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In a nozzle or other constriction, the discharge coefficient (also known as coefficient of discharge or efflux coefficient) is the ratio of the actual discharge to the ideal discharge, [1] i.e., the ratio of the mass flow rate at the discharge end of the nozzle to that of an ideal nozzle which expands an identical working fluid from the same initial conditions to the same exit pressures.
SG is the specific gravity of the fluid (for water = 1), ΔP is the pressure drop across the valve (expressed in psi). In more practical terms, the flow coefficient C v is the volume (in US gallons) of water at 60 °F (16 °C) that will flow per minute through a valve with a pressure drop of 1 psi (6.9 kPa) across the valve.
Orifice plate showing vena contracta. An orifice plate is a thin plate with a hole in it, which is usually placed in a pipe. When a fluid (whether liquid or gaseous) passes through the orifice, its pressure builds up slightly upstream of the orifice [1] but as the fluid is forced to converge to pass through the hole, the velocity increases and the fluid pressure decreases.
c = discharge coefficient (unitless). This is usually 1.0 if using a diffuser. If using a wand to measure the stagnation pressure, the coefficient value depends on the shape of the flow hydrant orifice. A smooth and rounded outlet has c=0.9, a square and sharp outlet has c=0.8, and a square outlet which projects into the barrel has c=0.7.
The choked velocity is a function of the upstream pressure but not the downstream. Although the velocity is constant, the mass flow rate is dependent on the density of the upstream gas, which is a function of the upstream pressure. Flow velocity reaches the speed of sound in the orifice, and it may be termed a sonic orifice.
The orifice meter flow calculation is based on fluid flow fundamentals (a 1st Law of Thermodynamics derivation utilizing the pipe diameter and vena contracta diameters for the continuity equation). Deviations from theoretical expectation can be assumed under the Coefficient of Discharge.
The Darcy-Weisbach's accuracy and universal applicability makes it the ideal formula for flow in pipes. The advantages of the equation are as follows: [1] It is based on fundamentals. It is dimensionally consistent. It is useful for any fluid, including oil, gas, brine, and sludges. It can be derived analytically in the laminar flow region.
For low viscosity liquids (such as water) flowing out of a round hole in a tank, the discharge coefficient is in the order of 0.65. [4] By discharging through a round tube or hose, the coefficient of discharge can be increased to over 0.9. For rectangular openings, the discharge coefficient can be up to 0.67, depending on the height-width ratio.