Dead Weight Tester

DEAD WEIGHT TESTER
Basic Principle: The dead weight tester operates based on Pascal's law, which states that a
change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to all portions of
the fluid and to the walls of its container.
Components of a Dead Weight Tester:
Piston-Cylinder Assembly: This is a crucial component of the dead weight tester. It consists of
a precision-machined cylinder and a piston that fits snugly inside the cylinder. The piston is
free to move up and down within the cylinder.
Calibrated Weights: A set of accurately calibrated weights is placed on top of the piston. These
weights generate a known downward force on the piston.
Fluid Medium: The space beneath the piston within the cylinder is filled with an
incompressible fluid, usually oil. This fluid transmits the force applied by the weights uniformly
in all directions, following Pascal's law.
Device Under Test (DUT): The pressure measuring device that needs calibration, such as a
pressure gauge, transducer, or transmitter, is connected to the dead weight tester. The DUT is
exposed to the pressure generated by the dead weight assembly.
Operating Procedure:
Setup: The dead weight tester is set up on a stable surface, and the DUT is connected to it.
The fluid-filled cylinder is positioned vertically, and the piston is initially at the bottom of the
cylinder.
Initial Equilibrium: When the piston is at the bottom, the fluid pressure above and below it is
equal. The DUT is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
Applying Force: The calibrated weights are carefully stacked on top of the piston. As the
weights exert a downward force on the piston, the piston begins to move upwards.
Pressure Generation: As the piston rises, it compresses the fluid beneath it. According to
Pascal's law, this compression leads to the transmission of the force to all portions of the fluid
and to the walls of the cylinder. The DUT is also exposed to the same pressure.
Pressure Equilibrium: Eventually, the upward force exerted by the weights is balanced by the
pressure generated in the fluid. The piston comes to rest when the pressure above and below
it is equal.
Pressure Measurement: The pressure generated in the fluid is directly related to the weight
applied to the piston and the effective area of the piston. This relationship is given by the
formula:
Pressure = (Weight / Piston Area)
Calibration: By adjusting the calibrated weights, the dead weight tester can be used to
generate specific pressures. The DUT's response to these known pressures is then compared
to the expected readings, allowing calibration and adjustment of the DUT.
Advantages and Limitations:
Advantages: Dead weight testers are known for their exceptional accuracy and precision. They
provide a reliable and traceable standard for pressure calibration. They are not affected by
temperature changes or electrical interference, making them ideal for critical applications.
Limitations: Dead weight testers are relatively bulky and heavy, making them less portable.
The calibration process can be time-consuming due to the need to adjust weights precisely.
Maintenance and periodic recalibration of the dead weight tester itself are essential to
maintain accuracy.
MCLEOD GUAGE
The McLeod gauge, also known as the McLeod vacuum gauge, is a type of pressure
measurement device that operates on the principle of gas expansion. It is used to measure
pressures in the high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum ranges. The McLeod gauge is based on
Boyle's law, which states that the volume of a gas at a constant temperature is inversely
proportional to its pressure.
Here's a detailed explanation of how the McLeod gauge works:
Basic Principle:
The McLeod gauge measures the pressure of a gas by isolating a known volume of the gas in
a closed system and measuring the volume it occupies under standard conditions. By
comparing the known volume to the expanded volume of the gas at the given pressure, the
pressure of the gas can be determined.
Components of a McLeod Gauge:
U-Tube Reservoir: The McLeod gauge typically consists of a glass U-tube reservoir connected
to the system under test. One side of the U-tube contains mercury (or another suitable liquid)
while the other side is evacuated to the vacuum.
Capillary Tube: A capillary tube connects the vacuum system to the U-tube. This allows gas to
flow between the system and the reservoir.
Expansion Bulb: A larger bulb-like chamber is connected to the capillary tube and acts as the
expansion chamber. This chamber contains a known volume of gas under test.
Manometer: A manometer, often a mercury manometer, is connected to the U-tube to
measure the difference in mercury levels between the two sides of the U-tube.
Temperature Control: To ensure accurate measurements, the temperature of the gas and the
entire gauge assembly is controlled to remain constant.
Working Principle:
The McLeod gauge is connected to the vacuum system, and the gas from the vacuum system
is allowed to enter the expansion bulb through the capillary tube.
The gas pressure inside the expansion bulb is reduced to the pressure of interest, causing the
gas to expand and push mercury down in the U-tube. The mercury level in the U-tube reaches
equilibrium, indicating the pressure of the gas.
The difference in mercury levels in the U-tube is measured using the manometer, which gives
the volume of the gas in the expansion bulb under standard conditions (known volume).
The ideal gas law (PV = nRT) is then used to relate the known volume, pressure, and
temperature of the gas to determine the pressure of the gas under test.
Advantages: McLeod gauges are capable of measuring pressures in the high vacuum and ultra-
high vacuum ranges. They offer good accuracy and precision for these pressure ranges.
Limitations: McLeod gauges require careful calibration and accurate temperature control to
ensure accurate measurements. They are relatively delicate and can be affected by variations
in temperature and gas composition. Additionally, the use of mercury in the gauge poses
environmental and health concerns.
PIEZORESISTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR
A piezoresistive pressure sensor is a type of pressure sensor that uses the

principle of piezoresistivity to measure changes in electrical resistance caused by
mechanical deformation due to applied pressure. These sensors are widely used
in various applications, including automotive, industrial, medical, and consumer
electronics, to accurately and efficiently measure pressure.
Here's a detailed explanation of how a piezoresistive pressure sensor works:
Basic Principle of Piezoresistivity:
Piezoresistivity refers to the property of certain materials that causes their
electrical resistance to change when subjected to mechanical stress or strain. In
the case of a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a diaphragm or membrane made
from a piezoresistive material is used. When pressure is applied to the
diaphragm, it deforms, causing a change in the electrical resistance of the
material.
Construction and Components:
Diaphragm: The core component of a piezoresistive pressure sensor is the
diaphragm or membrane. It is usually made from a piezoresistive material, such
as silicon or polysilicon, that exhibits significant changes in resistance when
subjected to mechanical stress.
Strain Gauges: On the surface of the diaphragm, several strain gauges (resistors)
are attached in a specific pattern. These strain gauges are fabricated using thin-
film deposition or other microfabrication techniques.
Bridge Circuit: The strain gauges are usually arranged in a Wheatstone bridge
configuration. The Wheatstone bridge circuit consists of four resistors in a
diamond shape. Two of these resistors are piezoresistive strain gauges placed on
the diaphragm, and the other two are reference resistors that remain
unstrained.
Electrical Connections: The strain gauges are connected to a Wheatstone bridge
circuit that outputs a voltage signal proportional to the change in resistance. This
voltage signal is then processed and converted into a pressure reading by the
sensor's electronics.
Working Principle:
When pressure is applied to the diaphragm, it undergoes mechanical
deformation. The strain gauges attached to the diaphragm experience a change
in length, resulting in a change in electrical resistance.
The Wheatstone bridge circuit measures the differential resistance changes
between the piezoresistive strain gauges and the reference resistors. This
produces a voltage output that is directly proportional to the applied pressure.
The voltage output is then amplified, conditioned, and converted into a usable
pressure measurement by the sensor's signal processing circuitry.
Advantages: Piezoresistive pressure sensors are known for their high accuracy,
reliability, and sensitivity. They are suitable for a wide range of pressure
measurement applications. They are also compatible with microfabrication
techniques, allowing for compact sensor designs.
Limitations: Piezoresistive pressure sensors can be affected by temperature
changes, which may lead to errors if not compensated for. They are more
susceptible to long-term drift compared to some other pressure sensing
technologies.

Dead Weight Tester

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DEAD WEIGHT TESTER

PIEZORESISTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR

A piezoresistive pressure sensor is a type of pressure sensor that uses the

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