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Calibration of A Rotameter

This lab report details the calibration of a rotameter fitted to a fluid mechanics test bench. The experimental procedure involves collecting water discharged from the test bench in known volumes over timed intervals at decreasing flow rates. A calibration curve is plotted of float height versus flow rate. The results show a proportional and nearly linear relationship as expected for a properly functioning rotameter. Appendices include the experimental readings and sample calculations.

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84 views9 pages

Calibration of A Rotameter

This lab report details the calibration of a rotameter fitted to a fluid mechanics test bench. The experimental procedure involves collecting water discharged from the test bench in known volumes over timed intervals at decreasing flow rates. A calibration curve is plotted of float height versus flow rate. The results show a proportional and nearly linear relationship as expected for a properly functioning rotameter. Appendices include the experimental readings and sample calculations.

Uploaded by

Sango Vincenzo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Fluid Mechanics II MFE020

Calibration of a Rotameter Lab 1


Group Marks:

Assessment Criteria Comments Marks Obtained


Presentation 5
Task Allocation 5
Task Completion 5
Appendix 5
Total 20

Final Marks:

Topics Marks Obtained Done by: Checked by: Indiv. Group Final
Mark Mark Mark
Results 5
Discussion 5
Calculations 5
Conclusion 5
Total Marks 20 Final Mark = (80% * Indiv. Mark) + (20% * Group Mark)

We swear this is the original work of the authors. All information obtained directly or indirectly from other
sources has been fully acknowledged.

Signed:……………………………….. Dated:……………………………….

Signed:……………………………….. Dated:……………………………….

Signed:……………………………….. Dated:………………………………..

Signed:……………………………….. Dated:………………………………..

Signed:………………………………. Dated:………………………………..
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Aim of the Experiment


2. Theoretical Background
3. Experimental Apparatus
4. Experimental Procedure
5. Results
6. Discussion of Results
7. Conclusion

APPENDIX A: Experimental Readings and Calculations

APPENDIX B: Sample Calculations:


1. AIM OF THE LABORATORY EXPERIMENT

To calibrate the rotameter fitted on the fluid mechanics test bench.

2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of a Rotameter

A rotameter consists of a vertically mounted, tapered glass tube that is installed in the line where
flow is to be measured. Inside the tube is a float (typically stainless steel) that is lifted up under
the action of the drag force (and buoyancy) to a point where the drag force balances the weight
and the float level stays constant. A reading can then be taken on the scale on the glass tube. In the
case of a properly designed and manufactured rotameter the level to which the float rises is
directly proportional to the flow rate.

Before the rotameter, or any other measuring device, can be used it must be calibrated. This will
ensure that the measurements taken using the rotameter can be trusted.

3. EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS

3.1 Fluid mechanics test bench fitted with rotameter, pump, control-valve and catchment tank
with level sight-glass. Click here for a picture
3.2 Calibrated measuring bucket (5l)
3.3 Stop watch
4. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Step 1: Place the plug in the catchment tank drain and add 5l of water.
Step 2: Mark the level on the sight-glass after the water surface stabilised.
Step 3: Add another 5l of water to the catchment tank.
Step 4: Repeat step 2 and three until the catchment tank is full.
Step 5: Start the pump and open the control valve.
Step 6: Adjust the flow rate until the maximum is reached.
Step 7a: Drain the catchment tank
Step 7b: Replace the plug.
Step 8: Redirect the discharge from the pump into the catchment tank.
Step 9: Watch the increasing water level in the sight-glass and start the stopwatch when a
marking is reached.
Step 10: Take a reading of the height of the float.
Step 11: Stop the stopwatch when a next mark is reached (after about minute of flow has been
collected)
Step 12: Note the volume of water (V) that was collected and the time taken (t).
Step 13: Redirect the flow away from the catchment tank and drain the catchment tank.
Step 14: Decrease the flow by about 20 units on the rotameter scale.
Step 15: Repeat steps 7 to 13 until zero flow is achieved.
5. RESULTS

The following graph shows the relationship between the height of the float and the flow rate.

Figure 2: Calibration curve of the rotameter

6. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

This statement is extracted from the Calibration of a Rotameter Lab Report theoretical background “In the case of a
properly designed and manufactured Rotameter, the level to which the float (L) rises is directly proportional to the
flow rate (Q).”

i.e Q α L

6.1 Comment on the following:

6.1.1 Nature of the graph:


The nature of the graph suggests proportionality because discharge is increasing with an
increase in float height. From this we can outline that as the float height increases the
longer is takes for water to discharge.
6.1.2 Slope of the graph:
From observation it is evident that the graph is gradually increasing…almost like a
straight line
6.1.3 The Y-intercept:
It is gradual but erratic and constant.

6.2 For the purposes of the lab, the flow rate, Q, can be determined by using the equation of a straight line if the
float height value (L) is known. The relationship used will be that of the equation of a straight line, Q = mL
+ C.

Where: Q = The actual flow rate (m3/s);


m = The slope of the graph;
L = The float height reading;
C = The y-intercept.

Write down the equation obtained when the graph is drawn manually. Compare this equation to the one obtained by
using computer generated graph.

7. CONCLUSIONS
A
PPENDIX A: Experimental Readings and Results

Float height Time Volume Flowrate


L t V Q
mm Seconds l (liter) l/s
Reading Reading Reading Calculation
APPENDIX B: Sample Calculations:
For further reading:
Calibration of a Rotameter
Internet search results for the keyword “rotameter”
Altavista:

http://www.altavista.com/cgi-bin/query?pg=q&sc=on&q=rotameter&kl=XX&stype=stext

Useful web site

http://www.kinginstrumentco.com/about.htm

Fluid Mechanics 3rd Ed. Douglas JF, Gasiorek JM, Swaffield JA.

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