Challenges for Spring 2009 Linear Flow Orifice Meter

Subteam Leader:

Leah Buerman

Introduction for New Members

In order to gain a firm understanding of the LFOM material it is necessary to review the posted material. The most important material is listed below

• The intial concept paper abstract, introduction, and design. Available here
• The LFOM Accuracy Experimental data, available here - This provides a practical view of the LFOM in operation
• The mathcad code should be thoroughly reviewed, available here

Number of team members needed:

The LFOM team is a one person team, with a narrow focus. It may be benefical to combine the LFOM team with the Automated Chemical Doser becasue interfaces between the two systems wil be very critical.

Possible New Leader?

There isn't anyone that I can think of who is especially suited for this team. If Nicole Cici is still on the team next semester it would be logical for her to take over control of the LFOM team. I think a lot of different types of people would be successful with the project.

Important team member skills:

• strong background in Mathcad or at least some aptitude with computer programming
• an understanding of the fluids concepts would be benefical, through courses such as CEE 4540 or CEE 3310

Challenges

• Currently the drill size is based on the diameter that is the best fit for the top hole, it would be interseting to see what the effect is on the error if different rows were used to determine the diameter. The very top hole has a relatively small flow rate based on other rows - there may be a critical row.
• Also the point of failure experiment was conducted and the results were contrary to the expected hypothesis. Instead of the LFOM working to a certain flow rate and then failing the flow rates were linear but with a differnt slope than the predicted values, information is available on the results page. It would be useful to figure out what drives the effect witnessed with reduced diameter piping.
• Thirdly it is important to work on interface between the LFOM and the automated chemical doser.