EXPERIMENT - 2

AIM : To determine coefficient of discharge(Cd) analytically and graphically by

and plotting a graph between Discharge(Q) v/s (H)1/2

INTRODUCTION

A venturimeter is commonly used to measure discharge in closed conduits having

pipe flow. It consists of a converging cone, a throat section and a diverging cone.
An expression for the discharge is derived by applying the Bernoulli equation to
the inlet and the throat using the equation of continuity. The discharge

Q = Cd (A1 × A2) × √2gH

√A12 – A22
 Cd A1 A2
Where is the coefficient of discharge. and are the area of cross-section at
the inlet ad throat respectively, H is the difference of the piezometric heads
expressed as the height of the liquid.
The converging cone has an angle of about 20. The flow in Cd the cone is accelerating
and the loss of head is Crelatively
d
small. The coefficient takes into account this
head loss. The value of is usually between .97 and .99.
In the diverging cone the flow is decelerating. To avoid excessive head loss it is
important to keep angle of cone betweenD2 6 and 7.
Generally
D 1
the diameter
D2 Dof1 the throat is between ¼ to ¾ times the inlet diameter
. The smaller the / ratio, the more is the pressure difference. However, the
pressure at the throat should not be allowed to drop to the vapour pressure to avoid
cavitation.

For accurate results,

D1 the venturimeter should be preceded by a straight and uniform
length of about 30 . Alternatively, straightening vanes can be used in the pipe.

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

The setup consists of a pipe connected to a constant head supply tank. A horizontal
venturimeter is fitted to the pipe at a distance of at least 30 times diameter. A
regulating valve is provided at the exit to vary the discharge.
A measuring tank is provided to determine discharge.
The difference of pressure between the inlet and throat is measured by a U-tube
manometer.

THEORY

Venturimeter is a device used to measure the discharge and it works on the basis of
Bernoulli’s theorem. It consists of 3 parts:- Convergent cone (inlet), throat and
divergent cone for outlet.

Throat has the minimum diameter. Length of outlet is longer to avoid breaking
away of liquid stream due to recovery of pressure. A manometer is also attached
with inlet as first pressure point and throat as second pressure point. Discharge
equation for Venturimeter is:
 Q = Cd (A1 × A2 ) × √2gH
√A12 – A22

where, Cd = Coefficient of Discharge

A1 = Cross Sectional Area of Inlet
A2 = Cross Sectional Area of throat
H = hm (s2 – s1 ) / s1
s2 = Specific gravity of Manometric Liquid
s1 = Specific gravity of flowing fluid
hm = Difference in Manometer reading in mts.

PROCEDURE

1. Fill the sump tank with water.

2. Connect the main chord to the A.C. power source.
3. Open the by-pass valve completely.
4. Open the gas cocks at the top of header pipes and also the gas cocks
connecting to the selected pipe line.
5. Note down pressure drop and time taken, say 15 seconds, for level rise
in collecting tank.
6. Repeat above procedure for different discharge rate and find coefficient
of discharge.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Area of tank ( A) = cm2

Diameter at inlet, D1 = cm
Diameter at outlet, D2 = cm
Area at inlet, A1 = cm2
 Area of outlet, A2 = cm2
Specific gravity of Hg= gm/cm2
Specific gravity of H2O= gm/cm2

Q = Cd (A1 × A2 ) × √2gH
√A12 – A22

S. No Q hm H = hm(s2-s1) H½ Cd
(cm3/sec) (cm) s1
(cm)½
(cm)
1.
2.

3.

4.

5.
6.

7.

8.

CALCULATIONS

Experimental Value =

Coefficient of Discharge (Mean) =

Graphical Value

Slope = cm3/2/sec

ie. Cd x (A1xA2)x (2g)1/2 =

(A12-A22)1/2

Therefore, Cd =

The expression for discharge is

A1A2
Q = Cd 2g 12.6h
A 12 - A 22

RESULT
Cd
Average value of
Analytically = _________________ .
Graphically = __________________.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Make sure that there are no air bubbles in the manometer.

2. Take the observations after the flow becomes steady.
3. The head in the supply tank should be kept constant.

DISCUSSION

The major experimental error encountered can be attributed to many variables. One
of these is the angle of the diverging cone, which if more than 7 can cause a major
loss of head. Also, as we use a mercury manometer, any error already present is
magnified by the high specific gravity having mercury.