TAB INSTRUMENTS

What is TAB?

Testing, adjusting and Balancing

What is TAB?
Testing, Adjusting and Balancing
Testing: It is the use of specialized and calibrated instruments to measure temperatures, pressures, rotational speeds, electrical characteristics, velocities and air and water quantities for an evaluations of equipment and system performance.

What is TAB?
Testing, Adjusting and Balancing
Adjusting: It is the final setting of balancing devices such as dampers and valves, adjusting fan speeds and pump impeller sizes, in addition to automatic control devices such as thermostats and pressure controllers to achieve maximum specified system performance and efficiency during normal conditions.

What is a TAB?
Testing, Adjusting and Balancing
Balancing: It is the methodical regulations of system fluid flows (air or water) through the use of acceptable procedures to achieve the desired or specified airflow or water flow.

Components of HVACR System

AIR SYSTEM

REFRIGERANT SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WATER SYSTEM

Need of Testing

AIR SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WATER SYSTEM

Measurement of Parameters
Volume Flow

AIR SYSTEM
Temperature

Pressure Velocity

Measurement of Parameters

Temperature

Volume Flow

Pressure

WATER SYSTEM

Measurement of Parameters
Speed
Voltage Frequency

Amperage

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Power Factor

Measurement of Parameters

Condenser Pressure & Temperature

REFRIGERANT SYSTEM

Evaporator Pressure & Temperature

Compressor RPM

Basis of Selection of Tab Instruments

Type Accuracy Precision Repeatability

Simplicity

Ruggedness

Air System: Instruments

U-tube Manometer Inclined Manometer

Pitot Tube

PRESSURE
Inclined Vertical Manometer Micro-manometer

Magnehelic manometer

Electronic manometer

Air System: Instruments

Laser Thermometer

Glass Stem Thermometer

TEMPERATURE

Electronic Type

Dial Type Thermometer

Air System: Instruments

Pitot Tube

VELOCITY

Air Capture Hood

Deflecting Vane Type Anemometer

Thermal Anemometer

Hydronic System: Instruments

PRESSURE

Mechanical Pressure Gauge

U-Tube Manometer

Electronic Pressure Sensors

Hydronic System: Instruments

Annular Flow Meter Venturi Meter

Volume Flow
Orifice Plate Pitot Tube

Calibrated Balancing Valve

Hydronic System: Instruments

Laser Thermometer

Glass Stem Thermometer

TEMPERATURE

Electronic Type

Dial Type Thermometer

PRESSURE MEASUREMENT IN AIR & HYDRONIC SYSTEMS

Pressure Measurement

Definition : Unit :

Force per unit area. atm., lbf/in2 (psi), bar, Pascal, N/m2

Pressure Measurement Atmospheric Pressure

Pressure exerted by the column of air (enveloping the earth) of height 80 Km or more at sea level when surrounding at 21.110C.
A = 1 cm2

Wt. = 1.033 kg

Height 80 Km
Sea level

Pressure Measurement

For every 300 m change in altitude from sea level, the atmospheric pressure varies by about 0.035 kg/cm2 or 0.03424 bar.

Atmospheric pressure varies with temperature, humidity, elevation above sea level and other conditions.

Pressure Measurement

Pascals Law: Equal pressure acts in all directions.

Pressure Measurement

Atmospheric pressure is measured by the mercury barometer.

The height of mercury column gives a measure of atmospheric pressure.

Pressure Measurement
Empty space (a vacuum) Barometric fluid Weight of Fluid in column Atmospheric pressure
Ht., ft Hg H2O Alcohol 2.49 34

Barometers
Mount Everest

Sea level

Sea level

On top of Mount Everest

Pressure Measurement

Absolute Pressure: It is also called true or total pressure of fluid. Unit: kg/cm2A, PSIA, bara, etc.

Pressure Measurement

Absolute Pressure:
It is also called true or total pressure of fluid. Unit: kg/cm2A, PSIA, bara, etc.

Pressure Measurement

Gauge Pressure Gauges are calibrated to zero at atmospheric pressure. Gauges viz. bourdon tube gage, manometer gives only difference between absolute pressure and atmospheric pressure.

Pressure Measurement

Gauge Pressure

+
Atmospheric Pressure Absolute Pressure

Types of Pressures
4 bar Static Pressure 3.8 bar

Total Pressure

Total Pressure = Static Pressure + Velocity Pressure

Pressures Reading

Absolute/Static Pressure:
True pressure of the system and its reading is always taken at required locations only on system.

Differential Pressure: Pressure loss/drop across the system/equipment.

Mechanical Pressure Gauge

Bourdon Tube Mechanical Pressure Gauge

Spiral Mechanical Pressure Gauge

Helical Mechanical Pressure Gauge

Helical Mechanical Pressure Gauge

Limitations : Pressure Gauge

Pressure gauges should be selected so the pressures to be measured fall in the middle two-thirds of the scale range. Gauge should not be exposed to pressures greater than or less than dial range. Pressures should be applied slowly to prevent severe strain and possible loss of accuracy of gauge.

Manometers

Liquid column hydrostatic instruments

A manometer is a pressure instrument used to read the low pressures and partial vacuums found in HVAC systems.

Manometers

Pressure is measured in terms of column of manometer fluid

Manometer Fluids

Precision

Specific Gravity

Manometer Fluids

Specific gravity of water : 1

Specific gravity of oil : 0.83

1 inch of water column

Height of oil column

: 1/0.83
: 1.20 inch

Manometer Fluids

Can I use the water manometer by replacing water by oil for more scalability ?

Manometer Fluids - Guideline

Water , Oil Mercury

= upto 36 inch w. g. = above 36 inch w. g.

Reading on Manometer - Guideline

Water, Oil, Alcohol

Mercury

Manometers - Types

1. Piezomanometer 2. U tube manometer

3. Inverted U- tube manometer

4. Inclined tube manometer 5. Inclined vertical manometer

Piezometer

PA = ghA PB = ghB

U - Tube Manometers

PA + fgh1 = mangh2 + Patm

U - Tube Manometers

fgha = mangh + fg(hb - h)

Modification Over U - Tube Manometers

Inclined Vertical U - Tube Manometers

Inclined U - Tube Manometers

Inclined U - Tube Manometers

Advantages with Manometer

1. They are very simple. 2. No calibration is required - the pressure can be calculated from first principles.

Drawbacks with Manometer

1. Slow response - only really useful for very slowly varying pressures - no use at all for fluctuating pressures;

2. For the "U" tube manometer two measurements

must be taken simultaneously to get the h value. This may be avoided by using a tube with a much larger cross-sectional area on one side of the manometer than the other.

Drawbacks with Manometer

3. It is often difficult to measure small variations in

pressure - a different manometric fluid may be

required - alternatively a sloping manometer may be employed; It cannot be used for very large pressures unless several manometers are connected in series. 4. For very accurate work the temperature and relationship between temperature and r must be known.

Limitations : Manometer
Manometer should be clean and used with correct fluid. Use collecting safety reservoirs on each side of a mercury manometer to prevent discharge of mercury into hydronic system, which can cause rapid deterioration of any copper it touches in the system. Should not be used for readings under one in. w. g. (250 Pa) of differential pressure.

Limitations : Vertical Inclined Manometer

Field calibration and leveling is required before each use. For extremely low pressures, a micro manometer or some other sensitive instrument should be used for maximum accuracy.

Micro-manometer

Electronic (digital) Manometer

Limitations : Micro-manometer (electronic)

Because some instruments utilize a time weighted average for each reading, it is difficult to measure pressures with pulsations.

Strain Gauge Based Pressure Cell

Optical Pressure Transducer

Magnehelic Differential Pressure Gage

Limitations : Magnehelic Pressure Gauge

Readings should be made in midrange of scale.

Should be "zeroed" and held in same position.

Should be checked against pressure source with each use. known

Pitot Tube

Pitot Tube

Pitot Tube

Limitations : Pitot Tube

Accuracy depends on uniformity of flow and completeness of duct traverse.

Pitot tube and tubing must be dry, clean and free of leaks and sharp bends or obstructions.

MEASUREMENT OF FLOW

Different Types of Flowmeters

Differential Pressure Flowmeters Variable Area Flowmeters Turbine and Vane Flowmeters Impeller Flowmeters Electromagnetic Flowmeters Ultrasonic Flowmeters Vortex Shedding Flowmeters Thermal Mass Flow Sensors Coriolis Effect Mass Flowmeters Drag Force Flowmeters

Differential Pressure Flowmeters

Differential Pressure Flowmeters: Orifice Plate

Differential Pressure Flowmeters: Orifice Plate

Differential Pressure Flowmeters: Orifice Plate

Advantages:

1. Simple and rugged.

2. Good accuracy.

3. Low cost.
4. No calibration or recalibration is required provided

calculations, tolerances and installation comply

with ISO 5167

Differential Pressure Flowmeters: Orifice Plate

Disadvantages: The orifice plate can buckle due to water hammer and can block in a system that is poorly designed or installed. The square edge of the orifice can erode over time, particularly if the steam is wet or dirty. Regular inspection and replacement is therefore necessary to Ensure reliability and accuracy. The installed length of an orifice plate flow metering system may be substantial; a minimum of 10 upstream and 5 downstream straight unobstructed pipe diameters may be Needed for accuracy.

Differential Pressure Flowmeters: Venturi Meter

Differential Pressure Flowmeters

Variable Area Flow Meter : Rotameter

Variable Area Flow Meter : Rotameter

Advantages
Linear output.

Turndown is approximately 10:1.

Simple and robust.

Pressure drop is minimal and fairly constant.

Low setup cost

Variable Area Flow Meter : Rotameter

Disadvantages: Moderate accuracy Not suitable low flow rate Vertical mounting Parallax error at higher flow rates, because the float is some distance away from the scale.

Transparent taper tubes limit pressure and

temperature.

Positive displacement Type :Oval Gear Meter

During operation, each gear rotation in the oval-gear meter traps a pocket of fluid between the gear and the outer chamber walls. A designated sensor counts the pockets of fluids passing from inlet to outlet, and correlates this value to a flowrate.

OVAL/LOBE

Positive displacement Type :Oval Gear Meter

Pros: 1. Low to medium initial set up cost 2. Can be used in viscous liquid flow Cons: 1. Higher maintenance cost than other non-obstructive flowmeters 2. High pressure drop due to its total obstruction on the flow path 3. Not suitable for low flow rate 4. Very low tolerance to suspension in flow 5. Gas (bubbles) in liquid could significantly decrease the accuracy

Axial Turbine Flowmeters

Turbine and Vane Flowmeters

Electromagnetic Flowmeters

Electromagnetic Flowmeters

Electromagnetic Flowmeters
Pros:

1. Minimum obstruction in the flow path yields

minimum pressure drop 2. Low maintenance cost because of no moving parts 3. High linearity 4. Two and multi beam models have higher accuracy

than other comparably priced flowmeters

5. Can be used in hazardous environments or measure corrosive or slurry fluid flow

Electromagnetic Flowmeters

Cons:

1. Requires electrical conductivity of fluid higher than 3 S/cm in most cases.

2. High initial cost

Ultrasonic Flowmeters

Two Types: Doppler meters & Time-of-travel (or transit) meters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Doppler Meters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Doppler Meters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Time-of-travel (or transit) meters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Time-of-travel (or transit) meters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Time-of-travel (or transit) meters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Time-of-travel (or transit) meters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Pros:

1. No obstruction in the flow path, no pressure drop

2. No moving parts, low maintenance cost 3. Multi-path models have higher accuracy for wider ranges of Reynolds number 4. Can be used in corrosive or slurry fluid flow

5. Portable models available for field analysis and

diagnosis

Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Cons: 1. Higher initial set up cost 2. Single path (one-beam) models may not be

suitable for flow velocities that vary over a wide

range of Reynolds number

Calorimetric Flowmeter

Calorimetric Flowmeter

Air Capture Hood

Limitations : Flow Measuring Hood

Flow measuring hoods should not be used where the discharge velocities of the terminal devices are excessive. Flow measuring hoods redirect the normal pattern of air diffusion which creates a slight, artificially imposed, pressure drop in the duct branch. Capture hood used should provide a uniform velocity profile at sensing grid or device.

Limitations : Flow Measuring Hood

Must be used in accordance with recommendations of equipment manufacturer.

VELOCITY MEASUREMENT

Velocity Measurement

Velocity measurement is carried out only in the air systems.

Air Capture Hood

Q = AV Where, Q = volume flow rate, cfm A = cross sectional area, ft V = Velocity, fpm

Rotating Vane Anemometer

LIMITATIONS : ANEMOMETER ROTATING VANE

(MECHANICAL AND ELECTRONIC)

Total inlet area of rotating vane must be in measured airflow. Correction factors may manufacturer data. apply, refer to

Deflecting Vane Type Anemometer

Q = V AK
Where,

Q = Airflow, cfm V = velocity, fpm AK = Correction factor

Hot Wire Anemometer

Hot Wire Anemometer

Pros:

1. Excellent spatial resolution 2. High frequency response

Cons: 1. High Cost 2. Needs frequent recalibration due to dust deposition 3. Fragile and needs clean flow 4. Should not be used in flammable or explosive atmosphere.

Pitot Tube

Pitot Tube: Rectangular Duct Traverses

1. Equal Area Method

Pitot Tube: Circular Duct Traverses

1. Equal Area Method

Pitot Tube: Circular Duct Traverses

2. Log-Tchebycheff method

Pitot Tube: Rectangular Duct Traverses

Determination of Volume Flow Rate

1. Taking reading for static pressure and total pressure 2. Finding Velocity Pressure for each traverse point.

3. Finding velocity for each pressure reading

Determination of Volume Flow Rate

3. Finding velocity for each pressure reading. V = (1.66 VP)1/2 where, VP = Velocity pressure, in. w.g. V = Velocity, fpm 4. Average out the velocity to find average air velocity. 5. Find Volume Flow rate of air Q=AV

Pitot Tube

Pitot Tube

Grid of Pitot Tube

Air Volume Flow : Calibrated Resistance

Temperature
It is an indication of the level of heat in a substance or level of thermal pressure of the substance. Or some says : It is an index of the average molecular velocity. It is intensive property.
250C 250C

Temperature

It is measured with the thermometer, thermocouples and non-contact devices. Fluids of low freezing temperatures and relatively constant coefficients of expansion are used in the thermometer. e.g. mercury, alcohol

Temperature
Temperature Scale It enables common basis for temperature measurements.

All temperature scales are based on the easily reproducible states.

e.g. ice point (00C) and steam point (1000C)

The temperature scales are based on the properties of substance.

Temperature

English System : Fahrenheit Scale

2120F

SI System: Celsius Scale

1000C

A lowest temperature Fahrenheit could be achieved with a mixture of ammonia chloride and snow.

32.020F 00F - 400F - 459.670F

0.010C -17.80C - 400C -2730C

Reference Point

Fahrenheit Scale

Celsius Scale

Temperature Scales
Comment Absolute zero Ice melts (at standard atmospheric) Avg. human body temperature Water boils ( at standard pressure Kelvin 0 273.15 273.16 (Ref.) 309.95 Celsius -273.15 0 0.01(Ref.) 36.8 Fahrenheit -459.67 32 Rankine 0 491.67

98.24

557.91

373.1339

99.9839

211.97102

671.64102

Normal human body temperature: 36.8 C 0.7 C, or 98.2 F 1.3 F

Temperature Difference, T:
1K 10C 1.8 R 1.8 F

Glass Tube Thermometers

A fluid of uniform coefficient of thermal expansion is preferred.

Limitations : Glass Tube Thermometers

Ambient conditions may measurement of fluid temperature.

impact

Glass tube thermometers require immersion in fluid or adequate test wells. Some applications prohibit use of instruments containing mercury within the work area.

DIAL THERMOMETERS

LIMITATIONS : DIAL THERMOMETERS

Ambient conditions may Impact measurement of fluid temperature.

Stem or bulb must be Immersed a sufficient distance in fluid to record accurate measurement.
Time lag of measurement Is relatively long.

Thermocouple

Temperature sensor Convert thermal potential difference into electric potential difference Cheap and interchangeable

Thermocouple: Principal of Operation

Thomas Johnson See beck: Thermoelectric effect

Wire A Reference Cold Junction, T1

Probe Point, T2
Wire B

Types of Thermocouple
Type Metal Temp. Range 0C Application

Chromel ( Ni + Cr) / Alumel (Ni +Al) Chromel / Constantan (Cu + Ni) Iron /Constantan Nicrosil (Ni+Cr+Si)/Nisil (Ni+Si) Platinum-Rhodium Platinum/Platinum with 7% Rhodium Platinum/Platinum with 10% Rhodium Copper/Constantan

- 200 to 1200

General purpose

E
J N

< 70
- 40 to 750 >1200

Cryogenic use
Old equipments High temperature applications High temperature application High cost Standard of calibration for melting of gold Magnetic field applications

Up to 1800 (Below 50 not recommended)

Up to 1600 Up to 1600 - 200 to 350

R S T

Non-contact Type Thermometer

Dual Laser InfraRed Thermometer

Single Laser InfraRed Thermometer

PSYCHROMETERS

LIMITATIONS : PSYCHROMETERS

Accurate wet bulb measurements require an air velocity between 1000 and 1500 fpm (5 to 7.5 m/s) across the wick, or a correction must be made.

Dirty or dry wicks will result in significant error.

Hygrometer

ELECTRONIC THERMO-HYGROMETER

LIMITATIONS : ELECTRONIC THERMO-HYGROMETER

Above 90% R.H. accuracy measurement is decreased due swelling of the sensing element.

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