Effect of Orifice Plate Shape on Performance Characteristics

Flow measurement is measurement of the quantity of the fluid that passes through the pipe, duct or an open channel. Flow may be measured by measuring the velocity of fluid over a known area. Differential pressure measuring devices such as orifice plates and nozzles are extensively applied in several industries to estimate the mass flow rate running through a channel by correlating the measured pressure loss. In this paper, orifice plates with different geometry were designed and compared on the basis of their coefficient of discharge. This was done with the help of simulations done with k-e and SST model on CFX as a solver. Simulations were carried out on a single hole, perforated (5 holes, 7 holes and 9 holes) and triangular shape orifice plates. β ratio taken was 0.6 for single hole, perforated, triangular orifice plates. By comparing the Cd. of various orifice plates, 7 holes orifice plate was found to be the best plate. This plate was manufactured and again tested experimentally. The result and outcomes are shown in the form of pressure contour, velocity contours and graphs showing comparison of Cd.