of primary elements.
• An orifice plate is inserted in the line & differential pressure across it is measured.
• Four types of orifice plates,
i) Concentric Orifice plate:
• Made up of SS & also from nickel, phosphor bronze to withstand the corrosive
effects of the fluid.
• Thickness varies from 3.175 to 12.70 mm depending upon pipe line size & flow
velocity.
• It has circular hole in the middle & is installed in the pipe line with the hole
concentric to the pipe.
ii) Eccentric Orifice plate:
It is similar to concentric plate except for the offset hole which is bored
tangential to the circle, concentric with pipe & of a dia equal to 98% of
the pipe.
It is useful for measuring fluids containing solids, oil containing water & wet
stream also used where liq. fluid contains high % of dissolved gases.
iii) Segmental Orifice plate: It is as shown in figure
 Venturimeter

• Parts of differential flow meters:

a) Primary elements –
• Venturi Tubes:
• It is used where permanent pressure loss is of prime importance & maximum
accuracy is desired.
• It consists of i) a straight inlet section of the same diameter ii) a converging
conical inlet section iii) a cylindrical throat iv) a diverging recovery cone.
• It is used to handle a fluid which is handled by an orifice plate & fluids that
contain some solids also used to slurries, dirty fluids.
• Made up of CS or steel, are available in sizes from 100 mm to 813 mm, accuracy
±3%.
Venturimeter
 Pitot Tube

• Pitot tubes:
• Mainly used for measurement of fluid velocity.
• Operating principle is based on the fact that when a solid body is kept
centrally & stationary in a pipe line with a fluid streaming down, the
velocity of the fluid starts diminishing due to presence of the body till it
is reduced to zero directly in front of the body. (stagnation point)
• It consists of tube with an opening of 3.125 to 6.35 mm. Accuracy
range - ±0.5 to ±5%.
• Pitot tubes are rarely used in process streams but are used in utility
streams where high accuracy is not necessary.
Pitot Tube
 Rotameter

• Most extensively used form of the

variable area flow meter.
• It consists of vertical tapered tube with a
float which is free to move up or down
within the tube.
• The free area between float & inside
wall of the tube forms an annular orifice.
• The pressure differential across annular
orifice is proportional to square of its
flow area & square of the flow rate.
Rotameters:
The tube materials of rotameters may be of glass or metal.
Applications of rotameters are for low viscosity fluids.
Accuracy range - ±0.5% to ±10%.
Measures the flow as high as 920 LPH.
Advantages:
Cost is relatively low, good for small flows.
Equipped with alarm switches, transmitting devices.
Handles wide variety of corrosives.
Disadvantages:
Glass tube type is easily breakable, limited to small pipe sizes.
Limited to relatively low temp.
• Flow Measuring Methods:

• Types:

a) Variable head or differential meters

b) Variable Area meters
c) Magnetic meters
d) Turbine meters
e) Target meters
f) Ultrasonic flow meters