The Production of a Microsoft Excel Tool to Assist in the Teaching of the Use of Venturi Tubes to Calculate Mass Flow Rates and Their Associated Uncertainties

Abstract

This paper describes the use of venturi tubes and the calculations involved in their use; it also introduces a new spreadsheet tool developed to assist in the teaching of the subject. The tool is easy to use and allows the user to calculate liquid or gas mass flow rates. This is done by the user entering the values of required variables and choosing the applicable units of measurement from embedded drop-down lists. Non-SI units can be selected, as the tool makes the necessary conversions within hidden cells and tabs. In addition to calculating mass flow rates, the tool also calculates their associated uncertainty. The tool can be used by lecturers as part of undergraduate teaching or by practising engineers who use venturi tubes or have an interest in them.