Calculating Water Flow: Comparing GPM Measurements for Different Methods"

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around measuring water flow rates using different methods, specifically comparing the use of a flowmeter versus a manual measurement approach. The context includes practical applications and considerations for calculating gallons per minute (GPM) in two distinct cases involving nozzle arrangements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that measuring water flow using a flowmeter in "Case 1" will yield different GPM results compared to measuring the time to fill a container in "Case 2".
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether the inquiry is about calculating flowrate in "Case 2" or using "Case 2" methods to assess flowrate in "Case 1".
  • A request is made for information regarding the discharge coefficient for various types of nozzles.
  • A participant provides a link to a resource that lists discharge coefficients for nozzles, indicating that it may contain useful information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific calculations and methods being discussed. There is no clear consensus on the best approach or the implications of the different measurement methods.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the accuracy of different measurement techniques and the potential impact of nozzle design on flow measurements. Specific details about the nozzle arrangements and their effects on flowrate calculations remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in fluid dynamics, engineering applications related to water flow measurement, and those seeking to understand the implications of different measurement techniques in practical scenarios may find this discussion relevant.

capterdi
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I´m wanting to somehow demonstrate that if we measure the water flow on the header according to squetch for “Case 1” (see attached PDF) using a flowmeter previously installed, we are not going to get the same number for the GPM as if we proceed according to squetch for “Case 2”, where in order to “spare the cost of a flowmeter”, we disconnect the hose, direct the water flow into a deposit, and measure time elapsed via a stopwatch. Here, according to the volume of the deposit, and the elapsed time, we calculate the GPM. If we are discharging to the atmosphere we are getting rid of the losses that represent the nozzle, which has a number of holes drilled on it´s top plate. So I was wondering if there is a table somewhere on the net which would show the “equivalent lengh of pipe” for different kind of nozzle arrangements.

Thank you.
 

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capterdi said:
I´m wanting to somehow demonstrate that if we measure the water flow on the header according to squetch for “Case 1” (see attached PDF) using a flowmeter previously installed, we are not going to get the same number for the GPM as if we proceed according to squetch for “Case 2”, where in order to “spare the cost of a flowmeter”, we disconnect the hose, direct the water flow into a deposit, and measure time elapsed via a stopwatch. Here, according to the volume of the deposit, and the elapsed time, we calculate the GPM. If we are discharging to the atmosphere we are getting rid of the losses that represent the nozzle, which has a number of holes drilled on it´s top plate. So I was wondering if there is a table somewhere on the net which would show the “equivalent lengh of pipe” for different kind of nozzle arrangements.

Thank you.

I'm not sure what you are asking. You want to calculate the flowrate of the water in case 2 by measuring the time it takes to fill the container? Or, you're trying to calculate the flowrate in case 1 by using the method in case 2 and need to know the discharge coefficient for various nozzles?

CS
 
stewartcs said:
I'm not sure what you are asking. You want to calculate the flowrate of the water in case 2 by measuring the time it takes to fill the container? Or, you're trying to calculate the flowrate in case 1 by using the method in case 2 and need to know the discharge coefficient for various nozzles?

CS

What I would like to know is the discharge coefficient for various types of nozzles.

Thank you.
 
capterdi said:
What I would like to know is the discharge coefficient for various types of nozzles.

Thank you.

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/orifice-nozzle-venturi-d_590.html

Half way down the page under the section labeled Nozzles. It gives various values and cites the source which will give you even more information on what to use (presuming you can access that source).

Hope this helps.

CS
 
CS,

OK. I´ll take a look to that source and see what I find.

Thanks.
 

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