FLOW MEASUREMENT

64
Flexible connection
2>L.

Flexible,
FIG. 5-2. Schematic closed system for weighing
fuel supply to engine during test.
Fuel to
engine
1
zfc

i Valve Scales J~
Fuel

supply

the engine and flows from the supply into tank A

thereby maintaining pressure in tank B. As the scale
passes through balance the timer should be started
Stopcock
either manually or by means of a suitably attached
switch. Removal of weight F will then make tank B
heavier than the right platform. When the scale
next passes through balance, stop the timer. The
elapsed time will be that required for the engine to
consume F pounds of fuel. This of course assumes no
Reference marks leaks in the lines, no increase or decrease in the
amount of fuel in the line from tank B to the engine
cylinders, and no difference in the rate at which the
scales pass through balance at the beginning and end
of the trial. When suitably set up this system will
give very consistent results.
While weighing should be considered as the primary
means of determining fluid flow, volumetric measure
ment is often more convenient. Figure 5-3 shows an
arrangement for measuring the flow of fuel to a gas
oline engine by the use of calibrated glass containers
A, B, and C. The containers are connected by small
bore tubing with reference marks on it. Prior to the
test trial the lower stopcock is open so that fuel flows

directly to the engine and, by control of the upper

stopcock, also into containers C, B, and A to what
ever height may be desired. To start a test trial the
lower stopcock is closed and the upper one opened so
Fuel supply Fuel to engine that the engine fuel supply comes from the containers.
As the fuel level passes the appropriate reference
FIG. 5—3. Arrangement for volumetric measurement of fuel supply mark, the tinier is started, and when the desired
to engine. second reference mark is passed, the timer is stopped.

sufficient to prevent any further flow of fuel into the 5-3. Variable-Head Meter Theory
tanks. A weight F equal to the weight of fuel to be The largest group of fluid meters uses the pressure
burned during the test is added to the right scale differential caused by a constriction in the fluid con
pan. Additional weights W are added so that the duit to infer the rate of flow. The primary element
tank B is slightly heavier than the right side. Then is a restriction such as a Venturi or nozzle placed in

the valve is closed. Fuel now flows from tank B to the conduit through which the fluid is flowing. The