Project Title: Marcet Boiler

Project Supervisor: Dr. Nor Ilia Anisa Aris

Name ID Signature

Daphne Hillary Yii Yen Sze 0352750 DY

Krishen A/L Thanasegaran 0353704 Krishen Thanasegaran

Yong Ka Chung 0353653

Due date: 29/9/22

Date of submission: 29/9/22

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Table of Contents

1.0 Abstract

1.1 Introduction

2.0 Methodology

2.1 Experimental Design

2.2 Apparatus

2.3 Methods

3.0 Procedure

4.0 Results & Discussion

5.0 Error Analysis

6.0 Conclusion & Recommendations - Casey

7.0 References
1.0 Abstract

This experiment was conducted using a Marcet Boiler to determine the relationship between the
pressure and temperature of saturated steam in equilibrium while also demonstrating the vapour
pressure curve. The Marcet Boiler comprises a pressure transducer, overflow valve, temperature
and pressure meter. During the experiment, the temperature of water was recorded for every 0.5
increment of gauge pressure in the boiler until it reaches the 4.5 bar. According to the results, the
temperature is directly proportional to the gauge pressure in the boiler. In terms of comparing the
measured slope to the calculated slope, the measured slope shows a higher reading. This may be
due to some systematic errors made in the experiment.

1.1 Introduction

Thermodynamics is the study of the exchange of heat and work between a system and its
surroundings when the system undergoes a process. Pressure and temperature, which both
fluctuate as a result of the process in the system, are two of the most significant thermodynamic
properties that are being examined in this experiment. Gases and vapors which are categorised as
thermodynamic substances are usually indicated as P-V-T substances.

The volume, pressure, and temperature of an ideal gas are all governed by the ideal gas law. Ideal
gas law was formed experimentally from Charles’ Law and Boyle’s Law. The ideal gas law
shows that:

𝑚𝑅𝑇
PV= 𝑀

Where,
P= Pressure, Pa
3
V= Specific volume, 𝑚 /kg
m= Mass of the gas, g
R= Gas constant
T= Absolute temperature, K
M= Molecular mass

An ideal gas obeys the equation of state while real gas, however, does not always obey the
equation of state. When energy is combined within water, the increase of movement between
molecules increases the number of molecules escaping from the surface until an equilibrium is
obtained. The equilibrium condition is determined by the pressure between the water surface and
the steam. When the pressure is low, molecules leave the water surface easily, resulting in lesser
energy required to achieve the state of equilibrium. The temperature where equilibrium is
attained at the given pressure is a process called saturated temperature. In contrast, the pressure
where equilibrium is attained at the given temperature is a process called saturated pressure.

When saturated steam is in equilibrium with water at all temperatures between atmospheric
pressure and 10 bars, the Marcet Boiler is utilised to analyse the relationship between the
pressure and temperature. Through calculation from the steam table, the theoretical values
𝑑𝑇
derived are compared to the measured value of the slope of the graph ( 𝑑𝑃 ) acquired from the
experimental results.

When a phase change occurs, given the two phases are in equilibrium, the Clapeyron relationship
relates the pressure, heat and expansion. The Clapeyron relationship states that:

Where,
𝑣𝑓 = Specific volume of water
𝑣𝑔 = Specific volume of steam
ℎ𝑓 = Enthalpy of water
ℎ𝑔 = Enthalpy of steam
ℎ𝑓𝑔 = Latent heat of vaporization = ℎ𝑔 - ℎ𝑓
T = Absolute temperature
P = Absolute pressure
2.0 Methodology
2.1 Experimental Design

A Pressure gauge

B Pressure transducer

C Overflow valve

D Pressure vessel

E Drain port

F Pressure relief valve

G Thermocouple

H Main switch

I Pressure meter

J Temperature meter

K Heater on/off switch

L Water inlet
2.2 Apparatus

The apparatus used were:

- Marcet Boiler

2.3 Methods

The apparatus was set up as shown in the figure above. The experiment is heavily based on a
Marcet Boiler which consists of a pressure gauge, a temperature meter, as well as a few other
important components that are used to measure the saturation temperature of water
corresponding to the pressure within the Marcet Boiler. In order to ensure that no air bubbles
were present in the apparatus while conducting the experiment, water was pumped into the
apparatus through the inlet valve until it overflowed out from the overflow valve. This
procedure’s main purpose is to remove any air bubbles present that may affect the equilibrium
measurement of water and steam within the apparatus. By doing this, we are able to minimise the
occurrence of systematic errors, allowing for more accurate data to be obtained. Also, both the
pressure and the temperature meters were calibrated to prevent the occurrences of zero error.
Once the system had finished warming up, the experiment was conducted by switching on the
heater button located on the apparatus. To maintain the pressure in the apparatus, the overflow
valve remained open throughout the experiment. Once the pressure reading on the pressure meter
reaches 0.5 bar, the temperature reading on the temperature meter was then recorded. The
temperature recording process was then done for every 0.5 bar increments until the apparatus
reached its maximum rated pressure of 9.5 bar. The recorded results were then inserted into the
table 4.1 below. Lastly, a graph of T against P, a graph of (dt/dp) against P and a graph of
(Tvg/hg) versus P were plotted.

3.0 Procedure

1) The LS-17002 Marcet Boiler Apparatus was set on a level floor. The castor wheel was
locked.
2) The 3 pin plug for the Marcet Boiler Apparatus was then plugged into a 240 V AC main
power supply. Said power supply was then turned on.
3) The mains switch located on the front control panel of the apparatus was switched on.
4) The inlet port of the apparatus was connected to the laboratory’s water supply.
5) The overflow outlet port of the apparatus was then connected to the laboratory’s drainage
system.
 6) Both the inlet and the overflow outlet ports were opened. The apparatus was filled with
water using the laboratory water supply until water overflowed from the overflow valve.
7) A temperature of 190℃ was set using the temperature controller located on the control
panel.
8) The ON/OFF switch on the apparatus was switched on. The water inside the apparatus
was allowed to heat up.
9) The overflow valve remained open to allow steam to be issued freely whilst the water
was boiling.
10) Once steam came out of the valve, said valve was quickly closed and the pressure was
tared to zero. The experiment was then started.
11) Both the temperature as well as the pressure readings were recorded at every 0.5 bar
increments. The values were then tabulated in a table below.
12) The instructions given in the calculation section were followed.

4.0 Results & Discussion

Pressure Absolute Temperature Temperature Measured Calculated

(Bar) pressure (°𝐶) (K) slope slope
(P/bar) 𝑑𝑇
( 𝑑𝑃 )
𝑇
( ℎ𝑣𝑔 )
𝑓𝑔

0.5 1.5 86.6 359.6 2.397

1.0 2.0 107.3 380.3 0.414 0.158

1.5 2.5 120.4 393.4 0.262 0.137

2.0 3.0 129.6 402.6 0.184 0.114

2.5 3.5 136.2 409.4 0.136 0.102

3.0 4.0 140.7 413.9 0.090 0.090

3.5 4.5 145.1 418.3 0.088 0.083

4.0 5.0 149.3 422.5 0.084 0.076

4.5 5.5 153.1 426.3 0.076 0.070

5.0 6.0 156.6 429.8 0.070 0.065

Table 4.1: Experimental Results
 Table 4.2: Steam Table

Calculation

To convert degree celsius, °𝐶 to Kelvin, K,

Take temperature of 107.3 °𝐶 at gage pressure of 1 bar,
107.3 °𝐶 + 273.15 = 380.45 K

To calculate measured slope (dT/dP),

At absolute pressure of 2.5 bar with temperature of 393.4 K,
𝑑𝑇 393.4 − 380.3
𝑑𝑃
= 2.5 − 2.0
 13.1
= 250−200
= 0.262 K/KPa

To find the temperature at 2.5 bar, use temperature from 2 bar and 3 bar.
Let the temperature of 2.5 bar = x

At 2.0 bar,
120.2 °𝐶 + 273.15 = 393.35 K

At 3.0 bar,
133.5 °𝐶 + 273.15 = 406.65 K

2.5 − 2.0 𝑥 − 393.35

2−3
= 393.35−406.65
-1(x - 393.35) = 0.5(393.35 - 406.65)
-x + 393.35 = -6.65
x = 400 K

To find the specific volume of steam at 2.5 bar,

Let the specific volume = v

2.5 − 2.0 𝑣 − 0.8856

2−3
= 0.8856 − 0.6057
3
v = 0.7456 𝑚 /kg

To find the latent heat of vaporization at 2.5 bar,

2.5 − 2.0 ℎ − 2202

2−3
= 2202 − 2164
h = 2183 kJ/kg

𝑇
To calculate the calculated slope ( ℎ𝑣𝑔 ) at 2.5 bar,
𝑓𝑔
𝑇𝑣𝑔 400 (0.7456)
ℎ𝑓𝑔
= 2183

3
= 0.137 K𝑚 /kJ

To calculate the percentage error, %

Find the error when the absolute pressure is 2.5 bar,

𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 − 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒

Percentage error = 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒
× 100%
0.262 − 0.137
= 0.262
× 100%
= 47.70%

Discussion

Graph 4.3: Plotted graph of Temperature against Absolute Pressure

 Graph 4.4: Plotted graph of Pressure against experimental measured slope

Graph 4.5: Plotted Graph of theoretical measured and calculated slopes against pressure
Graph 4.3 illustrates the relationship between temperature and pressure, which counts as this
experiment’s objective. It shows that with increasing the y-axis (temperature), x-axis (pressure)
increases, this indicates that both of them are at the same rate and directly proportional. Graph
4.4 is a simple comparison between the pressure and the recorded measured slope during the
experiment, and it seemed that with the pressure increasing steadily, the measured slope
increased up to approximately 7 then began decreasing gradually. Both have crossed when
pressure was at 2 bar and measured slope at 1.9 K/kpa, this proves the graph’s accuracy. A
uniform increase of pressure is as graph 4.5, while both theoretical measured and calculated
experienced the same trends, this is why the measured slope colour isn't much obscure. This also
indicates similar values as shown in the results table. Both start to increase, form a curve at
approximately 5 bar then steadily increase with pressure.

The behaviour of liquid and vapour performed in the marcet boiler can all be briefed in a concept
known as “Vapor pressure and Temperature”, where liquid is heated until reaching saturated
liquid phase where all the liquid is turned into vapor in a closed container which then is
converted to steam, so as the container is still closed, pressure increases, hence temperature
increases. Marcet boiler comes with many industrial applications including steam boiler,
industrial laundries, food steamers, and power plant boilers.

5.0 Error Analysis

Pressure, (bar) Measured slope Calculated slope Percentage of error
𝑑𝑇
( 𝑑𝑃 )
𝑇𝑣𝑔 (%)
(ℎ )
𝑓𝑔

1.5 2.397

2.0 0.414 0.158 61.84

2.5 0.262 0.137 47.70

3.0 0.184 0.114 38.04

3.5 0.136 0.102 25.00

4.0 0.090 0.090 0.00

4.5 0.088 0.083 5.68

5.0 0.084 0.076 9.52

5.5 0.076 0.070 7.89

6.0 0.070 0.065 7.14

Table 5.1: Percentage Error Table

Graph 5.2: Graph of Percentage Error, % against Absolute Pressure, bar

A few errors arose in conducting this experiment. The percentage error in this experiment ranges
from 0.00% - 61.84%. These errors are caused by the air in the boiler and the inaccurate reading
when performing the experiment. According to the graph, it can be deduced that the highest peak
of percentage error is 61.84% at 2 bar, whereas the lowest percentage error is 0.00% at 4 bar.

6.0 Conclusions & Recommendations

In conclusion, our experiment was successfully done because we achieved the objective of the
experiment. The relationship between the saturation temperature and pressure of water was
successfully determined. A Marcet Boiler was used for this experiment to observe the
temperature of water when the pressure in the boiler increases. According to Table 4.1, it was
established that the temperature of water increases as the gauge pressure in the boiler increases.
This proves that the gauge pressure is directly proportional to the temperature of water. The
experiment shows that the temperature is 359.6 K when the absolute pressure is 1.5 bar whereas
the temperature is 429.8 K when the absolute pressure is 5.0 bar. The highest percentage error is
61.84% at 2.0 bar, while the lowest percentage error is 0.00% at 4.0 bar.

The results from this experiment can show slight errors in a variety of ways. The first
recommendation is to identify and repair any boiler leaks. This will guarantee an accurate and
reliable reading is recorded when conducting the experiment. Next, it is recommended to run this
experiment with just distilled water. The goal is to prevent rusting and other damage which might
potentially shorten the boiler’s life span. The apparatus should also be cleaned inside out as to
ensure there are no impurities present to affect the results. Lastly, the apparatus should be wiped
dry from the inside out with a towel after emptying it to prevent rusting, ensuring that it can still
provide accurate results in the foreseeable future.

7.0 References
 References

Boles, M. A. (2019). Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach (Ninth ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Walker, S. F. (2018). Steam Boilers, Engines and Turbines. Forgotten Books.