Measurement

Introduction
 Measurement

Measurement of a given quantity is essentially an act or result of

comparison between a quantity whose magnitude (amount) is
unknown, with a similar quantity whose magnitude is known, the
later quantity is called a standard.
Standard
(Known
quantity)

Measurand
(Unknown Process of comparison Result
quantity) (Numerical
(Measurement) Value)
Through the measurement what we do we obtain the property
of an object or system e.g. by tachometer we can measure
rotational speed of the motor.
➢Control of processes
A very useful application of instruments is in automatic
control systems. There has been a very strong association
between measurements and control.

Block diagram of a simple control system

In order that process variables like temperature, pressure,
humidity, etc. May be controlled, the prerequisite is that they
can be measured at the desired location in individual plants,
for example refrigeration system.
➢Experimental engineering analysis
For solution of engineering problems, theoretical and
experimental methods are available. Many applications
require application of both the methods. Experimental
engineering analysis has many uses some are listed below:
➢Testing and validation of theoretical predictions.
➢Formulations of generalized empirical relations in cases
where no theoretical backing exists.
➢For development in important spheres of study where
there is ample scope of study.
Significance of measurement
As science and technology move ahead, new phenomena and
relationships are discovered and these advances made new types
of measurements imperative.
New discoveries are not of much practical utility unless they are
backed by experimental results which require measurements.
Measurements no doubt confirm the validity of a hypothesis but
also add to its understanding.
The result is unending chain, which leads to new discoveries that
require more, new and sophisticated measurement techniques.
Science and technology are associated with sophisticated
methods of measurement.
Significance of measurement contd.
Measurement plays significant role in achieving goals and
objective of engineering because of feedback information
supplied by them.
Measurement is a vast field which embraces detection,
acquisition, control and analysis of data.
It involves the measurement of physical, electrical, mechanical
in every branch of scientific research and engineering processes
which include control systems, process instrumentation and data
reduction.
Methods of measurement:
Direct method
Indirect method
Direct methods: In these methods, unknown quantity (measurand) is
directly compared against a standard. The result is expressed as a
numerical value and a unit.
Direct methods are quite common for measurement of physical
quantities length, mass, time.
Indirect methods: In engineering applications measurement systems
are used. These measurement systems use indirect methods for
measurement purposes.
 A measurement system consists of transducing element which
converts the quantity to be measured into analogous signal. The
analogous signal then processed by some intermediate means
and is the fed to end devices which present the result of
measurement

Analogous
Measurand signal
Transduction Intermediate End
element means device

Display,
Convert measurand to Process the record
an analogous form signal control
 Measuring systems:
Measurements involve the use of instruments as physical means
of determining quantities or variables (unknown quantity). In
simple cases an instrument consists of a single unit which gives
an output reading or signal according to the unknown variable
(measurand) applied to it.
In more measurement situations, however a measuring
instrument consists of several separate elements.

Analogous
Measurand signal
Transduction Intermediate End
element means device

Display,
Convert measurand to Process the record
an analogous form signal control
Classification of measuring instruments
Measuring instruments are classified based upon the mode by
which they indicate any change in the quantity to be measured or
based on the source of power or by their function or by
construction.
A-classification based on standards (scale) used for measurement
1. Absolute instruments: These instruments give the magnitude
of the quantity under measurement in terms of physical
constants of the instrument, e.g. Tangent galvanometer.
Absolute instruments are seldom used except in standard
institutions.
2. Secondary instruments: These instruments so constructed
that the quantity being measured can only be measured by
observing the output indicated by instrument, e.g. Voltmeter,
pressure gauge etc. These instruments are calibrated by
comparison against absolute instruments are commonly used,
as they give direct readings.
Tangent Galvanometer gives the value of the current
according to the tangent of deflection angle Θ
A-classification based on standards (scale) used for measurement
1. Absolute instruments: These instruments give the magnitude of
the quantity under measurement in terms of physical constants
of the instrument, e.g., Tangent galvanometer. Absolute
instruments are seldom used except in standard institutions.
2. Secondary instruments: These instruments so constructed that
the quantity being measured can only be measured by observing
the output indicated by instrument, e.g., Voltmeter, pressure
gauge etc. These instruments are calibrated by comparison
against absolute instruments are commonly used, as they give
direct readings.
D-Classification based on construction
1. Self-contained: These instruments have all their parts in one
physical assembly, e.g. Mercury thermometer.
2. External construction: Some instruments have different
elements contained in different physical assemblies connected
by data transmission elements, e.g. RTD
E- Classification based on function
1. Indicating type: These instruments have calibrated scale and
pointer. Any change in the quantity to be measured is indicated
by a change in the pointer position on the scale. The scale has
calibration in terms of measured quantity, e.g. Mercury
thermometer.
2. Recording type: These instruments continuously make a
written record of the values of measured quantity against some
variable like time, e.g. If the furnace is cooled if these cooling
temperatures are sensed by recording type temperature
measuring instrument, then the plot or graph of furnace
temperature against time is produced by the instrument.
Manual Instrument Self operated
 External construction
Self-contained/Indicating type
 Generalised measurement system

Variable Variable
Primary sensing conversion manipulation
element element element

Digital display/
analog display/CRT Data Data
/Recorder/computer presentation transmission
/microprocessor element element

Data transmission element

Example: Spacecraft are physically separated from earth where the
control stations guiding their movement are located. Therefore , control
signals are sent from these stations to the spacecraft by telemetry system
using radio signals.
 Most measurement systems contain four functional elements:
1. Primary sensing element 2. Variable conversion and
manipulation element
3. Data transmission element 4. Data presentation element

Bourdon tube pressure gauge

Bourdon tube Lever +

gearing

Output Pointer and scale

 Bourdon tube pressure gauge

Displacement Amplified
Displacement

Pressure
Bourdon tube Lever + Pointer and scale
gearing
Primary Signal
sensing Data presentation Output
conditioning element
element element or
variable
manipulation
element
 Example of weighing machine
Data conversion
Amplified element
Weight milivolt voltage

Load cell Amplifier Analog to digital

converter
Primary sensing
Data
element manipulation
element Display

Data presentation
element