Vortex Apparatus
Product Code : LSK-FM-10462
Vortex Apparatus (SKU LSK-FM-10462) lets students create both free and forced vortices in a rotating transparent vessel and measure the shape of the water surface in each. It suits B.Tech civil and mechanical engineering and hydraulics diploma practicals. Made by Science Lab Supplies in its Saha, Ambala factory (Plot 448, HSIIDC Industrial Area, India), the apparatus is offered by the manufacturer itself to engineering colleges, polytechnics, tender contractors and distributors.
Specifications
The vortex rig's drive, vessel and measuring parts are tabulated one per row. In brief, a transparent vessel on a support frame turns about its vertical axis on a low-voltage, variable-speed motor controlled from a separate speed-control unit, and a traverse probe with linear scales on both axes measures the vortex surface profile.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | LSK-FM-10462 |
| Vortex types | Free and forced |
| Vessel | Transparent, on a support frame |
| Rotation | About the vertical axis |
| Drive | Low-voltage, variable-speed motor |
| Speed control | Speed-control unit (included), sited away from the main apparatus |
| Free-vortex insert | Smaller perforated transparent cylinder, forming an annulus |
| Outlet | Small hole in the centre of the vessel base |
| Profile measurement | Traverse probe, moves horizontally and vertically |
| Probe scales | Linear scales on both axes |
| Total head option | Pitot tube in place of the traverse probe |
| Water supply | Gravimetric or volumetric hydraulic bench (separate), or another clean water supply and drain |
| Manufacturer | Science Lab Supplies, Saha, Ambala, Haryana |
| Country of origin | India |
Applications and Experiments for the Vortex Apparatus
The apparatus demonstrates the two classic vortex types. Surface height is measured against radius with the traverse probe and the curves compared with theory: a paraboloid for the forced vortex, and a rapid fall towards an air core for the free vortex, both suited to fluid mechanics lab experiments.
- B.Tech fluid mechanics lab: surface profile of a forced vortex, with the vessel about half full.
- Free vortex with air core, formed by water spiralling inwards to the central outlet; streamlines around models can also be watched in the dye-injected Flow Visualisation Channel.
- Distribution of total head across the vortex, measured with a Pitot tube; velocity profiles in a pipe are covered by the separate Pitot Tube meter module.
Standard Scope of Supply
The apparatus is supplied with the transparent vessel on its support frame, the perforated inner cylinder, the low-voltage motor drive, the speed-control unit and the traverse probe with its scales. A hydraulic bench is not included; it is a separate item, or a suitable clean water supply and drain can be used.
Packing, MOQ and Lead Time
Tell us whether you need one apparatus or a batch for several lab groups, and we will send a quotation covering packing, delivery time and price for that quantity. A hydraulic bench and other engineering lab equipment in India can be included on the same quote.
With an Importer-Exporter Code, Science Lab Supplies is able to ship to buyers in Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Say on the contact page whether a Pitot tube or bench should be priced too, keep a running list in the enquiry cart, or follow the lab tender page for a public tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the free and forced vortex tests?
For a forced vortex the vessel is filled about half full and the whole body of water rotates with it. In the free vortex, water enters through the perforated cylinder and spirals slowly inwards to the central hole, forming an air core.
Does it need a hydraulic bench?
It mounts on a gravimetric or volumetric hydraulic bench, which is available separately, but it can also work with another suitable clean water supply and drain if your laboratory already has one.
Is the apparatus made by Science Lab Supplies?
Yes. The rotating vessel, its motor drive and the traverse probe are produced at the Science Lab Supplies factory in Saha, Ambala, India, so your quotation comes from the people who make the Vortex Apparatus.
Is the Pitot tube for total head measurement supplied?
The Pitot tube replaces the traverse probe for total head tests. Please confirm through the contact page whether you want it included on your quotation, and it will be listed as a separate line.
Related Hydraulic Bench and Flow Equipment
These Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics and Pneumatics and Training Workshop Labs items pair well with vortex studies: benches that supply water, experiments on pressure distribution, jets and orifices, and a dye apparatus for flow type, covering most topics of a first hydraulics course on one quotation.
- Digital Hydraulic Bench — a rim around the worktop contains spilled or excess water.
- Hydraulics Bench — stainless steel tanks and top tray, with a 40 litre measuring tank.
- Bernoulli's Theorem — manometer datum set by a hand-pump on the air valve.
- Impact of a Jet — a weigh beam with jockey weight measures the jet force on each test plate.
- Jet Trajectory and Orifice Flow — plotting board and depth gauge pins trace each jet.
- Flow Through an Orifice — manometers read total head on the orifice and under the jet.
- Reynolds Apparatus — 40 litre constant head tank and a cock to vary the flow.
Browse the full Fluid Mechanics range, the Hydraulics and Pneumatics range, or all engineering laboratory equipment.
Last updated: 22 October 2026
