What is the K factor of the orifice plate?
What is the K Factor of Orifice Plate?
An orifice plate’s K factor is a flow coefficient meant to translate differential pressure across the orifice into a real flow rate. It is fundamental in differential pressure flow measuring systems since it connects the recorded pressure drop to the volumetric or mass flow of the fluid. Placed in a pipeline, the orifice plate generates a restriction that reduces pressure when fluid flows through. The flow rate directly determines this pressure drop; the K factor offers the required calibration to measure that relationship.
The flow rate (Q) is sometimes stated mathematically as: Q = K x √ΔP.
The flow coefficient (K factor), Q is the flow rate; ΔP is the differential pressure across the orifice plate. The K factor varies based on several elements including the orifice plate diameter, pipe diameter, beta ratio (ratio of orifice to pipe diameter), fluid density, viscosity, and flow parameters including Reynolds number; it is not a universal constant.
Guidelines for computing or estimating the K factor depending on theoretical models and actual data come from standards like ISO 5167 or ASME MFC. On the other hand, in a controlled environment the K factor can be found via calibration against a known flow rate.
Basically, accurate flow measurement with oracle plates depends on the K factor. It guarantees that the computed flow rate fairly represents the real flow inside the system and helps to balance the complicated dynamics of fluid flow.