What is Venturi Flow Meter and how it works?
What is Venturi Flow Meter ?
A Venturi flow meter refers to a device that is used for the measurement of fluid discharge or flow rate via a pipe. This is a differential producing flow meter and is used for many purposes and in many areas. It is one of the commonest flow meters due to its reliability and simplicity of operations. It does not lead to abrupt restrictions in flow and does not include any moveable components. Thus, this meter is able to measure the flow rate of fluid with a minimal reduction in total pressure.
Working Principle
This mechanism of action of this type of flow meter makes use of Bernoulli’s equation, which states that there is a drop in pressure with a rise in velocity. The principle for this meter was developed for the first time in 1797 by G.B, Venturi although it was not until 1887 with C. Herschel that the principle began to be considered.
According to this principle when there is a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the fluid’s flow, a difference in pressure is developed between the various areas of the flow. This aids in measuring the pressure difference. With the aid of this difference in pressure, the discharge in flow can be measured easily. Bernoulli’s principle mentions that the potential energy of the fluid reduces with a rise in fluid velocity. Reducing the pressure of fluid in those areas where there is higher flow velocity is referred to as Bernoulli Effect.
How Does the Venturi Flow Meter Work?
It has a basic style of working. The flow meter actually operates on the Bernoulli principle – that states that pressure drops when there is a rise in velocity. The same principle is made use of here. The throat’s cross section happens to be smaller as compared to the inlet pipe’s cross-section area. Due to this reason, the flow velocity at the throat area is higher than the inlet section. It occurs as per the continuity equation.
The rise in flow velocity at the throat will lead to reduced pressure at the section. Due to this reason, there is a difference of pressure between the venturimeter throat and the inlet. This variation in pressure can be measured with ease by making use of a differential manometer between the throat and the inlet area or through the use of two isolated gauges at throat and inlet. When you measure the varied pressure at the two varied sections, you can easily calculate or measure the rate of flow through the pipe.
It is important to note that one can install a Venturi flow meter at varied locations inside a pressure reducing flow system. Each of these locations has its own pros and cons. You can set it up as the inlet component to a flow system. Such an arrangement is frequently used as a calibration standard for a Constant Volume System (CVS) flow stand during emissions testing. The Venturi flow meters that are used in such applications are called Smooth Approach Orifices or SAOs.
