Experiment No.

1
Pressure Measurement

Objective:
To calibrate bourdon tube pressure gauges by using deadweight tester.
Theory:
Pressure is the force per unit area. The direction of the force must be perpendicular to the
plane of the area in question. The main concern of this experiment is to determine a pressure that
is above or belowthan the atmospheric pressure. This can be done by using pressure gauges.
Pressure above the atmospheric are considered positive and those below are negative. Absolute
pressure is equal to the algebraic sum of the gage pressure and the atmospheric pressure.
Primary gages are used from a not to over 15 psi above atmospheric pressure. Secondary
gages are for higher pressure. A pressure gage can be calibrated by any of the following
methods:
1. Comparison primary gage
2. Comparison with a secondary gage which had been calibrated
3. Using a deadweight tester provides a means of appying an adjustable known pressure
to the gage. It primary consist of piston, a plunger, cylinder and passage oil. Weights are
placed on the piston and the pressure created will be transferred through the compresible
oil. The float of the piston can be regislated by the plunger. The gage should indicate a
pressure equal to the force setting on the piston divide the cross-sectional area on the
piston.
Apparatus:
Material:
Procedure:
Questions:
1. Draw a typical pressure gage and explain the principle of operation
2. What is a barometer?
3. How are gages calibrated?
4. What is a Hysteresis loop?
5. Explain with illustrations how the following works:
a. Aneroid barometer
b. Mercury barometer
c. Draft gage
d. Micromanometer
e. Diaphragm gauge
Discussion:
Conclusion:
Reference: