Numerical Investigation of Beta Ratio and Reynolds Number Effect on Coefficient of Discharge of Venturimeter

Abstract The present work is intended to give information on the construction and performance of the venturimeter. It also indicates the need for more effective utilization of venturimeter and offers a conceptual design of a venturimeter for determining the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the pipe. The experiment was conducted with three different Beta ratios (β) of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 installed in a pipe of 2.54cm diameter with water as a working fluid. The study mainly focused on the effects of beta ratio and Reynolds number on coefficient of discharge. A two-dimensional model of venturimeter with different Beta ratios (β) was also created to do simulation & compare the numerical results with the experiments and to further explore the capability of the CFD code Ansys Fluent© to visualize the flow patterns in the venturimeter, recognize eddies and wake regions at diverging part and to plot and compare velocity profiles and pressure distribution at selected zones in the venturimeter. It was seen that the change in beta ratio and Reynolds number has considerable impact on Coefficient of discharge.