Low Cost Venturi Meter: Understanding Bernoulli’s Equation Through a Demonstration

Abstract

Abstract - This study intended to concretize Bernoulli’s principle through a low cost Venturi meter designed and constructed by the researchers. Specifically, this paper aimed to improvise a device that can measure flow speeds of water both in the wide and narrow portions of a horizontal piping system for which the pressure difference is provided by a differential height revealed in the attached manometer. A mechanism which regulates volume flow rate of liquid was attached to Venturi meter to generate several trials required to establish the accuracy of setup in demonstrating Bernoulli’s principle. This investigation about improvisation of apparatus required experimental development method especially in assembling various components which included PVC pipe, aluminum pipe, manometer, DC pump, variable flow controller, and a plastic container as a water reservoir. The final model of the apparatus evolved from a series of functionality test sessions with experts and consultants. To determine the accuracy of the instrument, nine trials--that is three each for the three adjusted flow rates, were performed. Findings revealed that the improvised Venturi meter can concretize Bernoulli’s principle. Its accuracy in flow speed determination was high since average percentage of error for minor turbulent flow was 12.52 per cent while that for laminar was 3.86 per cent. Keywords - Bernoulli’s principle, fluid, pressure, speed, Venturi meter