Abstract – An orifice meter is a type of flow measuring device used to determine the variation

in fluid pressure at various points. The orifice plate and pressure taps are supported by two
vertical pipes that make up its construction. The fluid's velocity and pressure changes as it
travels through the pipe have an impact on these plates. The fluid flowrate via the pipe is
recorded by the orifice's readings. It is well known that increasing velocity will result from
decreasing pressure and vice versa. The fundamental principle of an orifice meter is this. In this
experiment we will investigate the effect of different nominal pipe diameter size, effect of the
orifice diameter, effect of the three types of orifice tappings, effect of water and kerosene as
process fluids to the differential pressure. We will also analyze the influence of different flow
rates on the pressure drop and perform proper statistical analyses to check the significant
differences among the differential pressures.

This laboratory report examines the orifice meter, a common differential pressure flow gauge, in
order to delve into the important field of fluid dynamics. The primary goals of the inquiry are to
calibrate this meter for various orifice-to-pipe diameter ratios (β), establish the flow-head
connection, and determine how Reynolds numbers affect the coefficient of discharge (Cd). The
goals of this study include calibration, determination of the flow-head relationship, and
correlation of the Cd-Reynolds number. These goals will be accomplished by controlled
simulations using different fluid combinations and orifice tappings. The results emphasize the
importance of Cd and Reynolds values in understanding fluid flow through orifice meters, while
also admitting the limitations of online simulations. In the end, this study helps us understand
flow behavior in pipeline systems and its practical applications better.

Index Terms – Pipe Flow, Orifice Meters, Reynold’s Number, Correlation

1. Introduction – An orifice plate is used by an orifice meter, a device that measures the flow
rate in a pipe. This measuring instrument may measure volumetric flow rates. It works on the
same idea as a venturi meter, known as Bernoulli's principle, which asserts that a fluid's
pressure and velocity are related and that a drop in velocity will result in a fall in pressure and
vice versa. An orifice plate is used to help with the measurement, which might decrease or
restrict the flow. In addition to properly connecting the pressure, the orifice plate will be fitted
between the two pipe flanges. There are many different fluid and operating state uses for orifice
plates. It doesn't require frequent maintenance and is reasonably priced [1].

The volumetric flow rate of fluids is measured in the industry using flow meters. By creating a
restriction in the flow, differential pressure type flow meters, also known as head flow meters,
detect the flow rate. Using Bernoulli's theorem, the pressure differential brought on by the
constriction is associated with the flow rate. When a pipe carrying a fluid stream is constricted,
the velocity and kinetic energy of the fluid will both rise at the constriction point. According to
Bernoulli's theorem, there must be a proportional drop in pressure from an energy balance. By
knowing this pressure reduction, the area accessible for flow at the constriction, the fluid
density, and the coefficient of discharge (Cd), the rate of discharge from the constriction may be
computed. The coefficient of discharge, which accounts for frictional effects and stream
contraction, is the ratio of the actual flow to the predicted flow. In the industry, the most
common types of head flow meters are Pitot tubes, Venturi meters, and Orifice meters. When
determining the local velocity in pipes or ducts, the Pitot-static method is frequently employed.
The venturi meter and orifice meter are more practical and widely used for measuring flow in
enclosed ducts or channels. Due to its low-pressure loss, the venturi is especially popular for big
volume liquid and gas flows. Orifice meters, on the other hand, are a good option for smaller
pipelines. Any of these instruments must be empirically calibrated before being used for
measurement. That example, to give a standard for measuring other quantities, run a known
volume through the meter and record the reading [2].
2.1 Material

2.1.1 Simulation: Flow-Through Orifice Meter

2.2 Procedure

2.2.1 Click on the Setup tab to configure the experimental setup.

2.2.2 Choose the nominal diameter of the pipe by clicking the arrow down button.

2.2.3 Select the type of fittings and choose from the seven types by clicking the arrow
down button.

2.2.4 Select the process fluid between water and kerosene, by clicking the arrow down
button. Now click on the experiment tab to perform the experiment.

2.2.5 To perform the experiment click on the experiment tab.

2.2.6 Click the green button which is the 'ON' button, to start the experiment.

2.2.7 Once the pump is on, you can now adjust the LPM starting with 0, repeat this
process 4 times until you get the last LPM.

2.2.8 Add the current readings after adjusting from another LPM to record the readings.

2.2.9 Click on the Observation button to see the readings.

2.2.10 Repeat the process until all seven different fittings are finished.

REFERENCES:

[1] Ashlin. (2020, July 15). What is orifice meter and what is the use of orifice meter.

Instrumentation and Control Engineering. https://automationforum.co/what-is-orifice-

meter-and-what-is-the-use-of-orifice-meter/

[2] Virtual labs. (n.d.). https://uorepc-nitk.vlabs.ac.in/exp/flow-through-orifice-meter/theory.html