Flow Nozzle

Understanding principles and applications

Table of contents

01 What is a flow nozzle 02 Construction

Types of Flow
03 Working principle 04 Nozzles

Advantages/
05 Application 06 disadvantages
01.Introduction:
What is a flow nozzle?
Flow nozzles, are specialized devices designed to precisely measure and

control the flow of fluids within industrial systems, including oil and

gas, chemical processing, water treatment etc.

These nozzles typically consist of a carefully engineered structure

featuring a converging section, throat, and diverging section.

Flow nozzles play a critical role in fluid dynamics by leveraging principles

such as Bernoulli's equation to provide reliable and precise flow

measurements. They offer high accuracy, reliability, and versatility in

measuring and regulating fluid flows.

02.Construction
The main parts of flow nozzle arrangement used to measure flow rate are as follows

● A flow nozzle which is held between flanges of pipe carrying the fluid whose flow rate is being measured.
The flow nozzle’s area is minimum at its throat.
● Openings are provided at two places 1 and 2 for attaching a differential pressure sensor (u-tube
manometer, differential pressure gauge etc.,).

The core structure encompasses a converging section, throat, and diverging section. The
converging section allows the fluid to smoothly transition and accelerate towards the throat,
which is a carefully calibrated restriction point. This restriction leads to an increase in fluid
velocity, enabling accurate flow rate measurement. The diverging section then facilitates the
controlled expansion of the fluid, optimizing the accuracy of the measurements.
 PARTS:

CONSTRUCTION:
 03. Working principle
The working principle of flow nozzles revolves around the application of fundamental fluid dynamics principles, notably Bernoulli's
equation. As fluid flows through the nozzle, it undergoes specific stages within its uniquely designed structure.

Converging Section:
● The fluid enters the converging section of the flow nozzle, where its velocity increases while pressure decreases. This
acceleration is a direct consequence of the narrowing geometry of the converging section, adhering to the principles of fluid
dynamics.
Throat:
● The throat represents a carefully calibrated restriction point in the flow nozzle. At this critical section, the fluid reaches its
maximum velocity, and the pressure is at its lowest. The pressure tap connected to the throat allows for the measurement of
this pressure differential, a key parameter for flow rate calculations.
Diverging Section:
● Subsequent to the throat, the fluid enters the diverging section, where it gradually expands. This controlled expansion helps
in optimizing the accuracy of flow rate measurements.
Pressure Differential Measurement:
● The pressure differential between the entrance and throat is directly related to the fluid flow rate. By utilizing Bernoulli's
equation, which equates kinetic energy to potential energy, the flow nozzle translates the pressure differential into an
accurate measure of the fluid flow rate.
04.Types of flow nozzles
1.based on their design features, installation methods, and intended applications

1.Flanged type
● Classification based on Installation
Method: Designed for insertion
between piping flanges.
● Varieties: Plain type and tapped type.
● Specifications: Can be ordered to be
made in accordance with ISO 5167
and ASME specifications.

2.Holding ring type

● Classification based on Installation Method: Designed for installation in pipes without flanges.
● Materials Compatibility: Avoids welding dissimilar materials by using pins, ring, and pipe made of
compatible materials.
● Size Consideration: Recommended for sizes above 4 inches.
 3. Weld-in type

● Classification based on Installation Method:

Commonly used in piping systems for power plant
installations.
● Application Specifics: Suitable for high-
temperature and high-pressure applications.
● Flange Consideration: Often used in pipe systems
where flanges are not applicable.

2.knock-pin type

● Classification based on Installation Method: Designed to eliminate welding of dissimilar materials.

● Assembly Difficulty: May be more difficult to assemble compared to holding ring types.
● Application Suitability: Offers an alternative for applications where welding of dissimilar materials is to be
minimized.
2.based on flow condition and characteristics of fluid

1.Critical Flow nozzle

Critical flow nozzles operate under conditions where the fluid velocity reaches the speed of
sound (sonic velocity) at the throat of the nozzle. At this critical condition, the flow rate
achieves its maximum value for a given pressure and temperature. Critical flow nozzles are
often used in applications where precise flow rate measurements are crucial.

2.Supercritical Flow Nozzle

Supercritical flow nozzles are designed to operate with fluid velocities exceeding the speed of sound
at the nozzle throat. Unlike critical flow nozzles, supercritical flow nozzles intentionally induce
supersonic flow conditions. These nozzles are used in specialized applications, such as in rocket
propulsion systems, where achieving high-speed exhaust flows is essential.

3.Subcritical Flow Nozzle

Subcritical flow nozzles operate with fluid velocities below the speed of sound at the
throat. These nozzles are commonly used in various industrial applications, offering a
stable and controlled flow of fluids. Subcritical flow conditions are preferred in scenarios
where maintaining a consistent and predictable flow rate is essential.
Industrial Processes:
● Flow nozzles are extensively used in industrial processes such as chemical manufacturing, petrochemical refineries, and water
treatment plants. They provide accurate measurements for process control and optimization.
Oil and Gas Industry:
● Flow nozzles are employed in the oil and gas sector for measuring the flow rates of various fluids, including crude oil, natural
gas, and refined products. They play a key role in custody transfer applications and wellhead monitoring.
Power Plants:
● Flow nozzles are used in power plants to measure the flow rates of steam and other fluids in both boiler and turbine systems.
They contribute to the efficiency and performance of power generation processes.
Aerospace:
● In aerospace applications, flow nozzles are utilized for measuring airspeed in aircraft. They are integrated into airspeed indicators
and play a crucial role in aircraft control systems.
Water and Wastewater Management:
● Flow nozzles are employed in water treatment plants to measure the flow rates of liquids, ensuring efficient distribution and
treatment processes. They are also used in wastewater management for monitoring discharge rates.
HVAC Systems:
● Flow nozzles contribute to the efficient operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems by measuring the
flow rates of air and fluids. They help maintain optimal environmental conditions.
Chemical Processing:
● In chemical processing plants, flow nozzles are used to measure the flow rates of various chemicals and fluids. Accurate flow
measurements are critical for maintaining precise chemical reactions.
Research and Calibration Laboratories:
● Flow nozzles play a role in research laboratories and calibration facilities where accurate measurement standards are essential.
They are used in flow standard devices for calibration purposes.
Environmental Monitoring:
● Flow nozzles contribute to environmental monitoring systems by measuring the flow rates of air or water in applications related
to pollution control, climate studies, and weather forecasting.
Manufacturing:
● In manufacturing processes, flow nozzles are used to measure the flow rates of liquids and gases, ensuring precise control and
optimization of production processes.
06.Advantages of flow nozzle

High accuracy, stability Cost effective and has a Low sensitivity to Low pressure loss
and repeatability wide range of sizes, and upstream disturbances
robust construction

Disadvantages of flow nozzle

Limited turndown ratio Not ideal for low flow Maintenance challenges Potential for cavitation
rates
 Thanks
Sana K S
AM.ENU4ELC22044

CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including

icons by Flaticon and infographics & images by Freepik