DIOCAMPO, TRISTAN C.

BSME – 3E

Pressure is one of the fundamental physical quantities that plays a crucial role in various fields
such as physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology. Pressure measuring devices are used to
measure and monitor pressure in various systems. In this research, we will discuss different
types of pressure measuring devices, their working principle, applications, advantages, and
limitations.
1. Mercury Barometer: A mercury barometer is a device that is used to measure
atmospheric pressure. It consists of a glass tube filled with mercury and inverted into a
mercury-filled basin. The atmospheric pressure forces the mercury to rise in the tube,
creating a vacuum at the top. The height of the mercury column in the tube is a measure
of atmospheric pressure. The mercury barometer is accurate and reliable but is limited
to measuring only atmospheric pressure.

2. Bourdon Gauge: A Bourdon gauge is a mechanical pressure measuring device that uses a
curved tube to measure pressure. The tube is typically made of brass, and as the
pressure increases, it straightens out, and the movement is transferred to a pointer or a
dial that indicates the pressure. Bourdon gauges are widely used in industries and are
cost-effective, reliable, and accurate.
3. Diaphragm Gauge: A diaphragm gauge is a pressure measuring device that uses a flexible
diaphragm to measure pressure. The diaphragm is typically made of metal, and as the
pressure increases, it deforms, and the movement is transferred to a pointer or a dial
that indicates the pressure. Diaphragm gauges are used in applications where high
accuracy and low-pressure measurement are required.

4. Piezoelectric Pressure Sensors: A piezoelectric pressure sensor is an electronic device

that uses the piezoelectric effect to measure pressure. When pressure is applied to the
sensor, it generates an electrical charge proportional to the pressure applied.
Piezoelectric pressure sensors are highly sensitive, accurate, and have a wide range of
applications in industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.
5. Pressure Transducers: A pressure transducer is an electronic device used to measure
pressure and convert it into an electrical signal that can be used for further processing.
The transducer uses different techniques, such as piezoresistive, capacitive, or
piezoelectric, to measure pressure. The electrical signal is then amplified, filtered, and
converted into a digital signal. Pressure transducers are widely used in various
applications, including automotive, aerospace, and industrial pressure sensing.

6. Strain Gauge Pressure Sensors: A strain gauge pressure sensor is an electronic device
that measures pressure based on the change in resistance of a strain gauge. When
pressure is applied to the sensor, the strain gauge deforms, and the resistance changes.
The change in resistance is measured and converted to a pressure reading. Strain gauge
pressure sensors are widely used in industries and have high accuracy and reliability.
7. Capacitive Pressure Sensors: Capacitive pressure sensors are electronic devices that use
a change in capacitance to measure pressure. The sensor consists of two parallel plates,
one of which is flexible and deforms with pressure changes. As the distance between the
plate’s changes, the capacitance changes, which is measured and converted to a
pressure reading. Capacitive pressure sensors are highly sensitive, accurate, and are
used in various applications, including automotive and industrial pressure sensing.

8. Optical Pressure Sensors: Optical pressure sensors are electronic devices that use the
optical properties of materials to measure pressure. The sensor consists of a thin film
that changes its optical properties, such as refractive index or absorption, with pressure
changes. The change in optical properties is measured and converted to a pressure
reading. Optical pressure sensors have high accuracy and are used in various
applications, including aerospace and medical.
9. Manometer: A manometer is a simple device used to measure pressure based on the
difference in fluid heights in a U-shaped tube. The device consists of a U-shaped tube
partially filled with a liquid, and the pressure difference is determined by the difference
in the heights of the liquid columns in the two arms of the tube. Manometers are
inexpensive, easy to use, and are used for low-pressure measurements in various
applications, including HVAC systems and fluid mechanics.

10. Deadweight Tester: A deadweight tester is a highly accurate device used to calibrate
pressure sensors and gauges. The device consists of a piston-cylinder system, a set of
calibrated weights, and a pressure gauge. The weights are placed on the piston, and as
the pressure is applied, the weights generate a force that balances the pressure force.
The applied pressure is calculated from the weight and the known area of the piston.
Deadweight testers are highly accurate, but they are bulky and expensive.