Thermodynamics Lab

ME 15 Section B

Thermodynamics Lab
Submitted to:

Lab Engineer Ehsan Ali

Submitted By:

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan 479677

Muhammad Mubashir Khan 465077

Muhammad Uzair 466092

Muhammad Ali Shoukat 457397

Zoraiz Abbas 454752

Zahoor Azam 453972

School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

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 Lab 7: Pressure Measurement Using Different Pressure
Measuring Devices

Abstract:
This experiment aims to use the simple U- tube manometer and an inclined tube manometer to
find the pressure of water and to compare the results with the values calculated theoretically. In
this way, we also get an idea about the efficiency of Bourdon Mechanical gauge and a digital
gauge.

Objectives:
 To measure the pressure difference between measured and theoretical values
 To get an idea about the principles used in the measurement of pressure using different
instruments
 To know about the efficiency of different scales to measure the pressure

Apparatus:
 U- Tube Manometer
 Inclined Tube Manometer
 Bourdon Mechanical Guage
 Digital Measurement Guage
 Rubber Tubes
 Pressure Measurement Bench

Pressure Measurement Bench

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Theory:
Pressure Measurement:

Pressure is a fundamental physical quantity that quantifies the force exerted by a fluid per unit
area. In this experiment, we will employ various methods to measure the pressure of water,
including the use of manometers and pressure gauges.

Manometers

Manometers are devices used to measure pressure differences by balancing the pressure against a
fluid column. Two types of manometers will be used in this experiment:

1. U-Tube Manometer:

o It consists of a U-shaped tube filled with a fluid, typically mercury or water.

o When a pressure difference is applied across the two ends of the manometer, the
fluid level in one arm rises, while it falls in the other.

o The pressure difference is directly proportional to the difference in fluid levels

between the two arms.

U_Tpye Manometer

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 2. Inclined Tube Manometer:

o It is a modified U-tube manometer where one arm is inclined at an angle to the

vertical.

o This inclination amplifies the vertical displacement of the fluid for a given
pressure difference, making it more sensitive to small pressure changes.

o The pressure difference is calculated using the formula:

ΔP = ρg∆ hsinθ

Where:

o ΔP is the pressure difference

o ρ is the density of the fluid

o g is the acceleration due to gravity

o ∆ h is the vertical height difference between the fluid levels

o θ is the angle of inclination of the inclined tube

Inclined manometer

Pressure Gauges

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Pressure gauges are devices that directly indicate the pressure. Two types of pressure gauges will
be used:

1. Bourdon Gauge:

o It consists of a curved tube of elliptical cross-section that tends to straighten when

pressure is applied to it.

o The movement of the tube is mechanically amplified and transmitted to a pointer

that indicates the pressure on a calibrated dial.

o This gauge is considered less efficient than digital gauge because a lot of pressure
is consumed by itself to move the needle and due to other mechanical constraints.

Bourdon Guage

2. Transducer:

A transducer is a device that converts one form of energy into another. In the context of
pressure measurement, a pressure transducer converts pressure into an electrical signal.
This signal can then be processed, displayed, or used to control other systems.

o Transducers can provide highly accurate and precise pressure measurements.

o They enable remote monitoring and control of pressure.
o transducers have fast response times, making them suitable for dynamic
applications.

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 o Transducers often provide digital output, which is easy to interface with
computers and data acquisition systems.
o Transducers are available for measuring a wide range of pressures, from low to
high.

Transducers

Procedure:
 First, we will check the zero error in the manometer.
 Begin by switching on the pressure-measuring device, confirming that it has a stable
power supply.
 Connect the tubing by inserting one tube linked to the pressure transducer into the
positive inlet of the Bourdon pressure gauge, and connect the other tube to one of the
inlets on the top of the U-tube manometer.
 Prepare the apparatus by turning the knob clockwise (located at the bottom left side) to
minimize the pressure as much as possible.
 Record the error displayed on the digital pressure readout.
 Adjust the pressure by turning the knob counterclockwise to introduce pressure into the
U-tube manometer.
 Continue adjusting until the water levels in both tubes are balanced.
 Record the readings from both the Bourdon gauge and the digital pressure display.
 Subtract the previously noted error from the digital display reading.
 Disconnect the tube from the Bourdon pressure gauge and observe the water levels in the
U-tube manometer.
 Measure the height difference between the water levels and convert it into meters.
 Calculate the pressures by converting the pressure in millibar (from the Bourdon gauge)
to kilopascals.
 Use the formula to compute the pressure based on the manometer readings.

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Readings & Calculations:
U-Tube Manometer Pressure Calculation:

Inclined Manometer Pressure Calculation:

Burdon Guage Pressure by U- Type Inclined Percentage

Measurement transducer manometer Tube difference
(bar) (bar) (bar) (bar)

0.030 0.035 0.019 0.22 24.8%

0.030 0.035 0.195 0.225 20.4%

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Discussion:
In this experiment, we compared pressure measurements obtained using different instruments: a
Borden gauge, a transducer, and both U-tube and inclined manometers.

 Borden Gauge: In both trials, it consistently recorded an initial value of 44 mbar, which
was adjusted to 35 mbar by subtracting the zero setting. However, due to potential
calibration and mechanical limitations, it showed a slight variation from the transducer
and manometer readings.

 Pressure Transducer: It gave values that closely aligned with the Borden gauge’s
corrected values, indicating higher precision in capturing real-time pressure changes. This
electronic response makes it suitable for accurate pressure measurement in dynamic
settings.

 U-tube and Inclined Manometers: Manometers rely on liquid displacement, where the
U-tube showed 19.9 mbar, and the inclined manometer recorded 18.8 mbar. These values
were lower than those from both the Borden gauge and the transducer.

The accuracy and precision of pressure measurements can be influenced by several factors,
including:

 Incorrect reading of fluid levels in manometers can lead to significant errors.

 Proper calibration of pressure gauges is essential for accurate readings.

 Mechanical gauges, like the Bourdon gauge, can exhibit hysteresis, causing discrepancies
between rising and falling pressure readings.

 Mistakes in reading instruments or recording data can introduce errors.

To minimize these errors, it is crucial to use proper techniques, calibrate instruments regularly,
and account for environmental factors. Additionally, using multiple measurement methods and
comparing results can help identify and mitigate potential errors.

Conclusion:

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This experiment successfully demonstrated the use of various pressure measurement techniques
to determine water pressure. By employing manometers (U-tube and inclined tube) and pressure
gauges (Bourdon and digital), we obtained multiple readings and compared their accuracy and
precision.

The experimental results showed that all measurement methods yielded comparable pressure
values within the limits of experimental error. However, the digital pressure gauge consistently
provided the most precise and accurate readings. The Bourdon gauge, although a classic
instrument, exhibited some degree of inaccuracy, likely due to mechanical limitations and
potential calibration errors.

In conclusion, this experiment provided valuable insights into the principles of pressure
measurement and the practical application of various techniques. By understanding the
limitations and advantages of each method, researchers and engineers can select the most
appropriate tools for their specific needs.

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