EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

Tutorial 1

Part A: Instrument Characteristics

1. Describe measurement. Explain its importance in the field of engineering.

2. Describe and give an example of each measuring component:

(a) primary sensing element (b) transducer
(c) signal conditioning (d) display

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of null and deflection types of measuring instruments.
What are null types of instruments mainly used for and why?

4. The importance of digital measuring instruments is increasing. If you agree with this statement,
explain why.

5. What is the difference between accuracy and precision? How is the precision of an instrument
defined?

6. A tungsten resistance thermometer with a range of –270 to +1100 C has a quoted inaccuracy of
1.5% of full-scale reading. Determine the span of the thermometer and the relative measurement
error when it is reading a temperature of 950 C.

7. A batch of steel rods is manufactured to a nominal length of 5 meters with a quoted tolerance of
 2%. What is the longest and shortest length of rod to be expected in the batch?

8. A voltmeter whose accuracy is guaranteed to within  2% of its full-scale reading is used on its
0 – 50 V scale. The meter measured 2 voltage readings of 15 and 42 V. Calculate the percentage
error of each reading.

9. A 0- to 50-mA ammeter has a full-deflection accuracy of  0.5 percent. Between what limits may
the actual current be when the meter is connected to a 13-mA supply?

10. A temperature sensor has a range of 0 to 120°C and a maximum absolute error of ±3 °C. What is
its full-scale deflection (FSD) percent accuracy?

11. A flow velocity sensor has a range of 0 to 25 m/s and full-scale accuracy of ±4.5%. What is the
largest possible error of the sensor?

12. A digital thermometer with a temperature range of 129.9°C has an accuracy specification of ±1/2
of the least significant digit. What is its absolute accuracy, %FSD accuracy, and its resolution?

13. A level gauge has an accuracy of ± 0.5% FSD. If the range of the gauge is 10 to 100 m, find its:
(a) maximum error, and
(b) percent accuracy for level reading of 45 m.
 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

14. (a) Determine the range and span of the calibration data shown in the table below.
(b) Is the relationship between X and Y values linear? Justify your answer.

X (mm) Y (V) X (mm) Y (V)

0.5 0.4 10.0 15.8
1.0 1.0 20.0 36.4
2.0 2.3 50.0 110.1
5.0 6.9 100.0 253.2

15. A tungsten/5% rhenium–tungsten/26% rhenium thermocouple has an output emf as shown in the
following table when its hot (measuring) junction is at the temperatures shown.
a) Determine the sensitivity of measurement for the thermocouple in mV/C.
b) Is the relationship between X and Y values linear? Justify your answer.

C 250 500 750 1000

mV 4.37 8.74 13.11 17.48

16. The following resistance values of a platinum resistance thermometer were recorded at a range
of temperature.
a) Determine the measurement sensitivity of the instrument.
b) Formulate the linear relationship of temperature and resistance for the resistance thermometer.

Temperature in °C Resistance in Ω
200 305
225 310
250 315
300 325

17. The following temperature measurements were taken with an infrared thermometer that
produced biased measurements due to the instrument being out of calibration. Calculate the
bias in the measurements.

Values measured by uncalibrated Correct value of temperature (C)

instrument (C)
20 21.5
35 36.5
50 51.5
65 66.5
 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

18. (a) A pressure gauge is initially calibrated at a temperature of 20C and the gauge pointer
deflection readings, y, are obtained for various pressure input values x:

x (bar) 5 10 15 20 25 30
y (mm) 13.1 26.2 39.3 52.4 65.5 78.6

Determine the measurement sensitivity, expressed as the ratio of y / x.

(b) When the gauge is subsequently used for 18 months at a temperature of 50 C, the
input/output characteristic changes to the following:

x (bar) 5 10 15 20 25 30
y (mm) 14.7 29.4 44.1 58.8 73.5 88.2

Determine the new measurement sensitivity. Also, determine the sensitivity drift due to the
change in ambient temperature of 30 C.

19. A load cell is calibrated in an environment at a temperature of 21 C and has the following
deflection/load characteristic:

Load (kg) 0 50 100 150 200

Deflection (mm) 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

When used in an environment at 35 C, its characteristic changes to the following:

Load (kg) 0 50 100 150 200

Deflection (mm) 0.2 1.3 2.4 3.5 4.6

(a) Determine the load cell sensitivity at 21 and 35 C.

(b) Calculate zero drift and sensitivity drift at 35 C.
(c) Determine zero drift and sensitivity drift coefficients (in units of m/C and (m per kg)/(C).

20. A load cell is calibrated at a temperature of 20 °C and has the following deflection characteristics:
Load (kg) 0 1 2 3
Deflection (mm) 0 20 40 60

It is then used in an environment with temperature of 40 °C and the following deflection load
characteristic is measured:
Load (kg) 0 1 2 3
Deflection (mm) 4 26 48 70

Determine the zero drift and sensitivity drift per °C change in operating temperature.
 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

21. (a) A Venturi flowmeter is calibrated at laboratory condition of 25 C, producing results
shown in TABLE Q21a. Plot the results on a graph paper and calculate the sensitivity of
the flowmeter at 25 C.

TABLE Q21a - Flowmeter calibration at 25 C

3
Flow (m /s) 0 2 4 6 8 10
Current output (mA) 4.0 7.2 10.4 13.6 16.8 20.0

(b) The flowmeter is used in a water treatment plant at an average temperature of 35 C. After
6 months, the same test was conducted and the results are recorded in TABLE Q21b.

TABLE Q21b – Flowmeter test recorded outdoor (average 35 C)

3
Flow (m /s) 0 2 4 6 8 10
Current output (mA) 4.8 7.1 10.6 12.5 16.5 18.2

(i) Plot the results from TABLE Q21b on the same graph as part Q21(a) and determine
the new sensitivity of the flowmeter operating at 35 C.
(ii) Find the values of zero drift and sensitivity drift at 35 C.
(iii) Explain the significance of instrument sensitivity in measurement.

22. Prior to factory installation, a resistive pressure sensor is calibrated under room temperature of
25 C. The sensor is then installed in a chemical tank for 6 months and the average temperature
in that period is recorded at 35 C. The sensor is again tested in the chemical process tank
installation. Both calibration and test results are shown in TABLE Q22.

TABLE Q22
Gauge Pressure, P Calibration Results (25 C) Test Results (35 C)
(kPa) Resistance, R () Resistance, R ()
100 1008 1002
125 1017 1010
150 1026 1028
175 1035 1042
200 1044 1052
225 1053 1063
250 1062 1072
275 1071 1080
300 1080 1089

a) Determine the sensitivity of the pressure sensor at room temperature (25 C). Demonstrate
whether the relationship is linear or not.
b) Plot and compare the test results against the calibration values and determine the sensitivity
of the pressure sensor after 6 months in process tank operation.
c) Find the zero drift and sensitivity drift at 35 C. Comment on the changes exhibited by the
pressure sensor at 35 C.
 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

23. Schematic diagrams of the following measuring devices are shown below. Indicate the basic and
auxiliary functional elements of the devices mentioned for each device in the form of block
diagram
a) Diaphragm type liquid level gauge
b) Spring balance with electrical readout
c) Float operated fuel level gauge used in automobiles
d) Mechanical type of displacement measuring dial gauge
EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)
 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

Part B: Measurement Error and Uncertainty

24. Explain TWO differences between systematic and gross errors. What are the typical sources of
each type of error?

25. In what ways can the act of measurement cause a disturbance in the system being measured?

26. Ten measurements of current in a circuit branch produce values of 50.2, 50.6, 49.7, 51.1, 50.3,
49.9, 50.4, 49.6, 50.3 and 51.0 mA. Assume that random errors were present within 90%
probability from the mean, calculate the:
a) mean
b) standard deviation of the readings, and
c) probable error of the readings.

27. The following voltage values are listed on a data sheet as the values obtained from measuring a
certain voltage: 21.45, 21.74, 21.66, 19.07, 21.53 and 21.19 V. By examining the numbers,
calculate the
a) average value
b) standard deviation of the data
c) probable error.
If random errors are present within 90% probability from the mean, how does one treat the 19.07
value?

28. The following 10 measurements of the freezing point of aluminum (in C) were made using a
platinum/rhodium thermocouple:
658.2 659.8 661.7 662.1 659.3 660.5 657.9 662.4 659.6 662.2
Find (a) median, (b) mean, (c) standard deviation and (d) probable range of random errors within
95% confidence interval.

29. The following 25 measurements were taken of the thickness of steel (in mm) emerging from a
rolling mill:
3.97 3.99 4.04 4.00 3.98
4.03 4.00 3.98 3.99 3.96
4.02 3.99 4.01 3.97 4.02
3.99 3.95 4.03 4.01 4.05
3.98 4.00 4.04 3.98 4.02
Find: (a) mean,
(b) standard deviation
(c) probable range of random errors within 95% confidence interval.
If only random errors are present, how does one treat the smallest value?

30. The following measurements were taken with an analogue meter of current flowing in a circuit
(the circuit was in steady state and therefore, although measurements varied due to random errors,
the current flowing was actually constant):
21.5, 22.1, 21.3, 21.7, 22.0, 22.2, 21.8, 21.4, 21.9, 22.1 mA
Calculate mean value, deviations from the mean, and standard deviation.
 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

31. The following 10 measurements were made of output voltage from a high-gain amplifier
contaminated due to noise fluctuations:
1.53, 1.57, 1.54, 1.54, 1.50, 1.51, 1.55, 1.54, 1.56, 1.53 V
Determine the mean value and standard deviation. Estimate the accuracy to which the mean value
𝜎
is determined from these 10 measurements using standard error, 𝛼 = 𝑛.
√
If 1000 measurements were taken, instead of 10, but  remained the same, by how much would
the accuracy of the calculated mean value be improved?

32. In a calibration test, 10 measurements using a digital voltmeter have been made of the voltage of
a battery that is known to have a true voltage of 6.11 V. The readings are: 5.98, 6.05, 6.10, 6.06,
5.99, 5.96, 6.02, 6.09, 6.03, and 5.99 V. Estimate the systematic and maximum random errors
caused by the voltmeter.

33. A 4.5-volt DC power source required for a circuit is obtained by connecting three 1.5-volt
batteries in series. The error in the voltage output of each battery is specified as  1%. Calculate
(a) absolute maximum error and (b) likely percentage error in the resultant 4.5-volt power source.

34. 2 resistors are connected in a series circuit, each with a tolerance of:
R1 = 120   1.0%
R2 = 480   5.0%
Find the total resistance and its likely error.

35. To calculate heat absorbed through the cabin surface of a car, it is necessary to know the
temperature difference between the inside and outside surfaces. Temperatures of 35 and 29 C
are measured on the outer and inner surfaces of the cabin, respectively using mercury-in-glass
thermometers. Each thermometer has a range of 0 to +50 C and a quoted inaccuracy of  1%
of full-scale reading.
(a) Calculate the temperature difference between the outer and inner surfaces of the cabin and
its likely error.
(b) Discuss how using temperature sensors with a different measurement range may improve
measurement accuracy.

36. The power consumed by a car headlight is calculated by measuring its DC voltage drop and the
current flowing through it. If percentage errors in the measured voltage and current values are 
1.8 and  3.5% respectively, calculate the maximum error and likely error in power consumption
calculation.

37. The impedance of a carbon resistor is measured by applying a DC voltage across it and measuring
the current flowing through it. If the voltage and current values are measured as 15  0.1 V and
221  5 mA respectively, determine the range of impedance of the resistor.

38. The voltages at opposite ends of a 560 ,  5% resistor to ground are measured as V1 = 10 V and
V2 = 8 V. The maximum error for V1 is  0.5 V and the relative error for V2 is reported to be 
2% of the reading.
Determine the likely minimum and maximum value of current through the 560  resistor.
 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

39. A resistance box has the following components and corresponding tolerances:
10 resistors each of 100 kΩ ± 0.05%
10 resistors each of 10 kΩ ± 0.05%
10 resistors each of 1 kΩ ± 0.05%
10 resistors each of 100 Ω ± 0.1%
10 resistors each of 10 Ω ± 0.5%
Determine, both in Ohms and as a percentage, the limit of uncertainty for a combination of
resistors in series with a total resistance 453.72 kΩ.

40. The volume flow rate of a liquid is calculated by allowing the liquid to flow into a cylindrical
tank (stood on its flat end) and measuring the height of the liquid surface before and after the
liquid has flowed for 10 minutes. The volume collected after 10 minutes is given by

where h1, and h2 are the starting and finishing surface heights and d is the measured diameter of
the tank.
(a) If h1 = 2 m, h2 = 3 m and d = 5 m, calculate the volume flow rate in m3/min.
(b) If error in each measurement h1 , h2 and d is  1% of the reading, determine the likely error
in the calculated value of volume flow rate (assume negligible error in time measurement).

41. FIGURE Q41 shows a chemical process pipeline, surrounded with insulation material in order
to keep the product inside at a constant temperature and to avoid energy loss to the surrounding.
Two Type J thermocouples are used to monitor the temperature of the pipeline, T i and the

temperature of the outer insulation wall, To .

FIGURE Q41

Insulation
material Ti
Pipeline To

a) After the installation of the insulation layer, the outer temperature, To is monitored at 12

equally spaced points encircling the insulation wall. The set of data is shown in TABLE Q41.

(next page for TABLE Q41)

 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

TABLE Q41
To ,1 To , 2 To , 3 To , 4 To , 5 To , 6
158.2 C 157.9 C 158.0 C 158.4 C 160.2 C 159.5 C

To , 7 To ,8 To , 9 To ,10 To ,11 To ,12

157.2 C 159.7 C 157.9 C 158.5 C 156.9 C 160.0 C

(i) Calculate the average value and standard deviation of the temperature measurement.
(ii) Obtain the 95% probable range for the temperature measurement. Based on the probable
range, decide whether only random errors are present in measurement. Explain your
decision.
[Reproduced with permission from Shahrazad Nordin based on his 2018
industrial internship project.]

Numerical Answers for Selected Questions

6. 1370 C, ± 2.16%

7. [4.9, 5.1] m
8. ± 6.67%, ± 2.38%
9. [12.75, 13.25] mA
10. ± 2.5%
11. ± 1.125 m/s
12. ± 0.05°C , ± 0.038%, 0.1°C
13. (a) ± 0.45 m (b) ± 1 %
14. (a) X - range = [0.5, 100.0] mm, span = 99.5 mm
Y - range = [0.4, 253.2] V, span = 252.8 V
15. (a) 17.48 V / C
16. (a) 0.2  / C (b) R = (0.2T + 265) 
17. 1.5 C
18. (a) S20 = 2.62 mm/bar (b) S50 = 2.94 mm/bar, sensitivity drift = 0.011 (mm/bar) / C
19. (a) S21 = 20 µm/kg, S35 = 22 µm/kg (b) Zero drift = 200 µm, sensitivity drift = 2 µm/kg
(c) Zero drift coefficient = 14.3 µm/C, sensitivity drift coeff. = 0.14 (µm/kg)/C
20. Zero drift per C = 200 µm/C, sensitivity drift per C = 100 (µm/kg)/C
 EEB2053 Instrumentation and Measurement (Jan 2023)

21. (a) S = 1.6 mA / (m3/s)

(b) (i) Based on linear regression, S = 1.39 mA / (m3/s)
(ii) Zero drift = 0.8 mA, sensitivity drift = -0.21 mA / (m3/s)
22. (a) S = 0.36  / kPa
(b) Based on linear regression, S = 0.44  / kPa
(c) Based on linear regression, zero drift = -12.27  , sensitivity drift = 0.08  / kPa
23. (a)

(b)

26. (a) 50.3 mA (b) 0.5 mA (c) 50.3 ± 0.8 mA

27. (a) 21.11 V (b) 1.02 V (c) 21.11 ± 1.67 V
28. (a) 660.15 C (b) 660.37 C (c) 1.67 C (d) 660.37 ± 3.27 C
29. (a) 4.00 mm (b) 0.03 mm (c) 4.00 ± 0.05 mm
30. Mean = 21.8 mA, standard deviation = 0.316 mA

31. Mean = 1.54 V, standard deviation = 0.0211 V,  = 0.00668

32. Systematic error = -0.08 V, maximum random error = -0.067 V
33. (a) ± 45 mV (b) ± 0.58 %
34. 600  ± 24.0  or 600  ± 4.01 %
35. (a) 6 ± 0.05 C or 6 C ± 11.83 %
36. Maximum error = ± 5.3%, likely error = ± 3.9%
37. [66.27, 69.47] 
38. [2.62, 4.52] mA
39. Maximum uncertainty = ± 227.3 Ω or ± 0.05(01)%
Likely certainty = ± 100.6 Ω or ± 0.02(21)%
40. (a) 0.625 m3/min (b) ± 3.87%
41. (a) (i) 158.5 C, 1.1 C (ii) [156.4, 160.7] C