GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC THANE

Department of Chemical Engineering

Micro Project Report

On
“Pressure measuring instruments.”

Submitted by:
Mr. Nayan Kailas Bari
Mrs. Sonali Baburao Sutar
Mrs. Khushboo Prabhakar Yadav
Guided by:
Mr. O. Desai
Lecturer in Chemical Engineering
Government Polytechnic, Thane

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CONTENTS

NO. CHAPTER PAGE NO.

1 INTRODUCTION 09

02 UNIT 10

03 Bourdon tube Pressure Gauge 11

04 DEAD WEIGHT TESTER 13

05 BELLOW GAUGES 15

06 DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE GUAGE 16

07 MCLEOD GAUGE 17

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Teacher Evaluation Sheet

Name of Student: BARI NAYAN KAILAS Enrollment No. 1801160088

Name of Programme- DIPLOMA IN CHEMICAL ENG. Semester: FORTH SEMESTER

Course Title-CHEMICAL PROCESS AND INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL Code:22407

Title of the Micro-Project: “Pressure Measuring Instrument.”

Course Outcomes Achieved

1)Prepare and present the report of the work carried out.

2)Exhibit the work carried out.

3)We understand about the Pressure Measuring Instrument

Evaluation as per Suggested Rubric for Assessment of Micro Project

Sr. Characteristic to be assessed Poor Average Good Excellent

No.
( Marks 1 - 3 ) ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9-
10 )
1 Relevance to the course
2 Literature Review/information
collection
3 Literature Review/information
collection
4 Analysis of Data and
representation
5 Completion of the Target as per
project proposal
6 Report Preparation

7 Presentation of the Micro project

8 Viva

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MIcro-Project Evaluation Sheet

Process and Product Assessment Total Marks

(6 marks) Individual Presentation/Viva 10

(Note: The total marks taken from the (4 marks)

above Rubrics is to be converted in
proportion of ‘6’ marks)

Comments/Suggestions about team work/leadership/inter-personal communication (if any)

………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Name and designation of the Teacher: Mr. O. Desai

Dated Signature………………………………………………………………………………

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Teacher Evaluation Sheet

Name of Student: YADAV KHUSHBOO PRABHAKAR Enrollment No. 1801160091

Name of Programme DIPLOMA IN CHEMICAL ENG. Semester: FORTH SEMESTER

Course Title: CHEMICAL PROCESS AND INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL Code:22407

Title of the Micro-Project: “Pressure Measuring Instrument.”

Course Outcomes Achieved

1)Prepare and present the report of the work carried out.

2)Exhibit the work carried out.

3)We understand about the Pressure Measuring Instrument

Evaluation as per Suggested Rubric for Assessment of Micro Project

Sr. Characteristic to be assessed Poor Average Good Excellent

No.
( Marks 1 - 3 ) ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9-
10 )
1 Relevance to the course
2 Literature Review/information
collection
3 Literature Review/information
collection
4 Analysis of Data and
representation
5 Completion of the Target as per
project proposal
6 Report Preparation

7 Presentation of the Micro project

8 Viva

Page | 5
MIcro-Project Evaluation Sheet

Process and Product Assessment Total Marks

(6 marks) Individual Presentation/Viva 10

(Note: The total marks taken from the (4 marks)

above Rubrics is to be converted in
proportion of ‘6’ marks)

Comments/Suggestions about team work/leadership/inter-personal communication (if any)

………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Name and designation of the Teacher: Mr. O. Desai

Dated Signature………………………………………………………………………………

Page | 6
Teacher Evaluation Sheet

Name of Student: SUTAR SONALI BABURAO Enrollment No. 1801160128

Name of Programme: DIPLOMA IN CHEMICAL ENG. Semester: FORTH SEMESTER

Course Title:CHEMICAL PROCESS AND INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL Code:22407

Title of the Micro-Project: “Pressure Measuring Instrument.”

Course Outcomes Achieved

1)Prepare and present the report of the work carried out.

2)Exhibit the work carried out.

3)We understand about the Pressure Measuring Instrument

Evaluation as per Suggested Rubric for Assessment of Micro Project

Sr. Characteristic to be assessed Poor Average Good Excellent

No.
( Marks 1 - 3 ) ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9-
10 )
1 Relevance to the course
2 Literature Review/information
collection
3 Literature Review/information
collection
4 Analysis of Data and
representation
5 Completion of the Target as per
project proposal
6 Report Preparation

7 Presentation of the Micro project

8 Viva

Page | 7
MIcro-Project Evaluation Sheet

Process and Product Assessment Total Marks

(6 marks) Individual Presentation/Viva 10

(Note: The total marks taken from the (4 marks)

above Rubrics is to be converted in
proportion of ‘6’ marks)

Comments/Suggestions about team work/leadership/inter-personal communication (if any)

………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Name and designation of the Teacher: Mr. O. Desai

Dated Signature………………………………………………………………………………

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 INTRODUCTION

Pressure measurement

Pressure measurement is the analysis of an applied force by

a fluid (liquid or gas) on a surface. Pressure is typically measured in units of
force per unit of surface area. Many techniques have been developed for the
measurement of pressure and vacuum. Instruments used to measure and
display pressure in an integral unit are called pressure meters or pressure
gauges or vacuum gauges. A manometer is a good example, as it uses
the surface area and weight of a column of liquid to both measure and
indicate pressure. Likewise the widely used Bourdon gauge is a mechanical
device, which both measures and indicates and is probably the best known
type of gauge.
.
Absolute, gauge and differential pressures
Everyday pressure measurements, such as for vehicle tire pressure, are
usually made relative to ambient air pressure. In other cases measurements
are made relative to a vacuum or to some other specific reference. When
distinguishing between these zero references, the following terms are used:
 Absolute pressure is zero-referenced against a perfect vacuum, using
an absolute scale, so it is equal to gauge pressure plus atmospheric pressure.
 Gauge pressure is zero-referenced against ambient air pressure, so it is
equal to absolute pressure minus atmospheric pressure. Negative signs are
usually omitted.[citation needed] To distinguish a negative pressure, the value may
be appended with the word "vacuum" or the gauge may be labeled a "vacuum
gauge". These are further divided into two subcategories: high and low vacuum
(and sometimes ultra-high vacuum). The applicable pressure ranges of many of
the techniques used to measure vacuums have an overlap. Hence, by
combining several different types of gauge, it is possible to measure system
pressure continuously from 10 mbar down to
 clarification is needed. Tire pressure and blood pressure are gauge pressures
by 10−11 mbar.

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 Differential pressure is the difference in pressure between two points.

Unit

Pressure units

Technical Standard
Pounds per
v Pascal Bar atmosph atmosph Torr
square inch
t ere ere
e
(Pa) (bar) (at) (atm) (Torr) (lbf/in2)

1.0197×1 9.8692×1 7.5006×1

1 Pa ≡ 1 N/m2 10−5 0.000 145 037 737 730
0−5 0−6 0−3

≡ 100 kPa
1 bar 10 5
1.0197 0.98692 750.06 14.503 773 773 022
≡ 106 dyn/c
m2
0.967 841 735.559
1 at 98066.5 0.980665 ≡ 1 kgf/cm2 14.223 343 307 120 3
105 354 1 240 1

≡ 10132
1 atm ≡ 1.01325 1.0332 1 760 14.695 948 775 514 2
5

1/760  ≈ 1 Torr
133.322 0.001 359
1 Torr 0.001 333 224 0.001 315 0.019 336 775
368 421 51 ≈
789
1 mmHg
1 lbf/in 6894.757 0.070 306 0.068 045 51.714 932
0.068 947 573 ≡ 1 lbf/in2
2
293 168 958 964 572

INSTRUMENTS
 Bourdon tube Pressure Gauge
Principle of Bourdon tube pressure gauge:

when an elastic transducer ( bourdon tube in this case ) is subjected to a pressure, it defects. This
deflection is proportional to the applied pressure when calibrated.

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Construction of Bourdon tube Pressure Gauge:

The main parts of this instruments are as follows: An elastic transducer, that is bourdon tube which is
fixed and open at one end to receive the pressure which is to be measured. The other end of the
bourdon tube is free and closed. The cross-section of the bourdon tube is eliptical. The bourdon tube is
in a bent form to look like a circular arc. To the free end of the bourdon tube is attached an adjustable
link, which is inturn connected to a sector and pinion as shown in diagram. To the shaft of the pinion is
connected a pointer which sweeps over a pressure calibrated scale.

Diagram

Working of Bourdon tube:

The pressure to be measured is connected to the fixed open end of the bourdon tube. The appilied
pressure acts on the inner walls of the bourdon tube. Due to the appilied pressure, the bourdon tube
tends to change in cross – section from ellipitcal to circular. This tends to straighten the bourdon tube

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causing a displacement of the free end of the bourdon tube. This displacement of the free closed end of
the bourdon tube is proportional to the applied pressure. As the free end of the bourdon tube is
connected to a link – section – pinion arrangement, the displacement is amplified and converted to a
rotary motion of the pinion. As the pinion rotates, it makes the pointer to assume a new posistion on a
pressure calibrated scale to indicate the appilied pressure directly. As the pressure in the case
containing the bourdon tube is usually atmospheric, the pointer indicates gauge pressure.

Applications of Bourdon Tube pressure gauge:

1. They are used to measure medium to very high pressures.

Advantages of Bourdon tube pressure gauge:

2. These Bourdon tube pressure gauges give accurate results.

3. Bourdon tube cost low. Bourdon tube are simple in construction.
4. They can be modified to give electrical outputs.
5. They are safe even for high pressure measurement.
6. Accuracy is high especially at high pressures.

Limitations of bourdon tube pressure gauge:

1. They respond slowly to changs in pressure they are subjected to hysterisis.

2. They are sensitive to shocks and vibrations.
3. Ampilification is a must as the displacement of the free end of the bourdon tube is low.
4. It cannot be used for precision measurement.

 DEAD WEIGHT TESTER (Calibration of pressure measuring device)

Description
The dead weight tester apparatus consists of a chamber which is filled with oil free
impurities and a piston – cylinder combination is fitted above the chamber as shown in
diagram.

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The top portion of the piston is attached with a platform to carry weights. A plunger with a
handle has been provided to vary the pressure of oil in the chamber.
The pressure gauge to be tested is fitted at an appropriate plate.

Diagram

WORKING
The dead weight tester is basically a pressure producing and pressure measuring device.
It is used to calibrate pressure gauges.
The following procedure is adopted for calibrating pressure gauges.
Calibration of pressure gauge means introducing an accurately known sample of
pressure to the gauge under test and then observing the response of the gauge.
In order to create this accurately known pressure, the following steps are followed.
The valve of the apparatus is closed.
A known weight is placed on the platform.
Now by operating the plunger, fluid pressure is applied to the other side of the piston
until enough force is developed to lift the piston-weight combination.
When this happens, the piston weight combination floats freely within the cylinder
between limit stops.
In this condition of equilibrium, the pressure force of fluid is balanced against the
gravitational force of the weights pulls the friction drag.
Therefore, PA = Mg + F
Hence: P = Mg + F / A
where,
P = pressure
M = Mass; Kg
g = Acceleratoion due to gravity; m/s²
F = Friction drag; N
A = Equivalent area of piston – cylinder combination; m²
Thus the pressure P which is caused due to the weights placed on the platform is calculated.
After calculating P, the plunger is released.
Now the pressure gauge to be calibrated is fitted at an appropriate place on the dead weight

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tester.
The same known weight which was used to calculate P is placed on the platform. Due to
the weight, the piston moves downwards and exerts a pressure P on the fluid.
Now the valve in the apparatus is opened so that the fluid pressure P is transmitted to the
gauge, which makes the gauge indicate a pressure value.
This pressure value shown by the gauge should be equal to the known input pressure P.
If the gauge indicates some other value other than p the gauge is adjusted so that it reads a
value equal to p. Thus the gauge is calibrated.

Applications:
It is used to calibrate all kinds of pressure gauges such as industrial pressure gauges, engine
indicators and piezoelectric transducers.

Advantages:
It is simple in construction and easy to use.
It can be used to calibrate a wide range of pressure measuring devices.
Fluid pressure can be easily varied by adding weights or by changing the piston cylinder
combination.

Limitations:
The accuracy of the dead weight tester is affected due to the friction between the piston and
cylinder, and due to the uncertainty of the value of gravitational constant 'g'.

 Bellow gauges
The flexibility of bellows is directly proportional to:

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The number of convolutions.
The square of outside diameter of the bellows and (inversely proportional to the
cube of wall thickness), and
Young’s modulus of elasticity of material.
Diagram-

Construction:
A bellows gauge contains an elastic element that is a convoluted unit that expands and contracts axially
with changes in pressure. Most bellows gauges are spring-loaded; that is, a spring opposes the bellows,
thus preventing full expansion of the bellows. Limiting the expansion of the bellows in this way protects
the bellows and prolongs its life. In a spring-loaded bellows element, the deflection is the result of the
force acting on the bellows and the opposing force of the spring. The movement of bellows is
transferred to a pointer though a linkage.
Bellows can also be used to measure differential pressure as shown in figure. Here two different
pressure are applied to the two different pressure connection. Scale and Pointer is attached with gauge
movement linkage at the center of the force bar. The bellows are connected between the input pressure
connection and force bar.
Working:
The pressure to be measured is applied to the outside or inside of the bellows. However, in practice,
most bellows measuring devices have the pressure applied to the outside of the bellows (see fig). As the
inlet pressure varies, the bellows will expand or contract. This will move the linkage assembly and
pointer will shows the applied pressure on the scale.
For differential pressure measurement using bellows, applied differential pressure will try to imbalance
the force bar and accordingly this movement is transferred to scale via gauge movement and pointer.
Like Bourdon-tube elements, the elastic elements in bellows gauges are made of brass, phosphor
bronze, stainless steel, beryllium-copper, or other metal that is suitable for the intended purpose of the
gauge.
Although some bellows instruments can be designed for measuring pressures up to 800 psig, their
primary application is in the measurement of low pressures or small pressure differentials.
Advantages:
Simple and rugged construction.
Useful for measurement of low and medium pressures.
Moderate cost.
Can be used for measurement of absolute, gauge and differential pressures.

Disadvantages:
Need spring for accurate characterization.

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Greater hysteresis and zero drift problems.
Unsuitable for transient measurement due to longer relative motion and mass.
Require compensation for ambient temperature changes.Diaphragm gauge
This type of gauge employs a metallic disc or diaphragm instead of bent tube.
This disc or diaphragm is used for actuating the indicating device.

 Diaphragm Pressure Guage

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Principle-The diaphragm pressure guage works on the principle an air displacement

Diagram

Working:
When pressure is applied on the lower side of the diaphragm it is deflected upward.
This movement of the diaphragm is transmitted to a rack and pinion.
The latter is attached to the spindle of needle moving on a graduated dial.
This dial can again be graduated in a suitable scale.

Advantages and Limitations:

Advantages:
Minimum hysteresis and no permanent zero shift.
Can withstand high overpressures.
Can maintain good linearity over a wide range.
Gauges are available for absolute and differential pressure measurements.

Limitations:
 Difficult to repair.
 Need protection from shock and vibration.
 Cannot be used to measure high pressures.

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  McLeod Gauge

Working principle
The principle of working of all McLeod gauges is the compression of a sample of the
lowpressure
gas to a pressure sufficiently high to read with sample manometer.

Diagram

Construction:
The McLeod gauge consists of a system of glass tubing’s in which a known volume of a
gas at unknown pressure is trapped and then isothermally compressed by a rising column.
This amplifies the unknown pressure and allows its measurement by conventional
manometers.

Operation:
The plunger is withdrawn lowering the mercury level below the opening thereby admitting
the gas at the unknown pressure p into the system.
Let V be the volume of the gas admitted into the measuring capillary, bulb and into the
tube down to the opening.
The bulb and the measuring capillary are then at the same pressure (vacuum source).
The plunger is then pushed in and the mercury level goes up, sealing off a gas sample of
known volume V in the bulb and measuring capillary.
The unknown pressure(p) is calculated using boyle’s law as follows:
pV= pcAch
Where,
Pc= pressure of gas in measuring capillary tube
Ac = Area of cross section of measuring, capillary tube
Pc = p +h ρm
h = Height of mercury column in reference capillary
ρm= density of mercury
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Advantages:
It is an absolute instrument suitable for calibrating low pressure.
The gauge is not influenced by the composition of the gas.

Limitation:
Lack of a continuous output reading
Not suitable on systems where mercury cannot be tolerated.

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