P. E.

S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5

Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

Practical No. 01
Aim: To determine pressure using various pressure measuring devices

APPARATUS USED:-

● Base Stand.
● Air Blower
● Mono block pump
● U-Tube Manometer
● Single limb Manometer
● Inclined Tube Manometer
● Inverted tube manometer
● Simple manometer
● Pressure gauge
● Venturimeter
● Water meter
● Orifice
● rotameter
THEORY:-

Pressure of a fluid is the normal force exerted by a fluid on a unit area. The pressure designated will
be either an absolute pressure or a gauge pressure. Absolute pressure is measured relative to a
perfect vacuum (absolute zero pressure), whereas gauge pressure is measured relative to the local
atmospheric pressure. Absolute pressures are positive, but gauge pressure can be either positive
(above atmospheric pressure) or negative (below atmospheric pressure) as shown in figure 1.

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 1 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

Figure 1: Graphical Representation of Gage & Absolute Pressure

PRESSURE MEASURING DEVICE:-

A) Dead weight piston gauge
B) Mechanical gauge

A) Dead weight piston gauge:-

i. This is the direct method for precise determination to of a piston steady pressure
measurement. The instrument consists of a piston & a cylinder of known area connected
to a fluid pressure on the piston equal to the pressure times the piston area. This force can
be balanced by weight fitted on the top of the vertical piston. This is the most accurate
device and used for precision and for calibrating other pressure gauge. The pressure of
liquid is balanced by known weight. Pressure in Kgf/cm2 or KN/m2

B) Mechanical gauge:-
i. By the help of spring or dead weight balanced the liquid column whose pressure is to be
measured. In gauge are the liquid exert the force on a movable diaphragm or piston,
which is the resisted by a spring of known valve. The intensity of pressure then would be
equal to the force F divided by the area a of the diaphragm or piston P =F/a

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 2 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

ii. They are suited for the measurement of high pressure when it is more then to
atmospheres. The most accurate and reliable region on the scale of mechanical gauge in
between 40% & 70% of the maximum may give direct pressure read ing, portability and
wider operating gauge.
iii. They can fairly accurate reading if properly calibrated.
1. Bourdon tube pressure gauge
2. Diaphragm pressure gauge
3. Dead weight pressure gauge

LIQUID MANOMETERS

i. Technically a manometer is any device used to measure pressure. However, the word
manometer is commonly used to mean a pressure sensor which detects pressure change by
means of liquid in a tube.
ii. Manometers are differential pressure sensors. A differential pressure sensor measures the
difference between a pressure being applied to it and a reference pressure (often
atmospheric pressure).
iii. Differential pressure is a comparison of one pressure to another. There are many forms of
flow meters. For flow in closed channels (such as pipes), the most commonly used, and
the devices we shall consider here, are:
a. U-tube manometer :-
● The U-tube manometer is somewhat self-descriptive. In its basic form it consists of a
clear glass or plastic tube shaped into the form of a 'U'.
● The tube is partially filled with a liquid, such as water, alcohol, or mercury (although
for safety reasons mercury is no longer commonly used).
● The lower the density of the liquid, the higher the sensitivity of the manometer. The
diagram opposite shows a basic U-tube manometer. Both ends of the tube are open,
and atmospheric pressure acts equally on the liquid through each end.
● Therefore the height of the liquid on each side of the U (in each limb) is equal. Now
we show the U-tube manometer with an unknown pressure P unknown applied to
one limb.

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 3 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

● The other limb of the tube is left as it was, that is, atmospheric pressure Patm is
maintained at its open end. The unknown pressure acts on the liquid in the tube,
forcing it down the limb it is applied to.
● Because the liquid is incompressible, it rises up the other limb. Hence the height of
the liquid on either side of the tube is no longer equal.
● The difference between the height of the liquid in each limb, h, is proportional to the
difference between the unknown pressure and atmospheric pressure.
● In a U-tube manometer, the difference between the unknown pressure and
atmospheric pressure is the gauge pressure. In a U-tube manometer,

Pgauge= Punknown- Patm = ρgh

where,
ρ is the density of the liquid in the tube, in kg m-3

INCLINED TUBE MANOMETER

● The inclined tube manometer is a differential pressure sensor more sensitive than the U-tube
manometer. Hence it is more suitable for use with smaller pressure measurements or where
greater accuracy is required. This diagram shows its basic design.
● One limb of the inclined tube manometer forms into a reservoir. The other limb of the
manometer is inclined at a known angle θ.
● The inclined limb is made from a transparent material such as glass or plastic. The reservoir is
usually made of plastic, but does not need to be transparent.
● The surface area of the fluid in the reservoir A1is much larger than the surface area of the fluid
in the inclined limb A2. Both limbs are open ended and so subject to atmospheric pressure.
● If an unknown pressure Punknown is applied to the reservoir limb, the change in height h1will be
relatively small compared to the change in height in the inclined limb h2.

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 4 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

Figure. 2 U tube manometer

Figure.3 Bourdon tube pressure gauge

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 5 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:

The Pressure measuring devices by different manometers is designed by Xtreme Solutions

for easy understanding of the calculations of pressure and flow rate. The Blower and foot pump acts
as a base unit offering wide-range of experiments in connection with hoses for measurement of
pressure and flow rates. The different speeds of blower can give the pressure head for that section.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION:

1. Base Stand: This is made up of CI square tubes & sheets. It is especially powder coated for
durability. All components are mounted on Base stand.

2. Air Blower: Versatile, reliable and lightweight with good service for long time with
adequate maintenance and care. The Blower is driven by motor.

3. Monoblock Pump: Self priming Monoset pump is versatile, reliable and lightweight with
good service for long time with adequate maintenance and care. The pump is driven by AC
motor. Make: Crompton Greaves.

4. Manometers: There are different types of manometers such as Single limb manometer,
Simple manometer, Inverted tube manometer, U-tube manometer and inclined tube
manometer for measuring the pressure head. By recording the difference in height in the
limb, the pressure in the line can be measured. Make: Jaipur manometer.

5. Orifice Plate: Orifice plate is used for measuring the air flow rate from the pipe. The air
flow rate can be measured from the difference in the manometer readings. The material
used for orifice is PVC for long lasting of Orifice.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
INSTALLING OF THE SYSTEM:-

1. Identify the parts of the system before installing:-

2. Place the structure on an equal, rigid, leveled surface.

3. Ensure that structure & supports are firmly assembled.

4. Connect the water supply hose to the inlet of the Sump Tank.

5. Ensure that all the connections and fittings are properly done so that there is no leakage in
the system.

6. Clean the inlet of the blower such that any impurities of air should not be entered into the
blower suction.

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 6 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

7. Position of the ball valves are in opened position before starting the system.

8. Before starting the system see that mercury in the manometer is filled up to 100ml for taking
readings of manometer.

Figure Apparatus for various Pressure measuring devices

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
After completing the installation of the System the procedure given below.

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 7 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

3) Check all the control valves are opened before starting the pump.
4) Switch on the supply to the system.
5) Start the blower and wait till the air flow rate gets steady.
6) Connect the Pu10 pipe from orifice tapping to one manometer and take down reading.
7) Once we take reading in one manometer then take out Pu10 pipe from that and insert in the
second manometer.
8) Take reading and note down in observation table.
9) Carry out same procedure for different manometer.
10)Once we take all reading stop the blower.
11)Connect pu10 pipe from venturimeter tapping to one of the manometer either u-tube
manometer and inverted tube manometer.
12)Start the hydraulic system i.e. centrifugal pump of the system.
13)Before taking any readings in manometer take out the air in the manometer by opening the
mini ball valve and giving back pressure by controlling the control valve after orifice meter.
14)Measure the difference in the manometer and time required for 100 ml water in measuring
tank.
15)Fellow same procedure for inverted tube manometer.
4) After completing the reading open the control valve of the line.
16)Calculate the results as per the calculation procedure.
17)Repeat the above procedure for different test modules.
OBSERVATION TABLE
PNEUMATIC SETUP:

ORIFICEMETER:

1. Diameter of main pipeline, D1= 25.4 mm

2. Diameter of throat section of Orifice plate, D2=10 mm
3. Specific gravity of Man metric liquid, S2= 0.81
4. Diameter of big limb for single limb/inclined manometer=12 mm
5. Diameter of small limb =4.5 mm

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 8 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

Type of Left Limb Right Limb

Position of valve
Manometer X1 X2

Simple manometer Fully open

Single limb
- Fully open
manometer

Inclined Tube
- Fully open
Manometer

Note: The scales of each manometer are calibrated as per their type which is mentioned on
the scale itself.

HYDRAULIC SETUP

ORIFICEMETER:

1. Diameter of main pipeline, D1= 25 mm

2. Diameter of throat section of Orifice meter, D2= 12.5 mm
3. Area of Cross-section of pipeline, A1=
4. Area of Cross-section of the throat section, A2=
5. Specific gravity of Man metric liquid, S2=13.6
6. Specific gravity of liquid flowing through pipeline,S1=1
7. Area of Measuring Tank, A=LXB=260 x 360

WATERMETER:

With the help of water meter we directly get discharge in digital form.

ROTAMETER:

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 9 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

With the help of rotameter we directly get discharge in LPH form.

Sr. Rise of water Time Head in Manometer Rotame

Qact
no Level mm sec Manometer type ter lph

1 50 Inverted tube

2 50 U tube

3 50 Bourdon

4 50 Water meter

CALCULATION PROCEDURE
PNEUMATIC SETUP:

As the scale on each manometer differs, the formulae for calculating hm will also differ and
are given as follows:

1. For U-tube Manometer:

hm=|X1-X2| mm of oil

2. For Inclined Tube Manometer:

The scale of this manometer is calibrated for angle of inclination.

hm= lsinθx(1+Δx)

where,

Δx = Factor for compensating deflection of oil level in larger limb.

l = Deflection in inclined limb in mm.

θ = Angle of inclination.

Since, Δx= = = = 0.14

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 10 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

hm=X1x(1+Δx) [Since the scale is calibrated sinθ is not required]

Thus, hm=X1x(1+0.14) mm of oil.

3. For Single Limb Manometer:

The scale of this manometer indicates difference in mm of water.

Therefore, hm= hw=X1x(1+Δx) mm of water.

Conversion of water column to pressure:-

1) Sp. Gravity of manometric fluid is 0.81

Hence,

ρa X ha = ρ m X hm

Therefore,

Ha = ρm X hm

ρa

ρm = 810 Kg/m3

ρa =1.225 Kg/m3

Ha = (810* hm)/ (1.225)

2) ρa X ha= ρw X hw

hw= ( ρa X Ha)/ ρw

1 mm of water = 9.81 X 10 ^-4 Bar

A= Area of Orifice at section = (3.14/4) X d2

= (3.1416/4) * 0.0102

=7.8539* 10-5 m2

Discharge (Q) = A X (2*g* Ha) 0.5

= 7.8539* 10-5 *(2*9.81*Ha)0.5 m3/sec

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 11 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

HYDRAULIC SETUP:

For diff. manometer,

Hw= ((S2/ S1)-1)*X hm

For inverted manometer,

We get Hw directly from manometer reading

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 12 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

Now,

1 mm of water = 9.81 X 10 ^-4 Bar

Qact = Volume / Time = m3/Sec

Qth= A1 * A2 X (2*g*Hw) 0.5 = m3/sec

[(A1)2-(A2)2]0.5

Cd = Qact / Qth

RESULT TABLE
PNEUMATIC SETUP:

Pressure
Sr. No Type Q m3/sec
Bar
1 Simple Manometer
2 Single Limb

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 13 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

Manometer
Inclined Tube
3
Manometer

HYDRAULIC SETUP:

Pressure
Sr. No Type Q act
Bar
Differential
1
Manometer
Inverted tube
2
Manometer
Pressure gauge
3
reading
4 Water meter
5 Rotameter

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 14 | Page

 P. E. S’s MODERN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SHIVAJINAGAR PUNE-5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SE Mechanical Subject-Fluid Mechanics

Note: Result are calculated for fully open valve.

PRECAUTIONS

● Use electric supply: Regulated 230 V AC, 50 Hz, 5 Amp with Neutral & proper ear thing.
● Do not start the electric supply without ensuring proper wiring is done.
● Ensure the fittings have been done properly so that there should not be leakage problem.
● Clean the equipment before & after the experiment with dry cloths.
● Do not give sudden back pressure because it damages the rotameter.
● Perform only one test at a time either hydraulic or pneumatic.

A.Y. 2016-17 SEM:- II 15 | Page