4.1.3 PRESSURE SENSORS 4.1.3.

1 Manometers:

Manometer is the instrument for measuring the pressure of liquids and gases. Most gauges record the difference between the fluid pressure and Local atmospheric pressure. For small pressure differences, a U-tube manometer is used. It consists of a V-shaped tube with one end connected to the container and the other open to the atmosphere. Filled with a liquid, such as water, oil, or mercury, the difference in the liquid surface levels in the two manometer legs indicates the pressure difference from local atmospheric conditions.
4.1.3.2 BourdonGauge: For higher Pressure differences, a Bourdon gauge, name after the French Inventor Eugene Bourdon, is used. This consists of a hollow metal tube with an oval cross section, bent in the shape of a hook. One end of the tube closed, the other open and connected to the measurement region. If pressure (above local atmospheric pressure) is applied, the oval cross section will become circular, and at the same time the tube will straighten out slightly. The resulting motion of the closed end, proportional to the pressure, can then be measured via a pointer or needle connected to the end through a suitable linkage.

Fig 4.11 Types of pressure gauge

4.1.3.3 Diaphragm Gauge It consists of thin flexible diaphragm made of materials such as brass or bronze. A pointer is attached to the diaphragm, as shown in figure. The force of pressure against the effective area of the diaphragm causes a deflection of the diaphragm. The motion of the diaphragm operates an indicating or a recording type of instrument.

4.1.3.4 Bellows The bellows-type gauges are used for the measurement of absolute pressures. It is somewhat more sensitive than bourdon tube gauges. The bellows are made of an alloy which is ductile, has high strength and retains its properties over long use, i.e. has very little hysteresis effect. They are used in two forms. In one arrangement, pressure is applied to one side of the bellows and the resulting deflection is counter-balanced by a spring. This arrangement indicates the gauge pressure.

In

another

differential

arrangement

the

differential pressure is also indicated. In this device, one pressure is applied to the inside of one sealed bellow while the other pressure is applied to the inside Of another sealed bellow. By suitable linkage and calibration of the scale the pressure Pressure difference is indicated by pointer inlet on the scale.

4.1.3.5 Dead - Weight Piston Gauge Dead weight piston gauge is used for the measurement of higher steady pressure and for checking the elastic diaphragm of bourdon type gauge. In the practical form it is often used as a standard of pressure measurement. In this type of instrument, the force produced on a piston of known area is measured directly by the weight it will support. It consists of very accurately machined, bored and furnished piston which is inserted into a close-fitting cylinder. The cross-sectional areas of both the piston and cylinder are known. At the top of the piston platform is provided, a platform on which standard weight of known

Dead Weight Tester :

accuracy can be placed. An oil reservoir can be sucked by displacement pump on its upward stroke. First a known weight is placed on the platform and the fluid pressure is applied on the other end of the piston until enough force is developed to lift the piston weight combination and the piston floats freely within the cylinder between limit stops.