The Venturi effect is an example of Bernoulli's principle, in the case of fluid flow

through a tube or pipe with a constriction in it. The fluid velocity must increase through
the constriction to satisfy the equation of continuity, while its pressure must decrease due
to conservation of energy: the gain in kinetic energy is supplied by a drop in pressure or a
pressure gradient force. The effect is named after Giovanni Battista Venturi, (17461822),
an Italian physicist.
The limiting case of the Venturi effect is choked flow, in which a constriction in a pipe or
channel limits the total flow rate through the channel, because the pressure cannot drop
below zero in the constriction. Choked flow is used to control the delivery rate of water
and other fluids through spigots and other valves.
Referring to the diagram to the right, using Bernoulli's equation in the special case of
incompressible fluids (such as the approximation of a water jet), the theoretical pressure
drop at the constriction would be given by (/2)(v22 - v12).
[edit] Experimental apparatus
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This is a Venturi tube demonstration apparatus built out of PVC pipe and operated with a
vacuum pump.
Venturi Tubes
The simplest apparatus, as shown in the photograph and diagram, is a tubular setup
known as a Venturi tube or simply a venturi. Fluid flows through a length of pipe of
varying diameter. To avoid undue drag, a venturi tube typically has an entry cone of 30
degrees and an exit cone of 5 degrees.
A venturi can also be used to mix a fluid with air. If a pump forces the fluid through a
tube connected to a system consisting of a venturi to increase the water speed (the
diameter decreases), a short piece of tube with a small hole in it, and last a venturi that
decreases speed (so the pipe gets wider again), air will be sucked in through the small
hole because of changes in pressure. At the end of the system, a mixture of fluid and air
will appear.
Orifice plate
Venturi tubes are more expensive to construct than a simple orifice plate which uses the
same principle as a tubular scheme, but the orifice plate causes significantly more
permanent energy loss and is less accurate.
In Chronic Aortic Regurgitation, after the initial large stroke volume is released, the
Venturi effect draws walls together, transiently obstructing flow causing a Pulsus
Bisferiens.
[edit] Practical uses
The Venturi effect is visible in:
the capillaries of the human circulatory system, where it indicates aortic regurgitation
large cities where wind is forced between buildings.
inspirators that mix air and flammable gas in barbecues, gas stoves, Bunsen burners and
Airbrushes.
water aspirators that produce a partial vacuum using the kinetic energy from the faucet
water pressure
Steam siphon using the kinetic energy from the steam pressure to create a partial vacuum
atomizers that disperse perfume or spray paint (i.e. from a spray gun)

foam firefighting nozzles and extinguishers

carburetors that use the effect to suck gasoline into an engine's intake air stream.
Protein skimmers, a filtration device for saltwater aquaria.
In automated pool cleaners that use pressure-side water flow to collect sediment and
debris.
The modern day barrel of the clarinet, which uses a reverse taper to speed the air down
the tube, enabling better tone, response and intonation.
Compressed air operated industrial vacuum cleaners
Venturi scrubbers used to clean flue gas emissions
A simple way to demonstrate the Venturi effect is to squeeze and release a flexible hose
that is normal shape: the partial vacuum produced in the constriction is sufficient to keep
the hose collapsed.
Venturi tubes are also used to measure the speed of a fluid, by measuring pressure
changes at different segments of the device. Placing a liquid in a U-shaped tube and
connecting the ends of the tubes to both ends of a venturi is all that is needed. When the
fluid flows though the venturi the pressure in the two ends of the tube will differ, forcing
the liquid to the "low pressure" side. The amount of that move can be calibrated to the
speed of the fluid flow.