EPS Mechanical Engineering 1

Heriot-Watt University
School of Engineering and Physical Science
Mechanical Engineering

Laboratory Experiment
Marcet Boiler

Contents

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
2 Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 1
3 Basic Theory ......................................................................................................................... 1
4 Equipment ............................................................................................................................. 3
5 Operational Notes ................................................................................................................. 4
6 Experimental Data Sheets .................................................................................................... 5
7 Analysis and Discussion ....................................................................................................... 6
8 Safety Note ........................................................................................................................... 6

1 Introduction

The SOLTEQ® Marcet Boiler (Model: HE169) is a bench top unit designed for the
demonstration of the basic principal in Thermodynamics studies which is the boiling
phenomenon. Students will be able to study the relationship between the pressure and
temperature of saturated steam in equilibrium with water. The saturation pressure curve can
be determined at the pressure within 10 bar (150 lb/in2).

2 Objectives

i) To demonstrate the relationship between the pressure and temperature of saturated

steam in equilibrium.
ii) To demonstrate of the vapour pressure curve.

3 Basic Theory

Marcet Boiler (Model: HE169) has been developed for investigating the relationship between
the pressure and temperature of saturated steam, in equilibrium with water, at all pressures
between atmospheric and 10 bar (abs) (150 lb/in²).

Thermodynamics is a branch of physics, which deals with the energy, and work of a system.
Thermodynamics deals only with the large-scale response of a system that we can observe
and measure in experiments. Small-scale gas interactions are described by the kinetic theory
of gasses, which is a compliment to thermodynamics.

An ideal gas can be characterized by three state variables: absolute pressure (P), volume (V),
and absolute temperature (T). The relationship between them may be deduced from kinetic
theory and is called the Ideal Gas law. The ideal gas law was originally determined empirically
and is simply.

PV=nRT

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Where,
P = Absolute pressure
V = Volume
n = Amount of substance (moles)
R = Ideal gas constant
T = Absolute temperature (K)

If a gas behaves exactly as the ideal gas laws would predict it to behave in terms of volume,
pressure, moles, and temperature, then the gas is said to be an ideal gas. On the other hand,
the gas deviates from Ideal Gas behavior, then the gas is said to be acting like a "real gas".

When energy increases within water, the increasing of activities among the molecules enables
the increase in the number of molecule escape from the surface until an equilibrium state is
reached. The state of equilibrium depends on the pressure between the water surface and
steam. At lower pressure, the molecules become easier leaving the water surface while less
energy required in achieving the state of equilibrium (boiling point). The temperature where
equilibrium occurs at a given pressure level is called saturated temperature.

The measured value of the slope of the graph (dT/dP) SAT obtained from the practical results
can be compared with corresponding values calculated from the data in steam tables.
Clausius-Clapeyron states:

 dT  Tv fg
  =
 dP  SAT hfg

 dT  T (v f − v g )
  =
 dP  SAT hf − h g

And hf + hfg = hg

Hence, hfg = hg - hf

 dT  T (v f − v g ) Tv g
  = =
 dP  SAT hfg hfg

As vg >> vf

in which,

vf = specific volume of saturated liquid

vg = specific volume of saturated vapor
hf = enthalpy of saturated liquid
hg = enthalpy of saturated vapor
hfg = latent heat of vaporization

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4 Equipment

2
7
8
3

10
5

Figure 1: Unit Construction for Marcet Boiler (Model: HE169)

1. Pressure Transducer 6. Bourdon Tube Pressure Gauge

2. Temperature Controller/Indicator 7. Pressure Relief Valve

3. Pressure Indicator 8. Temperature Sensor

4. Control Panel 9. Heater

5. Bench 10. Water Inlet Port

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5 Operational Notes

5.1 General Start-up Procedures

1. Perform a quick inspection to ensure that the unit is in proper operating condition.
2. Connect the unit to the nearest power supply.
3. Open the valves V1, V2, V3 and V4.
4. Fill up the boiler with distilled water through the water inlet port and ensure the water level
is at about half of the boiler’s height indicated by level sight tube. Then, close the valves,
V1, V2 and V4 while leave V3 at open position.
5. Turn on the power supply switch.
6. Now you are ready to carry on with the experiment.

5.2 General Shut-down Procedures

1. Switch off the heater and allow the boiler temperature to drop until room temperature.
Note:
Do not open the valve at the water inlet port as it is highly pressurized at high temperature.
2. Switch off the main switch and the main power supply.
3. Retain the distilled water for next use.
4. Drain the distilled water by opening V3, V1, V2 and V4 accordingly.

5.3 Experiment: The Fundamental Pressure-Temperature Relationship of

Saturated Steam in Equilibrium

Procedures:
1. Perform the general start-up procedures as described in Section 5.1.
2. If the boiler is initially filled with distilled water, open the valves V1 and V2 to check the
water level. Add in additional distilled water through water inlet port if necessary. Then,
close the valves V1, V 2 and V4 while open valve V3.
3. Set the temperature controller to 185.0 °C to boil the distilled water.

Important:

Always make sure that the valves at the level sight tube are closed before turning on
the heater as the level sight tube is not designed to withstand high pressure and
temperature.

4. Observe the steam temperature rise as the water boils.

5. Open valve V2 and V3 for about 30 seconds to allow the steam come out from the valve
V3. Then, close all the valves. This step is important to remove air from the boiler as the
accuracy of the experimental results will be significantly affected when air is present.
6. Record the steam temperature and pressure when the boiler is heated until the steam
pressure reaches 10.0 absolute bar (or 9.0 gauge bar).

Warning! Never open the valve when the boiler is heated as pressurized steam can
cause severe injury.

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7. Then, turn off the heater and the steam temperature and pressure will begin to drop. Start
to record steam temperature when the boiler is cooled until the steam pressure reaches
atmospheric pressure.
8. Allow the boiler cool down to room temperature before drain the distilled water from boiler.
9. Record the steam temperatures at different pressure readings when the boiler is heated
and cooled.

6 Experimental Data Sheets

Table 1: Pressure-Temperature Data

Pressure, P (bar) Temperature, T (°C)

Measured Calculated

Gauge Absolute Increase Decrease Average Average Slope, Slope,

(0C) (0C) Tavc (0C) Tavc (K) dT/dP Tvg/hfg

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7 Analysis and Discussions

7.1 Experiment: The Fundamental Pressure-Temperature Relationship of

Saturated Steam in Equilibrium
1. Complete experimental data sheet.
2. Plot the graph of temperature, T, against absolute pressure, P.
3. Measure/calculate the slope of the graph using certain points.
i. Note:
 dT  Tv fg
ii.   =
 dP  SAT h fg
 dT  Tv fg
iii. Plot   versus P and versus P on a same graph.
 dP SAT hfg

4. Why is it necessary to remove air from the boiler at the beginning of the experiment?
5. Compare the graph plotted from experiment data to that of the calculated data.
6. Discuss any discrepancy and sources of error of the experiment.
7. Discuss the liquid and vapor behavior observed through the experiment and list some
examples of its industrial applications.

8 Safety Notes

1. The unit must be operated under the supervision of trained personnel.

2. All operating instructions supplied with the unit must be carefully read and understood
before attempting to operate the unit.
3. Do not open the valves on the level sight tube when the vessel is in operation. The sight
tube is not design to withstand high pressure and high temperature.
4. Always check and rectify any leaks.
5. Always make sure that the boiler vessel is filled with sufficient water to cover the heater
element. Water level at half of the boiler’s height is sufficient to cover the heating element.
6. Do not touch the hot components of the unit. Be extremely careful when handling liquid at
high temperature.

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