Flow over Weirs

1.0

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

2.0

General Start-up Procedures

1. Make sure the hydraulic bench pump is securely connected.
2. Ensure the collection tank drain valve is left OPEN to allow flow discharge back into sump
tank.
3. Set up the flow over weirs apparatus on the hydraulic bench.
4. Ensure thumb nuts are securing the rectangular notch weir plate is fully secured.
Note: Weirs notch have sharp edges. Take safety precautions while installing and changing weirs
notch.

2.1

Experiment 1: Flow Characteristics over Weirs

1. Level the weir apparatus on the hydraulic bench and install the rectangular notch weir.
2. Slowly open the hydraulic bench flow control valve to admit water to the channel until the
water discharges over the weir plate. Ensure that the water level is even with the crest of
the weir.
3. Close flow control valve and allow water level to stabilize.
4. Set the Vernier Gauge to a datum reading using the top of the hook. Position the gauge
about half way between the notch plate and stilling baffle.
5. Admit water to the channel. Adjust the water flow by using the hydraulic bench flow control
valve to obtain heads (H).
6. Wait for water flow condition to stabilize, take heads readings in every increasing of about
1 cm.
7. Repeat step 4 and 5 for different flow rate.
8. Take readings of volume and time using the volumetric tank to determine flow rate.
9. After finish with rectangular notch, replace the notch with v-notch.
10. Record the results in the tables.
Discussions:
Rectangular Notch
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Tabulate recorded flow rates and heights.

Calculate Q2/3, Log H, Log Q and H/B.
Determine coefficient of discharge, Cd.
Plot graph Q2/3 against H, Log Q against Log H and Cd against H
Is Cd value constant for this notch?
Estimate an average value of Cd for the range of the test.
Is Q & H relationship be describe by an empirical formula Q = kHn? If yes, find the values
of K and n.

Rectangular

V-Notch
1.
2.
3.
4.

Tabulate recorded flow rates and height.

Calculate Q2/5 and determine Cd value.
Plot graph Q2/5 against H and determine Cd value from the slope of the graph.
Is Cd value constant for this notch?

Note:
It is advisable to prevent damage to the knife edge of weir plate. A small head will be present
due to meniscus at the water which will result in a slight error. However, use of this technique
should be eliminate damage to the notches
3.0

General Shut Down Procedures

1. Shut hydraulic bench flow control valve and close water supply
2. Empty the residue water from channel and sump tank by ensuring the drain tank valve is
left open.

Volume

Height,

Time (s)

Average

Flow Rate, Q

Log H

Log Q

Q2/3

Cd

H/B

(L)

H (m)

(m3/s)

Time (s)
T1

T2

T3

Notch

Volume
(L)

V-Notch

Height, H
(m)

Time (s)
T1

T2

T3

Average
Time (s)

Flow Rate, Q (m3/s)

Q2/5

Cd

Flow Measurement Apparatus

1.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
1.1 General Start-up Procedures
The Flowmeter Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM 101) is supplied ready for use and only
requires connection to the Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM 110) as follows:
a) Place the apparatus on top of a suitable hydraulic bench.
b) Level the apparatus on the bench top.
c) Connect the hydraulic coupling to the outlet supply of the hydraulic bench.
d) Connect the discharge connect of the flow apparatus hose to the collection tank of the
hydraulic bench.
e) You are now ready to start the apparatus.

Starting up the Apparatus:

1. Fully close the flow control valve of hydraulic bench and fully open the discharge
valve.
2. Ensure that discharge hose is properly directed to volumetric tank of fibreglass before
starting up system. Also ensure that volumetric tank drain valve is left OPEN to allow
flow discharge back into sump tank.
3. Once step (b) is confirmed start up the pump supply from hydraulic bench. Open the
bench valve slowly. At this point, you will see water flowing from hydraulic bench
through to the flow apparatus and discharge through into the volumetric tank of
hydraulic bench and then drained back into sump tank of hydraulic bench.
4. Proceed to fully open the flow control valve. When the flow in the pipe is steady and
there is no trapped bubble, start to close the bench valve to reduce the flow to the
maximum measurable flow rate.
5. You will see that water level in the manometer board will begin to display different
level of water heights. (If the water level in the manometer board is too high where it
is out of visible point, adjust the water level by using the staddle valve. With the
maximum measurable flow rate, retain maximum readings on manometer).
6. At this point, slowly reduce the flow by controlling the flow discharge valve of
apparatus; you may close this discharge valve totally.
7. You will begin to see that the water level in the manometer board will begin to level
into a straight level. This level maybe at the lower or maybe at the higher end of the
manometer board range. (Take note that the pump from the hydraulic bench is at this
time, still supplying water at a certain pressure in the system).
8. Also be on the lookout for Trapped Bubbles in the glass tube or plastic transfer tube.
You would want to remove them from the system for better accuracy. To do this, you
can either slowly press the plastic tube to push the bubbles up or lightly tab the
glass tube to release the bubbles upwards.

Note:

If above methods fail, then you will now have to flush the system by bleeding to air
out.
All that is required is the use of a small object such as pen or screw driver, to depress the
staddle valve, found at the top right side of manometer board.
Depress staddle valve lightly to allow fluid and trapped air to escape out. (Take care or you will
wet yourself or the premise).
Allow sufficient time for bleeding until all bubbles escape.

Once all bubbles have been bleed, start to reduce the water supply now by
manipulating BOTH control valves, reducing first the flow apparatus discharge valve
and then the hydraulic bench valve in alternate motion, bringing down the DATUM level
of the water in the manometer board.
(i) At this point you may start the experiment proper.
(j) You are ONLY interested in the data obtained from tubes:
Probe A and C for venturi calculation
Probe G and H for orifice calculation
Probe I and J for 90 degree elbow calculation
All other probe readings are for viewing of pressure curve ONLY.
(k)

With above guide, record water level of each probe at a certain flow. With the height
difference (h), use formula provided to calculate. Verify the results obtained against
rotameter and hydraulic bench for experiment of flow measurement comparison.
(l) Complete experiment with other flow rates.

1.2 Demonstration of the operation and characteristic of three different basic types
of flowmeter
Objective:
To obtain the flow rate measurement by utilizing three basic types of flow measuring
techniques; rotameter, venturi meter and orifice meter.

Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Place apparatus on bench, connect inlet pipe to bench supply and outlet pipe into
volumetric tank.
With the bench valve fully closed and the discharge valve fully opened, start up the pump
supply from hydraulic bench.
Slowly open the bench valve until it is fully opened.
When the flow in the pipe is steady and there is no trapped bubble, start to close the
bench valve to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.

5.
6.
7.
8.

By using the air bleed screw, adjust water level in the manometer board. Retain maximum
readings on manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate.
Note readings on manometers (A - J), rotameter and measured flow rate.
Step 6 is repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by utilizing both
bench valve and discharge valve.
To demonstrate similar flow rates at different system static pressures, adjust bench and
flow control valve together. Adjusting manometer levels as required.

1.3 Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow
Objective:
To investigate the loss coefficient of fluid through 90 degree elbow.

Procedures:
1.

Place apparatus on bench, connect inlet pipe to bench supply and outlet pipe into
volumetric tank.

2.

With the bench valve fully closed and the discharge valve fully opened, start up the pump
supply from hydraulic bench.
Slowly open the bench valve until it is fully opened.
When the flow in the pipe is steady and there is no trapped bubble, start to close the
bench valve to reduce the flow to the maximum measurable flow rate.
By using the air bleed screw, adjust the water level in the manometer board. Retain
maximum readings on manometers with the maximum measurable flow rate.
Note readings on manometers (I and J) and measured flow rate.
Step 6 is repeated for different flow rates. The flow rates can be adjusted by utilizing both
bench valve and discharge valve.
Complete the tables below.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Vs
2g
9.

Plot graph H against

for 90 degree elbow to determine the coefficient of losses.

General Shut-down Procedures

1. Close water supply valve and venturi discharge valve.
2. Turn off the water supply pump.
3. Drain off water from the unit when not in use.

Demonstration of the operation and characteristic of three different basic types of flowmeter
Rotameter
(l/min)

Manometer reading (mm)

Vol
(l)

Flowrate,
Q

Time
(min)

(l/min)

Venturi

Determination of the loss coefficient when fluid flows through a 90 degree elbow

Volume

Time

Flowrate,Q

(L)

(sec)

(l/min)

Flowrate calculated using the

Bernoulli's Equation (l/min)

Differential Piezometer Head, h'

(mm)
Elbow (hI-hJ)

V2/2g

(m/s)

(mm)

Orifice

FLUID MIXING

FREE AND FORCE VORTEX

1.0

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
1.1

General Start-up Procedures

1. Place the study bench on the hydraulic bench.
2. Set up the inlet and outlet hose.
3. Adjust the stand of the equipment to reach the horizontal position.

1.2

General Shut-down Procedures

1. Close the valves and switch off the pump.
2. Remove the orifices, paddle and other accessories from the cylindrical vessel.

1.3

Experiment 1: Free Vortex

Procedures:
1.
2.

Perform the general start-up procedures.

Select an orifice with diameter 24mm and place it on
the base of cylinder tank.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Close the output valve and adjust the inlet 3-way

valve to let the water flows into the tank from two pipes with 12.5 mm diameter.
The water can flow out through the orifice.
Switch on the pump and open the control valve on the
hydraulic bench slowly until the tank limit. Maintain the water level by adjusting the
control valve.
When the water level is stable, collect the vortex
profile by measuring the vortex diameter for several planes using the profile
measuring gauge.
Push down the profile measuring gauge until the both
of sharp point touch the water surface.
Record the measured height, h (from the top of the
profile measuring gauge to the bridge). Obtain the value of a (distance from the
bridge to the surface of the water level (bottom level of the cutout)).
Use the pitot tube to measure the velocity by sinking it
into the water at the depth of 5mm from the water surface. Measure the depth of
the pitot tube in the water, H.
Repeat step 3 - 8 for another three orifice with diameter 12mm, 16mm and 8mm
respectively.
Plot the coordinates of vortex profile for all diameter of orifice in graph and
calculate the gradient of graph as shown below:

X=

K2
2g

1
r2

Where X is the pressure head / depth of the pitot tube.

11. Plot graph of velocity which is calculated from the pitot tube reading versus the
radius of the profile.
V = (2gH) 0.5
Theoretically, the velocity can be calculated by using the following equation:
K
V
r
Diameter at
Centre, D
(mm)

1.4

Measure
d Height,
h (mm)

Pitot Tube
Head
Difference,
H (mm)

Pressure
Head / Depth
of the pitot
tube, X (mm)

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex

Procedures:
1. Perform the general start-up procedures.
2. Place a closed pump with two pedals on the base of the cylinder tank.
3. Close the output valve and adjust the inlet 3-way valve to let the water flows into
the tank from two pipes with 9.0 mm diameter. The water can flow out through
another two pipes with 12.5mm diameter.
4. Make sure that the water flow out from the tank with the siphon effect by raising
the hose to above the water level in the tank.
5. Make sure the outlet hose is fill with water before letting the water to flow into the
sump tank in the hydraulic bench
6. Measure the angular speed of the pedals by counting the number of circles in a
certain times.
7. Push down the surface probe until the sharp point touch the water surface.
8. Record the measured height, h0 (from top of the measuring gauge to bridge).
9. Repeat step 4 - 8 with different volumetric flow rate.
10. Plot the coordinates of vortex profile for different angular velocity.
11. Plot the calculated vortex profile in the same graph as they relate as
2
h = h0 + 2 g r2

Compare both experimental and calculated profile.

Distance from
Centre (mm)
0
30
70
110
No of revolutions
in 60s
Angular Velocity
(rad/s)

ho (mm)
1st (___LPM)

2nd (___LPM)

3rd (___LPM)

Film Boiling Condensation

1.0

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
1.1

General Start-up Procedures

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

1.2

Ensure that the main switch is in the off position.

Turn the power regulator knobs fully anti-clockwise to set the power to minimum.
Check to ensure that valves V1 to V6 are closed.
Fill the chamber with distilled water until the water level stays between the heater and
baffle plates. Always make sure that the heater is fully immersed in the water throughout
the experiment. Water could be filled into the chamber through the drain valve with the
vent valve, V4 opened. Then close the vent valve, V4.
Adjust the water flow rate to the condenser by controlling the control valve according to
the experimental procedure.
Turn on the main switch and the heater switch. Set the heater power by rotating the power
regulator clockwise to increase the heating power.
Observe the water temperature reading; it should increase when the water starts to heatup.
Heat up the water to boiling point until the pressure reaches 1.02 1.10 bar. Immediately
open valve V1 and follow by valve V5 for 1 minute to vacuum out the air inside the
condenser. Then close both valves V1 and V5.
Let the system to stabilize. Then take all relevant measurements for experimental
purposes. Make adjustment if required.

General Shut-down Procedures

1. Turn the voltage control knob to 0 Volt position by turning the knob fully anti-clockwise.
Keep the cooling water flowing for at least 5 minutes through the condensers to cold them
down.
2. Switch off the main switch and power supply. Then, unplug the power supply cable.
3. Close the water supply and disconnect the cooling water connection tubes if necessary.
Otherwise, leave the connection tubes for next experiment.
4. Discharge the water inside the chamber using the discharge valve.

Experiment 1: DEMONSTRATION OF FILMWISE AND DROPWISE CONDENSATION

Objective:
To demonstrate the filmwise and dropwise condensation
Procedures:
1. Follow the basic procedure as written in section 6.1. Make sure that the equipment is
connected to the service unit.
Assignment:
Describe the characteristics of filmwise and dropwise condensation and how it may affect the
efficiency of the condensers.

1.4

Experiment 2: THE FILMWISE HEAT FLUX AND SURFACE HEAT TRANSFER

COEFFICIENT DETERMINATION AT CONSTANT PRESSURE
Objective:
To determine the filmwise heat flux and surface heat transfer coefficient at constant pressure
Procedures:
1. Circulate cooling water through the filmwise condenser starting with a minimum value of
0.1 LPM.
2. Adjust the heater power to obtain the desired pressure at 1.01 bar.
3. When the condition is stabilized, record the steam (T sat) & surface temperature (Tsurf), Tin
(T1) & Tout (T2), and flowrate.
Assignment:
1. Plot Heat Flux vs. Temperature Difference (Tsat - Tsurf).
2. Plot a Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient vs. Temperature Difference (Tsat -Tsurf).
Note: Power is calculated using the heat removed from the cooling water (

C(Tout Tin)
q x =m
).
1.3

Experiment 3: THE DROPWISE HEAT FLUX AND SURFACE HEAT TRANSFER

COEFFICIENT DETERMINATION AT CONSTANT PRESSURE
Objective:
To determine the dropwise heat flux and surface heat transfer coefficient at constant pressure
Procedures:
1. Circulate cooling water through the dropwise condenser starting with a minimum value of
0.4 LPM.

2. Adjust the heater power to obtain the desired pressure at 1.01 bar.
3. When the condition is stabilized, record the steam ((Tsat) & surface temperature (Tsurf), Tin
(T3) & Tout (T4), and flowrate.
Assignment:
1. Plot Heat Flux vs. Temperature Difference (Tsat - Tsurf).
2. Plot Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient vs. Temperature Difference (Tsat -Tsurf).
3. Plot Heat Flux vs. Temperature Difference (T sat - Tsurf) for filmwise and dropwise
condensation in a single graph. Plot also Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient vs.
Temperature Difference (Tsat -Tsurf) for filmwise and dropwise condensation in a single
graph. Compare and discuss the heat transfer coefficients between filmwise and dropwise
condensation.

1.5

Experiment 4: THE EFFECT OF AIR INSIDE CHAMBER

Objective:
To demonstrate the effect of air on heat transfer coefficient of condensation.
Procedures:
1. Circulate cooling water through the filmwise condenser at the highest flowrate until the
pressure is reduced to below 1 bar.
2. Open the discharge valve and let an amount of air to enter the chamber.
Note: Increase of 0.01 bar indicates 1% of air is injected.
4. Regulate the water flow rate to the condenser starting with a minimum value of 0.4 LPM.
5. Adjust the heater power to obtain the desired pressure at 1.01 bar.
6. When the condition is stabilized, record the steam (T sat) & surface temperature (Tsurf), Tin
(T3) & Tout (T4), and flowrate.
7. Repeat step 1-6 for dropwise condensation.
Assignment:
1. Plot Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient vs. Temperature Difference (Tsat presence of air, for filmwise and dropwise condensation respectively.
2. Plot Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient vs. Temperature Difference (Tsat presence of air and without presence of air in a single graph, for filmwise
condensation respectively. Compare and discuss the effect of air on
coefficients.
3. Describe the phenomena theoretically.

Tsurf) with the

Tsurf) with the
and dropwise
heat transfer

Refrigeration Unit
1.0

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
1.1

1.2

1.3

General Start-up Procedures

1. Check that the unit and all instruments are in proper
condition.
2. Check that the both water source and drain are connected
then open the water supply and set the cooling water
flowrate at 1.0 LPM.
3. Check that the drain hose at the condensate collector is
connected.
4. Connect the power supply and switch on the main power
follows by main switch at the control panel.
5. Switch on the refrigerant compressor. The unit is now ready
for experiment as soon as temperature and pressures are
constant.
General Shut-down Procedures
1. Switch off the compressor, follows by main switch and
power supply.
2. Close the water supply and ensure that water is not left
running.
Experiment 1: Determination of power input, heat
output and coefficient of performance
Objective:
To determine the power input, heat output and coefficient of
performance of a vapour compression heat pump system
Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Perform the general start-up procedures.

Adjust the cooling water flow rate to 40%.
Allow the system to run for 15 minutes.
Record all necessary readings into the experimental data
sheet.

Note: The cooling water and refrigerant flow rate display is in

percentage (%). Below is the formula to convert cooling water
and refrigerant flow rate to LPM.
1. Cooling water flow rate (LPM) = Cooling water flow rate (%)
5 LPM
100%

2. Refrigerant flow rate (LPM) = Refrigerant flow rate (%)

1.26 LPM
100%

Assignments:
i.

Calculate the followings:

a. Power input
b. Heat output
c. Coefficient of performance
Data Sheet:

1.4

Cooling Water
Flow Rate, FT1

Cooling Water
Inlet Temperature,
TT5

Cooling Water
Outlet
Temperature, TT6

Compressor Power
Input

Experiment 2: Production of heat pump performance

curves over a range of source and delivery
temperatures
Objective:
To produce the performance of heat pump over a range of
source and delivery temperatures
Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Perform the general start-up procedures.

Adjust the cooling water flow rate to 80%.
Allow the system to run for 15 minutes.
Record all necessary readings into the experimental data
sheet.

5. Repeat the experiment with reducing water flowrate so that

the cooling water outlet temperature increases by about
3C.
6. Repeat similar steps until the compressor delivery pressure
reaches around 14.0 bars.
7. The experiment may be repeated at different ambient
temperature.
Note: The cooling water and refrigerant flow rate display is in
percentage (%). Below is the formula to convert cooling water
and refrigerant flow rate to LPM.

1. Cooling water flow rate (LPM) = Cooling water flow rate (%)
5 LPM
100%
2. Refrigerant flow rate (LPM) = Refrigerant flow rate (%)
1.26 LPM
100%
Assignments:
i. Plot the performance curves for Heat Pump (Coefficient of
performance, Heat Delivered, Compressor Power Input)
versus Temperature of Water Delivered
Data Sheet:

Test

Cooling Water
Flow Rate, FT1

Cooling Water
Inlet
Temperature,
TT5

Cooling Water
Outlet
Temperature,
TT6

Compressor
Power Input

1.5

Experiment 3: Production of vapour compression cycle

on p-h diagram and energy balance study
Objective:

i.
ii.

To plot the vapour compression cycle on the p-h diagram and

compare with the ideal cycle.
To perform energy balances for the condenser and compressor
Procedures:

1. Perform the general start-up procedures.

2. Adjust the cooling water flow rate to 40% and allow the
system to run for 15 minutes.
3. Record all necessary readings into the experimental data
sheet.
Note: The cooling water and refrigerant flow rate display is in
percentage (%). Below is the formula to convert cooling water
and refrigerant flow rate to LPM.
1. Cooling water flow rate (LPM) = Cooling water flow rate (%)
5 LPM
100%
2. Refrigerant flow rate (LPM) = Refrigerant flow rate (%)
1.26 LPM
100%
Assignments:
i. Plot the experimental vapour compression cycle on the p-h
diagram of R-134a and compare with the ideal cycle
ii. Perform energy balance on the condenser
iii. Perform energy balance on the compressor
Data Sheet

Refrigerant Flow Rate,

FT2

Refrigerant Pressure
(Low), P1

Bar(abs)

Refrigerant Pressure
(High), P2

Bar(abs)

Refrigerant
Temperature, TT1

Refrigerant
Temperature, TT2

Refrigerant
Temperature, TT3

Refrigerant
Temperature, TT4

Cooling Water Flow

Rate, FT1

Cooling Water Inlet

Temperature, TT5

Cooling Water Inlet

Temperature, TT6

Compressor Power
Input

1.6

Experiment 4: Production of heat pump performance

curves over a range of evaporating and condensation
temperatures
Objective:
To plot the performance of heat pump over a range of
evaporating and condensation temperatures which are the
saturation temperature at condensing pressure.
Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Perform the general start-up procedures.

Adjust the cooling water flow rate to 80%.
Allow the system to run for 15 minutes.
Record all necessary readings into the experimental data
sheet.
5. Repeat the experiment with reducing water flowrate so that
the compressor delivery pressure increases by about 0.6
bars. Maintain the evaporating temperature (TT4) by
covering part of the evaporator for the purpose of lowering
the evaporating load.
6. Repeat similar steps with water flow rate not less than
20%. Make sure that the compressor delivery pressure does
not exceed 14.0 bars.
7. The experiment may be repeated another constant
evaporating temperature (TT4).
Note: The cooling water and refrigerant flow rate display is in
percentage (%). Below is the formula to convert cooling water
and refrigerant flow rate to LPM.
1. Cooling water flow rate (LPM) = Cooling water flow rate (%)
5 LPM
100%
2. Refrigerant flow rate (LPM) = Refrigerant flow rate (%)
1.26 LPM
100%

Assignments:
i. Plot the performance curves for Heat Pump (Coefficient of
performance, Heat Delivered, Compressor Power Input)
versus Condensing Temperature

Data Sheet:

Test

1.7

Refrigerant Flow
Rate, FT2

Refrigerant Pressure
(Low), P1

Bar(abs)

Refrigerant Pressure
(High), P2

Bar(abs)

Refrigerant
Temperature, TT1

Refrigerant
Temperature, TT2

Refrigerant
Temperature, TT3

Refrigerant
Temperature, TT4

Compressor Power
Input

Expe
rime
nt 5:

Estimation of the effect of compressor pressure ratio

on volumetric efficiency
Objective:
To determine the compression ratio and volumetric efficiency
Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Perform the general start-up procedures.

Adjust the cooling water flow rate to 40%.
Allow the system to run for 15 minutes.
Record all necessary readings into the experimental data
sheet.
5. The experiment may be repeated at different compressor
delivery pressure.
Note: The cooling water and refrigerant flow rate display is in
percentage (%). Below are the formula to convert cooling
water and refrigerant flow rate to LPM.

1. Cooling water flow rate (LPM) = Cooling water flow rate (%)
5 LPM
100%

2. Refrigerant flow rate (LPM) = Refrigerant flow rate (%)

1.26 LPM
100%
Assignments:
i. Calculate the followings:
a. Compressor pressure ratio
b. volumetric efficiency
Data Sheet:

Properties Measurement/PVT
1.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
1.1 General Operating Procedures
1.1.1
Refrigerant Flow Rate, FT2

Refrigerant Pressure (Low), P1

Bar(abs)

Refrigerant Pressure (High), P2

Bar(abs)

Refrigerant Temperature, TT1

2.
3.
4.
5.
1.1.2

General Startup Procedures

1. Connect
the

equipment to single phase power supply and then switch on the unit.
Fully open all valves and check the pressure reading on the panel. This is to make
sure that the chambers are under atmospheric pressure.
Then, close all the valves.
Connect the pipe from compressive port of the pump to pressurized chamber or
connect the pipe from vacuum port of the pump to vacuum chamber.
Now, the unit is ready for use.

General Shut-down Procedures

1. Switch off the pump and remove both pipes from the chambers.
2. Fully open the valves to release the air inside the chambers.
3. Switch off the main switch and power supply.

1.2 Experiment 1: Boyles Law Experiment

Objectives:
To determine the relationship between pressure and volume of an ideal gas
To compare the experimental results with theoretical results
PRECAUTIONS:
When carrying out the experiment, pump pressure level should not exceed 2 bar as excessive
pressure may result in glass cylinder breaking.
Experimental Procedures:
1. Perform the general start up procedures in section 5.1. Make sure all valves are fully
closed.
2. Switch on the compressive pump and allow the pressure inside chamber to increase up
to about 150kPa. Then, switch off the pump and remove the hose from the chamber.
3. Monitor the pressure reading inside the chamber until it stabilizes.
4. Record the pressure reading for both chambers before expansion.
5. Fully open V 02 and allow the pressurized air flows into the atmospheric chamber.

6. Record the pressure reading for both chambers after expansion.

7. The experimental procedures can be repeated for the following conditions:
a) From atmospheric chamber to vacuum chamber
b) From pressurized chamber to vacuum chamber
8. Calculate the PV value and prove the Boyles Law.

1.3 Experiment 2: Gay-Lussac Law Experiment

Objectives:
To determine the relationship between pressure and temperature of an ideal gas
Experimental procedures:
1. Perform the general start up procedures in section 5.1. Make sure all valves are fully
closed.
2. Connect the hose from compressive pump to pressurized chamber.
3. Switch on the compressive pump and records the temperature for every increment of
10kPa in the chamber. Stop the pump when the pressure PT 1 reaches about 160kPa.
4. Then, slightly open valve V 01 and allow the pressurized air to flow out. Records the
temperature reading for every decrement of 10kPa.
5. Stop the experiment when the pressure reaches atmospheric pressure.
6. The experiment is repeated for three times to get the average value.
7. Plot graph of pressure versus temperature.
1.4 Experiment 3: Isentropic Expansion Process
Objectives:
To demonstrate the isentropic expansion process
Experimental procedures:
1. Perform the general start up procedures in section 5.1. Make sure all valves are fully
closed.
2. Connect the hose from compressive pump to pressurized chamber.
3. Switch on the compressive pump and allow the pressure inside chamber to increase
until about 160kPa. Then, switch off the pump and remove the hose from the chamber.
4. Monitor the pressure reading inside the chamber until it stabilizes. Record the pressure
reading PT 1 and temperature TT 1.
5. Then, slightly open valve V 01 and allow the air flow out slowly until it reaches
atmospheric pressure.
6. Record the pressure reading and temperature reading after the expansion process.
7. Discuss the isentropic expansion process.

1.5 Experiment 4: Stepwise Depressurization

Objectives:
To study the response of the pressurized vessel following stepwise depressurization
Experimental procedures:
1. Perform the general start up procedures in section 5.1. Make sure all valves are fully
closed.
2. Connect the hose from compressive pump to pressurized chamber.
3. Switch on the compressive pump and allow the pressure inside chamber to increase
until about 160kPa. Then, switch off the pump and remove the hose from the chamber.
4. Monitor the pressure reading inside the chamber until it stabilizes. Record the pressure
reading PT 1.
5. Fully open valve V 01 and bring it back to the closed position instantly. Monitor and
records the pressure reading PT 1 until it becomes stable.
6. Repeat step 5 for at least four times.
7. Display the pressure reading on a graph and discuss about it.
1.6 Experiment 5: Brief Depressurization
Objectives:
To study the response of the pressurized vessel following a brief depressurization
Experimental procedures:
1. Perform the general start up procedures in section 5.1. Make sure all valves are fully
closed.
2. Connect the hose from compressive pump to pressurized chamber.
3. Switch on the compressive pump and allow the pressure inside chamber to increase
until about 160kPa. Then, switch off the pump and remove the hose from the chamber.
4. Monitor the pressure reading inside the chamber until it stabilizes. Record the pressure
reading PT 1.
5. Fully open valve V 01 and bring it back to the closed position after few seconds. Monitor
and records the pressure reading PT 1 until it becomes stable.
6. Display the pressure reading on a graph and discuss about it.
1.7 Experiment 6: Determination of ratio of volume

Objectives:
To determine the ratio of volume and compares it to the theoretical value
Experimental Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Perform the general start up procedures in section 5.1. Make sure all valves are fully
closed.
Switch on the compressive pump and allow the pressure inside chamber to increase up
to about 150kPa. Then, switch off the pump and remove the hose from the chamber.
Monitor the pressure reading inside the chamber until it stabilizes.
Record the pressure reading for both chambers before expansion.
Open V 02 and allow the pressurized air flows into the atmospheric chamber slowly.
Record the pressure reading for both chambers after expansion.
The experimental procedures can be repeated for the following conditions:
a)
From atmospheric chamber to vacuum chamber
b)
From pressurized chamber to vacuum chamber
Calculate the ratio of volume and compares it with the theoretical value.

1.8 Experiment 7: Determination of ratio of heat capacity

Objectives:
To determine the ratio of heat capacity
Experimental procedures:
1. Perform the general start up procedures in section 5.1. Make sure all valves are fully
closed.
2. Connect the hose from compressive pump to pressurized chamber.
3. Switch on the compressive pump and allow the pressure inside chamber to increase
until about 160kPa. Then, switch off the pump and remove the hose from the chamber.
4. Monitor the pressure reading inside the chamber until it stabilizes. Record the pressure
reading PT 1 and temperature TT 1.
5. Fully open valve V 01 and bring it back to the closed position after few seconds. Monitor
and records the pressure reading PT 1 and TT1 until it becomes stable.
6. Determine the ratio of heat capacity and compare with the theoretical value.