Objectives

 To understand the pressure measurement techniques and its accuracy.

 To investigate the calibration system on pressure measurement unit.
 To differentiate absolute pressure and gauge pressure.
 To study on working principle of manometer and transmitter.
 To become familiar in handling the pressure measuring instrument in plant.
Summary

This experiment was conducted briefly with the purpose of understanding

pressure measurement and calibration system. It is important to analyze gas
pressure properties and differentiate between Gage pressure, where the reference is
atmospheric pressure (psig or kPa), Absolute pressure, where the reference is
complete vacuum (psia or kPa) and Differential pressure, which represents the
difference between two pressure levels. Calibration system is important in obtaining
accurate readings without any errors. It compares a measurement made by an
instrument being tested to that of a more accurate instrument to detect errors in the
instrument being tested. Errors are acceptable if they are within a permissible limit.
Manometer used to obtain pressure while transmitter used to convert pressure value
to electrical output correctly. In this experiment, seven Run carried out with different
suggested pressures and each measurement was taken twice to obtain average
values. Following the theory, the results shows that the gage pressure is always
lower than absolute pressure (gage pressure + vacuum pressure). This is due to the
pressure deviation that always exists throughout whole experiment. This is due to
factors such as sensitivity of instruments and leakage from connecters.
Introduction

Pressure is measured as a force per unit area. Pressure measurements are important
not only for the monitoring and control of pressure itself but also for measuring other
parameters, such as level and flow (through differential pressure). Pressure measurement is
one of the most common measurements made in process control. It is also one of the simplest
in terms of which measuring device to select. One of the key items to consider is the primary
element for example strain gage and the Bourdon tube. Primary-element materials should be
selected to provide sufficient immunity from the process fluids and at the same time the
required measured accuracy under the process conditions they will encounter.

Pressure-measuring instruments are really pressure transducers that convert the

pressure energy into a measurable mechanical or electrical energy. Pressure measurement is
always made with respect to a reference point. There are basically three types of pressure-
sensing configurations:

1. Gage pressure, where the reference is atmospheric pressure (psig or kPag)

2. Absolute pressure, where the reference is complete vacuum (psia or kPa)
3. Differential pressure, which represents the difference between two pressure levels (note
that gage pressure is a differential pressure between a value and atmospheric pressure, 14.7
psia)
Principle of Measurement

1) Pressure Sensor Device and Calibration

The manometer is based on the principle of hydrostatic pressure and on the

relationship between pressure and the corresponding displacement of a column of liquid. The
same principles apply to the U-tube, where the process pressure supports a column of liquid
of known density. The height of the liquid column is then read on a graduated scale. Pressure
applied to the surface of one leg causes a liquid elevation in the other leg. Generally, the
unknown pressure is applied to one leg and a reference pressure (typically atmospheric
pressure) to the other. The amount of elevation is read on a scale that is calibrated to read
directly in pressure units.

Calibration of control equipment is a key maintenance activity. It is needed to ensure

that the accuracy designed into the control system as a whole is maintained. Calibration is
performed in accordance with written procedures. It compares a measurement made by an
instrument being tested to that of a more accurate instrument to detect errors in the instrument
being tested. Errors are acceptable if they are within a permissible limit.

2) Transmitters

A typical pressure transmitter consists of two parts: the primary element and the
secondary element. The primary element (which includes the pressure sensor or pressure
element) converts the pressure into a mechanical or electrical value to be read by the
secondary element. It is the part that is most subject to failure since it faces the process
conditions. The secondary element is the transmitter’s electronics: basically, a transducer to
convert the output from the primary element into a readable signal such as 4-20 mA.
Typically, electronic-based sensors such as strain gages have a better response and a higher
accuracy than mechanical- based types such as Bourdons (which are still acceptable in many
applications).
 Results

Table 1: Pressure Measurement

Run I SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 SET 4 SET 5 Ave

Suggested Pressure, psig
A
  30 30 30 30 30 30
B Actual Gauge Pressure, psig 28.61 28.78 28.53 28.86 28.14 28.58
Gauge Pressure, psig
C
  28 28 28 28 28 28
Gauge Pressure, psig
D
  29.5 29.5 29.02 28.9 28.1 29.004
Absolute Pressure, psia
E
  44 44.1 44.2 43.7 42.5 43.7
Calculated Absolute Pressure,
F=B+14.70 psia
  43.31 43.48 43.23 43.56 42.84 43.284
At Pressure
G1=[B-C]
Gauge 0.61 0.78 0.53 0.86 0.14 0.584
Gauge Pressure
Deviation, psig At Pressure
G2=[B-D] Indicator,
P12 0.89 0.72 0.49 0.04 0.04 0.42
Absolute Pressure Deviation,
H=[F-E] psia
  0.69 0.62 0.97 0.14 0.34 0.416
 Run II SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 SET 4 SET 5 Ave
Suggested Pressure, psig
A
  25 25 25 25 25 25
Actual Gauge Pressure, psig
B
  24.83 24.36 24.56 24.48 24.38 24.52
Gauge Pressure, psig
C
  25 25 25 25 25 25
Gauge Pressure, psig
D
  24.9 24.4 24.7 24.7 24.4 24.62
Absolute Pressure, psia
E
  39.6 39 39.3 39.2 39.1 39.24
Calculated Absolute Pressure,
F=B+14.70 psia
  39.53 39.06 39.26 39.18 39.08 39.22
At Pressure
G1=[B-C]
Gauge 0.17 0.64 0.44 0.52 0.62 0.48
Gauge Pressure
At Pressure
Deviation, psig
G2=[B-D] Indicator,
P12 0.07 0.04 0.14 0.22 0.02 0.098
Absolute Pressure Deviation,
H=[F-E] psia
  0.07 0.06 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.018

Averag
Run III SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 SET 4 SET 5 e
Suggested Pressure, psig
A
  20 20 20 20 20 20
Actual Gauge Pressure, psig
B
  19.48 19.43 19.6 19.6 19.69 19.56
Gauge Pressure, psig
C
  20 20 20 20 20 20
Gauge Pressure, psig
D
  19.5 19.2 19.5 19.5 19.7 19.48
Absolute Pressure, psia
E
  34.3 34 34.1 34.3 34.2 34.18
Calculated Absolute Pressure,
F=B+14.70 psia
  34.18 34.13 34.3 34.3 34.39 34.26
At Pressure
G1=[B-C]
Gauge 0.52 0.57 0.4 0.4 0.31 0.44
Gauge Pressure
At Pressure
Deviation, psig
G2=[B-D] Indicator,
P12 0.02 0.23 0.1 0.1 0.01 0.08
Absolute Pressure Deviation,
H=[F-E] psia
  0.12 0.13 0.2 0 0.19 0.08
 Run IV SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 SET 4 SET 5 Ave
Suggested Pressure, psig
A
  15 15 15 15 15 15
Actual Gauge Pressure, psig
B
  15.12 15.13 15.13 15.12 15.12 15.12
Gauge Pressure, psig
C
  16 16 16 16 16 16
Gauge Pressure, psig
D
  14.5 14.5 14.2 14.15 14.13 14.296
Absolute Pressure, psia
E
  29.1 29.2 29.8 28.89 29.2 29.238
Calculated Absolute Pressure,
F=B+14.70 psia
  29.82 29.83 29.83 29.82 29.82 29.82
At Pressure
G1=[B-C]
Gauge 0.88 0.87 0.87 0.88 0.88 0.88
Gauge Pressure
At Pressure
Deviation, psig
G2=[B-D] Indicator,
P12 0.62 0.63 0.93 0.97 0.99 0.828
Absolute Pressure Deviation,
H=[F-E] psia
  0.72 0.63 0.03 0.93 0.62 0.586

Run V SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 SET 4 SET 5 Ave

Suggested Pressure, psig
A
  10 10 10 10 10 10
Actual Gauge Pressure, psig
B
  9.96 9.67 9.31 9.41 9.2 9.51
Gauge Pressure, psig
C
  10 10 10 10 10 10
Gauge Pressure, psig
D
  10.1 9.5 9.3 9.3 9.4 9.52
Absolute Pressure, psia
E
  24.4 24.1 24 24 24.2 24.14
Calculated Absolute Pressure,
F=B+14.70 psia
  24.66 24.37 24.01 24.11 23.9 24.21
At Pressure
G1=[B-C]
Gauge 0.04 0.33 0.69 0.59 0.8 0.49
Gauge Pressure
At Pressure
Deviation, psig
G2=[B-D] Indicator,
P12 0.14 0.17 0.01 0.11 0.2 0.01
Absolute Pressure Deviation,
H=[F-E] psia
  0.26 0.27 0.01 0.11 0.3 0.07
 Run VI SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 SET 4 SET 5 Ave
Suggested Pressure, psig
A
  5 5 5 5 5 5
Actual Gauge Pressure, psig
B
  5.37 4.92 4.8 4.66 4.72 4.89
Gauge Pressure, psig
C
  5 5 5 5 5 5
Gauge Pressure, psig
D
  5.3 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.74
Absolute Pressure, psia
E
  19.8 19.2 19.3 19.2 19.3 19.36
Calculated Absolute Pressure,
F=B+14.70 psia
  20.07 19.62 19.5 19.36 19.42 19.59
At Pressure
G1=[B-C]
Gauge 0.37 0.08 0.2 0.34 0.28 0.11
Gauge Pressure
At Pressure
Deviation, psig
G2=[B-D] Indicator,
P12 0.07 0.22 0.2 0.16 0.12 0.154
Absolute Pressure Deviation,
H=[F-E] psia
  0.27 0.42 0.2 0.16 0.12 0.234

Run VII SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 SET 4 SET 5 Ave

Suggested Pressure, psig
A
  0 0 0 0 0 0
Actual Gauge Pressure, psig
B
  0.36 0.33 0.35 0.28 0.28 0.32
Gauge Pressure, psig
C
  0 0 0 0 0 0
Gauge Pressure, psig
D
  0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.16
Absolute Pressure, psia
E
  14.8 15.1 14.8 15.1 14.8 14.92
Calculated Absolute Pressure,
F=B+14.70 psia
  15.06 15.03 15.05 14.98 14.98 15.02
At Pressure
G1=[B-C]
Gauge 0.36 0.33 0.35 0.28 0.28 0.32
Gauge Pressure
At Pressure
Deviation, psig
G2=[B-D] Indicator,
P12 0.36 0.13 0.15 0.08 0.08 0.16
Absolute Pressure Deviation,
H=[F-E] psia
  0.26 0.07 0.25 0.12 0.18 0.1
 Pressure Deviation Vs Suggested Pressure
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6 Gauge Pressure Deviation At
psia, Psig

0.5 Pressure Gauge, psig

At Pressure Indicator, P12
0.4 Absolute Pressure Deviation, psia
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Suggested Pressure, psig

Figure 1.

Discussion

Pressure measurement and calibration system is one of the most and main aspects at the
measurement system under process instrumentation. This experiment was conducted in order
to familiarize with the pressure measurement equipment and calibration process together with
pressure measurement tactics and calibration system with main concern on percentage error findings.
Absolute and gauge pressure is generally related related to pressure measurement. In this
experiment, pressure measurement skills were applied and calibration of the pressure system was
done by analyzing differential pressure or percentage of deviation between desired output and
calculated output results. The pressure gauge and pressure sensor/ indicator together with
digital manometer were used to measure the pressure. The pressure transmitter is used to
convert pressure into electrical output this can be clearly observe from this experiment where the
mechanical pressure in tank was transmitted to pressure indicator or in other word pressure transmitter
consist primary element (which includes the pressure sensor or pressure element) which
converts the pressure into a mechanical or electrical value that need to be read by the
secondary element.

For Experiment 1 (Measurement) the readings of pressure was measured at differ ent
gas pressure level by run and repeating each suggested pressure 5 times. T he experiment under
suggested pressure, psig of 30.00, 25.00, 20.00, 15.00, 10.00, 5.00, and 0.00 was performed.
The pressure was measured by taking into consideration the suggested pressure. The value of F is
calculated by adding the 14.70 psia, standard atmospheric pressure plus with actual gage
pressure. Experiment 1 shown that gauge pressure always smaller than absolute pressure
(gauge pressure + vacuum pressure). From Run 1 until Run 7, the result s that were obtained
clearly shows that the pressure reading not achieving suggested or desired pressure. There is no single
reading that would show zero pressure deviation even though the experiment was repeated for 5 times
each of the suggested pressure.

Base on the average results that have been collected from each run of the experiment, the
graph was constructed (Figure 1). The deviations shown by gauge pressure deviation, psig and
deviation of pressure indicator, P12 is higher, besides that, the absolute pressure deviation, psia
shows lower results. The graph shows fluctuation in the reading, however the lowest point achieved
by results from pressure indicator, P12 at suggested pressure 10 psig as low as 0.01 which close to the
zero. The highest point was achieved by gauge pressure deviation at suggested pressure 15 psig with
value of 0.876. The readings might have some error which caused by few factors. One of the main
factor is human error beside that sensitivity of the pressure measurement instrument also can
cause errors and decrease accuracy in the readings which is pressure meters and manometers.
Conclusion

This experiment was designed to investigate the relationship between gauge pressure,
absolute pressure, and diferential pressure. Pressure measurement and calibration system is
mainly studied in this experiment. Pressure measuring instrument like manometer and
transmitter which involve in converting physical to electrical output was plays great role in
measuring pressure. It is also proved that gauge pressure always lower than absolute pressure.
This experiment conducted in two way where Experiment 1 for pressure measurement and
Experiment 2 and 3 for calibration system. Experiment 1 shown that gauge pressure always
smaller than absolute pressure (gauge pressure + vaccum pressure). Eventhough, experiment
1 runs for seven time with pressure,psig 30.00, 25.00,20.00, 15.00, 10.00, 5.00 and 0.00 each
twice to obtain average result but there is always present deviations. Value of deviations quite
high. This due to some factors such as sensitivity of the pressure measuring instrument
(manometer in this experiment) and the leakage in connecters which not well fixed to gas
tank. As for Experiment 2 and 3, most of the percentage deviation is above the permissible
limits. Desired output values unable to achieved, which cause most of them fail except
calibration at 0.30/ 15.00 at 25.0% is pass for PT1 and for PT2 pass at 15.00 at 50.0% and
30.00 at 100.0% respectively. The lowest percentage deviation is 0.0625. This situation or
error occurred during pressing external hand pump to generate desired pressure. Constant
force have to applied to achieve the targeted pressure but unable to achieve due tired of
pressing for long period.
Recommendations

First of all, the system must be checked regularly to be in good condition where it
can use in future. Maintenance have to do on system if needed. Make sure the pressure
measuring instrument present in good condition with correct accuracy, because it will give
fault result if not checked well. There must be insulation made on the hand pump handle to
reduce the friction between handle and hand palm. This will prevent the hand palm from
getting injured and force can be applied continuously without tired fastly. Morever, makesure
that the readings becomes stable become record any measurements. Connecter from
manometer to gas tank must be in proper condition without any leakages.
Questions

1. State weather the pressure is higher/lower/equal at the bottom of a tank filled with a
gas than at the top.

The pressure at the bottom of the tank is equal to top of the tank because in a closed tank
gases properties is to fill in the space evenly.

2. Differentiate absolute pressure and gauge pressure.

Absolute pressure is zero-referenced against a perfect vacuum, so it is equal to gauge

pressure plus atmospheric pressure while gauge pressure is zero-referenced against ambient
air pressure, so it is equal to absolute pressure minus atmospheric pressure. Negative signs
are usually omitted.

3. If the contents of a tank holding 20m3 of gas are transferred to a tank with twice as
much volume and all other factors remain unchanged, what will happen to gas
pressure?

Volume is inversely proportional to pressure. Thus as the volume of the acquired spaces
increased, the pressure will decreased.

4. If the gas in a tank heated and all other factors remain unchanged, what will happen
to the gas pressure?

Temperature is proportional to pressure, thus as the temperature increases, the pressure will
also increases.

5. What is the pressure measuring instrument used in this plant?

Pressure transmitter and pressure indicator.

6) Discuss briefly the possible errors affecting the accuracy in pressure
measurement as observed in the experiment.
`

There are a few possible that can be point out from the experiment beside parallax
error while taking reading. The pressure device may not in good condition due to no
maintenance. The accuracy report should include all of the errors. Some ways to avoid error
are careful selection for standard of the type pressure, setting up the calibration equipment,
developing the calibration procedure, maintaining an audit chain of traceability to national
standard, providing proper maintenance for standards and equipment, analyzing calibration
data to ensure correct performance, establishing appropriate re-certification intervals.
References

1. Manometer Pressure,2014.Available from:

<http://www.efunda.com/formulae/fluids/manometer.cfm>. [ 30 April 2014].

2. Calibration, 2014 Available from: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calibration>. [30 April

2014]

3. Pressure measurement,2014 Available

from:<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure_measurement> . [30 April 2014]

4. Encyclopædia Britannica 2014, Pressure gauge, Available

from:<http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/475455/pressure-gauge>. [30 April
2014]
APPENDIXES