What are two limitations of a pitot tube when measuring flow velocity?
Disadvantages/limitation of pitot tubes Low sensitivity and Poor accuracy. It requires high-velocity flow. Not suitable for dirty or sticky fluid like sewage disposal.
Table of Contents
How does a pitot tube measure flow rate?

Pitot tubes can be used to measure fluid flow velocities by measuring the difference between static and dynamic pressure in the flow. A pitot tube can be used to measure fluid flow velocity by converting the kinetic energy in a fluid flow to potential energy.
Do pitot tubes work in turbulent flow?
Pitot tube instruments are used only for highly turbulent flows (Reynolds Numbers > 20,000). Therefore, the velocity profile needs to be flat enough so that the insertion depth is not critical.
Which is the cheapest device for measuring flow discharge rate?
Orificemeter
Explanation: Orificemeter is the cheapest available device for measuring flow/discharge rate.

How do you calculate air flow in a pitot tube?
The fluid velocity is directly proportional to the velocity pressure and can be calculated using the formula V = 1096.7 √hv/d for air, with V the velocity, d the density of air in the application, and hv the velocity pressure from the measuring device.
What pressure does a pitot tube measure?
A Pitot tube measures total pressure and static pressure to determine the velocity pressure from which air velocity can be derived. The Pitot tube is inserted into the duct with the tip pointed toward the airflow.
How do you calculate flow meter error?
Example – Accuracy of Flow Meter in Percent of Full Span
- a% = (+/- 10 kg/h) 100% / (1000 kg/h) = +/- 1%
- a% = (+/- 10 kg/h) 100% / (100 kg/h) = +/- 10%
- a = (+/- 1%) (1000 kg/h) = +/- 10 kg/h.
- a = (+/- 1%) (100 kg/h) = +/- 1 kg/h.
Why do we use pitot tube?
Pitot tubes are used in anemometers to measure airspeed in wind tunnels and aboard aircraft in flight; they are also used to measure the flow of liquids (see flow meter).
How hot do pitot tubes get?
– the internal temperature of the pitot-tube was around 270degrees celcius while the unit was placed in submerged water. This was while operating at 13V and 16A (208W). This is the type of pitot featured in a light aircraft and is most likely similar to those fitted onto C172s.