eisvz017 “The Working Principle, Types, And Applications ofa Manometer
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The Working Principle, Types, And Applications of a
Manometer
A device used to measure the pressure at any point
ina fluid, manometers are also used to measure the
pressure of gas and air. This Buzzle article explains
IRIS the working principle of a manometer, and provides
eaSeSiige wm a review of different types of manometers and their
differential
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Quick Fact
A sphygmomanometer, a type of manometer, is commonly used to check
blood pressure in humans. Systolic pressure reading is the mercury reading
on the pressure gauge when the pulse is first heard, while diastolic pressure
reading is when the pulse can first no longer be heard,
‘Pressure’ or the intensity of pressure is defined as force per unit area, or P=
F/A, where P is measured in N/m?, Fluid pressure is measured with respect to
varying individual reference that is device or procedural specific. When it is
measured with respect to absolute zero (or complete vacuum), itis called
absolute pressure. When it is measured either above or below atmospheric
pressure, itis called gauge pressure.
The term manometer is derived from the ancient Greek words 'manés', meaning
thin or rare, and 'métron’. A nanometer works on the principle of hydrostatic
equilibrium and is used for measuring the pressure (static pressure) exerted by
a still iquid or gas. Hydrostatic equilibrium states that the pressure at any point
ina fluid at rest is equal, and its value is just the weight of the overlying fluid. In
its simplest form, a manometer is a U-shaped tube consisting of an
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incompressible fluid like water or mercury. It is inexpensive and does not need
calibration.
P Py
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As seen in the figure, the U-shaped tube filled with liquid measures the
differential pressure, i.e., the difference in levels 'h' between the two limbs
gives the pressure difference (p; - p2) between them, When pressure is applied
at limb 1, the fluid recedes in limb 1, and its level rises in limb 2. This rise
continues till a balance is struck between the unit weight of fluid and the
pressure applied. If the pressure applied at one opening; say limb 1 of the U-
tube, is atmospheric pressure, the difference gives the gauge pressure at limb
2.
h=(Pi- Paes
where, p = density of the liquid used in manometer
Hence, pg = specific weight of the liquid
Manometers are generally classified into simple manometers and differential
manometers. Let us take a closer look at the each individual type and their
working principle in detail
‘Types of Simple Manometers
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> Piezometer
As shown in the figure, one end of the piezometer is open to atmospheric
pressure, and the other end is connected to the point A, where pressure is to
be measured. The rise of liquid will be in accordance with the pressure at point
A. If his the height of liquid in the piezometer, pressure at point A is given by:
Pressure in N/m?=pxg*h
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> U-Tube Manometer
It consists of a glass tube bent like the letter 'U’. In this type of manometer,
balancing a column of liquid is done by another column of same or other
liquid, One end of the U-tube is attached to the point where pressure is to be
measured, while the other end is open to atmospheric pressure. The pressure
at point B in the figure is given by:
P=pogho-pig hs
where, p2 = density of heavy liquid
ha = height of heavy liquid above reference line
ps = density of light liquid
hy = height of light liquid above reference line.
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Po wea A PB
Fluid
Well
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> Cistern or Well Type Manometer:
As shown in the figure, the well area is larger than the area of the tube,
denoted by A. The rise in liquid level in the tube is considered while that in the
well is ignored. If p; and pz are absolute pressures applied as shown in figure:
hp1A-p2A=Ahpg
h= (py - paps.
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> Inclined Type Manometer
Itis similar to a well type manometer in construction. The only difference being
that the vertical column limb is inclined at an angle @. Inclined manometers are
used for accurate measurement of small pressure
‘Types of Differential Manometers
Differential Manometers are used to measure the pressure difference between
two points in a pipe or between two different pipes. The principle and working
of the types of differential manometers are given below.
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> U- tube Differential Manometer
In the adjoining figure, the two points A and B are in liquids having different
specific gravity. Also, A and B are at different levels. A liquid which is denser
than the two fluids is used in the U tube, which is immiscible with the other
fluids. Let the pressure at point A be Pa and that at point B be Pp.
Pa-Po
*h (pg - pr)
where, h = difference in mercury level in the U-tube
Pz = density of heavy liquid
Ps = density of liquid A
Reference
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P Inverted U-tube Differential Manometer
This type of manometer is used when the difference between the densities of
the two liquids is small. Similar to the previous type, A and B are points at
different levels with liquids having different specific gravity. It consists of a
glass tube shaped like an inverted letter 'U' and is similar to two piezometers
connected end to end. Air is present at the center of the two limbs. As the two
points in consideration are at different pressures, the liquid rises in the two
limbs. Air or mercury is used as the manometric fluid. If Pa is the pressure at
point A and Pg is the pressure at point B;
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Pa-Pa=pi*8*hi-p2*gxh2-pexgxh
where, py = density of liquid at A
p.2= density of liquid at B
p_= density of light liquid
h = difference of light liquid
Digital Manometer
A digital manometer uses a microprocessor and pressure transducer to sense
slight changes in pressure. It gives the pressure readout on a digital screen. It
measures differential pressure across two inputs, An analog/digital output in
proportion to the instantaneous pressure can be obtained
Digital rnanometers report positive, negative, or differential measurements
between pressures. With the integration of an anemometer, flow readings can
also be recorded on a digital nanometer.
Manometer Accuracy
Current standards for accuracy require that manometers be within +/- 3 mm Hg
(mm of mercury) of the reference or within +/- 3 mm Hg or 2% of the reading
(whichever is greater) for extended temperature ranges.
Accuracy in Liquid Manometers
a, U-tube type: +/- % of minor scale graduation
b. Well type: +/- % of minor scale graduation
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