Fluid Mechanics

Flow Measurement: Venturimeter, Orifices and

Mouthpieces, Pitot tube, Pitot static tube, Weirs and
notches.

Dr. Mohsin Siddique

Assistant Professor

1
Flow Measurement
Pipes (pressure conduits) Open channel (flumes, canals and
rivers etc)

1. Venturimeter 1. Notches (Rectangular notch,V

2. Orifices notch)
3. Orifice meter 2. Weirs
4. Mouth pieces/tubes
5. Nozzle
6. Pitot static tube

2
Flow Measurement in Pipes

Venturimeter

3
 Flow Measurements in Pipes

Venturimeter
A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 )
A12 − A22 γ γ 

Figure shows a venturimeter in which

discharge Q is flowing, D1, A1, D2, A2,
Let, D1 is diameter, A1 is cross-section P1, Z1,V1 P2, Z2,V2
area, P1 is pressure, z1 is elevation head V1
is velocity at section 1. Similarly D2 , A2, P2,
z2 & V2 are corresponding values at
section 2
According to Bernoulli's Equation
between section 1 and 2 we can write;
P1 v12 P2 v22 Datum
+ z1 + = + z2 +
γ 2g γ 2g
Direction of flow
P P 
2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 ) = v22 − v12
4 γ γ 
 Flow Measurements in Pipes

Venturimeter A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 )
A12 − A22 γ γ 

D1, A1, D2, A2,

 P1 P2  Q2 Q2
2 g  −  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 ) = 2 − 2 P1, Z1,V1 P2, Z2,V2
γ γ  A2 A1
Q Q = A1V1 = A2V2
P P   1 1 
2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 ) =  2 − 2 Q 2
γ γ   A2 A1 
Datum
 P1 P2   A12 − A22  2 A12 A22  P1 P2 
2 g  −  + 2 g (z1 − z 2 ) =  2 2 Q 2
Q = 2 2
2 g  −  + 2 g (z1 − z2 )
γ γ   A1 A2  A1 − A2 γ γ 

A1 A2 P P 
Qth = 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z2 )
5
A12 − A22 γ γ 
 Flow Measurements in Pipes

Venturimeter A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 )
A12 − A22 γ γ 

Since D1, A1, D2, A2,

P1, Z1,V1 P2, Z2,V2
Qact = cd Qth

A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g (z1 − z2 )
A12 − A22 γ γ 

Datum

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

discharge to theoretical discharge .

6
 Flow Measurements in Pipes

Types of Venturimeter A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2 

a. Horizontal Venturimeter A12 − A22 γ γ 

b. Vertical Venturimeter

a. Horizontal Venturimeter h

Figure shows a venturimeter y

x
connected with a differential
manometer.

At section 1, diameter of pipe is D1, 2
1
and pressure is P1 and similar D2
and P2 are respective values at
section 2. According to gauge pressure equation
P1 P
− x − Sm h + y = 2
γ γ
P1 P2
7 − = S m h − ( y − x ) = S m h − ( h)
γ γ
 Flow Measurements in Pipes

Types of Venturimeter A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2 

a. Horizontal Venturimeter A12 − A22 γ γ 

b. Vertical Venturimeter

a. Horizontal Venturimeter h
y
x
A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 )
A12 − A22 γ γ 
2
For horizontal venturimeter, ( z1 − z 2 ) = 0 1

A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  According to gauge pressure equation
1
2
A −A 2
2 γ γ  P1 P2
− x − Sm h + y =
P1 P2 γ γ
− = S m h − ( y − x ) = S m h − ( h)
γ γ P1 P2
− = S m h − ( y − x ) = S m h − ( h)
8 γ γ
 Flow Measurements in Pipes

Types of Venturimeter A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 )

a. Horizontal Venturimeter A12 − A22 γ γ 

b. Vertical Venturimeter

b. Vertical Venturimeter

Figure shows a venturimeter
connected with a differential
manometer.
According to gauge pressure equation
y ∆z
P1 P2
+ x − Sm h − y =
γ γ 1 Datum
h x
P1 P2
− = Smh + y − x
γ γ
P1 P2
9 − = S m h + ∆z − h Q x + ∆z = h + y
γ γ
 Flow Measurements in Pipes

Types of Venturimeter
A1 A2 P P 

a. Horizontal Venturimeter Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 )
A12 − A22 γ γ 

b. Vertical Venturimeter

b. Vertical Venturimeter

A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 )
A12 − A22 γ γ 

P1 P2
− = S m h + ∆z − h y ∆z
γ γ
1 Datum
(z1 − z 2 ) = ∆z h x

10 Q x + ∆z = h + y
 Numerical Problem

Find the flow rate in venturimeter as shown in
figure if the mercury manometer reads h=10cm.
The pipe diameter is 20cm and throat diameter is
10 cm and ∆z =0.45m. Assume Cd=0.98 and
direction of flow is downward.

A1 A2 P P 
Qact = Cd 2 g  1 − 2  + 2 g ( z1 − z 2 )
A12 − A22 γ γ  y ∆z
P1 P2
− = S m h + ∆z − h 1 Datum
γ γ h x

Q x + ∆z = h + y

11
Orifice

An orifice is an opening (usually circular) in wall of a tank or in plate
normal to the axis of pipe, the plate being either at the end of the pipe or
in some intermediate location.

An orifice is characterized by the fact that the thickness of the wall or plate
is very small relative to the size of opening.

12
Orifice

A standard orifice is one with a sharp edge as in Fig (a) or an absolutely
square shoulder (Fig. b) so that there in only a line contact with the fluid

Those shown in Fig. c and d are not standard because the flow through
them is affected by the thickness of plate, the roughness of surface and
radius of curvature (Fig. d).

Hence such orifices should be calibrated if high accuracy is desired.

13
Classification of Orifice

According to size

1. Small orifice

2. Large orifice

An orifice is termed as small when
its size is small compared to head
causing flow. The velocity does not
vary appreciably from top to
bottom edge of the orifice and is
assumed to be uniform.

The orifice is large if the
dimensions are comparable with
the head causing flow. The variation
in the velocity from top to bottom
edge is considerable.
14

According to shape

1. Circular orifice

2. Rectangular orifice

3. Square orifice

4.Triangular orifice

According to shape of
upstream edge

1. Sharp-edged orifice

2. bell-mouthed orifice

According to discharge
condition

1. Free discharge orifice

2. Submerged orifice
Coefficients

Coefficient of contraction: It is the
ratio of area Ac of jet, to the area Ao of
the orifice or other opening.
Cc = Ac / Ao

Coefficient of velocity: It is ratio of

actual velocity to ideal velocity
Vena-Contracta is section of
V jet of minimum area. This section
Cv = act
Vth is about 0.5Do from upstream
edge of the opening, where Do is

Coefficient of discharge: It is the ratio diameter of orifice
of actual discharge to ideal discharge.
Qact Vact Aact
Cd = = = Cv C c
Qth Vth Ath
15
Orifice

Small orifice

Figure shows a tank having small orifice inflow
at it bottom. Let the flow in tanks is 1
steady.

Let’s take section 1 (at the surface) and
2 just outside of tank near orifice. H
Z1 Outflow

According to Bernoulli’s equation

2
P1 v12 P2 v22
+ z1 + = + z2 + Z2
γ 2g γ 2g Datum
2
v
0 + z1 + 0 = 0 + z 2 + 2
2g
2
v2
= z1 − z 2 = H
2g
Cross-
vth = 2 gH sectional area

16
Where, H is depth of water above orifice
Orifice

Small orifice
inflow
Qth = Avth = A 2 gH 1
Q vth = 2 gH
Qact = Cd Avth = Cd A 2 gH

Where, A is cross-sectional are of orifice H

and Cd is coefficient of discharge. Z1 Outflow

2
Z2 Datum

Cross-sectional
area, A

17
Mouthpieces/tubes

A tube/mouth piece is a short pipe whose length is not more than
two or three diameters.

There is no sharp distinction between a tube and a thick walled
orifices.

A tube may be uniform diameter or it may diverge.

Figure: types and coefficients of tubes/mouthpieces

18
 Nozzle

A nozzle is a tube of changing diameter, usually converging
as shown in figure if used for liquids.

Figure shows a nozzle. At section 1,

diameter of pipe is D1, and pressure
is P1 and similar D2 and P2 are
respective values at section 2.
P1 v12 P2 v22
+ z1 + = + z2 +
γ 2g γ 2g 1 2
P1 v12 v22
+0+ = 0+0+ According to continuity eq.
γ 2g 2g
v22 v12 P1 Q = Q1 = Q2
− = Q = A1V1 = A2V2
2g 2g γ
Q2 Q2 P1
19 − = 2g
A22 A12 γ
Nozzle
Jet: It is a stream issuing from a orifice, nozzle, or tube.

Q2 Q2 P1
− = 2g Jet
A22 A12 γ
 1 1  P
Q 2  2 − 2  = 2 g 1
 A2 A1  γ
1
 A A  2
Qth =  1 2  2 g P1
 A2 − A 2  γ According to continuity eq.
 1 2 
Q = Q1 = Q2
 A A 
Qact = Cd  1 2  2 g P1 Q = A1V1 = A2V2
 A2 − A 2  γ
 1 2 

20
Nozzle
Vena-contracta is section of jet of
minimum area. This section is about
0.5Do from upstream edge of the
opening, where Do is diameter of orifice
 A A  P1
Qact = Cd  1 2  2g
 A2 − A 2  γ
 1 2 
 A C A ( ) 
Qact = Cd  1 c o  2 g P1
 A2 − C 2 A 2( )  γ
 1 c o  1 2
P1
Qact = K 2 g A2 = Cc Ao
γ
Ao= cross-section area at nozzle
 A C A ( ) 
K = Cd  1 c o 
 A2 − C 2 A2( ) 
 1 c o 
Where, K is coefficient of nozzle

21 Pressure, P1 is then measured with the help of piezometer or manometer

Nozzle
According to gauge pressure equation
h
P1
− x − Smh = 0
γ
P1
= x + Smh
γ 1 2

22
 Calibration and Calibration Curves

Calibration : Determine coefficients of flow measuring
devices, e.g.,

Cd, Cc, Cv, etc

Calibration curve: Plotting calibration curve

e.g., h1/2 Vs Qact

h3/2 Vs Qact

23
 Numerical Problems

Discharge and headloss in nozzle are
h
20L/s and 0.5m respectively. If dia of
pipe is 10cm and dia of nozzle is 4cm, 5cm
determine the manometric reading.
Manometric fluid is mercury.
1 2
Solution:

P1 v12 P2 v22 P1
+ z1 + = + z2 + + HL = x + Smh
γ 2g γ 2g γ

 A A 
Qact = Cd  1 2  2 g P1
 A2 − A 2  γ
 1 2 

24
 Numerical Problem

A jet discharges from an orifice in a vertical plane under a head of 3.65m.
The diameter of orifice is 3.75 cm and measured discharge is 6m3/s. The co-
ordinates of centerline of jet are 3.46m horizontally from the vena-
contracta and 0.9m below the center of orifice.

Find the coefficient of discharge, velocity and contraction.

Qact = Cd Avth = Cd A 2 gH inflow

1
(
Cd = Qact / A 2 gH )
H Outflow
gx 2
vact 2y
Cv = = x=3.46m
vth 2 gH
y=0.9m
2
Cc = C d / C v
x = vact t
1 Vact = gx 2 / 2 y
25 y = gt 2
2
Bernoulli’s Equation
P V2
+z+ =H
γ 2g
Pressure head + Elevation head + Velocity head = Total Head
Multiplying with unit weight,γ,
V2
P + ρgz + ρ = contt
2

Static Pressure : P

Dynamic pressure : ρV 2 / 2

Hydrostatic Pressure: ρgZ

Stagnation Pressure: Static pressure + dynamic Pressure
V2
P+ρ = Pstag
2

26
Pitot Tube and Pitot Static Tube

Pitot Tube: It measures sum of velocity
head and pressure head

Piezoemeter: It measures pressure

head

Pitot-Static tube: It is combination of

piezometer and pitot tube. It can
measure velocity head.

27
 Pitot Tube and Pitot Static Tube
Consider the following closed channel flow (neglect friction):
open Pitot tube Pitot static
open tube

piezometer V2
tube
2g
Uniform P V2
velocity profile P +
γ 2g
V γ

1 2 z

Stagnation point
V 2 V 2 P  P
=  +  − Remember !!
2g  2g γ  γ
V2
P+ρ = Pstag
 Pstag P  Theoretical/ideal flow velocity 2
Vth = 2 g  − 
 γ γ at elevation z in pipe. P V 2 Pstag
+ =
28 γ 2g γ
Pitot Static Tube

In reality, directional velocity
fluctuations increase pitot-tube
readings so that we must multiply
Vth with factor C varying from
0.98 to 0.995 to give true (actual)
velocity

 Pstag P 
Vact = C 2 g  − 
 γ γ

However, piezometer holes are rarely located in precisely correct

position to indicate true value of P/γ, we modify above equation as;

 Pstag P 
Vact = C1 2 g  − 
 γ γ

Where C1 is coefficient of instrument to account for discrepancy.

29
Notches and Weirs

30
Notches and Weirs

31
Notches and Weirs

Notch. A notch may be defined as an opening in the side of a tank or
vessel such that the liquid surface in the tank is below the top edge of the
opening.

A notch may be regarded as an orifice with the water surface below its
upper edge. It is generally made of metallic plate. It is used for measuring
the rate of flow of a liquid through a small channel of tank.

Weir: It may be defined as any regular obstruction in an open stream over
which the flow takes place. It is made of masonry or concrete. The
condition of flow, in the case of a weir are practically same as those of a
rectangular notch.

Nappe: The sheet of water flowing through a notch or over a weir

Sill or crest. The top of the weir over which the water flows is known as
sill or crest.

Note: The main difference between notch and weir is that the notch is
smaller in size compared to weir.
32
Classification of Notches/Weirs

Classification of Notches

1. Rectangular notch

2. Triangular notch

3.Trapezoidal Notch

4. Stepped notch
33

Classification of Weirs

According to shape

1. Rectangular weir

2. Cippoletti weir

According to nature of
discharge

1. Ordinary weir

2. Submerged weir

According to width of weir

1. Narrow crested weir

2. Broad crested weir

According to nature of crest

1. Sharp crested weir

2. Ogee weir
Discharge over Rectangular Notch/Weir

Consider a rectangular notch or weir provided in channel carrying water as shown in
figure. In order to obtain discharge over whole area we must integrate above equation
from h=0 to h=H, therefore;

Figure: Flow over rectangular notch/weir

2
Qact = Cd 2 g LH 3 / 2
3
Note: The expression of discharge (Q) for rectangular weir and sharp crested
34 weirs are same.
 Numerical Problems

A rectangular notch 2m wide has a constant head of 500mm. Find
the discharge over the notch if coefficient of discharge for the notch
is 0.62.

35
Numerical Problems

A rectangular notch has a discharge of 0.24m3/s, when head of water
is 800mm. Find the length of notch. Assume Cd=0.6

36
Discharge over Triangular Notch (V-Notch)

In order to obtain discharge over
whole area we must integrate above
equation from h=0 to h=H, therefore;

8
Qact =
15
[
Cd 2 g tan (θ / 2 ) H 5 / 2 ]

37
 Numerical Problems

Find the discharge over a triangular notch of angle 60o, when head
over triangular notch is 0.2m. Assume Cd=0.6

38
 Numerical Problems

During an experiment in a laboratory, 0.05m3 of water flowing over a right
angled notch was collected in one minute. If the head over sill is 50mm
calculate the coefficient of discharge of notch.

Solution:

Discharge=0.05m3/min=0.000833m3/s

Angle of notch, θ=90o

Head of water=H=50mm=0.05m

Cd=?

39
 Numerical Problems

A rectangular channel 1.5m wide has a discharge of 0.2m3/s, which is
measured in right-angled V notch, Find position of the apex of the notch
from the bed of the channel. Maximum depth of water is not to exceed 1m.
Assume Cd=0.62
Width of rectangular channel, L=1.5m Coefficient of discharge=0.62
Discharge=Q=0.2m3/s Angle of notch= 90o
Depth of water in channel=1m

Height of apex of notch from bed=Depth of water in channel-height of

water over V-notch
=1-0.45= 0.55m
40
 Thank you

Questions….

Feel free to contact:

41
Discharge over Rectangular Notch/Weir

Consider a rectangular notch or weir provided in channel carrying
water as shown in figure.

Figure: flow over rectangular notch/weir

H=height of water above crest of
notch/weir
P =height of notch/weir
L =length of notch/weir
dh=height of strip
h= height of liquid above strip
42
L(dh)=area of strip
Vo = Approach velocity
Theoretical velocity of strip neglecting
approach velocity = 2 gh
Thus,
discharge passing through strips
= Area × velocity
Discharge over Rectangular Notch/Weir

Therefore, discharge of strip
vstrip = 2 gh
(
dQ = Ldh 2 gh )
Astrip = Ldh

In order to obtain discharge over

whole area we must integrate above
eq. from h=0 to h=H, therefore;
H
Q = 2 g L ∫ h dh
0

2
Q= 2 g LH 3 / 2
3
2
Qact = Cd 2 g LH 3 / 2
3
Where, Cd = Coefficient of discharge

Note: The expression of discharge (Q) for rectangular weir and sharp crested
43 weirs are same.
Discharge over Triangular Notch (V-Notch)

In order to obtain discharge over
whole area we must integrate above
equation from h=0 to h=H, therefore;
H
Q = ∫ dh(2(H − h ) tan (θ / 2 )) 2 gh ( )
0
H
Q = 2 2 g tan (θ / 2 )∫ (H − h ) h dh
0

H
(
Q = 2 2 g tan (θ / 2 )∫ Hh1/ 2 − h 3 / 2 dh )
0 8
4 
Qact =
15
[
Cd 2 g tan (θ / 2 ) H 5 / 2 ]
Q = 2 2 g tan (θ / 2 ) H 5 / 2 
15 
8
Q=
15
[
2 g tan (θ / 2 ) H 5 / 2 ]
44
Discharge over Trapezoidal Notch

Assignment for you.

45