NEW ERA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Department of Mechanical Engineering

MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING LAB 1 (L)
A LABORATORY MANUAL

Compiled by
ERWIN T. STA. MARIA, RME,MBA

Laboratory Exercise No. 5

Calculation of Pressure and Pressure

Differential Using a U-Tube Manometer
(Adapted from CE-Fluid Mechanics Lab Manual by Dr. German B. Barlis)

NAME: Rayo, Johnmark B Date Performed: 04-22-2021

Program/Year: BSME 3ME-1 Date Submitted: 04-29-2021
Day/Time/Group: Th: 8-11:30am Instructor: Engr. Erwin T. Sta. Maria
 Laboratory Exercise No. 5

Calculation of Pressure and Pressure Differential

Using a U-Tube Manometer

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this laboratory exercise, the students must be able to:

1. understand the physical appearance of a differential U-tube manometer,

2. know the working principle of the instrument,
3. measure pressure and pressure difference between two sources using
the apparatus, and
4. appreciate the significance of the laboratory exercise in the field of mechanical
engineering and identify applications in the professional practice.

INTRODUCTION

A U-tube manometer is a simple device used to measure pressure usually of a

confined gas or liquid. It is made up of a transparent pipe, tube, or hose having a
relatively small inside diameter with a shape resembling a letter “U”. Inside the
manometer is a heavy liquid, commonly mercury. The one end of the manometer is fitted
to an outlet where a pressure has to be determined. The other end is exposed to the
atmosphere.

Pressure at point A can be determined by considering the values of distances z

and, Δh, specific weight, γ of the confined fluid, and the specific weight of the mercury in
the manometer. The difference in level of the two interfaces is used to interpret the gage
pressure and this explains the usefulness of a simple manometer. See Figure 1 below.

Figure 1 Manometer above source

 The U-tube is filled with what is called a gauge fluid. Note that one end of the tube
is exposed to the pressure to be measured (PA) while the other end is open to
atmosphere. There can be several fluids between point A and the atmosphere. For the
figure above, we have:

PA = γHg Δh + γL z

where: PA - gage pressure at point A (N/m2)

γHg - specific weight of mercury inside the manometer.(N/m3)
γL - specific weight of the liquid inside the tank (N/m3)
Δh - the difference in level reading at the two interfaces (m)
z - the difference in elevations between the lower interface and point A (m)

The U-tube differential manometer on the other hand is a device used to measure
pressure difference between two confined fluids. Unlike the simple U-tube manometer
discussed above, it has both ends of a differential manometer which are snugly
connected to outlets or fittings where pressure difference is to be determined. (See figure
below.) A and B represent pressurized pipes or tanks.

Figure 2. The Differential U-tube Manometer

 Although sources A and B may contain different kinds of fluid, in this experiment,
the two sources of pressure will be of the same kind of liquid. With reference to the
above figure, pressure difference can be calculated using the formula

ΔP = (PA - PB) = γHg Δh - γ L (z + Δh )

where: ΔP = (PA - PB) - pressure difference between A and B

γHg - specific weight of mercury inside the manometer (N/m3)
γ L- specific weight of liquid at sources (N/m3)
Δh - the difference in level reading at the two interfaces (m)
z - the difference in elevation between the two sources (m)

Note: If the laboratory setup does not match Figure 2, formula for pressure
difference must be derived based on existing setup.

LIST OF INSTRUMENTS, APPARATUS and MATERIALS

Differential U-tube Manometer

Two sources of pressurized fluid
Meter stick

Figure 3 : A Simple U-tube Manometer set-u

PROCEDURE

For Pressure Measurement

1. Choose an appropriate source of confined pressure.

2. With the source close, connect the one end of the manometer snugly to its outlet.
3. Gradually open the outlet until the Δh reaches the desired level.
4. Measure z and Δh. Record the data.
5. Calculate the gage pressure.
6. For another trial, increase the opening of the outlet and proceed to steps 4 and 5.

For Differential Pressure Measurement

1. Choose appropriate sources of confined pressure.

2. With the outlets closed, connect the ends of the manometer snugly to the
same outlets. Make sure that the liquid does not leak.
3. Gradually open one outlet and the other one afterwards. Note the difference
in level of the two interfaces.
4. Measure also the difference in elevation between outlets A and B.
5. Record pertinent data.
6. Calculate the pressure difference between A and B.
7. For another trial, increase the opening of either of the two outlets a little more,
then proceed to steps 5 and 6.
FINAL TABULATION OF DATA

TRIAL Specific Wt. of Specific Wt. Specific Wt. of

Water (N/mᶾ) of Air (N/mᶾ) Mercury (N/mᶾ)
1 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3
2 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3
3 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3
4 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3
5 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3

Height, Height, Height, Height, Height, Pressure PA, Differential

TRIAL h1 (m) h2(m) h3 (m) Δh (m) h4 (m) (N/m²) Pressure
PA - PB, (N/m²)
.095 .55 .32 .046 .3 6,854.70N/m2
1 ----------.0 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------.0
91 .32 .375 .039 15 9,737.79N/m2
2 .115 .58 .32 .045 .32 7,113.36N/m2
----------.1 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
10 .59 .325 .035 .0315 8,899.41N/m2
3 .7 .178 .46 .32 .076 45,628.80N/m 2

----------.1 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

58 .315 .32 .275 .028 41,225.36N/m2
4 .332 .307 .38 .165 .319 24,459.70N/m 2

---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

.332 .322 .39 .116 .082 22,476.02N/m2
5 .285 .295 .323 .174 .31 26,682.84N/m2
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
.320 .322 .37 .118 .015 22,429.69N/m2
 Sample Computations :

1. Specific Weight, γfluid = ρfluid g

YWATER = ρWATER(g) = (997 kg/m³)(9.81m/ss) = 9780.57N/m3

YHg = ρHg(g) = (13,550kg/m³)(9.81m/ss) = 132,925N/m3
YAIR = ρAIR(g) = (1.225kg/m³)(9.81m/ss) = 12.02N/m3

2. Pressure , PA

PA = γwater h1 + γair h2 - γwater + γHg Δh + γwater h4

h3

Trial 1: (9780.57N/m3)(.095m) + (12.02N/m3)(.55m) - ( 9780.57N/m3)(.32m) +

(132,925N/m3)(.046m) + ( 9780.57N/m3)(.3m)Trial 1: PA = 6,854.70N/m2
Trial 2: (9780.57N/m3)(.115m) + (12.02N/m3)(.58m) - ( 9780.57N/m3)(.32m) +
(132,925N/m3)(.045m) + ( 9780.57N/m3)(.32m)Trial 2: PA = 7,113.36N/m2
Trial 3: (9780.57N/m3)(.7m) + (12.02N/m3)(.178m) - ( 9780.57N/m3)(.46m) +
(132,925N/m3)(.32m) + ( 9780.57N/m3)(.076m)Trial 3: PA = 45,628.80N/m2
Trial 4: (9780.57N/m3)(.332m) + (12.02N/m3)(.307m) - ( 9780.57N/m3)(.393m) +
(132,925N/m3)(.165m) + ( 9780.57N/m3)(.319m)Trial 4: PA = 24,459.70N/m2
Trial 5: (9780.57N/m3)(.285m) + (12.02N/m3)(.295m) - ( 9780.57N/m3)(.232m) +
(132,925N/m3)(.174m) + ( 9780.57N/m3)(.31m)Trial 5: PA = 26,682.84N/m2

3. Differential Pressure , PA – PB

PA - PB = γwater h1 - γwaterh2 + γHg Δh + γwater h3 - γwater h4

Trial 1: (9780.57N/m3)(.091m) - (9780.57N /m3)(.32m) + (132,925N/m3)(.039m) +

(9780.57N/m3)(.375m) - (9780.57N /m3)(.015m)Trial 1: PA-PB = 6,465.33N/m2
Trial 2: (9780.57N/m3)(.110m) - (9780.57N /m3)(.59m) + (132,925N/m3)(.035m) +
(9780.57N/m3)(.325m) - (9780.57N /m3)(.0315m)Trial 2: PA-PB = 2,828.30N/m2
Trial 3: (9780.57N/m3)(.158m) - (9780.57N/m3)(.315m) + (132,925N/m3)(.275m) +
(9780.57N/m3)(.32m) - (9780.57N/m3)(.028m)Trial 3: PA-PB = 37,874.75.36N/m2
Trial 4: (9780.57N/m3)(.332m) - (9780.57N/m3)(.322m) + (132,925N/m3)(.116m) +
(9780.57N/m3)(.39m) - (9780.57N/m3)(.082m)Trial 4: PA-PB = 18,529.52N/m2
Trial 5: (9780.57N/m3)(.32m) - (9780.57N/m3)(.322m) + (132,925N/m3)(.118m) +
(9780.57N/m3)(.37m) - (9780.57N)(.015m)Trial 5: PA-PB = 19,137.69N/m2

Question to Answer:
1. Give five instruments used in pressure and differential pressure
measurement and discuss the working principle of each.

 Barometer - device used to measure atmospheric pressure. Because

atmospheric pressure changes with distance above or below sea level, a
barometer can also be used to measure altitude. There are two main
types of barometers: mercury and aneroid.

 Piezometer or Pressure Tube – Piezometer is one of the simplest forms of

manometers. It can be used for measuring moderate pressures of liquids.
The setup of piezometer consists of a glass tube, inserted in the wall of a
vessel or of a pipe. The tube extends vertically upward to such a height
that liquid can freely rise in it without overflowing. The pressure at any
point in the liquid is indicated by the height of the liquid in the tube above
that point.

 Manometers – are precision instruments that are used to measure

pressure, which is the force exerted by a gas or liquid per unit surface
area owing to the effects of the weight of that gas or liquid from gravity.
Depending on the type and how they are configured, manometers can be
set-up to provide a measurement of different pressure values. A common
type of manometer with which most people are familiar is the one that
physicians and medical professionals use to measure and monitor a
patient’s blood pressure

 Bourdon Gauge - The Bourdon gauge consists of a tube bent into a coil or

an arc. As the pressure in the tube increases, the coil unwinds. A pointer
connected to the end of the tube can be attached to a lever and a pointer
calibrated to indicate pressure. It operates on the principle that, when
pressurized, a flattened tube tends to straighten or regain its circular form
in cross-section. The Bourdon tube comes in C, helical, and spiral shapes
—although most gauges employ the C shape, which is the type of
Bourdon pictured here.

 Diaphragm Pressure Gauge - The diaphragm pressure gauge consists of

a circular membrane, made from sheet metal of precise dimensions,
which can either be flat or corrugated. The diaphragm is mechanically
 connected to the transmission mechanism, which will amplify the small
deflections of the diaphragm, and transfer them to the pointer

2. In the setup shown below (Figure 4), find the height h of oil (SG = 0.85)
needed to develop 65-kPa pressure of air inside the tank. (At standard
temperature, γwater = 9.798 kN/mᶾ)

POIL= (9.798kN/m3)(.85)(.8m) = 6.66kN/m2

PTOTAL =PAIR+POIL
65kPa+6.66kPa; PTOTAL = 71.66kPa

PTOTAL = y(sg)(h) ; h = PTOTAL / (y)(sg)

h = 71.66kN/m2 / (9.798kN/m3)(.85)
h = 8.60m

Figure 4

3. The gage pressure at point A in the figure given below (Figure 5) is 85 kPa.
Calculate the pressure at point B considering the specific weight of water to
be
9.65kN/mᶾ.

PB = y(sgOIL)(hOIL) + y(sghg)(hhg) – y(sgWATER)(hwater) – PA

PB = y(sgOIL)(hOIL) + y(sghg)(hhg) – y(sgWATER)(hwater) – PA

Oil = (9.65kN/mᶾ)(.90)(1.15m) = 9.98kN/m2

Hg = (9.65kN/mᶾ)(13.62)(.90m) = 118.29kN/m2
Water = (9.65kN/mᶾ)(1)(2.10) = 20.27kN/m2
PA = 85kPa

PB = 9.98 + 118.29 – 20.27 – 85 = 23kPa

 Figure 5

Name: Rayo, Johnmark B. Date Performed: 04-22-2021

Day/Time: TH: 8am-11:30am

Laboratory Exercise No. 5

Calculation of Pressure and Pressure Differential

Using a U-Tube Manometer

PRELIMINARY DATA SHEET

TRIAL Specific Wt. of Specific Wt. Specific Wt. of

Water (N/mᶾ) of Air (N/mᶾ) Mercury (N/mᶾ)
1 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3
2 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3
3 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3
4 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3
5 9780.57N/m2 12.02N/m3 132,925N/m3

Height, Height, Height, Height, Height, Pressure PA, Differential

TRIAL h1 (m) h2(m) h3 (m) Δh (m) h4 (m) (N/m²) Pressure
PA - PB, (N/m²)
.095 .55 .32 .046 .3 6,854.70N/m2
1 ----------.0 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------.0
91 .32 .375 .039 15
2 .115 .58 .32 .045 .32 7,113.36N/m2
----------.1 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
10 .59 .325 .035 .0315
3 .7 .178 .46 .32 .076 45,628.80N/m2
----------.1 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
58 .315 .32 .275 .028
4 .332 .307 .38 .165 .319 24,459.70N/m2
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
.332 .322 .39 .116 .082
5 .285 .295 .323 .174 .31 26,682.84N/m2
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
.320 .322 .37 .118 .015