Chapter 6
FLOW MEASUREMENT
Device | Measurement |
Venturimeter | rate of flow (discharge) |
Flow nozzle | rate of flow |
Orifice meter | rate of flow |
Bend meter | rate of flow |
Rotameter | rate of flow |
Pitot tube | velocity |
Hot wire anemometer | air & gas velocity |
Current meter | velocity in open channels |
Venturimeter
- Cone angle of convergence side (20°) is greater than cone angle of divergence side (5° to 7°).
- Position of venturimeter does not play any role in discharge thus it is constant for horizontal, inclined or vertical position.

Qac = Cd Qth
Cd = coefficient of discharge = 0.95 to 0.98
h = venturi head which is difference between pressure heads
- Throat diameter is known as size of the venturimenter.

Orifice meter
- It is a cheaper arrangement but has more energy loss.
Cd for orifice meter = 0.68 - 0.74


Cd for orifice meter = 0.68 - 0.74
a1 = πd2/4
a2 = πdc2/4
Pitot Tube
- It is based on principle of conversion of kinetic head into pressure head. The point at which velocity reduces zero is called stagnation point.


- For theoretical velocity, we do not multiply the equation by C.
- Velocity head is indicated by the difference in liquid level between the Pitot tube and the piezometer. The Pitot tube measures the total head and therefore known as total head tube.
Hydraulic Coefficients
- Contraction coefficient (Cc) =

- Coefficient of velocity of (Cv) =

- Coefficient of discharge (Cd) =

- Cd = Cv.Cc
Flow through orifice in the tank

Time required to lower the level from H to h

Discharge through orifice when head over orifice is h




L = length of crest H = head above crest



