Module No.

10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

Page 1/12

UNITS IN THIS COURSE

Page 2/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

Page 3/12

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Para 2.0 2.1 2.2 COURSE OBJECTIVE INTRODUCTION THE BOURDON TUBE PRESSURE GAUGE 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.8.1 2.9 THE SPIRAL BOURDON TUBE THE HELICAL BOURDON TUBE Page 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 11 12

BELLOWS DIAPHRAGMS CAPSULES THE STRAIN GAUGE VIBRATING (RESONANT) WIRE ELECTRICAL PRESSURE SENSING METHODS THE PIEZO ELECTRIC EFFECT PRESSURE SWITCH

Page 4/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

2.0

COURSE OBJECTIVE

Page 5/12

The trainee will be able to demonstrate on understanding of the following pressure sensors. Bourdon Tube Bellows Diaphragm Capsules Strain gauge Vibrating wire Electrical Pressure switch

Page 6/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

2.1

INTRODUCTION

Page 7/12

The object of this unit is to describe the common devices used to measure pressure. 2.2 THE BOURDON TUBE PRESSURE GAUGE The Bourdon tube gauge is the most common pressure indicator in the petrochemical industry. It shows the pressure in a clear, simple way.

Figure 2.1 The Bourdon Gauge The diagram (see Figure 2.1 above shows a typical Bourdon gauge. It consists of the following parts: The Bourdon tube itself. This is a metal tube shaped like a "C". It has an oval cross sectional area. It is sealed at one end. The sealed end is free to move. A linkage and pinion to turn the pointer. A scale to indicate the pressure.

Operation When a pressure is applied to the inside of the tube it will try to straighten. The closed-end (the tip) will move and the linkage moves

Page 8/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

The pinion which moves the pointer. The movement of the pointer shows how much Page 9/12

pressure is applied to the Bourdon tube. Bourdon gauges come in all shapes and sizes and can measure from about 0-15 psig (0-1 bar) to 0-10,000 psig (0-700 bar) depending on the stiffness of the material used. There are also other types of bourdon tubes. spiral bourden tubes helical bourdon tubes

These perform the same function as the simple "C" type bourdon tube except that they provide more movement and are more accurate. 2.2.1 THE SPIRAL BOURDON TUBE

Figure 2-2 Spiral Bourdon Tube The diagram above (see Figure 2-2) shows a spiral Bourdon tube. It is used to indicate low pressures. When pressure is applied the spiral unwinds and the free end moves to indicate the pressure.

Page 10/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

2.2.2

THE HELICAL BOURDON TUBE

Page 11/12

Page 12/12

Page 13/12

Figure 2-3 Helical Bourdon Tube The diagram above (see Figure 2-3) shows a helical Bourdon tube. This is usually used to indicate high pressures. When pressure is applied the helix unwinds and the free end moves to indicate the pressure applied.

Page 14/12

Page 15/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

Page 16/12

Bellows are tubes with thin walls, made of brass, stainless steel, etc. The thin walls are corrugated. This improves their ability to expand and contract. When pressure is applied (either to the outside or the inside), the corrugated walls expand or contract. This movement is used to indicate pressure. Bellows units are used in various ways. The three most common methods are shown below:

Figure 2-4 Differential Bellows Unit (Foxboro)

Page 17/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

2.4

DIAPHRAGMS

Page 18/12

A diaphragm is a stiff corrugated disc which is flexible under pressure. A single diaphragm is often used as a seal to protect a gauge from corrosive liquids. A typical example is given below (see Figure 2-5).

Page 19/12

Page 20/12

Figure 2-5 Metallic Diaphragm Gauge Diaphragms are also used to make high pressure bellows (a diaphragm stack). A typical example is shown below (see Figure 2-6).

Figure 2-6 A Diaphragm Stack

Page 21/12

Page 22/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

2.5

CAPSULES

Page 23/12

2.6

THE STRAIN GAUGE Capsules are made of two diaphragms welded onto a metal ring and filled with a fluid. Different mechanical and electrical methods are used to show the differential pressure across the capsule. The diagram below (see Figure 2-7) shows a capsule used in a pneumatic differential pressure transmitter.

Figure 2-7 A Capsule The strain gauge is a resistor which has been deposited onto a flexible bar. As the bar is bent the resistor will change in length and thus its resistance. The changes in resistance are detected and electronically changed to a pressure signal. A strain gauge is shown below (see Figure 2-8). This method is used in electrical transmitters.

Page 24/12

Page 25/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

Page 26/12

Figure 2-8 Simplified Strain Gauge Capsule 2.7 VIBRATING (RESONANT) WIRE The vibrating wire is the operating method used in some pressure transmitters. The diagram below (see Figure 2-9) shows the basic construction.

Figure 2-9 The Vibrating Wire

Page 27/12

Page 28/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

Operation:

Page 29/12

The frequency of vibration of a wire depends on its tension. The tension of the vibrating wire is changed by the pressure applied to the diaphragm. The electronics unit vibrates the wire and measures the change in vibration frequency caused by pressure moving the diaphragm. The electronics unit changes the pressure applied to the diaphragm into an electrical output signal. 2.8 ELECTRICAL PRESSURE SENSING METHODS The old mechanical methods of detecting pressure are slowly being replaced by electrical methods. Electrical methods are more accurate and cheaper. The following gives a simple explanation of the principle involved. 2.8.1 THE PIEZO ELECTRIC EFFECT Certain crystals, such as quartz, produce a voltage across them when a pressure is applied. This voltage is simplified electronically and displayed digitally on a multimeter.

Page 30/12

Page 31/12

Module No. 10 : Process control instrumentation

Unit No. 2- Pressure measurement

Figure 2-10 The Piezo Electric Effect

Page 32/12

2.9

PRESSURE SWITCH Pressure switches are devices that open or close electrical circuits when they sense a pre-set pressure. The electrical circuits can then be used to open or close valves to relieve excess pressure in a system. The switches can be used to switch on pumps or compressors to maintain pressure in a system.

Page 33/12