Flow measurement apparatus in this Fluid Mechanics range let students measure and compare volumetric flow rate (Q, in m3/s or L/s) using the four classical techniques taught in undergraduate hydraulics: the venturi meter, the orifice plate/mouthpiece, the variable-area rotameter, and open-channel notches and weirs. Scientico manufactures each bench in Ambala, India, and exports to teaching laboratories in 60+ countries under ISO 9001:2015 and CE conformity. The pages below cover the working principle, discharge equation, and typical lab data each apparatus is designed to produce.
All units in this subcategory share a common hydraulic loop: a sump tank, a centrifugal pump, control valves, and a calibrated collecting tank with a piezometer for volumetric time-rise measurement so the coefficient of discharge (Cd) can be verified against the theoretical value.
Products in this range
- FluidoSurge-V 200 Venturi & Orifice Meter Test Rig, twin-metering bench with U-tube mercury/water differential manometer, for simultaneous Cd determination of both meters on one loop.
- FluidoSurge-O 210 Orifice & Mouthpiece Apparatus, constant-head tank with interchangeable sharp-edged, Borda, and convergent mouthpieces to compare Cc, Cv, and Cd.
- FluidoSurge-R 220 Rotameter Calibration Unit, glass tapered-tube variable-area flowmeter with float, calibrated against a volumetric collecting tank.
- FluidoSurge-N 230 Notch & Weir Apparatus, rectangular, triangular (V-notch 60°/90°) and trapezoidal (Cipolletti) notches with hook-and-point gauge for head measurement.
- FluidoSurge-P 240 Pitot Tube Demonstration Bench, Pitot-static tube in a transparent pipe section for point-velocity traverse across the pipe cross-section.
- FluidoSurge-M 250 Multi-Flow Test Rig, integrated bench combining venturi, orifice, and rotameter on a single closed loop for comparative studies.
- FluidoSurge-B 260 Bernoulli’s Theorem Apparatus, converging-diverging duct with 11 piezometer tappings to plot the total, static, and velocity head lines.
Typical experiments demonstrated
- Cd of a venturi meter, measure differential head h across the throat, compute Qtheoretical = (a1a2/√(a1²−a2²))·√(2gh), and compare with Qactual from the collecting tank.
- Cd of an orifice/mouthpiece, record head across the plate, time volumetric rise, and calculate Cd = Qactual/(a·√(2gh)).
- Rotameter calibration, plot rotameter reading against actual discharge from tank-and-stopwatch and derive the calibration curve.
- Discharge over a V-notch and rectangular notch, measure head H above the sill and verify Q = (8/15)·Cd·tan(θ/2)·√(2g)·H5/2 for V-notch and Q = (2/3)·Cd·L·√(2g)·H3/2 for rectangular.
- Velocity traverse using a Pitot tube, measure point velocities across the pipe diameter and integrate to obtain the mean velocity and pipe discharge.
- Verification of Bernoulli’s equation, record piezometric heads along a varying-area duct and confirm that total head remains approximately constant, quantifying friction loss.
Key specifications you should ask for
| Parameter | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Pipe/test-section material | Acrylic (transparent) or SS 304 |
| Pipe nominal bore | 25 – 50 mm |
| Venturi throat/orifice diameter | 10 – 25 mm (specify d/D ratio) |
| Differential manometer | U-tube mercury or inverted water, 300 – 500 mm scale |
| Sump tank capacity | ~ 90 – 150 L, SS or FRP |
| Collecting/measuring tank | ~ 40 – 60 L with piezometer + drain |
| Pump | 0.5 HP centrifugal, single-phase 230 V AC or three-phase 415 V AC |
| Electrical supply | 230 V / 50 Hz (three-phase optional on larger rigs) |
| Overall footprint | ~ 1500 × 750 × 1200 mm (bench-mounted) |
Actual dimensions and pump rating vary by model; request the model-specific datasheet before finalising the order.
Applications
These rigs are specified for the Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines labs in:
- BTech / BE, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Aeronautical engineering programmes.
- Diploma in Mechanical and Civil engineering (state technical boards).
- BSc / MSc programmes with a hydraulics or fluid transport component.
- Polytechnic and ITI trade labs requiring hands-on flow measurement.
- Vocational training centres and skill-development institutes for instrumentation.
Standards & compliance
- Manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
- CE conformity marking on electrical sub-assemblies where applicable.
- Flow-element geometry (venturi tubes, orifice plates, nozzles) is fabricated with reference to the ISO 5167 series on differential-pressure flow measurement, and notches/weirs follow the geometry taught in standard hydraulics texts (IS 9108 for triangular-notch weirs and equivalent BS specifications where the customer requests them).
- Pressure gauges and manometers are supplied with test certificates on request.
Ordering & delivery
Quotations are issued on CIF terms to the buyer’s nearest seaport; FOB Nhava Sheva / Mundra and Ex-Works Ambala are also available on request. Typical dispatch lead time is estimated at 3 – 5 weeks from receipt of confirmed order and advance payment, depending on model, order quantity, and current production queue. Wooden sea-worthy crating, marine insurance, and a bilingual (English) instruction manual are included. Optional extras: spare orifice plates, differential pressure transmitter upgrade, and digital flow indicator. Payment is accepted by wire transfer (T/T) in USD or EUR; L/C at sight can be arranged for institutional buyers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a venturi meter and an orifice plate?
Both use the pressure drop across a constriction to infer flow, but a venturi has a smooth converging-diverging profile so head loss is small and C_d is high (~0.95-0.98). An orifice plate is a thin sharp-edged plate, cheaper and shorter, but with lower C_d (~0.6-0.65) and higher permanent pressure loss.
Why is the coefficient of discharge less than 1?
Because the actual flow suffers contraction (vena contracta) and viscous losses that the ideal Bernoulli-based derivation ignores. C_d = C_c x C_v accounts for both effects, so measured discharge is always slightly less than the theoretical value.
Which notch should I choose for low flows in an open-channel lab?
A triangular (V-notch) weir is preferred for low discharges because Q varies with H^(5/2), so a small change in flow produces a large, easily measured change in head. Rectangular notches suit higher, steadier flows.
Do you supply the apparatus with a digital flow indicator instead of a manometer?
Yes. Most rigs can be upgraded from a U-tube manometer to a differential pressure transmitter with a digital indicator or to an electromagnetic flow sensor. Specify the upgrade in the RFQ so the panel and tappings are pre-configured.
What electrical supply is required?
Standard configuration uses 230 V / 50 Hz single-phase for a 0.5 HP pump. Three-phase 415 V / 50 Hz and 110 V / 60 Hz variants are available on request for export orders, please state the destination country voltage at RFQ stage.
What is the typical delivery time for export orders?
As an estimate, 3 to 5 weeks from confirmed order and advance receipt to dispatch, plus sea-freight transit to your port. Actual lead time depends on model, quantity, and current production load and is confirmed in the pro-forma invoice.
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