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How to Use a Venturi Meter

A Venturi meter uses two tubes running vertically and a small ball to measure wind speed. As you hold the meter in the wind, it blows over the top of the device and creates a vacuum, which causes the ball to rise. The meter is named after Battissi Venturi, the Italian inventor of the device. You can use a Venturi meter at different wind speeds and compare the measurements to the Beaufort Wind Scale for reference.

Instructions

- 1
  Move to an outdoor area where the wind can move freely around you, avoiding trees and other obstructions that may redirect or restrict the wind.
- 2
  Hold the Venturi meter vertically with one hand so the highest numbers are at the top. Wait for the wind to create a vacuum in the meter as it blows across its top.
- 3
  Note the number at highest point the ball reaches on the meter. For light winds, use the left side of the meter. The numbers represent wind speed in kilometers per hour.
- 4
  Cover the tip at the top of the device in strong winds and read the numbers on the right side. The numbers represent wind speed in kilometers per hour.

Nature