© 2016 IJSRSET | Volume 2 | Issue 4 | Print ISSN : 2395-1990 | Online ISSN : 2394-4099

Themed Section: Engineering and Technology

Analysis of Compressible Effect in the Flow Metering By

Orifice Plate Using CFD
Prasanna M A*1, Dr. V. Seshadri2, Yogesh Kumar K. J.3
*1
M Tech Student, Thermal Power Engineering, MIT-Mysore, India
2
Professor (Emeritus), Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT Mysore, India
3
Assistant Professor, Department of mechanical engineering, MIT Mysore, India

ABSTRACT

The orifice plate is a typical obstruction type of flow meter, widely used in industries for flow measurement. ISO-
5167-1 and BS1042 standards provide the value of Discharge Coefficient for both standard Orifice Plate and
Quarter Circle Orifice Plate. In the present work, an attempt is made to study and develop a computational model of
flow through an Orifice Plate which can be used as an efficient and easy means for predicting the compressibility
effect using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. ANSYS FLUENT-14 has been used as a tool to
perform the modelling and simulation of flow through Orifice Plate. Analysis of flow through Orifice Plate has
demonstrated the capability of the CFD methodology for predicting the accurately the values of C d, ε and CPL over a
wide range of operating conditions. CFD methodology also has been used to analyse the effect of various
parameters like diameter ratio, Reynolds number, and pressure ratio on the performance parameters of the orifice
meters. It has been demonstrated that the validated CFD methodology can be used to predict the performance
parameters of orifice plate assemblies even under conditions not covered by ISO 5167-1 and BS1042 standards.
Keywords: Coefficient of Discharge, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Expansibility Factor, Quarter Circle Orifice
Plate, Square Edge Orifice Plate, Permanent Pressure Loss Coefficient.

I. INTRODUCTION coefficient (Cd) is the ratio of actual flow to the

theoretical flow. The widely used flow meters in the
The flow meters are being widely used in the industries industries are Orifice meter, Venturimeter and Flow
to measure the volumetric flow rate of the fluids. These Nozzle. Venturimeter and orifice meters are more
flow meters are usually differential pressure type, which convenient and frequently used for measuring flow in an
measure the flow rate by introducing a constriction in enclosed ducts or channels.
the flow. The pressure difference caused by the
constriction is used to measure the flow rate by using The objective of the present work is to study the
Bernoulli’s theorem. compressibility effect on different types of the orifice
plates such as Standard Concentric Orifice Plate, Quarter
If any constriction is placed in a pipe carrying a fluid, Circle Orifice Plate and Square Edge Orifice Plate. The
there will be an increase in the velocity and hence the aim of the study is also to demonstrate the capability of
kinetic energy increases at the point of constriction. the CFD methodology to predict accurately the values of
From the energy balance equation given by Bernoulli’s Cd, ε and CPL over a wide range of operating conditions.
theorem, there must be a corresponding reduction in the The performances of these meters in terms of value of
static pressure. discharge coefficient and pressure loss have been
investigated by several researchers. Karthik G S et al [1]
Thus by knowing the pressure differential, the density of have predicted the performance characteristics of orifice
the fluid, the area available for flow at the constriction plate assembly for non standard conditions using CFD,
and the discharge coefficient, the rate of discharge from W.B.Brower et al [2] have investigated the compressible
the constriction can be calculated. The discharge flow through an orifice, Karthik G S [3] has made CFD

IJSRSET162420 | Received : 07 July 2016 | Accepted : 17 July 2016 | July-August-2016 [(2)4: 170-180]
170
analysis Flow through orifice plate assemblies used for d is the orifice throat diameter, m
specialized non standard working conditions, R.Kis et al D is the upstream pipe diameter, m
[4] have reported a CFD analysis of flow through a high ∆P is the differential pressure, Pa
pressure natural gas pipeline with an undeformed and ε is the expansibility factor
deformed orifice plate. It is observed from the above that ρ1 is the density at upstream pressure tap location,
the compressibility effect in the flow through orifice Kg/m3
plates has not been analyzed fully. Hence in the present
study CFD has been used to study the effect of Eqn.1.2 is based on the assumptions that the flow is
compressibility of the fluid on the performance steady, incompressible, and in viscid flow. However in
parameters of the orifice meters over a wide range of order to take into account the real fluid effects like
operating conditions. viscosity and compressibility, empirical coefficients Cd
and ε are introduced in the Eqn.1.2. The discharge
coefficient Cd is defined as the ratio of actual flow rate
Principle of Orifice Plate
to the theoretical flow rate (calculated on basis of
Bernoulli’s theorem). The value of Cd depends on the
The Orifice Plate is an obstruction type flow meter
several factors like β, Re, wall roughness, orifice
consists of a circular plate at the center cross section as
geometry etc. The expansibility factor ε is introduced to
shown in the Fig.1.
take into account to change in density of the fluid as it is
passes through the orifice plate for the incompressible
fluids ε has a value of unity and for the compressible
flow is also less unity. Over the years the orifice plates
have been used for metering different fluids (liquid, gas,
mixed flow etc...). The performances of these meters in
Figure 1: Orifice Plate terms of value of discharge coefficient and pressure loss
have not been investigated fully by the researchers.
The function of the downstream region is to increase the
velocity of the fluid and temporarily reduce its static Discharge Coefficient (Cd)
pressure. Thus the pressure difference between the inlet
and the vena contracta is developed. This pressure As per ISO 5167 the discharge coefficient for the
difference is correlated to the rate of flow of fluid by concentric standard orifice plate assembly is given by
using Bernoulli’s equation. following expression

(1.1)
( ) (
However, in order to obtain a significant measurable ) (1.3)
pressure drop, different types of pressure tappings are Where, ⁄ is the diameter ratio
used (corner taps, flange taps and D and D/2 taps) in the
is the Reynolds number
orifice plate. In comparison to the Venturimeter, the
pressure recovery is much less in the case of orifice ⁄ is the distance of the upstream tapping
plate. As per ISO 5167-1 and BS1042 standards [5], the from the upstream face of the plate
mass flow rate in an orifice plate (Qm in Kg/s) for a ⁄ is the distance of the downstream
compressible fluid is given by:
tappings from the downstream of the plate

√ (1.2) As per ISO-5167-1, the standard dimensions of an

√
orifice plate with flange tappings,
d > 12.5mm
Where: Cd is the discharge coefficient
50mm < D < 1000mm
β is the diameter ratio= d/D
0.2 < β < 0.75

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 ReD > 1260β²D

The above equation is empirical Equations are derived

on the bases of experimental data generated over a long
period of time. Further the Eqn. 1.3 is also valid if and
only if all the specifications in terms of geometry
surface finish and installation conditions are satisfied as Figure 2, Flow Domains for the Analysis through
given in ISO 5167. Orifice Plate

Expansibility Factor (ε) TABLE 1

DIMENSIONS OF THE ORIFICE PLATE
If the fluid is metered with compressible effect, the
change in the density takes place as the pressure changes Variables Value Units
from p1 to p2 on passing through the throat section and it s
is assumed that no transfer of heat occurs and the flow Diameter of pipe(D) 50 mm
isentropic. The expansibility factor (ε) is calculated by Diameter of throat (d) 25 mm
using following empirical formula [ISO 5167 Standard]. Diameter Ratio(β) 0.5 ---
Upstream pipe length 15D mm
⁄ Downstream pipe 25D mm
( )( ( ) ) length
(1.4) Thickness of the plate 3 mm
Type of OP beveled 45 Deg.
The Eqn.1.4 is applicable only if p2/p1>0.75. The 1mm straight hole followed by 45º
uncertainty in the expansibility factor is calculated by beveling
following correlation in terms of percent and is given by
∆ε= (4∆p/p1) % (1.5) Fig. 3 shows the CFD mesh used for the orifice plate
simulation. The geometry of the model includes 15D of
II. CFD MODELING AND SIMULATION upstream pipe length and a 25D of straight pipe
downstream pipe length. The region around orifice plate
CFD modeling is a useful tool to gain an additional (±2D) was meshed with very fine grids (see Fig.3),
insight into the physics of the flow and to understand the while the upstream and downstream pipe regions were
test results. The objective of the CFD work is to model meshed with coarser grids. Boundary layer meshing was
the flow using 2D axisymmetric orifice plate geometry used near the wall.
to study the flow characteristics that is similar to the
practical situation.

The ANSYS FLUENT-14 CFD code is used to model

and simulate the flow through orifice plate. The orifice
plate geometry was modeled as a 2D-axisymmetric
domain using unstructured grid. The dimensions of the
geometry were taken from the ISO-5167 and BS1042
standards and no pressure taps were included in the CFD
geometry.

In order to validate the CFD methodology, simulation Figure 3. Mesh of Quadrilateral Elements Used For
carried out for a standard orifice plate with following the Orifice Plate for Analysis
dimensions (see Table. 1) and Fig. 2 dimensions of the III. VALIDATION OF CFD METHODOLOGY
flow domain used to analysis of flow through standard
orifice plate.

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For validation of CFD methodology a standard
concentric orifice plate was selected. As per ISO-5167-
1, the standard dimensions of an orifice plate with flange
tappings.
d > 12.5mm
50mm < D < 1000mm
Figure 4(a) Pressure Contours
0.2 < β < 0.75
ReD > 1260β²D

Based on the standard limits, an orifice plate with

D=50mm and β=0.5 was constructed as a 2D axis
symmetric geometry. In the simulation procedure, the Figure 4(b) Velocity Contours
process of mesh generation is a very crucial step for
better accuracy, stability and economy of prediction.
Based on mesh convergence study, a total of 170840
quadrilateral elements were found to be adequate.

The Realizable Spalart Allmars turbulence model with Figure 4(c) Velocity Vector
standard wall conditions was selected to model to the Figure 4 Contours and Vector Plots for
turbulent flow field. This choice was based on the Incompressible Flow through an Standard Orifice Plate
computations made with different turbulence models (D=50mm, β=0.5)
(like K-omega standard, K-omega-SST and K-ε-
standard) and the above model gave the best agreement IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
for computed values of Cd with standard values.
Having validated the CFD methodology, simulations
For the validation the fluid selected is incompressible were performed over a wide range of parameters. Orifice
liquid with suitable boundary conditions. Velocity at the plate discharge coefficients were calculated from the
inlet was specified as 3m/s and at outlet the gauge CFD predicted pressure differentials. The simulations
pressure was set to zero. The density and viscosity of the were done by keeping constant Reynolds number.
fluid as chosen to achieve the desired Reynolds number Initially the simulation was carried out for a standard
Heat transfer from the wall of the domain was neglected. concentric orifice plate and the CFD results were
The solution was computed in the commercial CFD code validated with the standards. Further the studies were
FLUENT 14, in which the pressure based solver, was concentrated on compressibility effect, permanent
selected for this particular case. The computations were pressure loss coefficient for different orifice plates such
made at a Reynolds number of 1×105 and the as standard orifice plate, quarter circle orifice plate and
computated value of Cd for flange taps is 0.6041 which square edge orifice plate.
is in excellent agreement with the standard value given
in ISO-5167(0.6058) and hence CFD methodology was A. Compressibility Effect on Standard Concentric
validated. The pressure and velocity contours along with Orifice Plate:
velocity vectors are shown in the Fig. 4. From the
contours it is clearly observed that the velocity is Computations have been made for the orifice plate
increased in the upstream section of the pipe with the already described (D=50mm, β=0.5 and Re=1×105)
corresponding reduction in the pressure, maximum during the validation. Analyses are made for different
velocity (minimum pressure) is recorded at the throat diameter ratios in the range 0.3 to 0.7 for the flow of an
and velocity reduces when flow passes over the orifice incompressible fluid at a constant Reynolds number of
plate section while the pressure recovery occurs in this 1×105. The results are tabulated in Table 2. Table 2 also
section. The vector plot shows the flow pattern of the shows the standard values of Cd as per ISO 5167. It is
fluid particles inside the orifice plate. observed that the computed values of Cd are within the
uncertainty limits of the standard values. It is observed

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that the calculated values of the discharge coefficient are flow. The ratio of the two represents the expansibility
in close agreement with the values given by the code. It coefficient. The values of ε calculated from the
is also observed the values of Cd increases with empirical correlation (ISO 5167-1 standards) are also
increasing diameter ratio. The same trend is seen in both given in Table 3.
the CFD computation and ISO 5167 standards. It is to be
noted that the standard values given in ISO 5167 are The range of ∆p/p1 covered in the analysis is from 0.015
valid for diameter ratios in the range 0.2 to 0.75. to 0.3. As per ISO 5761-1 the values of p2/p1 should be
greater than 0.75 ( ∆p/p1< 0.25). The present results are
TABLE 2 shown even up to ∆p/p1=0.30 and calculated values of ε
COMPARISON BETWEEN COMPUTATED AND agreed with the codal values. The deviations between
STANDARD VALUES OF Cd FOR INCOMPRESSIBLE
FLOW (D=40mm, Re=1×105) the two sets of values are of the same order magnitude
of uncertainty specified in ISO 5167. Further it is also
observed that as ∆p/p1 increases the value of ε decreases.

TABLE 3
COMPARISON BETWEEN THE COMPUTED AND
STANDARD VALUES OF Cd and ε FOR STANDARD
ORIFICE PLATE (D=40mm)

β ∆p/p1 (Cd) (Cd) ε (CFD) ε

Computations have been made with gas as working fluid Incom com (ISO)

to analyse the effect of compressibility. The gas is 0.3 0.2249 0.5956 0.5769 0.9686 0.9457
assumed to be a perfect gas having a specific heat ratio
0.4 0.1562 0.5967 0.5794 0.9710 0.9639
of 1.4. Further the density of gas at standard temperature
and pressure (p= 76cmHg, T=288K) is taken as 1.225 0.5 0.2571 0.5999 0.5675 0.9460 0.9334
kg/m3. Energy equations are also solved. Temperature at 0.6 0.0115 0.6056 0.5968 0.9855 0.9969
the inlet is 288K and the adiabatic boundary condition is
specified at the outlet. Thus the CFD results give not 0.7 0.3060 0.6168 0.5619 0.9109 0.9117

only the variation in velocity and pressure but also the

temperature and density variations are also computed.
The boundary conditions specified for this analysis are
constant inlet velocity with gauge pressure at outlet
being zero. The computations have been made for
Expansibility

different β ratio and constant Reynolds number 1×105.

Factor

For each run, the values of inlet velocity and viscosity CFD
are adjusted to obtain the desired Reynolds number. ISO
Further these parameters are chosen in a manner by
which a wide range of ∆p/p1 is covered during the
computation and the results are tabulated in the Table 3. ∆p/p1
The comparison between the computed values of the
Discharge coefficient and expansibility factor with the
values given in ISO 5167-1 standard for the standard
orifice plate with pipe diameter is 40mm and Reynolds Figure 5. Variation of Expansibility Factor with
number of 1×105. Pressure Ratio (D=40mm, Re=1×105, β=0.3 To 0.7)

Table 4 gives the codal values of the discharge Hence the Fig.5 are also shows the excellent agreement
coefficient for both incompressible and compressible between the computated and standard values of ε. Hence
flow further the values of ∆p/p1are also tabulated it is the demonstrated that the validated CFD methodology
observed the value of the discharge coefficient for can be used to predict the value of ε of a standard orifice
compressible flow is always less than the incompressible plate under varying conditions. The contours of the

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velocity, pressure, density, temperature and velocity
vector of the standard orifice plate is as shown in the
Fig.6 for the compressible flows.

The Fig. 6(a) shows the pressure contours. It is observed

that the maximum pressure occurs when flow
approaches in orifice plate and pressure reduces when Figure 6(c) Velocity Vector
flow passes over the orifice.

Fig. 6(b) shows the velocity contour. It is observed that

the maximum jet velocity developed when fluid passes
over the orifice.

Fig. 6(c) shows the velocity vector plot. It is observed Figure 6(d) Density Contours
that the velocity maximum as jet comes out from the
orifice plate. Further a small separated flow region at
flow pass over the orifice section where the flow is re-
circulating is also clearly seen in the velocity vector plot.
Fig.6 (d) shows the density contours. It is observed that
the density of the fluid decreases as passes through the
orifice plate and then recovers as it flow pass over the Figure 6(e) Temperature Contours
orifice section however the recovery is not complete and
hence the density of fluid is lower at the outlet as Figure 6. Contours and Vectors plot for Compressible
compared to inlet this can attributed the pressure drop in Flow (β=0.5, D=40mm, Re=1×105)
the orifice plate. And Fig.6 (e) shows the temperature
contours. It is observed that the temperature of the fluid Effect on Permanent Pressure Loss Coefficient
decreases as passes through the orifice and then recovers
as it flow pass over the orifice plate. The pressure loss caused by the orifice plate can be
determined by the pressure measurement made before
and after installation of the orifice plate in a pipe flows.
The permanent pressure loss coefficient (CPL) is the ratio
of the pressure loss (∆P¹¹-∆P¹) to the differential
pressure loss across the orifice plate. The permanent
pressure loss coefficient CPL is given as

Figure 6(a) Pressure Contours CPL (4.1)

Here, ∆p¹ is the pressure difference between the inlet

and outlet of the pipe before the installation of the
orifice plate. The inlet of the pipe is at -15D and outlet
of the pipe is at +25D.

∆p¹¹ is the pressure difference under the identical

Figure 6(b) Velocity Contours
conditions after the installation of orifice plate in the
pipe.

∆porifice plate is the pressure differential between the two

pressure taps of the orifice plate.

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It is observed ∆P¹¹ is always higher than ∆P¹ . For the B. Effect of Compressibility on Quarter Circle Orifice
purpose of calculating these parameters the upstream Plate
and downstream straight lengths of the tube are chosen
as 15D and 25D respectively. It is observed from Table The Quarter circle orifice plate is suitable for
4 that the permanent pressure loss coefficient (CPL) measurement of flow rate of viscous fluids such as oil.
decreases with increasing β ratio. This shows that According to BS 1042 standards the value of discharge
pressure recovery after the orifice becomes higher as the co efficient and expansibility factor for the quarter circle
β ratio increases. It is also seen from the tabulated values orifice having some limits which is mentioned in the
that the computed values of CPL are in close agreement following sections. The advantage of this orifice plate is
with the values calculated on the basis of relation given that its discharge coefficient remains constant over a
in ISO 5167. The value of (CPL)CFD are in the range of wide range of Reynolds number including laminar
0.89 to 0.48. Its keeps on decreasing with increasing regime.
diameter ratio
According to BS1042 standard the design of Quarter
TABLE 4 circle orifice meter has to satisfy the following
EFFECT OF PERMANENT PRESSURE LOSS conditions.
COEFFICIENT FOR THE ORIFICE PLATE FOR
INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW (D=40mm)
β ∆p¹¹ ∆p¹ ∆pOP (CPL) (CPL)
(Pa) (Pa) (Pa) CFD ISO
0.3 3849989 13159 4314889 0.8892 0.8903
0.4 1089990 13159 1335898 0.8062 0.8222
0.5 380398.06 13159 521288 0.7044 0.7296
0.6 151248.65 13159 228880 0.6033 0.6181
0.7 62872.9 13159 103980 0.4781 0.4860

The corresponding values calculated for the

compressible flow are tabulated in Table 5

The computation as relevant that the relation given in Figure 7. Design of Quarter Circle Orifice
ISO-5167 accurately predicts the permanent pressure  According to BS 1042 the limits to use for
loss due to the orifice plate, it is observed from the Quarter circle orifice plate are specified below
tabulated values that the computed values of the CPL and
codal values are in good agreement even in the case of d > 15mm, D < 500mm, 0.245 < β < 0.6 and
compressible fluid flows. The deviations are same order ReD < 105β
of magnitude as uncertainty in the codal values. Hence it  The discharge coefficient is given by the
can be conclude that CFD can be used for calculating following equation
CPL for both compressible and incompressible fluids.

TABLE 5  The uncertainty of the discharge co efficient is

EFFECT OF PERMANENT PRESSURE LOSS 2% when β > 0.316and 2.5 % when β < 0.316
COEFFICIENT FOR THE STANDARD ORIFICE PLATE
 The thickness of e in between 2.5mm to 0.1D
FOR COMPRESSIBLE FLOW (D=40mm)
 The expansibility factor and uncertainty of
β ∆p¹¹ (Pa) ∆p¹ (Pa) ∆pOP (Pa) (CPL) (CPL) expansibility factor for the quarter circle orifice
CFD ISO
0.3 25215.1 85.84 28162.9 0.8922 0.9040
plate is same as specified in the standard orifice
0.4 14808.0 168.46 17776.8 0.8235 0.8222 plate
0.5 23749.1 555.19 31745.3 0.7306 0.7296
0.6 812.35 85.84 1163.64 0.6242 0.6181 In this present work with references of BS 1042
0.7 14283.8 2753.5 23352.5 0.4937 0.4860
standards, the selection of dimensions for the quarter
circle orifice plate for both compressible and
incompressible flows is as shown in the Table 6.

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 TABLE 6 ratio 0.5 the outlet gauge pressure zero and the wall is
DIMENSIONS OF THE QUARTER CIRCLE ORIFICE specified as fixed and no slip conditions and also the
PLATE wall surface is smooth.
Variables Values Units
Diameter of the pipe 50 mm The energy equations are required for the solving the
Upstream pipe length 15D mm compressible flow problems. The boundary conditions
Downstream pipe length 25D mm
Reynolds number ReD < 105β --
of the energy equations is temperature at the inlet is
Thickness of the plate 5 mm specified as 288K and outlet back flow of the
Length of the pipe 2000 mm temperature as 288k and the wall is be assumed as
adiabatic wall, i.e. there is no heat transfer. Then the
The model created in the CFD is two-dimensional, axis solutions are computed with the CFD analysis of
symmetry and mesh of 155674 quadrilateral elements FLUENT 14, in which density based solver was selected
and 157191 nodes are generated in the ANSYS for this particular compressible flow analysis. Then CFD
workbench is as shown in the Fig.8 fine mesh is solutions are compared with the BS1042 standards, for
generated across the orifice plate and near the wall this purpose the expression given for ε for quarter circle
boundary layer to obtain the accurate results and also orifice plate has used (see eqn.1.3).
coarse mesh are generated both in upstream and
downstream region of the orifice region. TABLE 7
COMPARISON BETWEEN COMPUTATED AND
STANDARD VALUES OF Cd FOR INCOMPRESSIBLE
FLOW THROUGH QUARTER CIRCLE ORIFICE PLATE
(β=0.5, D=50mm)

Reynolds Cd Cd Deviation
number (BS1042) (CFD) in %
5000 0.802 0.7995 -0.3117
10000 0.802 0.7976 -0.5486
20000 0.802 0.7973 -0.5860
Figure 8. Mesh of Quadrilateral Elements Used For the 50000 0.802 0.8038 +0.2244
100000 0.802 0.8155 +1.6832
Quarter Circle Orifice Plate for Analysis

Table 7 shows the results from the computations made at

The simulation is carried with turbulent model of Spalart
different Reynolds number for quarter circle orifice plate
Allmaras with value of Reynolds number being ReD <
with D=50mm, β=0.5, the fluid is assumed to
105 β and pressure based solver is selected for the
incompressible. It is observed the computated values of
incompressible flow and density based solver is selected
Cd are in good agreement with the codal values at the all
for compressible flow analysis.
Reynolds number tested in the range 5×103 to 1×105. It
is in testing to note the maximum Reynolds number as
The Spalart Allmaras turbulence model with standard
per BS1042 is 105×β which works out to 50000 in this
wall conditions are selected for simulate the flow
case however even Reynolds number is equal to 105.
domain. The SIMPLE algorithm with the second order
The computated values of Cd agree the value of codal
upwind is selected for the different iterative process.
values.
TABLE 8
The value of the viscosity is chosen to obtain required
COMPARISON BETWEEN THE COMPUTED AND
the value of Reynolds number for incompressible flow STANDARD VALUES OF Cd AND ε FOR QUARTER
and the value of velocity is chosen to obtain the value of CIRCLE ORIFICE PLATE (D=50mm)
Reynolds number for compressible flow, The properties Reynolds Cd Cd ε ε ∆p/p1
of air are chosen for the compressible fluids whereas number (Incom) (Com) (CFD) (BS1042)
5000 0.7995 0.7891 0.9868 0.9998 0.0003
water flow properties are chosen for incompressible 10000 0.7976 0.7854 0.9847 0.9903 0.0018
analysis. 20000 0.7973 0.7816 0.9804 0.9986 0.005
For compressible flow the boundary conditions are 50000 0.8038 0.7967 0.9912 0.9924 0.0283
100000 0.8155 0.8027 0.9843 0.9716 0.1055
velocity at the inlet is specified as 25m/s for diameter

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 chosen in order to cover a wide range in the parameter
The computation is made for compressible flows for ∆p/p1 since the expansibility factor depends on this
same orifice plate are shown in Table 8. It is observed parameter. The range of ∆p/p1 covered in the analysis is
that the Cd for the compressible is less for that of from 0.08 to 0.29. As per BS1042 the values of p2/p1
incompressible flow for all Reynolds number the should be greater than 0.75 (∆p/p1 < 0.25). The present
agreement between εCFD and εBS1042 is also reasonable results are shown even up to ∆p/p1=0.29 and calculated
good over an entire range of Reynolds number studied. values of ε agreed with the codal values.

The values of the Discharge coefficient for TABLE 10

incompressible flow obtained from the CFD simulation COMPARISON BETWEEN THE COMPUTED AND
and BS1042 standards values are tabulated in the Table STANDARD VALUES OF Cd AND ε FOR QUARTER
CIRCLE ORIFICE PLATE
9. From these results the CFD values is very close to the
BS1042 standards a value. β Re ∆p/p1 (Cd) (Cd) ε ε (ISO)
Incom Com (CFD)
It is observed calculated values of the discharge 0.3 20000 0.085 0.776 0.767 0.988 0.980
coefficient are in close agreement with the values given
0.35 25000 0.298 0.777 0.730 0.939 0.926
by the code. It is observed the values of Cd increases
with increasing diameter ratio. The same trend is seen in 0.4 20000 0.039 0.784 0.769 0.981 0.990
both the CFD computation and BS 1042 standards. 0.5 50000 0.194 0.803 0.752 0.936 0.949
The deviations between the two sets of values of Cd are
0.6 100000 0.132 0.833 0.793 0.952 0.964
within the order of magnitude as the uncertainty
specified in the code.

TABLE 9
Expansibility factor

COMPARISON BETWEEN COMPUTATED AND

STANDARD VALUES OF Cd FOR INCOMPRESSIBLE
FLOW (D=50mm, Re=1×105) CFD
Diameter Reynolds Cd Cd Deviatio ISO
ratio (β) number (BS1042) (CFD) n in %
0.3 20000 0.774 0.7761 0.27
0.35 25000 0.776 0.7777 0.21
0.4 20000 0.781 0.7843 0.42 ∆p/p1
0.5 50000 0.802 0.8038 0.22
0.6 100000 0.844 0.8332 1.29

The Comparison between the computed and codal Figure 9. Variation of Expansibility Factor with
values of Cd and ε for quarter circle orifice plate is listed Pressure Ratio (D=50mm, β=0.3 to 0.6)
in the Table 10. The computations have been repeated
Hence Fig.9 also shows the excellent agreement between
for the above case using air as working fluid. It is
the computated and standard values of ε. Hence it is
observed that the value of the discharge coefficient for
demonstrated that the validated CFD methodology can
compressible flow is always less than the incompressible
be used to predict the value of ε of a quarter circle
flow. The ratio of the two represents the expansibility
orifice plate under varying conditions. The contours of
coefficient. The values of ε are also tabulated in the
the velocity, pressure, density, temperature and velocity
Table 10.
vector of the quarter circle orifice plate is as shown in
the Fig.8 for the compressible flows.
The values of ε calculated on the basis of equations in
BS1042 standards are also given in the Table 10. The
Fig. 10(a) shows the pressure contours. It is observed
deviations in the computed value and BS standard value
that the maximum pressure occurs when flow
are observed to be of order of 1.5% in the most of the
approaches in orifice plate and pressure reduces when
cases. It is also observed that the input data has been
flow passes over the orifice.

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Fig. 10(b) shows the velocity contour. It is observed that
the maximum jet velocity developed when fluid passes
over the orifice.

Fig. 10(c) shows the velocity vector plot. It is observed

that the velocity maximum as jet comes out from the
orifice plate. Further a small separated flow region at
flow pass over the orifice section where the flow is re-
circulating is also clearly seen in the velocity vector plot. Figure 10(d) Density Contours
F ig.10 (d) shows the density contours. It is observed
that the density of the fluid decreases as passes through
the orifice plate and then recovers as it flow pass over
the orifice section however the recovery is not complete
and hence the density of fluid is lower at the outlet as
compared to inlet this can attributed the pressure drop in
the orifice plate.

Fig.10 (e) shows the temperature contours. It is observed Figure 10(e) Temperature Contours
that the temperature of the fluid decreases as passes Figure 10 Contours and Vectors plot for Compressible
through the orifice and then recovers as it flow pass over Flow (β=0.5, D=50mm, Re=50000)
the orifice plate.
Effect of Permanent Pressure Loss Coefficient

The values of CPL as defined in Eqn.5 have been

calculated for both compressible and incompressible
flows for various values of different diameter ratios. The
results are tabulated in Table 11. It is observed from the
tabulated values in Table 11 that for incompressible flow,
the permanent pressure loss coefficient (CPL) is
dependent on diameter ratio. It is observed ∆p¹¹ is
always higher than ∆p¹. For the purpose of calculating
Figure 10(a) Pressure Contours these parameters the upstream and downstream straight
lengths of the tube are chosen as 15D and 25D
respectively. It is observed that the permanent pressure
loss coefficient CPL decreases with increasing β ratio,
this shows that pressure recovery after the orifice
becomes higher as the β ratio increases. It is also seen
from the tabulated values that the computed values of
CPL are in close agreement with the values calculated on
the basis of relation given in ISO 5167.
Figure 10(b) Velocity Contours TABLE 11
EFFECT OF PERMANENT PRESSURE LOSS
COEFFICIENT FOR THE QUARTER CIRCLE ORIFICE
PLATE FOR INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW
β ∆p¹ in ∆p¹¹ in ∆pOP in (CPL) (CPL)
(Pa) (Pa) (Pa) CFD BS1042
0.3 793577.4 6085.05 913249 0.8622 0.8692
0.35 402589.5 5829.17 487566 0.8137 0.8252
0.4 217497.4 6085.05 277925.5 0.7606 0.7752
0.5 70822.59 5663.67 104293.5 0.6247 0.6569
0.6 25328.93 3753.19 43454.7 0.4965 0.5086
Figure 10(c) Velocity Vector

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179
The corresponding values calculated for the Engineering And Technology And Technical
compressible flow are tabulated in the Table 12. It is Research, Issn:2321-0869, Volume-3, Issue-5, May
observed from the tabulated values that the computed 2015.
values of the CPL and codal values are in good [2] W.B.Brower, E.Eisler, K.J.Filkorn, J.Gonenc,
agreement even in the case of compressible fluid flows. C.Plati And J.Stagnitti , “On The Compressible
The deviations are same order of magnitude as Flow Through An Orifice”, History : Received
uncertainty in the codal values. Hence it can be January 0.5, 1976; Online October 12,2010A. B.
concluded that CFD can be used for calculating CPL for Author, “Title of chapter in the book,” in Title of
both compressible and incompressible fluids. His Published Book, xth ed. City of Publisher,
Country if not
TABLE 12 [3] Karthik G S (2014), “CFD analysis Flow through
EFFECT OF PERMANENT PRESSURE LOSS
orifice plate Assemblies Used for Specializes Non
COEFFICIENT FOR THE QUARTER CIRCLE ORIFICE
Standard Working Conditions”, M Tech Thesis,
PLATE FOR COMPRESSIBLE FLOW
MIT Mysore, VTU 2015
β ∆p¹¹ in ∆p¹ in ∆pOP in (CPL) (CPL) [4] R.Kis, M-Malcho, M-Janovcova, “A CFD Analysis
(Pa) (Pa) (Pa) CFD BS1042
Of Flow Through A High Pressure Natural Gas
0.3 7401.99 41.665 8690.44 0.8469 0.8717
0.35 31973.86 221.64 39684.35 0.8011 0.8438 Pipeline With An Undeformed And Deformed
0.4 3194.21 68.70 4063.34 0.7691 0.7818 Orifice Plate”, A T World Academy of Science,
0.5 6841.63 324.25 10353.89 0.6294 0.6923
Engineering And Technology, International Journal
0.6 5063.45 695.82 7858.82 0.5557 0.5485
of Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Mechatronic
And Manufacturing Engineering.
V. CONCLUSIONS
[5] Indian standard ISO-5167-1, Measurement of fluid
flow by means of pressure differential devices
CFD modeling and simulations were performed to
(1991).
assess the suitability CFD methodology to analyze the
[6] Diego A.Arias and Timothy A.Shedd, “CFD
compressibility effects in flow through orifice plates.
Analysis Of Compressible Flow Across A Complex
The results obtained from CFD were used to study the
Geometry Venture” International Journal Paper.
detailed information on orifice plate flow characteristics
that could not be easily measured during experimental
testing. The validated CFD methodology has been used
to analyze the flow through the standard orifice plate
and quarter circle orifice plate for both incompressible
and compressible flows. The computated values of the
Cd, ε and CPL are in close agreement with the values
given in ISO 5167 and BS1042 standards. This gives the
confidence to predict the characteristics of the orifice
plate using CFD even under nonstandard conditions that
are not covered in the standard literature. Thus it is also
suggested that such computational models can provide
an efficient and accurate method for recalibrating flow
meters instead of employing costly and time consuming
experimental methods.

VI.REFERENCES

[1] Karthik G S , Yogesh Kumar K Y, V Seshadri

“Prediction of Performance Characteristics of
Orifice Plate assembly for Non Standard Conditions
Using CFD”, Internal National Journal of

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