Discus flowmeter: A new concept

Abstract

The present paper introduces a new concept of a flowrate measuring device named ‘Discus flowmeter’ in the class of obstruction flowmeter. The device has a symmetrical body creating the obstruction and the flow is thru the annulus. It works on the same principle as other obstruction type pressure differential flowmeters. The investigation is carried out for different diameter ratios (β-values) using three pressure tap combinations in the range of 103 ≤ Re ≤ 106 to explore the effect of these parameters on the performance of Discus flowmeter. The evaluation of discharge coefficient (Cd) is done for three pressure tap combinations and the permanent pressure loss coefficient is also evaluated. The variation of Cd with Reynolds number shows that for the pressure tap combination of 1D upstream and the stagnation point downstream of the body is nearly independent of β-value. The mean Cd value is almost the same as that of the V-cone flowmeter as laid down in ISO 5167-5. The permanent pressure loss coefficient for the Discus flowmeter is lower compared to the V-cone flowmeter for all β-values studied. As the body is symmetric in x-y plane, the flowmeter could also be used in both the directions (bi-directional flowmeter). It is expected that the Discus flowmeter could be a better alternative to the conventional obstruction flowmeters. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd