DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS

Dasmariñas, Cavite
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM

Experiment No. 9

FLOW MEASUREMENT

Aguilar, Kim Benedict

De Guzman, Hannah Justine
Mercado, Eriston Marq
San Juan, Davidson
Talco, Ethan Benjamin
Verde, Gabriel Kyle
MEE31

Engr. Rene D. Rubio

 TABLE OF CONTENTS:

OBJECTIVE...……………………………………………….…………………………………3

THEORY………………………………………………………………………………………..3

MATERIALS AND APPARATUS……………………………………………………………4

PROCEDURES………………………………………………………………………………..5

DOCUMENTATION…………………………………………………………………………...6

DATA SHEET…………….……………………………………………………………………8

CALCULATIONS……………………………………………………………………………..

QUESTION AND PROBLEMS……………………………………………………………..10

ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS……………………………………………………………..10

CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………………….14

RECOMMENDATION……………………………………………………………………….15
 I. OBJECTIVE

To determine the volume of water in the cylindrical tank and the flow rate of water
in the pipe.

II. THEORY

In an industrial plant and power plant, the flow of continuous and a means to

measure the flow is vital to the continuous operation of the plant. Flow rate determines

how long the fluid supply will last and it also indicates if there are abnormal operations

in the system.

Flow may be measured using the mechanical flow meters like rotameter, slotted

tube flow meter, vane and piston flow meter, differential flow meter and many more.

Electronic devices employing transducers are accurate flow meters but expensive.

In this experiment the flow rate will be determined by a combination of volume

and time measurement using the formula,

flow rate = volume of liquid transferred/ time

The resulting flow rate will be compared to the readings from the mechanical flow meter.
III. MATERIAL AND APPARATUS

Qty Unit Description

1 pc steel tape

3 pc
stopwatches

1 pc
flow meter

1 pc
pipe and fittings

1 pc
cylindrical tank

1 pc
rectangular tank

1 pc
level
IV. PROCEDURES

1. Set up the flow meter, valves, fittings and water tank.

2. Fill-up the tank full of water.

3. Measure the tank’s dimensions (circumference, thickness, length and width).

4. Mark the initial water level in tank.

5. Get the initial reading of the flow meter.

6. Get the initial depth of water in the rectangular tank.

7. Initialize all stopwatches.

8. Open and discharge valve and start the timers.

9. After 100 mm drop in height of water in cylindrical tank and rectangular tank.

10. Record the final reading in the flow meter.

11. Record the charge in height of water in the cylindrical tank and rectangular
tank.

12. Record the time lapsed.

13. Repeat the procedure for four (4) times.

14. Calculate the volume per trial in the flow meter, cylindrical tank and
rectangular tank.

15. Determine the % difference over the flow meter reading.

16. Determine the flow rate in liters per minute for each trial.
V. DOCUMENTATION
 VI. DATA SHEET

TABLE - TANK VOLUME, TIME MEASURED, FLOW RATE AND %DIFF

TRIAL TANK VOLUME (𝑚 )

3 TIME MEASURED (𝑠) FLOW RATE (𝐿/𝑠) %DIFF

CYLINDRICAL RECTANGULAR CYLINDRICAL RECTANGULAR CYLINDRICAL RECTANGULAR

1 1249.84 𝑚
3
725.73 𝑚
3 9s 13s 0.1388 L/s 0.05583 L/s 59.77%

2 1249.84 𝑚
3
725.73 𝑚
3 19s 24s 0.06578 L/s 0.03024 L/s 32.07%

3 1249.84 𝑚
3
725.73 𝑚
3 29s 29s 0.04310 L/s 0.02503 L/s 41.93%

4 1249.84 𝑚
3
725.73 𝑚
3 40s 34s 0.03125 L/s 0.02135 L/s 31.86%

VII. CALCULATIONS
● SOLVING FOR FLOW RATE

3
𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 1249.84 𝑚
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑
; 3 = 1. 24984 𝐿 −> 𝐶𝑌𝐿𝐼𝑁𝐷𝑅𝐼𝐶𝐴𝐿
1000 𝑚

3
725.73 𝑚
: 3 = 0. 72573 𝐿 −> 𝑅𝐸𝐶𝑇𝐴𝑁𝐺𝑈𝐿𝐴𝑅
1000 𝑚

> Flow Rate (Cylindrical)

1.24984 𝐿
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒(1) = 9𝑠
= 0. 1388 𝐿/𝑠

1.24984 𝐿
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒(2) = 19𝑠
= 0. 06578 𝐿/𝑠

1.24984 𝐿
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒(3) = 29𝑠
= 0. 04310 𝐿/𝑠

1.24984 𝐿
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒(4) = 40𝑠
= 0. 03125 𝐿/𝑠

> Flow Rate (Rectangular)

 0.72573 𝐿
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒(1) = 13𝑠
= 0. 05583 𝐿/𝑠

0.72573 𝐿
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒(2) = 24𝑠
= 0. 03024 𝐿/𝑠

0.72573 𝐿
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒(3) = 29𝑠
= 0. 02503 𝐿/𝑠

0.72573 𝐿
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒(4) = 34𝑠
= 0. 02135 𝐿/𝑠

● SOLVING FOR %DIFF

(𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐶𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙) − (𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟)

%𝐷𝐼𝐹𝐹 = (𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐶𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙)
* 100

0.1388 − 0.05583
%𝐷𝐼𝐹𝐹 (1) = 0.1388
* 100 = 59. 77%

0.06578 − 0,03024
%𝐷𝐼𝐹𝐹 (2) = 0.06578
* 100 = 32. 07%

0.04310 − 0,02503
%𝐷𝐼𝐹𝐹 (3) = 0.04310
* 100 = 41. 93%

0.03125 − 0.02135
%𝐷𝐼𝐹𝐹 (4) = 0.03125
* 100 = 31. 86%
 I. QUESTION AND PROBLEMS

1. Discuss at least two mechanical flow meters and two electronically operated
flow meters.

2. The circumference of the cylindrical tank is 2,650 mm and after draining water
for 143 seconds the water level dropped by 100 mm. Calculate the flow rate of
the water in the pipe in gallons per minute.

3. Water flowed in a rectangular tank in 165 seconds and the water level
increased by 25 mm. The length of the rectangular tank is 4, 475 mm and the
width is 513 mm. Calculate the flow rate in the pipe in gallons per minute.

4. The mechanical flow meter has an initial reading of 3.582 m3. After 169
seconds the final reading is 3.6426 m3. Calculate the flow rate in gallons per
minute. Determine the percentage difference of flow rate in gallons per minute.

Determine the percentage difference of flow rates obtained from item 2 versus
item 4.

II. ANSWER AND SOLUTION

1. Mechanical flow meters utilize physical mechanisms to measure fluid flow, and
four common types include:
● Turbine Flow Meters, which utilize a spinning turbine placed in the
fluid stream; the rate of rotation is proportional to flow rate.
● Rotameters, which employ a tapered tube and a float; as flow
increases, the float rises, providing a visual indication of the flow
rate.
● Positive Displacement Flow Meters, such as gear meters or oval
gear meters, measure fluid volume per cycle, providing accurate
measurements for viscous fluids.
 ● Vortex Shedding Flow Meters, which use the principle of vortices
shed by a bluff body in the fluid stream to determine flow rate.

On the other hand, electronically operated flow meters leverage electronic

components for measurement, offering advantages in terms of precision and
automation:

● Magnetic Flow Meters use Faraday's law of electromagnetic

induction to measure the velocity of a conductive fluid.
● Ultrasonic Flow Meters employ ultrasonic waves to measure the
velocity of a fluid; transit time and Doppler shift are two common
techniques. These electronic flow meters often provide real-time
data, digital outputs, and are suitable for a wide range of fluid types
and flow conditions, making them valuable in various industrial and
commercial applications. The choice between mechanical and
electronic flow meters depends on factors such as the type of fluid,
required accuracy, and environmental conditions.
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
2. Flow Rate= 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒

2
Volume= π𝑟 h

First, calculate the radius:

𝐶𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 2650
r= 2π
= 2π

2650
r= 6.283
= 422.38mm

Calculate the volume (Volume)

2
Volume=π(422. 38) x 100

Volume≈3.1416×178270.15×100

Volume≈560,804,692 cubic millimeters

 Convert time to minutes:

𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠 143

Time in minutes = 60
= 60

Time in minutes≈2.3833minutes

Calculate the flow rate (Flow Rate):

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Flow Rate (cubic millimeters per minute)= 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠

560,804,692
Flow Rate ≈ 2.3833

Flow Rate ≈ 235,266,018 cubic millimeters per minute

Convert flow rate to gallons per minute:

235,266,018
Flow Rate (gallons per minute) ≈ 6
3.78541×10

Flow Rate ≈ 0.0622gallons per minute

Now, calculate the flow rate in gallons per minute. Note that you'll need to use
appropriate conversion factors, as there are approximately 3.78541 liters in a gallon.

3.) Calculate the volume in cubic millimeters:

​ Volume=4,475 mm×513 mm×(25 mm1000)

​ Volume=4,475mm×513mm×(
​ 1000
​ 25mm
​ ​
​ )

Volume=4,475×513×0.025 mm3

Volume=4,475×513×0.025mm
3

Volume≈57,646.875 mm3

Volume≈57,646.875mm

Convert the volume to liters:

​
​ Volume in Liters=57,646.875 mm31000
​ Volume in Liters=
​ 1000
​ 57,646.875mm
​ 3
​ ​
​

Volume in Liters≈57.646875 liters

Volume in Liters≈57.646875liters

Calculate the flow rate in liters per second:

​
​ Flow Rate (Liters/second)=57.646875 liters165 seconds
​ Flow Rate (Liters/second)=
​ 165seconds
​ 57.646875liters
​ ​
​

Flow Rate (Liters/second)≈0.3499791667 liters/second

Flow Rate (Liters/second)≈0.3499791667liters/second

Convert the flow rate to gallons per minute:

 ​
​ Flow Rate (Gallons/minute)=0.3499791667 liters/second×60×0.2641721
​ Flow Rate (Gallons/minute)=
​ 1
​ 0.3499791667liters/second×60×0.264172
​ ​
​

Flow Rate (Gallons/minute)≈0.5546240737 gallons/minute

Flow Rate (Gallons/minute)≈0.5546240737gallons/minute

Therefore, the flow rate in the pipe is approximately

0.5546 gallons/minute

0.5546gallons/minute

III. CONCLUSION

The experiment successfully determined both the volume of water in the

cylindrical tank and the flow rate in the pipe. The theoretical background highlighted the
crucial role of accurate flow measurement in industrial and power plant operations.
Various mechanical flow meters were discussed, along with the acknowledgment of the
cost implications of electronic devices.

The experiment employed a combination of volume and time measurements to

calculate the flow rate using the formula: flow rate = volume of liquid transferred / time.
The resulting flow rate was then compared to readings from a mechanical flow meter
for validation. This study not only achieved its objective but also emphasized the
significance of precise flow measurement in maintaining the efficiency and normal
operation of industrial and power plant systems.
IV. RECOMMENDATION

1. Exploration of Flow Meter Types: Encourage students to explore additional types of

flow meters, both mechanical and electronic, beyond those used in the experiment. This
can include turbine flow meters, magnetic flow meters, and ultrasonic flow meters.
Discuss the principles behind each type and their specific applications in different
industries.

2. Accuracy Analysis: Introduce a section in the experiment dedicated to the analysis of

accuracy in flow rate measurements. Discuss factors that can affect the accuracy of
measurements, such as temperature variations, fluid properties, and instrument
calibration. This analysis will deepen students' understanding of the reliability of flow
measurement systems.

3. Instrument Calibration Exercise: Incorporate a hands-on calibration exercise for the

flow meter used in the experiment. Guide students through the process of calibrating
the instrument and emphasize the importance of regular calibration in maintaining
measurement accuracy. This practical exercise will enhance students' skills in
instrument handling and calibration.

4. Comparison with Industry Standards: Introduce students to industry standards for

flow rate measurements. Discuss how the experiment's results align with or deviate
from established standards. This comparison provides students with a benchmark for
evaluating the performance of their experimental setup.

5. Integration of Data Acquisition Systems: Explore the integration of data acquisition

systems with flow meters for real-time monitoring and control. Discuss how modern
industrial processes leverage data acquisition technology to enhance automation,
reduce manual intervention, and improve overall system efficiency.