Thermo-Fluid Devices (ESE 3123)

Flow Rate and Velocity Measurement

Presented By:
Md. Jahangir Hossain
Lecturer
Department of Energy Science and Engineering
Khulna University of Engineering & Technology
Khulna-9203, Bangladesh.
 Flow Measurement in Pipes

 Venturimeter

Converging Cone:
 The function of converging cone is to accelerate the
flow and create pressure difference between the inlet
to converging cone and the throat.
 Angle of Diverging cone is from 14˚ to 20˚.

2
 Flow Measurement in Pipes
 Venturimeter

Short Cylindrical Throat:

 The function of throat is to stabilize the flow and
facilitate the provision of pressure tapping.
 Diameter Ratio:
d/D = 0.4 to 0.7
Where,
D = Diameter of pipeline
d = Diameter of throat
 Flow Measurement in Pipes
 Venturimeter

Diverging Cone:
 The function of diverging cone is to reduce the velocity and
increase the pressure to its original value to the extent it is
possible practically.
 Angle of Diverging cone is from 5˚ to 7˚
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Venturimeter

Figure shows a venturimeter in

which discharge Q is flowing. Let,
D 1 is diameter, A1 is cross-sectional h
area, P1 is pressure, z1 is elevation
head and V1 is velocity at section 1.
Similarly D 2 , A2, P2, z2 and V2 are
corresponding values at section 2. 2
1
According to Bernoulli's equation
between section 1 and 2 we can write:

𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑉22
 + 2𝑔
+ 𝑧1 =
 + 2𝑔
+ 𝑧2

𝑃1 𝑃2
Or, 2𝑔 − + 2𝑔 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = 𝑉22 − 𝑉12
 
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Venturimeter

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2
As pipe is horizontal, hence 𝑧1 = 𝑧2
𝑃1 𝑃2 𝑄2 𝑄2
Or, 2𝑔
 − =
𝐴22
−
𝐴21

𝑃1 𝑃2 1 1 h
Or, 2𝑔 𝑄2
 − =
𝐴22
−
𝐴21

𝑃1 𝑃2 𝐴21 −𝐴22
Or, 2𝑔 − = 𝑄2
  𝐴21 𝐴22
1 2

𝐴21 𝐴22 𝑃1 𝑃2
Or, 𝑄2 = × 2𝑔 −
𝐴21 −𝐴22  

𝐴1 𝐴2 𝑃1 𝑃2 𝐴1 𝐴2
Or, 𝑄 = 𝑄𝑡ℎ = 2𝑔 − = 2𝑔ℎ
𝐴21 −𝐴22
  𝐴21 −𝐴22
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Venturimeter

Since,
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 𝐶𝑑 𝑄𝑡ℎ

𝐴1 𝐴2
Or, 𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 𝐶𝑑 2𝑔ℎ
𝐴21 −𝐴22

Where Cd is coefficient of discharge and is defined as ratio of actual

discharge to theoretical discharge .

If not stated use, 𝐶𝑑 = 0.98

 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Venturimeter

Value of ‘h’ given by a differential U-tube manometer:

Case-1: Let the differential manometer contains a liquid which is heavier than the
liquid flowing through the pipe. Let,
𝑆ℎ = Specific gravity of the heavier liquid
𝑆0 = Specific gravity of the liquid flowing through pipe
𝑥 = Difference of heavier liquid column in U-tube manometer
𝑆
Then ℎ =𝑥 ℎ−1
𝑆0

Case-2: Let the differential manometer contains a liquid which is lighter than the
liquid flowing through the pipe. Let,
𝑆𝑙 = Specific gravity of the lighter liquid
𝑆0 = Specific gravity of the liquid flowing through pipe
𝑥 = Difference of lighter liquid column in U-tube manometer
𝑆
Then ℎ =𝑥 1− 𝑙
𝑆0
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Venturimeter

 Applications

• Smokestacks
• Calculating flow rate of fluid in a tube
• Setting the flow of gasoline in the ignition system of a motor vehicle
• In the field of medicine designed, venturimeter is used to measure the rate of
blood flow in the arteries
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Venturimeter

Problem_1: A horizontal venturimeter with inlet and throat diameters 30 cm and 15

cm respectively is used to measure the flow of water. The reading of differential
manometer connected to the inlet and the throat is 20 cm of mercury. Determine the
rate of flow. Take 𝐶𝑑 = 0.98.
h

Solution: Given,
Dia. at the inlet, 𝐷1 = 30 cm
1 2
𝜋 2 𝜋
∴ Area at inlet, 𝐴1 = 𝐷 = × 302 = 706.85 cm2
4 1 4

Dia. at the throat, 𝐷2 = 15 cm

𝜋 𝜋
∴ Area at throat, 𝐴2 = 𝐷22 = × 152 = 176.7 cm2
4 4
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Venturimeter

Reading of differential manometer, 𝑥 = 20 cm of mercury

Specific gravity of mercury, 𝑆ℎ = 13.6

Specific gravity of water, 𝑆0 = 1

𝑆ℎ 13.6
∴ Difference of pressure head, ℎ = 𝑥 − 1 = 20 − 1 = 252 cm of water
𝑆0 1

𝐴1 𝐴2
The discharge through the venturimeter, 𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 𝐶𝑑 2𝑔ℎ
𝐴21 −𝐴22
706.85×176.7
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 0.98 × 2 × 9.81 × 100 × 252 = 125756 cm3/s
706.852 −176.72

125756
= lit/s= 𝟏𝟐𝟓. 𝟕𝟓𝟔 lit/s
1000
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Nozzle Meter

1 2

Figure shows a nozzle meter in which discharge Q is flowing. Let, D 1 is

diameter, A1 is cross-sectional area, P1 is pressure, z1 is elevation head and
V1 is velocity at section 1. Similarly D 2 , A2, P2, z2 and V2 are corresponding
values at section 2.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Nozzle Meter
According to Bernoulli's Equation between section 1 and 2 we can write:
𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑉22
 + 2𝑔
+ 𝑧1 =
 + 2𝑔
+ 𝑧2 𝑧1 = 𝑧2

𝑃1 𝑃2
Or, 2𝑔 − + 2𝑔 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = 𝑉22 − 𝑉12 𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2
 

𝑃1 𝑃2 𝑄2 𝑄2
1 2
Or, 2𝑔
 − =
𝐴22
−
𝐴21

𝑃1 𝑃2 1 1
Or, 2𝑔 − = − 𝑄2
  𝐴22 𝐴21

𝑃1 𝑃2 𝐴21 −𝐴22
Or, 2𝑔 − = 𝑄2
  𝐴21 𝐴22

𝐴21 𝐴22 𝑃1 𝑃2
Or, 𝑄2 = × 2𝑔 −
𝐴21 −𝐴22  
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Nozzle Meter

𝐴1 𝐴2 𝑃1 𝑃2 𝐴1 𝐴2
Or, 𝑄 = 𝑄𝑡ℎ = 2𝑔 − = 2𝑔ℎ
𝐴21 −𝐴22
  𝐴21 −𝐴22

Since,
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 𝐶𝑑 𝑄𝑡ℎ

𝐴1 𝐴2
Or, 𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 𝐶𝑑
𝐴21 −𝐴22

If not stated use, 𝐶𝑑 = 0.96

Nozzle meter is used to measure liquid or gas flow rate through pipe.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter
• The venturimeter described earlier is a reliable flow measuring device.
• Furthermore, it causes little pressure loss.

• For these reasons it is widely used, particularly for large volume liquid
and gas flows.

• However this meter is relatively complex to construct and hence

expensive.

• Especially for small pipelines, its cost seems prohibitive, so simpler

devices such as orifice meters are used.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter

 It may be installed in pipeline with a minimum of trouble and

expense.
 Pipe orifice is a device used for measuring the rate of flow of a fluid
through a pipe.
 It consists of a thin, circular plate with a hole in it.
 The plate is held between two flanges.
 Pipe orifice is a cheaper device as compared to venturimeter.
 The diameter of orifice is generally 0.5 times the diameter of the
pipe (D 1 ), although it may vary from 0.4 to 0.8 times the pipe
diameter.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter
1.5D 1 to 2D 1 D 1 /2 Vena contracta
1 Orifice 2

Direction
of flow h
Differential
manometer

Figure shows a orifice meter in which discharge Q is flowing.

Let, D 1 is diameter, A1 is cross-sectional area, P1 is pressure, z1
is elevation head and V1 is velocity at section 1 (Pipe). Similarly
D 2 , A2 , P2, z2 and V2 are corresponding values at section 2.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter

1. The fluid having uniform cross-section of flow converges into the orifice plate’s
opening in its upstream. When the fluid comes out of the plate it’s cross-section is
minimum and uniform for a particular distance and then the cross-section of the fluid
starts diverging in the down stream.

2. At the upstream of the orifice, before the converging of the fluid takes place, the
pressure of the fluid (P1) is maximum. As the fluid starts converging to enter the orifice
opening its pressure drops. When the fluid comes out of the orifice, its pressure is
minimum (P2) and this minimum pressure remains constant in the minimum cross
sectional area of fluid flow at the downstream.

3. This minimum cross sectional area of the fluid obtained at downstream from the
orifice edge is called VENA-CONTRACTA. The differential pressure sensor attached
between points 1 and 2 records the pressure difference (P1 – P2) between these two points
which becomes an indication of the flow rate of the fluid through the pipe when
calibrated.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter

Why vena-contracta occurs?

The fluid particles lying close to the inner wall, have a motion,
along the wall towards the orifice, which can not be abruptly
changed in direction at the orifice edge. Since abrupt change in
direction of motion is not possible, the streamlines continue to
converge beyond the orifice upto a certain distance until they
become parallel at section 2. The section 2 of the jet, at which
streamlines are straight and parallel to each other and perpendicular
to the plane of orifice is called vena- contracta.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter 1.5D 1 to 2D 1 D 1 /2 Vena contracta
1 Orifice 2

Direction
of flow h
Differential
manometer

According to Bernoulli's Equation between section 1 and 2 we get,

𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑉22
 + 2𝑔
+ 𝑧1 =
 + 2𝑔
+ 𝑧2

𝑃1 𝑃2 𝑉22 𝑉12
Or,
 + 𝑧1 −  + 𝑧2 =
2𝑔
−
2𝑔

𝑉22 𝑉12
Or, ℎ = −
2𝑔 2𝑔
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter 1.5D 1 to 2D 1 D 1 /2 Vena contracta
1 Orifice 2

Direction
of flow h
Differential
Or, 2𝑔ℎ = 𝑉22 − 𝑉12 (1) manometer

Or, 𝑉2 = 2𝑔ℎ + 𝑉12 (2)

Now, section 2 is at vena contracta and A2 represents area at vena contracta.
If A0 represents area of the orifice, then
A
𝐶𝑐 = 2 or, A2 = A0 𝐶𝑐
A0
A2 A0 𝐶𝑐
By continuity equation we have, A1V1 = A2 V2 or, V1 = 𝑉2 or, V1 = 𝑉
A1 A1 2
Substituting the value of V1 in equation (2) we get,
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter 1.5D 1 to 2D 1 D 1 /2

1 Orifice 2
𝐴20 𝐶𝑐2 2
𝑉2 = 2𝑔ℎ + 2 𝑉2
𝐴1

Direction
𝐴20 𝐶𝑐2 2
Or, 𝑉22 = 2𝑔ℎ + 2 𝑉2 of flow h
𝐴1 Differential
manometer
𝐴20
Or, 𝑉22 1− 𝐶𝑐2 = 2𝑔ℎ
𝐴21

2𝑔ℎ
Or, 𝑉2 = it is the actual velocity
𝐴0 2 2
1− 𝐴1
𝐶𝑐

2𝑔ℎ
The actual discharge, 𝑄 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = 𝐴0 𝐶𝑐 𝑉2 = 𝐴0 𝐶𝑐 (3)
𝐴0 2 2
1− 𝐴1
𝐶𝑐
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter 1.5D 1 to 2D 1 D 1 /2

1 Orifice 2

Direction
of flow h
Differential
manometer

The theoretical velocity can be found putting 𝐴0 in place of 𝐴2 in the

continuity equation:
𝐴
A1V1 = 𝐴0 V2 or, V1 = 0 𝑉2
A1

Substituting the value of V1 in equation (1) we get,

𝐴20 𝑉22 𝐴0 2
2𝑔ℎ = 𝑉22 − = 1− 𝑉22
𝐴21 𝐴1
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter 1.5D 1 to 2D 1 D 1 /2

1 Orifice 2

Direction
of flow h
Differential
2𝑔ℎ manometer
Or, 𝑉2 = it is the theoretical velocity
𝐴 2
1− 𝐴0
1

2𝑔ℎ
2 2
𝐴 𝐴
1− 0 𝐶𝑐2 1− 0
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐴1 𝐴1
𝐶𝑣 = = =
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 2𝑔ℎ 2
𝐴
1− 0 𝐶𝑐2
𝐴 2 𝐴1
1− 0
𝐴1
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter 1.5D 1 to 2D 1 D 1 /2

1 Orifice 2

Direction
of flow h
Differential
manometer

𝐴0 2 𝐴0 2 2
1− 𝐴1
1− 𝐴1
𝐶𝑐
Again, 𝐶𝑑 = 𝐶𝑐 𝐶𝑣 = 𝐶𝑐 or, 𝐶𝑐 = 𝐶𝑑
𝐴0 2 2 𝐴0 2
1 𝐴1
−𝐶𝑐 1− 𝐴1
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter

Substituting the value of 𝐶𝑐 in equation (3) we get,

𝐴0 2 𝟐
1− 𝑪𝒄
𝐴1
2𝑔ℎ 2𝑔ℎ
The actual discharge, 𝑄 = 𝐴0 𝐶𝑐 = 𝐴0 𝐶𝑑
𝐴0 2 2 𝐴0 2 𝐴0 2 2
1− 𝐶𝑐 1− 1− 𝐶𝑐
𝐴1 𝐴1 𝐴1

𝐴0 𝐶𝑑 2𝑔ℎ 𝐶𝑑 𝐴0 2𝑔ℎ
Or, 𝑄 = =
𝐴0 2 𝐴2 2
1 − 𝐴0
1− 𝐴1 𝐴21

𝐶𝑑 𝐴0 𝐴1 2𝑔ℎ
Or, 𝑄 =
𝐴21 − 𝐴20
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter

Applications:

• The concentric orifice meter is used to measure flow rates of pure

fluids and has a wide applicability as it has been standardized.
• The orifice meters are also used to measure flow rates of fluids
containing suspended materials such as solids, oil mixed with
water and wet steam.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter

Problem_2: An orifice meter with orifice diameter 15 cm is inserted in

a pipe of 30 cm diameter. The pressure difference measured by a
mercury oil differential manometer on the two sides of the orifice meter
gives a reading of 50 cm of mercury. Find the rate of flow of oil of
specific gravity 0.9. Take 𝐶𝑑 = 0.64.

1.5D 1 to 2D 1 D 1 /2 Vena contracta

1 Orifice 2

Direction
of flow h
Differential
manometer
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter
Solution: Given,
Dia. of the orifice, 𝐷0 = 15 cm
𝜋 𝜋
∴ Area of the orifice, 𝐴0 = 𝐷02 = × 152 = 176.7 cm2
4 4

Dia. of the pipe, 𝐷1 = 30 cm

𝜋 𝜋
∴ Area of the pipe, 𝐴1 = 𝐷12 = × 302 = 706.85 cm2
4 4

Reading of differential manometer, 𝑥 = 50 cm of mercury

Specific gravity of mercury, 𝑆ℎ = 13.6

Specific gravity of oil, 𝑆0 = 0.9

 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Orifice Meter

𝑆ℎ 13.6
∴ Difference of pressure head, ℎ = 𝑥 − 1 = 50 − 1 = 705.5 cm of oil
𝑆0 0.9

𝐶𝑑 𝐴0 𝐴1 2𝑔ℎ
The flow rate of oil, 𝑄 =
𝐴21 − 𝐴20

176.7×706.85
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 0.64 × 2 × 9.81 × 100 × 705.5 = 137414.25 cm3/s
706.852 −176.72

137414.25
= lit/s= 𝟏𝟑𝟕. 𝟒𝟏𝟒 lit/s
1000
Coefficients
Coefficient of contraction: It is the ratio of area
of jet at vena-contracta (𝐴𝑐 ) to the area of the
orifice (𝐴0 ).
𝐴𝑐
𝐶𝑐 =
𝐴0

Coefficient of velocity: It is the ratio of actual

velocity (𝑉𝑎𝑐𝑡 ) to theoretical velocity (𝑉𝑡ℎ ).
𝑉𝑎𝑐𝑡 Vena-Contracta is section of
𝐶𝑣 = jet of minimum area.This section
𝑉𝑡ℎ
is about 0.5Do from upstream
edge of the opening, where Do is
Coefficient of discharge: It is the ratio of actual diameter of orifice
discharge (𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 ) to theoretical discharge(𝑄𝑡ℎ ).
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑉𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝐴𝑎𝑐𝑡
𝐶𝑑 = = = 𝐶𝑣 𝐶𝑐
𝑄𝑡ℎ 𝑉𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝑡ℎ
The value of 𝐶𝑐 varies from 0.61 to 0.69 which can be taken as 0.64 in general case.
The value of 𝐶𝑣 varies from 0.95 to 0.99 which can be taken as 0.98 in general case.
The value of 𝐶𝑑 varies from 0.61 to 0.65 which can be taken as 0.62 in general case.
 Comparative Accuracy of Venturimeter,
Nozzlemeter and Orificemeter
The orifice meter has the simplest design and it
occupies minimal space as it consists of a plate
with a hole in the middle. The sudden change in
the flow area in orifice meters causes considerable
swirl and thus significant head loss or permanent
pressure loss. In nozzle meters, the plate is
replaced by a nozzle, and thus the flow in the
nozzle is streamlined. As a result, the vena
contracta is practically eliminated and the head
loss is smaller. However, flow nozzle meters are
more expensive than orifice meters. The
venturimeter is the most accurate flow meter in
this group, but it is also the most expensive. Its
gradual contraction and expansion prevent flow
separation and swirling, and it suffers only
frictional losses on the inner wall surfaces.
Venturimeters cause very low head losses, and
thus, they should be preferred for applications that
cannot allow large pressure drops.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Rotameter
This device is used to measure fluid flow in which a float rises in
a tapered tube to a height depending on the rate of flow of fluid
(liquid or gas) through the tube.
The rotameter's operation is based on the variable area principle: fluid
flow raises a float in a tapered tube, increasing the area for passage of the
fluid. The greater the flow, the higher the float is raised. The height of
the float is directly proportional to the flow rate. With liquids, the float is
raised by a combination of the buoyancy of the liquid and the drag force.
With gases, buoyancy is negligible, and the float responds to drag force
alone. The float moves up or down in the tube in proportion to the fluid
flow rate and the annular area between the float and the tube wall. The
float reaches a stable position in the tube when the upward force exerted
by the flowing fluid equals the downward gravitational force exerted by
the weight of the float. A change in flow rate upsets this balance of
forces. The float then moves up or down, changing the annular area until
it again reaches a position where the forces are in equilibrium. To satisfy
the force equation, the rotameter float assumes a distinct position for
every constant flow rate. The flow rate is measured directly from
calibrated scale. The reading is noted generally from ending point of cap
of the float.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Rotameter

Applicability:

The accuracy of variable-area flowmeters (rotameter) is typically 65 percent.

Therefore, these flowmeters are not appropriate for applications that require precision
measurements. However, some manufacturers quote accuracies of the order of 1
percent. Also, these meters depend on visual checking of the location of the float, and
thus they cannot be used to measure the flow rate of fluids that are opaque or dirty, or
fluids that coat the float since such fluids block visual access. Finally, glass tubes are
prone to breakage and thus they pose a safety hazard if toxic fluids are handled. In
such applications, variable area flowmeters should be installed at locations with
minimum traffic.
 Flow Measurements in Pipes
 Turbine Flowmeter

A turbine flow meter consists of a cylindrical flow section that houses a turbine (a
vaned rotor) that is free to rotate, additional stationary vanes at the inlet to straighten
the flow, and a sensor that generates a pulse each time a marked point on the turbine
passes by to determine the rate of rotation. The rotational speed of the turbine is
nearly proportional to the flow rate of the fluid. Turbine flow meters give highly
accurate results (as accurate as 0.25 percent) over a wide range of flow rates when
calibrated properly for the anticipated flow conditions. Turbine flow meters are used
to measure flow rate in pipes, winds, rivers and ocean currents.
 Pitot Tube
• Pitot tube was invented by the French engineer Henri Pitot in the early 18th century.
• Pitot tube is a pressure measurement instrument used to measure fluid (liquid and gas)
flow velocity.
• It is used for measuring the velocity of liquid flow at any point in a pipe or a channel.
• “If the velocity of flow at a point becomes zero, the pressure is increased there due to
the conversion of the kinetic energy into pressure energy.”
• The point at which the velocity of flow becomes zero is called stagnant point.
• The pressure at stagnant point is called total pressure or head or stagnation pressure.
• Pitot tube consists of L-shaped glass tube, a tube bent at 90o and with the ends
unsealed.
• The horizontal part is called ‘body’ and the vertical is called ‘stem’.
 Pitot Tube
 Working Principle

Let,
𝑃1 = pressure at point (1)
𝑉1 = velocity at point (1)
𝑃2 = pressure at point (2)
𝑉2 = velocity at point (2)
𝐻 = depth of tube in liquid
ℎ = rise of liquid above the free surface of liquid in tube
 Pitot Tube
 Working Principle
The lower end which is bent through 90o is directed in the upstream direction. The
fluid rises up in the tube due to conversion of kinetic energy into pressure energy.
The velocity is determined by measuring the rise of fluid in the tube. Applying
Bernoulli’s equation between point (1) and (2):

𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑉22
 + 2𝑔
+ 𝑧1 =
 + 2𝑔
+ 𝑧2

As 𝑧1 = 𝑧2 and 𝑉2 = 0,

𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑃1 𝑃2
+ = = 𝐻 and
 2𝑔    =𝐻+ℎ

𝑉12 𝑉12
Or, 𝐻 + = ℎ + 𝐻 or, =ℎ or, 𝑉1 = 2𝑔ℎ it is theoretical velocity.
2𝑔 2𝑔
Actual velocity, (𝑉1 )𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 𝐶𝑣 2𝑔ℎ Where 𝐶𝑣 = Co-efficient of pitot-tube
In general, 𝑉 = 𝐶𝑣 2𝑔ℎ
 Pitot Tube

For finding the velocity at any point in a pipe by pitot tube, the following arrangements
are adopted:

1. Pitot-tube along with a vertical piezometer tube.

2. Pitot-tube connected with piezometer tube.

 Pitot Tube

3. Pitot-tube and vertical piezometer tube connected with a differential U-tube manometer.

4. Pitot-static tube, which consists of two circular concentric tubes one inside the other with
some annular spaces in between. The outlet of these two tubes are connected to the differential
manometer where the difference of pressure head ‘ℎ’ is measured by knowing the difference
of the levels of the manometer liquid say ‘𝑥’. Then,
𝑆𝑔
ℎ=𝑥 −1
𝑆0
Where,
𝑆𝑔 = Specific gravity of the manometer liquid
𝑆0 = Specific gravity of the liquid flowing through pipe
 Pitot Tube

Problem_4: Find the velocity of flow of an oil through a pipe, when the difference of
mercury level in a differential U-tube manometer connected to the two tappings of the
pitot-tube is 100 mm. Take co-efficient of the pitot-tube 0.98 and specific gravity of oil
0.8.

Solution: Given,

Diff. in mercury level, 𝑥 = 100 mm = 0.1 m

Specific gravity of oil, 𝑆0 = 0.8

Specific gravity of mercury, 𝑆𝑔 = 13.6

𝐶𝑣 = 0.98

𝑆𝑔 13.6
∴ Difference of pressure head, ℎ = 𝑥 − 1 = 0.1 − 1 = 1.6 m of oil
𝑆0 0.8

∴ Velocity of flow, 𝑉 = 𝐶𝑣 2𝑔ℎ = 0.98 × 2 × 9.81 × 1.6 = 𝟓. 𝟒𝟗 m/s

Thank You