1.

0 Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was achieved to study the coefficient of discharge through a
circular orifice cut into a vertical riser pipe. Perforated riser pipes are a popular outlet control
structure for storm water detention basins. These basins are used to store and release storm water runoff
from impervious areas of developed sites The discharge through the orifice was determined by measuring
the rate of change of the water level in the tank versus time. The experiment determined that the discharge
coefficient increased with decreasing head values. The results obtained were compared with known

values for the coefficients. Furthermore, flawed apparatus were founded to be the subject of most
of the errors which have been deduced to be systematic.

2.0 Objective
I.
II.

Determination of the contraction and velocity coefficients.

Calculation of the discharge coefficient.

3.0 Introduction
A fluid passing through an orifice constriction will experience a drop in pressure across the
orifice. This change can be used to measure the flow rate of the fluid.
To calculate the flow rate of a fluid passing through an orifice plate, enter the parameters below.
(The default calculation involves air passing through a medium-sized orifice in a 4" pipe, with
answers rounded to 3 significant figures.)

Figure 1
1

As long as the fluid speed is sufficiently subsonic (V < Mach 0.3), the incompressible Bernoullis
equation describes the flow reasonably well. Applying this equation to a streamline travelling
down the axis of the horizontal tube gives,

p p1 p2

1
1
2
2
V2 V1
2
2

Where location 1 is upstream of the orifice, and location 2 is slightly behind the orifice. It is
recommended that location 1 be positioned one pipe diameter upstream of the orifice, and
location 2 be positioned one-half pipe diameter downstream of the orifice. Since the pressure at 1
will be higher than the pressure at 2 (for flow moving from 1 to 2), the pressure difference as
defined will be a positive quantity.
From continuity, the velocities can be replaced by cross-sectional areas of the flow and the
volumetric flow rate Q,

A
1
1
p Q 2 2 1 2
2
A2
A1
2

Solving for the volumetric flow rate Q gives,

2p

A2
A
1 2
A1

The above equation applies only to perfectly laminar, in viscid flows. For real flows (such as
water or air), viscosity and turbulence are present and act to convert kinetic flow energy into
heat. To account for this effect, a discharge coefficient Cd is introduced into the above equation
to marginally reduce the flow rate Q,

Q CD

2p

A2
A
1 2
A1

Since the actual flow profile at location 2 downstream of the orifice is quite complex, thereby
making the effective value of A2 uncertain, the following substitution introducing a flow
coefficient Cf is made,

Q CD

2p

A2
A
1 2
A1

Where Ao is the area of the orifice. As a result, the volumetric flow rate Q for real flows is given
by the equation,

Q C f AO

2p

The meter coefficient Cf is found from experiments and is tabulated in reference books; it ranges
from 0.6 to 0.9 for most orifices. Since it depends on the orifice and pipe diameters (as well as
the Reynolds Number), one will often find Cf tabulated versus the ratio of orifice diameter to

inlet diameter, sometimes defined as ,

AO
Ainlet

The mass flow rate can be found by multiplying Q with the fluid density,

Qmass Q
This experiment allows us to detect the effect of friction on water flow. There are three
coefficients that are useful in determining the performance of water through a jet and the effect
of friction on that performance. Cd, Cv, and Cc give us insight into the effects of friction on water
flow. Each of these coefficients is ratio of the actual performance to ideal performance as related
to discharge, velocity, and contraction. Without friction, each of these coefficients would be 1.
With the presence of friction, the actual performance is less than the ideal performance and
therefore, each coefficient is less than 1.

The coefficient of discharge is heavily related to the volumetric flow rate of the fluid flow and
the cross sectional area of the orifice. It is also related to the gravitational constant and the head
pressure. The coefficient of discharge is a ratio of the actual discharge divided by the ideal
discharge. The actual discharge is the discharge that occurs and which is affected by friction as
the jet passes through the orifice. The ideal discharge would be the discharge achieved without
friction. Thus,
3

CD

QC
QO

Where,

Qc
Qo

Actual Volumetric Flow Rate

Ideal Volumetric Flow Rate
Q A V , thus
Qc
CD
Ao Vo

Actual Velocity, VC

VC 2 gH C
Ideal Velocity, VO

VO 2 gH O
Cross Sections, A

DO
AO
4
AC

Theoretical Discharge, Q

DC
4

= Ideal Velocity x Orifice Area

Q = VO x Orifice Area
Actual Discharge, QC
QC

V
1000 t

Coefficient of Velocity, CV
CV
4

VC
VO

Coefficient of Contracta
CC1

CC 2

CD
CV

AC DC2

AO DO2

Where,
DO = Orifice Diameter
DC = Contraction Diameter
All three of these coefficients are a measure of energy loss. From this particular relationship it is
evident that energy loss in the system can be directly related to the difference in head levels
between ideal and actual conditions.
The Coefficient of Contraction is a ratio of the actual diameter of the jet divided by the ideal
diameter of the jet. The actual diameter is the diameter that occurs and which is affected by
friction as the jet passes through the orifice. The ideal diameter would be the diameter of the
orifice. The narrowing of the water jet is the direct result of friction on the jet as it passes through
the sharp edge orifice. The place at which the majority of narrowing has occurred is known as
the Vena Contracta.

Figure 2

The Vena Contracta is generally considered to occur at a distance downstream from the orifice
equal to one half the diameter of the orifice. The Coefficient of Contraction can be derived from
a relationship with the Coefficients of Discharge and Velocity.

Cc

CD
Cv

The Coefficient of Contraction can also be derived from direct measurement if adequately
precise tools are available. This can be done using the blade attachment as described in the
experimental procedures section.

4.0 Apparatus
The apparatus consists of a cylindrical tank with water enters from top of the tank and is
distributed to the bottom of the tank through a diffuser. There is an orifice at the bottom of the
tank that allows water to flow from the tank to the hydraulic bench below. A total pressure tube
with a wire by the side is installed under the cylindrical tank. The wire can be placed at one side
of the water jet and moved through the water jet to measure the diameter of the vena contracta.
The total pressure tube can be placed directly inside the jet of water coming from the bottom of
the tank. Two single tube manometers are provided to indicate the water head in the cylindrical
tank and the total pressure tube.

4.1

Specifications

Standard Orifice: sharp-edged, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm and 16mm

Triangular Orifice

Square Orifice
Maximum Head: 365 mm
Traverse mechanism: Manually adjusted, calibrated 0.1 mm per division
4.2

Connecting to the digital instrumentations (Optional)

The Flow through Orifice is installed with optional digital pressure transmitters for water head
measurements and comes together with a separate control panel. To read the measurements,
simply connect all the pressure transmitters to the correct connectors and switch on the main
power supply.

4.3

Connecting to the digital instrumentations and the SOLDASTM software (Optional)

The Flow through Orifice unit also comes together with the optional SOLDAS TM software. This
software provides real time measurements, data logging function and experimental data analysis.
To operate the SOLDASTM software, the unit must be connected to the digital instrumentations,
then connect the interface cable between the control panel and the computer. Finally, turn on the
computer and start-up the software.

4.4

Parts Identification

Figure 1 Parts of Identification

1. Manometer
7

2. Pressure Transmitter
3. Water Inlet
4. Overflow
5. Traverse Total Head Tube
6. Orifice
7. Adjustable Feet
8. Control Panel

5.0 Procedure
5.1 General Start-up Procedures
The Flow through Orifice unit (Model: FM 100) is supplied ready for use and only requires
connection to the Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM 110) as follows:
1. The unit was placed on top of the Hydraulic Bench and the equipment was set up
properly.
2. The sump tank of the Hydraulic Bench was filled with water until approximately 90%
full.
3. The water supply was connected from Hydraulics Bench to water inlet by using a flexible
hose.
4. A flexible hose was connected to the overflow outlet and directed into the sump tank.
5. An orifice provided at the discharge opening of the cylindrical tank was installed which
located at the bottom of the tank.
6. The bench flow control valve was fully closed.
7. The main power supply was connected and then the pump was switched on.
8. The Flow control valve was gradually opened for inlet flow and allowed the piping and
the cylindrical tank was filled with water until all air has been expelled from the system.
5.2

Flow through Orifice Study

1. The hydraulic bench was turned on and the water flow allowed to enter the cylindrical
tank. The flow adjusted until the water level in the tank was just above the overflow.
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2. An adjustable inlet pipe was used and the level of the diffuser was raised till it was just
below water level. For the best results, the level of the diffuser should always be adjusted
to meet this condition.
3. The water level (Ho) was recorded in the tube connected to the bottom of the cylindrical
tank and there were no bubbles in the tube.
4. The Pitot tube was moved onto position directly underneath the exiting water jet. When
the equilibrium was reached, the water level (H c) in the tube connected to the Pitot tube
was recorded.
5. There was no bubble in the tube. The level H c less than the level Ho. It was a very small
difference.
6. The diameter of the exiting water jet was recorded by using wire.
7. The wire was moved through the water jet until it passed completely through the water jet
and was barely touching the water jet. The distance traversed recorded by the wire to
determine the diameter of the vena contracta.

6.0 Result and Analysis

Table 1
SET

Ho
(m)

Hc
(m)

P
(m)

V
(L)

T
(s)

Do
(m)

Dc
(m)

0.358

0.335

13

20

62

0.012

0.00912

0.352

0.343

13

20

85

0.012

0.00954

0.355

0.341

14

20

78

0.012

0.00980

Table 2
Ideal
veloci
ty,
V0(m/

Actua
l
veloci
ty,

Orific
e
crosssectio

Contra
ctile
crosssection

Ideal Actua Velocity

flowra
l
coeffici
te,
flowra
ent
Qo(10
te,
Cv(-)
9

Dischar
ge
coeffici
ent

Variatio
n
coeffici
ent

Crosssection
area
coeffici

s)

Vc(m/
s)

2.639
1
2.646
6
2.665
0

2.563
7
2.594
1
2.586
5

n,
Ao(104
) m2
1.130
9
1.130
9
1.130
9

,
Ac(104
) m2
0.6532
0.7148
0.7542

)
3
m /s)

Qc(104
) m3/s

2.984
5
2.993
0
2.991
2

3.225
8
2.352
9
2.564
1

Sample calculations of theoretical value

V c = 2 g H c = 29.810.335=2.5637 m/s
D

0 2

2
0.012 m2

A 0=
2

Dc

2
0.00912

m2

A c =

Q0= A 0V 0=1.13092.6391=2.9845
QC =

C v=

v
20
=
=3.2258 m3 /S
1000t 100062

V c 2.5637
=
=0.9714
V 0 2.6391
10

Cd(-)

CC(-)

ent
Ca(-)

0.9714

1.0808

1.1126

0.5776

0.9801

0.7861

0.8020

0.6320

0.9705

0.8572

0.8832

0.6669

C d=

Qc
=1.0808
Q0

C c=

Cd
=1.1126
Cv

C a=

A c 0.6532
=
=0.5776
A 0 1.1307

Calculation of the average value

Mean Cv = 0.9740
Mean Cd = 0.5281
Mean Cc = 0.9326

7.0 Discussion
The values of coefficient of velocity (Cv), coefficient of discharge (Cd) and coefficient of
contraction (Cc) include 0.9740, 0.5281 and 0.9326 respectively. Additionally, errors were
observed within the experiment most of them systematic as the values even though precise are
not accurate, also parallax error, may have been produced when the readings of H o were taken
due to the fact that the volume of water kept on altering and hence a proper accurate value was
most of the time difficult to obtain.
Adjusting the flow for a constant head resulted in the head being an estimation of the true value
due to the readings on the tank not being accurate enough.

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Some improvement can made such as; the readings on the tank could be made more accurate, a
clean fully transparent tube and straight tube could be used, the discharge could have been
collected directly into the collector tank, the tank from which flow is occurring should have clean
vertical surfaces without rust, all leakages should be plugged and the liquid could have been
colored.

8.0 Conclusion
To sum up, from all the experimental values calculated above, it clearly shows that the head of
orifice is directly proportional to the discharge where the flow rate values increase as the level of
water in the tank rises.

9.0 Reference
i.

R.K. Bansal 1983, A Textbook of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines, 1st Edition,
Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd, India.

ii.

Rama Durgaiah, 2002, Fluid Mechanics and Machinery, 1st Edition, New Age
International (P) Ltd, India.

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