We know there are different kinds of pressure around us.
Pressure, in simple words, is described as
the physical force exerted on an object. We know that atmospheric pressure is measured using an
instrument called a barometer. In this article, let us learn how fluid pressure is measured with
respect to the Earth’s atmosphere using a device known as a manometer.
Table of Contents
Formula for Fluid Pressure
Manometer and Classification of Manometer
U-Tube Manometer
Enlarged-Leg Manometer
Well-Type Manometer
Inclined-Tube Manometer
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Formula for Fluid Pressure
Fluid pressure is given by the following equation: P = ρgh
Where,
P is the fluid pressure.
ρ is the density of the fluid.
g is the acceleration due to gravity.
h is the depth.
A manometer and Classification of Manometer
Manometer is a device that measures fluid pressure. Based on various criteria, manometers are
classified into different types. They are:
1. U-Tube Manometer
2. Enlarged-Leg Manometer
3. Well-Type Manometer
4. Inclined-Tube Manometer
U-Tube Manometer
U-tube manometer features a vertical or inclined U-tube column that is filled with a reference liquid
(mercury) to display the pressure level. When the columns of the device are exposed to
the atmosphere, the levels of liquid in the limbs are equal and this indicates the atmospheric
pressure. When one of the columns is connected to the pressure vessel, there will be a difference in
the level of the liquid in the limbs, which signifies the pressure of the liquid in the vessel.
A simple U-tube manometer is shown in the figure below. This type of manometer includes no
moving parts and requires no calibration.
From the figure above, we can see that, when pressure is applied to the left side of a U-tube
manometer, the left leg shows the lowering of liquid and the liquid rises in the right leg. The liquid
moves until the unit weight of the liquid balances the pressure. It is represented by the letter h.
Enlarged-Leg Manometer
In this type of manometer, the float is seen in the enlarged leg that is used for noting or indicating. In
an enlarged-leg manometer, two legs can be changed for changing the measurement span.