EXPERIMENT NO.

OBJECTIVE: To study the Mcleod gauge and dynamics of vacuum in a vessel being evacuated. AIM: 1) To plot the dynamic response of Mcleod gauge for different step input. 2) To find the time constant for Mcleod gauge. THEORY: Basic principle of Mcleod gauge is as follows. A known volume of gas is compressed to a smaller volume whose final value provides an indication of the applied pressure. The Mcleod gauge is operated as follows: The pressure to be measured (P1) is applied to the top of the reference column of the McLeod Gauge. The mercury level in the gauge is raised by operating the piston to fill the volume. When this is the case, the applied pressure fills the bulb and the capillary.Now again the piston is operated so that the mercury level in the gauge increases. When the mercury level reaches the cut-off point, a known volume of gas (V1) is trapped in the bulb and measuring capillary tube. The mercury level is further raised by operating the piston so the trapped gas in the bulb and measuring capillary tube are compressed. This is done until the mercury level reaches the Zero reference Point marked on the reference capillary. In this condition, the volume of the gas in the measuring capillary tube is read directly by a scale besides it. That is, the difference in height H of the measuring capillary and the reference capillary becomes a measure of the volume (V 2) and pressure (P 2) of the trapped gas. Now as area, V 1, height are known P 1 can be calculated as: P1= Ah2/(V1-Ah) Where: P1= pressure to be measured H= height of compressed gas in the measuring capillary tube A= area of tube V1= known volume of gas PROCEDURE: 1) Study the working principle and constructional details of the instrument. 2) Start the vacuum pump and observe the rise of mercury in the tube. 3) Note the level at some proper time intervals till the maximum vacuum has been achieved.

4) When the vacuum achieved has reached the maximum, the vent cock fitted to the vessel should be kept closed. 5) After steady state is attained open the vent cock approximately half way suddenly so that the vacuum starts falling very slowly. 6) Note the fall in vacuum in the vessel and inlet line before the inlet valve, as a function of time, till the new steady state is reached i.e. pressure ceases to vary. 7) Give the next step input by suddenly closing the vent cock and observe the change in pressure with time. 8) Repeat the same procedure by giving different step input. 9) Find the time constants in different conditions and compare them.

CALCUTATIONS: The calibration curve is plotted between Manometer gauge reading and Vacuum gauge reading as follows:

Calibration Data
80
70 Hg Gauge (cm Hg) 60 50

40
30 20 10

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

Vacuum Gauge (mm Hg)

The dynamic response for crack open condition (1/4th Step input): The step input given in this case from the graph is = 300 mm of Hg After one time constant the gauge reading will be 300*0.632= 189.6 mm of Hg From the graph the time constant of the McLeod gauge (time at 489.6 mm Hg while the graph is peaking) = 16 s When the valve is closed then after one time constant reading will be 300189.6 = 110.4 mm Hg

So again time constant in this condition (i.e. time at 410.4 mm Hg while graph is declining) = (78.6 - 38) s = 40.6 s

Dynamic response of Macleod Gauge at 1/4 step input

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
0 50 100 Time (s) 150 200 Vacuum Gauge (mm Hg)

The dynamic response for half open condition (step input =1/2) : The step input given in this case from the graph is = 500 mm of Hg After one time constant the gauge reading will be 500*0.632= 316 mm of Hg From the graph the time constant of the McLeod gauge (time at 466 mm Hg while the graph is peaking) = 20.6 s When the valve is closed then after one time constant reading will be 500-316 = 184 mm of Hg So again time constant in this condition (i.e. time at 334 mm Hg while graph is declining) = (103 83) s = 20 s

Dynamic response of MacLeod Gauge at 1/2 step input

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 0 50 100 150 200 Vacuum Gauge (mm Hg)

Time (s)

For open condition: The step input given in this case from the graph = 570 mm Hg After one time constant the gauge reading will be 570*0.632 = 360.24 mm Hg From the graph the time constant of the McLeod gauge (time at 440.24 mm Hg while the graph is peaking) = 22 s When the valve is closed then after one time constant reading will be 570360.24 = 209.76 mm Hg So again time constant in this condition (i.e. time at 289.76 mm Hg while graph is declining) = 69 - 57= 12 s

Dynamic response of Macleod Gauge at 3/4 Step input

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 0 20 40 60 Time (s) 80 100 120 Vacuum Gauge (mm Hg)

RESULT: 1. The dynamic response for different step input has been drawn. 2. The time constant for Mcleod gauge comes out to be = (16+40.6+20.6+20+22+12)/6 = 21.87 s

SOURCES OF ERROR: 1. The gas whose pressure is to be measured may not be completely obeying the Boyles law. 2. There may be human error. 3. There may be erroneous reading because of parallax.