FT 151 (Lab): Food Engineering II University of the Philippines Visayas

Second Semester, AY 2019-2020 SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

Experiment No. 1
PSYCHROMETRY

I. Objectives
1. To determine the wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures at selected locations using a sling
psychrometer.
2. To determine the other psychrometric properties of air using a psychrometric chart.
3. To identify the factors that influence the psychrometric properties of air.

II. Materials Needed

Sample/s Equipment/Tools
None 2 glass thermometers (0-100°C)
Masking tape
Cotton
String
Thread
Psychrometric chart

III. Procedure
1. Make a sling psychrometer. It contains two thermometers: one with a wet wick wrapped
around its base, and the other without. Make sure that the thermometer with the wet wick
protrudes and does not touch the bulb of the second thermometer (without a wick).
2. Securely and tightly fasten the two thermometers together using a masking tape. Make sure
that the thermometers will not spin off and break when whirled. Do not cover with tape the
range of 10-40°C.
3. Tie a string to the thermometers. The string should be of sufficient length such that you can
whirl the thermometers in the air by hand, thus creating an artificial draft, for a minute or so
until the “wet” thermometer equilibrates with its environment before readings are taken.
4. Take readings of the sling psychrometer in various locations. Record the dry bulb temperature
(DBT, without wick) and the wet bulb temperature (WBT, with wick). Ensure that the wick is
kept wet all the time. Replenish moisture at the beginning of each trial. Do not expose the
thermometer directly to the sun’s rays.
5. Perform three trials in each location and take the average.
6. From the psychrometric chart, read values for dew point temperature, relative humidity,
moisture content, enthalpy, and specific volume.

CAUTION:
 Avoid breakage of the thermometers.
 Be extra careful in whirling the thermometer and do this at a safe distance to avoid
hitting objects or other people
 Make sure that the thermometers are securely fastened.
 If breakage of the thermometer occurs and mercury is accidentally spilled, follow the
emergency response procedures described below.

Emergency Response to a Mercury Spill in the Laboratory*

1. Seal off the area until assistance arrives.
2. Small spills should be cleaned up immediately with an aspirator bulb, medicine dropper,
or a mercury sponge. Do not use household or shop vacuum cleaner.
3. Place the mercury in a container and seal it. Contaminated items (e.g. broken
thermometer, gloves, suction bulbs, etc.) should also be placed into the container.
FT 151 (Lab): Food Engineering II University of the Philippines Visayas
Second Semester, AY 2019-2020 SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

4. Once larger mercury droplets are removed, wash the surface with mercury neutralizing
solution such as 20% sodium sulfide or sodium thiosulfate.
5. If mercury has broken up into smaller globules, sprinkle with sulfur powder or commercial
product and leave for several hours before cleanup. Attempt to prevent the spread of
mercury outside of the contaminated area.
6. Dispose of all cleanup materials as hazardous waste. Waste must be properly packaged,
sealed, and labelled accordingly.
7. Report the incident to the Lab Committee using the Incident Report Form.
*Source: Mercury Spill Procedures. Retrieved 9 January 2020 from
https://ehs.utoronto.ca/report-an-incident/emergency-procedures/mercury-spill-
procedures/

IV. Results
1. Calculate the mean value and standard deviation of DBT and WBT in each location.
2. Tabulate results as follows:

DBT WBT DPT RH Moisture Content Enthalpy Specific Volume

Location
(°C) (°C) (°C) (%) (kg H20/kg D.A.) (kJ/kg D.A.) (m3/kg D.A.)
Main lobby
Wing A
parking
B208 (Food
Analytical Lab)

V. Discussion Guide
1. Why is it important that the wick be kept wet or saturated all of the time?
2. Why is there a need to avoid direct exposure of the thermometer to the sun?
3. Account for the differences, if any, on the psychrometric properties of air in different locations.
What do you think led to these differences?