Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal

Basic concepts of measurement

Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Definition
Measurement is the result of comparison
between the quantity (whose magnitude is
unknown) and a predefined standard.
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
basic requirements
Two basic requirements for the
measurement to be meaningful-
The standard used for comparison
purpose must be accuracy defined and
should be commonly accepted.
The apparatus used and method adopted
must be provable.
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
There are two major functions of all
branches of engineering-
Design of equipment and processes.
Proper operation and maintenance of
equipment and processes
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Instruments and their types
Measurement involves use of instruments as a
physical means of determining quantities or
variables. Hence, an instrument consist of a
unit which gives an output reading or signal
according to unknown variable (measurand )
applied to it.
Types
(i)Mechanical instruments
(ii)Electrical instrument
(iii)Electronic instrument
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Mechanical instruments-
Characteristics.
Reliable for static & stable condition.
Unable to respond rapidly to measurements of
dynamic & transient condition
Usually bulky, rigid and heavy.
Have large mass hence inertia prob.
Potential source of noise hence cause noise
pollution.
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Electrical instruments-
characteristics
More rapid than mechanical methods.
Depends on mechanical meter as indicator.
Have limited time (frequency) response
since mechanical movement has inertia.
Too slow for present day requirements
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Electronic Instruments- characteristics.
Response time is very less (less inertia).
Weak signals can be detected by using pre amplifiers.
Power amplification is possible by using electronic
amplifiers thus resulting in higher sensitivity.
Can be used for measuring non electrical quantities
Light, compact, reliable and low power consumption.
Can be used to obtain indication at a remote location which
helps in monitoring inaccessible or dangerous location.
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Advantages
Higher sensitivity
Faster response.
Greater flexibility.
Lower weight
Lower power consumption.
Higher degree of reliability.
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Functions of measurement systems
The instruments or measurement system can
be classified on the basis of functions they
perform.
Indicating - Speedometer, pressure gauge.
Recording - recorders on strip chart.
Controlling - control the original measured
quantity.
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Applications of measurement systems.
Instruments are used for different
applications and are categorized as
Monitoring of process and operations.
Control of process and operations.
Experimental engineering analysis.
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Monitoring functions
Involves the indication of value or condition of parameter
under study .
Examples
(1) Ammeter or voltmeter indicate value of current or
voltage being monitored at particular instant.
(2) Water or electric meters at homes keep track of
commodity used to compute he cost to be realized.
Lecture Notes by Namita Agarwal
Controlling functions
Control of process and operation .
In a process, variables like temp, pressure need to be
controlled then its required to measure them at
desired location in individual plants.
Example- Refrigeration system which involves
the use of thermostatic control.