1.

Intro
1.1Theory
Pressure is defined as the normal force acting over a cross sectional area,
df/da, the force is acting perpendicular to that area. It is a property
characteristic of a system which is initially defined. It is expressed either
in gage or absolute levels. The relationship of these two levels is shown in
figure 1.
Figure 1. Pressure Measurements
_______

above atm. Level

Pgage
Pabs ____

atm. Level

Pvacuum
Patm _______________________
Pabs
_________________________________

datum abs. zero pressure

Pabs = Patm + Pgage

Note: 1. Patm (at std. temperature, sea level) = 14.696 psi

2. negative Pgage = Pvacuum
Various means of measuring pressure are available such as bourdon
gage and manometers. Bourdon gage measures the pressure by a deflection
of flattened elliptical tube as shown in figure 2, while manometers by the
height of manometer column, that is P = ab where a is the specific weight of
manometer fluid. This experiment limits itself to bourdon gage, figure 2.
One end of the tube is open for connection to the external pressure
source and the other end, sealed off, and connected to an indicating
mechanism. When it is subjected to pressure from the fluid, the tube tends to
straighten out, the deflection is transmitted through the linkage, containing
the dial indicator from which the pressure is read, Pg.
The gages are available in several sizes, 15 10,000 psi; some are
available in kpa, kg/cm2, bars, vacuum, atm. gage or both (compound gage).
These devices must be calibrated for accuracy. The dead weight tester
and the standard weights are to be used in calibration for pressure gage
above atmospheric pressure: Fig 3

Uncertainty Analysis and Calibration

Some basic concepts in analyzing experimental data are worth nothing
here. Please read JP Holman Experimental Methods for Engineers, (McGraw
Hill 1973). These are uncertainty, fixed error, random error, sensitivity,
accuracy, precision and calibration. Let us analyze an experimental data, say,
a fluid pressure measured 10 times and suppose the values are as follows:
Table 1
Pstd
readings
P________________________________________________________
100__________100___100.99___99.9___100.1___100.2___99.1____100.1___100.0
___100.05_
1. Uncertainty = The minimum and maximum deviation from standard
To calculate the uncertainty for the pressure; reading in table 1,
P = 100 + 0.9 psi
Since minimum and maximum values are 100.9 and 99.1 respectively.
This uncertainty can be expressed in % P = 100 + 0.9 %
where % P = P/pstd x 100
2. Fixed error or systematic error = is one in which the deviation of
experimental values from standard is roughly the same amount for
repeated readings.
The illustrative example has no fixed error. However, if the standard
pressure would have been, say, 80 psi and the readings were those in
table 1 then the fixed error is:
Error = + 20.9
To bring down this fixed error to a minimum, the process is known as to
calibration. Calibration is necessary when there is a fixed error to occur.
3. Random error = varying difference of individual readings from standard. In
table 1 random error exist in seven readings, data except the 100. This
error is probably caused by poor visibility, fluctuating pressure source,
fatigue, leaks, friction hysteresis, etc.
4. Sensitivity = the slope or first derivative of the given curve. Physically, it
is the movement of dial or indicator due to a change in a property
(pressure) of a system whose property (pressure) is to be measured. The
smaller the movement for the change in property, the lesser the
sensitivity of that device.

2. Materials and Equipment

- Dead weight tester
- Standard weights
3. Methodology
1. Connect the bourdon gage to be calibrated in one part of the
DWTs. Tighten the gage to avoid spillage of oil under pressure. The
DWT other section is the platform (the one in the center). Face the
DWT such that the bourdon gage is on the left of the platform, on
the right, the plunger with a lead screw.
2. Two valves guard the openings of the plunger-reservoir assembly.
These valves are used one at a time. That is, valve A is closed when
the valve B behind the DWT is open to withdraw the oil trapped in
the platform and the bourdon gage line while turning the screw
counterclockwise until it reaches the top dead center. Immediately
close valve B and open valve A. By rotating the screw, raise or
lower the platform to such a height when the upper ring (UR), (later
the lower ring (LR)) on the stem appears. Turning the screw
clockwise causes the pressurized oil to move the platform upward
and to move the bourdon gage indicator simultaneously at the
same pressure. To reduce the oil pressure, turn the screw in
opposite direction. Be sure to rotate the piston-weight-platform
assembly while the measurement is taken to reduce vision friction
bet the piston and the cylinder in axial direction.
3. Start the measurement for the UR and LR values by placing 5-psi
std. weight on the platform.
4. Continue the measurement for the following set of weights on the
platform; 10, 15, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 psi,
this will be referred to ascending values in the data sheet.
5. Get the descending values, by starting 500 psi weight until the
weights are removed. Be careful to reduce oil pressure first before
taking out weight on the platform to avoid a jerk or sudden thrust to
the top. Handle the unit with care.
6. Calculate the average of the four values and convert the value to
psi. Conversion factor 1kgm/cm2 x 2.21 lb/kg x 6.4516 cm2/in2 =
14.19352 psi.
eg.
convert 28 kg/cm2 to psi

solution

28 x 14.19352 = 397.4186 psi

7. Calculate the percent error using the formula % error = reading

average/DWT reading x 100

8. Draw an error curve that is plot error vs. DWT reading

Note: Develop the habit of using graphing papers in plotting the
results.
9. Decide whether the given bourdon gage needs calibration
4. Data and Results

Trial

1
2
3
4

Gauge
Readin
g
Ascend
ing

Descend
ing

Tester
Readi
ng
UR
LR
UR
5
1.3
1.3
10
2
2
15
2.7
2.7
20
3.3
3.5

LR
1.3
2
2.7
3.5

1.3
2
2.7
3.5

5
6

40
60

5
6

5
6

5
6

5
6

80

7.5

7.6

7.5

7.5

100

200

15

15.5

15.5

15.5

10

300

22

22

22

22

11

400

29

29

29

29

12

500

36

36

36

36

Averag Avera %Erro

e
ge
r
(kg/cm
^2)
psi
1.3
18.5 270%
2
28 180%
2.7
38.3 155%
3.45
44.2 146%
78.25
5
71.3
%
6
85.5
43%
34.10
7.525 107.3
%
28.30
9 128.3
%
9.60
15.375 219.2
%
4.60
22 313.7
%
3.40
29 413.5
%
2.66
36 513.5
%