Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific

Research
Mustansiriyah University
College of Engineering
Water Resources Engineering Department
Fluid laboratory

Experiment 2
Calibration of Bourdon Gauge

By
Asst.Lectuer: Mohammed Abid Jameel
Fluid laboratory Calibration of Bourdon Gauge

1. Introduction:
Burden Gauge is a mechanical device, it is using to measure the gases
pressure which trapping in a given space or the fluid which passing through
the pipes, where, it measures the difference between absolute pressure and
atmospheric pressure. As a result of, much use for this device, some its parts
may be damaged, for this reason, we need to calibrate the device by the
calibration cylinder to ensure its measurement accuracy, then finding error
in the device, and correct the gauge reading.

2. Objectives:
1- To calibrate bourdon gauge device.

3. Theoretical background (equations):

F = m× g……... (1)
F= the force (weight) delivered by weights or piston (N)
m= mass of weights or piston (Kg)
g = acceleration to the gravity (9.81 m/s2)

Note: mass of piston: 1kg, weight of piston =9.81 N

Pactual = F / A……… (2)
Pactual= Actual pressure (N/ m2)
F= Total force (weight) delivered by weights and piston (N)
A= Cross-Sectional Area of force delivered (m2)
Note: Cross-sectional area = 333 mm2
Error = Pactual - Pgauge ……… (3)
Error = the error in device reading
Pactual= Actual pressure (N/ m2)
Pgauge =Gauge pressure (N/ m2)
Efficiency % = ( Pactual - Pgauge) / Pactual )×100……… (4)
Efficiency %= the percentage of the error or efficiency in device reading
4. Experimental Work:

4.1. Equipment and apparatus:

Bourdon pressure gauge is consisting essentially from: (Figure 1)
1- Thin-walled tube of oval cross-section, which is bent to a circular arc
encompassing approximately 270'. It is rigidly held at one end, when the

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Asst.Lectuer: Mohammed Abid Jameel
Fluid laboratory Calibration of Bourdon Gauge

pressure is admitted. The other end is free to move and is sealed. When
pressure is applied, the tube tends to straighten, so that the free end moves
slightly. This movement operates a mechanism which drives a pointer
round the graduated dial, the movement of the pointer being proportional
to the applied pressure.
2- A cylindrical piston, free to move vertically in a closely-fitting cylinder
(calibration cylinder), is loaded with known weights.
3- The space below the piston is filled with oil, and the pressure is
transmitted by the oil to the gauge under test through transparent plastic
tube.
4- Metal base for support the device.

Figure 1
4.2. Procedure:

1-The weight of the piston, and its cross-sectional area, should be noted.
2- To full the cylinder, the piston is removed, and oil is poured into the
Cylinder until it is full to the overflow level.
3- Any air trapped in the tube may be cleared by tilting and gently tapping
the apparatus. In point of fact. A small amount of air left in the system will
not affect the experiment, unless there is so much as to cause the piston to
bottom on the base of the cylinder.

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Asst.Lectuer: Mohammed Abid Jameel
Fluid laboratory Calibration of Bourdon Gauge

4- The piston is then replaced in the cylinder and allowed to settle. A spirit
level placed on the platform at the top of the pistol may be used to ensure
that the cylinder stands quite vertically.
5-Weights are now added in convenient increments, and at each increment
the pressure gauge leading is observed. A similar set of results is then taken
with decreasing weights. To guard against the piston sticking in the
cylinder, it is advisable to rotate the piston gently while the pressure gauge
is being read.

4.3. Data Sheet:

Ran mass of weights or piston (kg) Pgauge (N/ m2)

1
2
3

5. Calculations and Results:

For two case weights adding and weights decreasing, we find:
1- The force (weight) delivered by weights or piston (F) (N).
2-The actual pressure (Pactual) (N/ m2).
3- Calculate the error in device reading.
4- Calculate the percentage of the error or efficiency in device reading
(Efficiency %).
5- Draw diagrams between actual pressure and gauge pressure.
6- Draw diagrams between True pressure and the in device reading
(Efficiency %).

Ran The force (F) (Pactual) (N/ m2). Error Efficiency %

(N).
1
2
3

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Asst.Lectuer: Mohammed Abid Jameel
 Fluid laboratory Calibration of Bourdon Gauge

Effic % Pgauge

Pactual Pactual

6. Discussion:
1- Is there a difference between actual pressure and gauge pressure? Why?
2- Is the efficiency of the device good to use? Why?
3- What is the relationship between actual pressure and efficiency? Why?
4- What is the relationship between the error in device reading and
efficiency? Why?

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Asst.Lectuer: Mohammed Abid Jameel