P.A. HILTON LTD.

EXPERIMENTAL

OPERATING

AND

MAINTENANCE MANUAL

PRESSURE MEASUREMENT BENCH

F110

F110/E/1/001

APR 11
This page intentionally blank
(i)

POLICY STATEMENT

After Sales Service

We, P.A. Hilton Ltd., attach considerable importance in being able to retain the confidence and goodwill
of our clients in offering an effective after sales service. Every effort is made to answer clients
correspondence promptly and to provide a rapid follow up of spares and replacement parts by maintaining
comprehensive stocks of components usually available ex-stock.

Should our clients encounter any difficulty in operating or maintaining a Hilton product we would ask
that as a first step they contact the Hilton representative in their country or, in the absence of a local
representative, write direct to P.A. Hilton Ltd.

In the extreme case a problem may arise in the operation of equipment which could seriously disrupt a
teaching or research schedule. In such circumstances rapid advice from the manufacturers is desirable
and we wish our clients to know that Hiltons' will accept from them a transfer charge telephone call from
anywhere in the world.

We ask our clients to treat this service as an emergency service only and to use it sparingly and wisely.
Please do be aware of the time differences that may exist and, before making a telephone call, make notes
of the problem you wish to describe. English is a preferred language. Our telephone number is "Romsey
(01794) 388382" and the telephone is normally manned between 0800 and 1700 hrs GMT every day.
Advance notice of an impending telephone call by Fax would be appreciated.

Each product manufactured by P.A. Hilton Ltd., is tested under operating conditions in our permanent
installations before despatch. Visitors to Horsebridge Mill are encouraged to operate and evaluate our
equipment with initial guidance from a Hilton engineer.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING EQUIPMENT

Declaration of Conformity:
Directives (where applicable) 2006/42/EC
2006/95/EC
2004/108/EC

We declare that the following unit complies with the above EEC directives:

F110 Pressure Measurement Bench

The use of the apparatus outside the classroom, laboratory, study area or similar such place invalidates
conformity with the protection requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
(2004/108/EC) and could lead to local prosecution.

For and on behalf of

P.A. HILTON LIMITED

Technical Director

P.A. HILTON LIMITED

Horsebridge Mill, King's Somborne,
Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6PX,
England.

Tel No. National (01794) 388382

International +44 1794 388382
Fax No. +44 1794 388129
E-mail: sales@p-a-hilton.co.uk
(iii)

INDEX

Page
Schematic Diagram 1
SYMBOLS AND UNITS 2
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM NOTATION 3
INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING 3
Connecting the Pressure Gauges and Manometers 6
INTRODUCTION 7
DESCRIPTION 8
USEFUL DATA 9
OPERATION 10
MAINTENANCE 11
Cleaning 11
Draining 11
Pressure Gauges 11
EXPERIMENTAL CAPABILITIES 12
Suggested Experimental Procedures
1. Investigation Of Manometer Pressure Measurement Methods. 13

2. Investigation of Pressures Above and Below Atmospheric Pressure

a) A Simple U Tube Manometer and Pressures ABOVE AND BELOW
Atmospheric Pressure. 19
b) An Inclined Tube Manometer and Pressures ABOVE AND BELOW
Atmospheric Pressure
25

3 Examination of the Difference Between Absolute and Gauge Pressure. 31

 1
Schematic Diagram

Front View

Diagram Key
1. Positive Pressure Gauge 11. Positive Pressure Gauge
2. Compound Pressure Gauge Connector
3. Inclined Manometer Tube
4. Vertical Tube
5. U Tube Manometer
6. Compound Pressure Gauge
Connector
7. Vertical Tube Connector
INCLINED TUBE 1
8. Vertical Manometer Connector U
TUBE 1
9. Vertical Manometer Connector U
TUBE 2
10. Inclined Manometer Tube
Connector INCLINED TUBE 2
2

SYMBOLS AND UNITS

Symbol Quantity
Fundamental Unit
A Area m2
g Acceleration due to gravity m/s2
h Height m
2
p Pressure N/m (Pascal),
Bar or mBar
Note
The pressure units used in this manual are N/m2 as these are made up from fundamental units
(Newtons and m2) however the Pascal is the derived SI unit for pressure.
 3
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM NOTATION
Please refer to the schematic diagram on page 1
To assist in identifying all of the components there is an annotated schematic diagrams on page 1.
Each relevant component has a number identifier that is the same in both diagrams. In order to simplify
component identification in the text the relevant number is placed alongside the component name
which is also in bold text. For example on page 1 positive pressure gauge would be identified in text as
positive pressure gauge(1).
This convention is used throughout the manual.

INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING

Remove the unit from the packing case and stand it on a flat and level bench or table . Do not destroy any
packing materials until the packing list has been checked.

Examine the unit for damage in transit - if any is found, the insurers should be notified immediately.
The Pressure Measurement Bench F110 has a number of optional accessories. These are:- a
Deadweight Tester F110A, a Pressure Transducer and Digital Display F110B and a Data
Acquisition Option FC110A.
Each of these options has a dedicated manual detailing its installation, operation and maintenance,
together with suggested experimental procedures and example results.

The Pressure Measurement Bench F110 is normally shipped without fluid in the manometers. It is first
necessary to fill the manometers before the unit can be used.

The manometers are normally filled with coloured water. A small bottle of dye is supplied in the
accessories for the unit. This is conventional food colouring and when exhausted any locally sourced food
dye may be used.
Take a clean vessel and fill with approximately 0.5 litres of water and mix a small amount of dye until a
suitable colour density has been achieved.

A large bore hypodermic syringe is supplied and this may be used to fill the manometer tubes in a
controlled manner. It is also used at a later stage for pressurisation of the system and must not be
discarded.
4

Draw a volume of fluid from the vessel and place this to one side. Cut a short length( about 100mm) of
the black hose supplied and connect this to one of the vertical manometer connectors(8 or 9).
Then take the pre-filled syringe and use this to part fill the manometer. DO NOT simply inject the full
syringe into the tube.

SLOWLY inject some liquid into the manometer and observe the level in the tubes.

The syringe may be used to inject and remove fluid while the fluid is in the upper region of the tubes.
 5
It is necessary to approximately fill both tubes to approximately half height.

Once the tubes are approximately as shown above then disconnect the syringe from the manometer.
The procedure for filling the inclined tube is identical and the levels need to be similar when the tubes
have been opened to the atmosphere .
6
Connecting the Pressure Gauges and Manometers
The vertical manometer (5) , inclined tube manometer(3) , compound pressure gauge(2) and
positive pressure gauge(1) can be interconnected in a variety of ways using the T connectors and black
plastic tubes supplied.

The syringe must be emptied of liquid and connected to the manometer and pressure gauge using the
black hose and T connectors provided.

The tubes connect to the coupling on the panel(6,7,8,9,10,11) as shown above.

To allow for the majority of situations cut two lengths of black hose to a length equal to the width of the
base of the unit. Connect one to the positive pressure gauge(1) connector(11) bottom right. Connect the
other to the syringe. Cut 3 lengths approximately 300mm long and connect these to the vertical
manometer connector(9) U TUBE 1, . vertical tube connector(7) INCLINED TUBE 1and to
the Differential pressure gauge connector (6)

Above is an example of the inter-connections that can be made.

The unit is now ready for use.
 7
INTRODUCTION
Please refer to the schematic diagram on page 1

The measurement of pressure, is one of the fundamental requirements of many engineering applications.
There are several different ways of measuring pressure and the purpose of the Hilton, F110 Pressure
Measurement Bench and its options, is to allow students to investigate many of these.

One of the simplest, and most accurate methods, of measuring low pressures is the use of a vertical or
inclined tube manometer. The basic F110 Pressure Measurement Bench consists of one U tube
manometer(5), a combined vertical and inclined tube manometer(3,4), a differential pressure
gauge(6) and a positive pressure gauge(1).
Both of the manometers rely upon measurement of the difference in height of a column of liquid of
known density. The unit allows students to undertake these measurements in a fundamental way in order
to understand the procedure and the mechanics of how the manometer operates.
The two pressure gauges fitted both bourdon tube devices. One illustrates differential and/or positive,
negative pressures and the other positive or gauge pressure relative to atmosphere.

The optional Deadweight Tester F110A allows students to calibrate a Bourdon tube gauge in order to
understand the fundamental fact that pressure is simply force per unit area.
In order to understand the mechanics of the Bourdon tube gauge, the gauge on the deadweight tester has a
clear front panel, allowing the mechanism to be clearly seen operating.

The optional Pressure Transducer and Digital display F110B combines with the Deadweight Tester
F110A to allow students to investigate, the output of a pressure transducer in terms of voltage. Here, a
voltage signal is used to represent pressure and students calibrate this, together with the Bourdon gauge.

A third option, the Data Acquisition Option FC110A enables students to record the signal from the
pressure transducer on a computer and analyse the results using most standard spreadsheets.
8
DESCRIPTION

Please refer to the schematic diagram on page 1.

The Hilton Pressure Measurement Bench F110 ,base unit consists of a panel on which are mounted two
simple manometers and two Bourdon tube pressure gauges.
The basic F110 Pressure Measurement Bench consists of one U tube manometer(5), a combined
vertical and inclined tube manometer(3,4), a differential pressure gauge(6) and a positive pressure
gauge(1).
Both of the manometers rely upon measurement of the difference in height of a column of liquid of
known density. The unit allows students to undertake these measurements in a fundamental way in order
to understand the procedure and the mechanics of how the manometer operates.
The two pressure gauges fitted both bourdon tube devices. One illustrates differential and/or positive,
negative pressures and the other positive or gauge pressure relative to atmosphere

The U tube manometer(5) has two connection points(8,9) towards the top of the panel. These are
labelled on the panel as U tube 1, the left-hand tube(9) and U tube 2, the right hand tube(8).
Students may connect to either or both tubes as required, using the hose provided.

The inclined tube manometer is arranged as one vertical tube (4), and one inclined tube(3). Again
students had made connect to either side of the manometer. The vertical side of the inclined tube
manometer has a connection point labelled inclined tube 1 and shown as vertical tube connector (7) on
the schematic diagram.
The inclined tube of the inclined tube manometer has a connection point on the panel labelled as inclined
tube 2 and shown on the schematic diagram as inclined manometer tube connector (10).

The compound pressure gauge (2) has a connection point (6) on the front panel. The compound
pressure gauge may be used to measure pressures above atmospheric and below.
The positive pressure gauge (1) also has a connection point (11) on the front panel. The positive
pressure gauge can only be used to measure pressures that are above atmospheric pressure.

The other options available in the pressure measurement range are described in detail in their own
installation operation and maintenance manuals.
 9

USEFUL DATA

Density of Pure Water = 1000 kg/m3

Pressure acting on a column of liquid P gh

Where = Density of the liquid in the tube (kg/m3)

g = Acceleration due to gravity ( m/s2)
h = Difference in the height of the column of liquid (m)
P = Pressure N/m2 or Pascal

Note
The pressure units used in this manual are N/m2 as these are made up from fundamental units
(Newtons and m2) however the Pascal is the derived SI unit for pressure.
10
OPERATION

It is assumed that the Pressure Measurement Bench F110 has being installed and commissioned as
details on page 3.
The manometers and pressure gauges, may be used in any combination in order to illustrate the
different methods of pressure measurement. It is assumed that tubes have been connected as details on
page 6.

Any device that will give a low pressure (in the range of approximately 500 mm water gauge) can be
used together with the unit. However, for ease of operation the syringe supplied, may be used to
provide a constant low pressure either above or below atmosphere for use with the unit.

It is important that the pressure gauges are not connected in isolation to the syringe as it is
possible to over pressurise the gauges and permanently damage them. It is recommended that
unless specifically instructed, when pressure gauges are used, they should also be connected to a
manometer using one of the T connectors provided.

In each of the suggested experimental procedures, contains instructions for four-manometer and
pressure gauge connection. However any permutation may be undertaken, that is within the range of
the instruments.
 11
MAINTENANCE

Cleaning
The panel and tubes may be cleaned with a damp cloth and a little soap if necessary. Do not use any
solvent or aggressive cleaner, particularly on the clear plastic tubes.

Draining
If it is necessary to drain the tubes, this can be easily achieved by inverting the panel with the help of
an assistant and simply blowing through one of the tubes connected to one side of each manometer.
The liquid will vent through the other tube. It may be necessary to do this more than once as the liquid
may collect in the other tube initially and effectively the user will be trying to blow the contents of
the tube upwards.

Pressure Gauges
The pressure gauges, do not contain any user serviceable parts. No attempt should be made to
dismantle the pressure gauges.
12
EXPERIMENTAL CAPABILITIES

1. Investigation Of Manometer Pressure Measurement Methods.

2. Investigation of Pressures Above and Below Atmospheric Pressure

a) A Simple U Tube Manometer and Pressures ABOVE AND BELOW Atmospheric Pressure.
b) An Inclined Tube Manometer and Pressures ABOVE AND BELOW Atmospheric Pressure

3. Examination of the Difference Between Absolute and Gauge Pressure.

 13
1. INVESTIGATION OF MANOMETER PRESSURE MEASUREMENT METHODS

Procedure
It is assumed that the Pressure Measurement Bench F110 has being installed and commissioned as
details on page 3.

Before connecting any of the manometers students should first observe the height of the liquid in both of
the manometer tubes at rest.

The height of the liquid should always be measured relative to the bottom of the meniscus as shown
below.

It should be explained to the students that the meniscus is there due to the surface tension of the water.
Different fluids used in manometers can have different degrees of meniscus, and particularly in the
inclined tubes of inclined tube manometers.
The liquid metal mercury, which is sometimes still found in manometers, has a meniscus that curves in
the opposite direction to water and other fluids. In the case of mercury the measurement is taken to the
TOP of the meniscus as shown below.

As mercury is a cumulative poison, its regular use in manometers is becoming rarer. However students
may come across mercury in manometers in their working lives and should be aware of the difference in
operation. Students should also be made aware of the poisonous nature of mercury. There is no
mercury present in the Hilton Pressure Measurement Bench F110
14
For the U tube manometer in the photograph below the rest height of both tubes of liquid(when observed
at the base of the meniscus) is 292mm (left hand tube) 292mm (right hand tube). Under these conditions,
the pressure, acting on the top of both columns of liquid is equal, and is that of the atmosphere.

It is recommended that students also take the opportunity to look at the level of the liquid in the inclined
tube manometer.

As may be seen, the liquid is at the same horizontal level due to the effect of gravity.
 15

Take the syringe and pull out the plunger so that it is about half way out of the tube.

Connect the tube from the syringe to a T and use this to connect the syringe to both the positive pressure
gauge (1), and the vertical manometer connector(9), U tube 1.

Take great care and slowly push in the plunger, a short distance and observe the U tube manometer(5)
and the positive pressure gauge (1).

It will be seen that the pressure gauge needle moves and that the column of liquid in the U tube
manometer rises on the U Tube 2 side and falls on the U Tube 1 side.
Note that the syringe is connected to the U Tube 1 side.

Adjust the plunger until the pressure gauge shows approximately 10 mBar.
Record the height of the liquid in U Tube 1(left side) and U Tube 2 (right side) and the pressure gauge
reading.

Push in the plunger further until the pressure gauge shows approximately 20 mBar. Again record the
height of the liquid in U Tube 1(left side) and U Tube 2 (right side) and the pressure gauge reading.

Continue pushing in the plunger in stages until the maximum reading on the pressure gauge is
shown(60mBar) Do not exceed the maximum indicated value or the pressure gauge will be damaged.

Typical results are shown below.

Sample No U Tube 1 U Tube 2 h mm Pressure Gauge

mm mm (U tube 1 U tube 2) mBar
1 292 292 0 0
2 342 238 104 10
3 393 192 201 20
4 445 140 305 30
5 495 91 404 40
6 550 36 514 50
7 570 17 553 54
16

Calculations
The difference in height between the U Tube 1 and U Tube 2 is determined by subtracting the smaller
value from the larger. In sample No 2 in the table
h 342 238
104mm
Applied pressure from syringe

342mm

104mm

238mm

From the useful data on page 9 the pressure lifting the column of liquid above the present datum
P gh

Where = Density of the liquid in the tube (kg/m3)

g = Acceleration due to gravity ( 9.81 m/s2)
h = Difference in the height of the column of liquid (m)
P = Pressure N/m2 or Pascal

Note that it is important that the units of measurement are consistent.

The density of the water in the tube (from page 9) = 1000 kg/m3
Hence
P gh
1000 9.81 0.104
1020.24 N / m 2

1
Note that the pressure gauge is calibrated in mBar or of a Bar
1000
Now
1 Bar = 1 105 N/m 2
1 105
Hence 1 mBar = N/m 2
1000
100 N/m 2
 17
Hence
1020.24
1020.24 N / m 2 mBar
100
=10.2mBar

Referring to the table on page 15 the corresponding pressure indicated by the pressure gauge was 10 mBar

Repeating the calculations for the other sample data gives the following.

Sample No U Tube 1 U Tube 2 h mm P gh Pressure Gauge

mm mm (U tube 1 U tube 2) mBar mBar
1 292 292 0 0.0 0
2 342 238 104 10.2 10
3 393 192 201 19.7 20
4 445 140 305 29.9 30
5 495 91 404 39.6 40
6 550 36 514 50.4 50
7 570 17 553 54.2 54

The difference between the pressure gauge and the manometer readings may be accounted for by a
number of factors.
Potential Errors in the Manometer
Realistically observing the scale used it would be reasonable to assume that it is possible to read the
height to within an accuracy of 1to 2mm worst case.

Using the same calculation this represents a pressure of

P gh
1000 9.81 0.002
1.962 N / m 2

In terms of the same units as the pressure gauge

1.962
1.962 N / m 2 mBar
100
=0.01962mBar
This is much smaller than the differences between the pressure gauge and the values calculated from
the manometer.
For the manometer the only other potential errors are in
a) The density of the water
b) The measuring scale
c) Local gravity g
None of the above factors are likely to affect the results by a large margin.

Potential Errors in the Pressure Gauge

a) The pressure gauge is a mechanical device that will have friction and stick characteristics. To
observe this make a small change to the pressure by carefully pressing or pulling on the syringe.
Observe the pressure gauge needle movement and then gently tap the gauge dial. The needle will
be seen to move either up or down depending upon the direction of the change in pressure. This
is the effect of friction. At the same time note that the manometer does not require any
tapping.
b) The pressure gauge is calibrated by the manufacturer against a master gauge. The expected
degree of accuracy will depend upon the gauge construction and fundamentally this dictates its
cost. Higher accuracy gauges will cost significantly more than industrial quality gauges. The
advantage of a pressure gauge is that it can be calibrated in the required units and calculations
are not required for an immediate reading.
c) The pressure gauge will ultimately wear and its accuracy will be affected certainly if it is over
pressurised. In the same situation the manometer will simply spill its liquid. It can be refilled.
18
In conclusion the manometer provides a highly accurate and low cost method of measuring pressures
that are above atmospheric pressure. Unless high density liquids such as mercury are used there is a limit
to the practical range of pressures that can be measured due to the length of tubes required and the
practical nature of measuring these heights.
 19
2 INVESTIGATION OF PRESSURES ABOVE AND BELOW ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE

a) A Simple U Tube Manometer and Pressures ABOVE AND BELOW Atmospheric Pressure

Procedure
It is assumed that the Pressure Measurement Bench F110 has being installed and commissioned as
details on page 3.

Before connecting any of the manometers students should first observe the height of the liquid in both of
the manometer tubes at rest.

The height of the liquid should always be measured relative to the bottom of the meniscus as shown
below.

It should be explained to the students that the meniscus is there due to the surface tension of the water.
Different fluids used in manometers can have different degrees of meniscus, and particularly in the
inclined tubes of inclined tube manometers.
The liquid metal mercury, which is sometimes still found in manometers, has a meniscus that curves in
the opposite direction to water and other fluids. In the case of mercury the measurement is taken to the
TOP of the meniscus as shown below.

As mercury is a cumulative poison, its regular use in manometers is becoming rarer. However students
may come across mercury in manometers in their working lives and should be aware of the difference in
operation. Students should also be made aware of the poisonous nature of mercury. There is no
mercury present in the Hilton Pressure Measurement Bench F110
20
For the U tube manometer in the photograph below the rest height of both tubes of liquid(when observed
at the base of the meniscus) is 292mm (left hand tube) 292mm (right hand tube). Under these conditions,
the pressure, acting on the top of both columns of liquid is equal, and is that of the atmosphere.

It is recommended that students also take the opportunity to look at the level of the liquid in the inclined
tube manometer.

As may be seen, the liquid is at the same horizontal level due to the effect of gravity.
 21

Take the syringe and push the plunger fully home.

Connect the tube from the syringe to a T and use this to connect the syringe to both the compound
pressure gauge(2), and the vertical manometer connector(9), U tube 1.

Take great care and pull OUT the plunger, a short distance and observe the U tube manometer(5)
and the compound pressure gauge (2).

It will be seen that the pressure gauge needle moves INTO THE NEGATIVE (-) REGION and that the
column of liquid in the U tube manometer rises on the U Tube 1 side and falls on the U Tube 2 side.
Note that the syringe is connected to the U Tube 1 side.

It should be explained to the students at this point that the syringe is reducing the pressure in the U Tube
1 side(left column) of the manometer below that of atmosphere. The atmospheric pressure on the column
of liquid in the U Tube 2 (right ) side of the manometer is pushing down on the liquid and forcing it UP in
the U tube 1 (left) side tube. Hence the U tube manometer is showing the Difference between the pressure
in the left tube and that of the atmosphere. It is a differential pressure measuring device.

Adjust the plunger until the pressure gauge shows approximately -10 mBar.
Record the height of the liquid in U Tube 1(left side) and U Tube 2 (right side) and the pressure gauge
reading.

Pull out the plunger further until the pressure gauge shows approximately -20 mBar. Again record the
height of the liquid in U Tube 1(left side) and U Tube 2 (right side) and the pressure gauge reading.

Continue pulling the plunger in stages and recording the heights and pressure until the maximum reading
on the pressure gauge is shown
(-50mBar) Do not exceed the maximum indicated value, or the pressure gauge will be damaged.

Now reverse the procedure . Disconnect the syringe and pull out the plunger before re-connecting. Now
PUSH the syringe plunger IN until the compound pressure gauge returns to approximately +10mBar.
Note that the liquid in the manometer tubes has now reversed in movement and the liquid in the U Tube 1
(Left) falls while the liquid in the U Tube 2 rises.

It should be explained to the students at this point that the syringe is increasing the pressure in the U
Tube 1 side(left column) of the manometer above that of atmosphere. The atmospheric pressure on the
column of liquid in the U Tube 2 (right ) side of the manometer is pushing down on the liquid BUT the
pressure in the syringe is ABOVE that of atmosphere and is forcing the liquid UP in the U Tube 2 (right
hand tube) . Hence the U tube manometer is showing the Difference between the pressure in the left tube
and that of the atmosphere. It is still a differential pressure measuring device.

Continue pushing the plunger in stages until the maximum reading on the pressure gauge is shown
(+50mBar) Do not exceed the maximum indicated value or the pressure gauge will be damaged.
22

Typical results are shown below.

Sample No U Tube 1 U Tube 2 h mm Pressure Gauge

mm mm (U tube 1 U tube 2) mBar
1 292 292 0 0
2 241 337 -96 -10
3 194 388 -194 -20
4 141 441 -300 -30
5 89 491 -402 -40
6 35 545 -510 -50
7 292 292 0 0
8 341 243 98 10
9 390 194 196 20
10 440 145 295 30
11 491 94 397 40
12 545 40 505 50
13 292 292 0 0
14

Calculations
As the manometer is a differential pressure measuring device it is not always immediately apparent when
undertaking the calculations what sense the pressure being measured is occurring(i.e positive or
negative).

All that is apparent is that the pressure in the tube containing the LOWER column of liquid is higher than
the pressure in the tube containing the HIGHER column.

This pressure is higher This pressure is lower

This represents the

Pressure
DIFFERENCE

In the case of the pressures being measured in the first part of the experiment(below atmospheric
pressure) the manometer will appear as shown overleaf.
 23
For the pressures below atmospheric pressure the arrangement is as shown below.

Atmospheric Pressure

The Pressure BELOW

Atmospheric in the Syringe

For convenience it is helpful to calculate the height difference in the columns as a negative number to
represent the difference as a negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.

Hence for sample No 2 in the table on page 15

(U tube 1 U tube 2)
h 241 337
96mm

From the useful data on page 9 the pressure lifting the column of liquid above the present datum
P gh

Where = Density of the liquid in the tube (kg/m3)

g = Acceleration due to gravity ( 9.81 m/s2)
h = Difference in the height of the column of liquid (m)
P = Pressure N/m2 or Pascal

Note that it is important that the units of measurement are consistent.

The density of the water in the tube (from page 9) = 1000 kg/m3
Hence
P gh
1000 9.81 ( 0.096)
941.76 N / m 2

1
Note that the pressure gauge is calibrated in mBar or of a Bar
1000
Now
1 Bar = 1 105 N/m 2
1 105
Hence 1 mBar = N/m 2
1000
100 N/m 2
24
Hence
941.76
941.76 N / m 2 mBar
100
=-9.4mBar

Referring to the table on page 15 the corresponding pressure indicated by the pressure gauge was
-10 mBar

Repeating the calculations for the other sample data gives the following. Note that the sense of the
calculations (U tube 2 U tube 1) are the same through the full extent of the data.

Sample U Tube U Tube 2 h mm Pressure P gh

No 1 mm (U tube 1 U tube 2) Gauge mBar
mm mBar
1 292 292 0 0 0.0
2 241 337 -96 -10 -9.4
3 194 388 -194 -20 -19.0
4 141 441 -300 -30 -29.4
5 89 491 -402 -40 -39.4
6 35 545 -510 -50 -50.0
7 292 292 0 0 0.0
8 341 243 98 10 9.6
9 390 194 196 20 19.2
10 440 145 295 30 28.9
11 491 94 397 40 38.9
12 545 40 505 50 49.5
13 292 292 0 0 0.0
14

The potential errors in both the manometer and the pressure gauge are similar to those on page 17 for the
positive (only) pressures. However the manometer is still going to be the more accurate measuring device.

There are other ways of increasing the resolution of the manometer and this is to use an inclined tube.
 25
2 INVESTIGATION OF PRESSURES ABOVE AND BELOW ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE

b) An Inclined Tube Manometer and Pressures ABOVE AND BELOW Atmospheric

Pressure

The inclined manometer tube(3) on the unit allows students to investigate the increased resolution that
an inclined tube manometer can give.
The method of operation is identical to the U tube manometer(5) but the single inclined tube (inclined at
35 from the vertical) allows students to compare this with operation of the conventional U tube
manometer.

Procedure
It is assumed that the Pressure Measurement Bench F110 has being installed and commissioned as
details on page 3.

Before connecting any of the manometers students should first observe the height of the liquid in both of
the manometer tubes at rest.

If students have already carried out the first experiments on the U tube manometer ,the fact that the liquid
rests in the tube at a level condition should already have already been observed.
In the case of the following example the levels were:-

Vertical Tube(4) 291mm

Inclined tube(3) 354mm
Note that as both tubes are used and both zero points recorded, it is of no consequence if the unit is not
absolutely level. In some manometers a large volume reservoir takes the place of the vertical tube. In this
type of manometer establishing the unit on a level bench is essential. This will be examined in a later
section of this manual.
26
The inclined tube is used to provide an amplification of the reading and a greater resolution when
examining small pressure changes.

The inclined tube operates as follows:-

dL
dI
Zero Datum

dv
h

55

35

Initially with no pressure applied the liquid will sit on the Zero datum line.
If a pressure is applied at A and the pressure at A is greater than at B then the liquid in the tubes will move
as shown. The liquid in the vertical tube will fall by an amount dv. The liquid in the inclined tube will rise
by an amount dL. The VERTICAL increase in the height of the liquid in the inclined tube is dI.
Hence the difference in height between the vertical and inclined tubes is h

The length dL is greater than dI and if this is measured using a mm scale it means that there is a greater
resolution.

In order to calculate the vertical height dI from the inclined length dL the sine rule may be used.

If the inclined tube is at 35 from the vertical then the angle between the horizontal and the tube will be
90-35 = 55
Hence
dI dL Sin55o
The overall vertical height change will be

h dv dL Sin55o
Procedure
To undertake investigation of this proceed as follows.
First record the rest condition of the liquid in the vertical and inclined tubes. In this example:-
Vertical Tube(4) 291mm
Inclined tube(3) 354mm
 27
Take the syringe and pull out the plunger . Connect the tube from the syringe to a T and use this to
connect the syringe to both the compound pressure gauge(2), and the vertical tube connector(7)
(labelled Inclined tube 1).

Now PUSH the syringe plunger IN until the compound pressure gauge (2) turns to approximately
+10mBar. Note that the liquid in the vertical manometer tube falls and the liquid in the inclined tube(3)
rises.

It should be explained to the students at this point that the syringe is increasing the pressure in the
vertical (left column) of the inclined tube manometer above that of atmosphere. The atmospheric pressure
on the column of liquid in the Inclined tube 2 (right ) side of the manometer is pushing down on the liquid
BUT the pressure in the syringe is ABOVE that of atmosphere and is forcing the liquid UP in the Inclined
Tube 2 (right hand tube) . Hence the U tube manometer is showing the Difference between the pressure in
the left tube and that of the atmosphere. It is still a differential pressure measuring device.
Record the new height of the liquid in both the vertical and inclined tubes.
Push the syringe in further and repeat the measurements when the compound pressure gauge shows
approximately +20mBar.

Continue pushing the plunger in stages until the maximum reading on the pressure gauge is shown
(+50mBar) Do not exceed the maximum indicated value or the pressure gauge will be damaged.

Disconnect the syringe from the tube and allow the manometer and pressure gauge to return to the zero
datum.

Now push in the plunger on the syringe and re-connect to the tube. This time draw out the plunger until
the compound pressure gauge(2) shows approximately -10mBar. Again record the new height of the
liquid in both the vertical and inclined tubes.

It should be explained to the students at this point that the syringe is reducing the pressure in the Vertical
(left column) of the inclined tube manometer below that of atmosphere. The atmospheric pressure on the
column of liquid in the Inclined Tube 2 (right ) side of the manometer is pushing down on the liquid and
forcing it UP in the vertical tube 1 (left) side tube. Hence the inclined tube manometer is showing the
Difference between the pressure in the left tube and that of the atmosphere. It is a differential pressure
measuring device.

Pull out the syringe further and repeat the measurements when the compound pressure gauge shows
approximately -20mBar.
 28

Continue pulling out the plunger in stages until the maximum reading on the pressure gauge is shown
(-50mBar) Do not exceed the maximum indicated value or the pressure gauge will be damaged.
Typical results are shown below.

Sample Inclined Inclined Vertical Pressure Inclined Inclined Inclined

No Tube 1 Tube 1 Difference Gauge tube tube zero difference
mm Zero mm mBar mm mm mm
mm
1 291 291 0 0 354 354 0
2 347 291 56 -10 301 354 53
3 401 291 110 -20 245 354 109
4 455 291 164 -30 191 354 163
5 509 291 218 -40 137 354 217
6 567 291 276 -50 80 354 274
7 291 291 0 0 354 354 0
8 232 291 -59 10 408 354 -54
9 180 291 -111 20 466 354 -112
10 123 291 -168 30 522 354 -168
11 67 291 -224 40 579 354 -225
12 8 291 -283 50 636 354 -282
13 0 0
14

Note that the two grey lines of data show the zero pressure condition.

Calculations.
A

dL
dI
Zero Datum

dv
h

55

35

Considering the diagram. For sample No 2 in the table.

dv 347 291
56mm
 29
Similarly for the inclined tube
dL 354 301
53mm
The vertical displacement on the inclined tube may be calculated from

dI dL Sin55o
53 Sin55o
43.4mm
Hence the total difference in vertical height of the liquid between the vertical and inclined tube is
h dv dI
56 43.4
99.4mm

From the useful data on page 9

Pressure acting on a column of liquid P gh

Where = Density of the liquid in the tube (kg/m3)

g = Acceleration due to gravity ( m/s2)
h = Difference in the height of the column of liquid (m)
P = Pressure N/m2 or Pascal

Hence
P gh
1000 9.81 0.0994
975.1N / m 2
1
Note that the pressure gauge is calibrated in mBar or of a Bar
1000
Now
1 Bar = 1 105 N/m 2
1 105
Hence 1 mBar = N/m 2
1000
100 N/m 2
Hence
975.1
975.1N / m 2 mBar
100
=9.751mBar
This compares with 10mBar on the compound pressure gauge.
30

Repeating the calculations in exactly the same way for all of the data in the table on page 28 gives the
following results.

Sample Inclined Inclined Vertical Pressure Inclined Inclined Inclined

No Tube 1 Tube 1 Difference Gauge tube tube zero difference
mm Zero mm mBar mm mm mm
mm
1 291 291 0 0 354 354 0
2 347 291 56 -10 301 354 53
3 401 291 110 -20 245 354 109
4 455 291 164 -30 191 354 163
5 509 291 218 -40 137 354 217
6 567 291 276 -50 80 354 274
7 291 291 0 0 354 354 0
8 232 291 -59 10 408 354 -54
9 180 291 -111 20 466 354 -112
10 123 291 -168 30 522 354 -168
11 67 291 -224 40 579 354 -225
12 8 291 -283 50 636 354 -282
13 0 0
14

Sample Vertical Inclined Inclined Inclined Pressure P gh

No dv Tube dL Tube dI tube h Gauge mBar
mm mm mm mm mBar
1 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0.00
2 56 53 43.42 99.42 -10 9.75
3 110 109 89.29 199.29 -20 19.55
4 164 163 133.52 297.52 -30 29.19
5 218 217 177.76 395.76 -40 38.82
6 276 274 224.45 500.45 -50 49.09
7 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0.00
8 -59 -54 -44.23 -103.23 10 -10.13
9 -111 -112 -91.75 -202.75 20 -19.89
10 -168 -168 -137.62 -305.62 30 -29.98
11 -224 -225 -184.31 -408.31 40 -40.06
12 -283 -282 -231.00 -514.00 50 -50.42
13 0 0 0
14

As may be seen the calculations result in manometer pressure readings that are very close to the
compound pressure gauge. However for the reasons outlined in the U tube experiments the manometer
is more likely to be closer to the ACTUAL pressure difference .
 31

3. EXAMINATION OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ABSOLUTE AND GAUGE

PRESSURE.

It has been established that the manometers can indicate differential pressures. That is the
DIFFERENCE in pressure that exists between one side of the manometer and the other.
All that is apparent is that the pressure in the tube containing the LOWER column of liquid is higher than
the pressure in the tube containing the HIGHER column.

This pressure is higher This pressure is lower

This represents the

Pressure
DIFFERENCE

Hence if one side of the manometer is OPEN to atmosphere then the pressure being indicated is relative
to atmosphere and is known as GAUGE pressure. This is fundamentally because most (not all) dial
type pressure gauges indicate pressures relative to the local atmosphere.
A typical bourdon tube pressure gauge operates as shown below.
The sealed C shaped tube a has the applied
pressure inside. This causes it to try and straighten out
(open up) in the direction of arrow b. This pulls on
the tie bar and causes the lever to rotate in the
direction of arrow c. The segment of gear teeth can
a be seen at the end of this lever and on the shaft of the
spindle of the dial needle are corresponding gear
teeth. Hence this causes the needle to move in the
c
direction of arrow e.
e
b The pressure gauge(depending upon calibration and
mechanical arrangement will indicate pressures
above(or below) atmosphere.

If a pressure gauge is fitted with an evacuated capsule

or an evacuated gauge body then the pressure it
indicates can be absolute pressure or relative to
absolute vacuum. If the local atmospheric pressure is known then the pressure recorded by a gauge or
manometer may be expressed in absolute terms by simply adding this to the local atmospheric pressure.
32
The following is a description of a device. It is NOT a suggested experiment as mercury is a
cumulative poison and should not be used in an un controlled manner.
If a CLOSED glass tube of approximately 900mm length is filled with mercury and then inverted into a
reservoir of mercury the column of mercury in the closed tube will fall from the closed end of the as
shown below.

Atmospheric pressure

Height of mercury

As the tube is closed at one end and this space was formerly occupied by the mercury the space above
will contain a vacuum.
The atmospheric pressure is pressing on the open surface of the mercury in the same manner as the U
tube manometer.

Hence the height of the mercury in the tube h represents the atmospheric pressure RELATIVE to a
vacuum.
P gh
1000 13600 h
Where in this case is the density of mercury.

This is a typical description of a mercury BAROMETER.

There are many varieties of barometer but the mercury tube barometer is one of the simplest and most
accurate.
 33

Once the atmospheric pressure is known it is simple to add the GAUGE pressure (however
recorded) to this in order to obtain the ABSOLUTE PRESSURE. The only factor that must be observed
is that the units of atmospheric pressure and gauge pressure must be consistent(the same units e.g.
Pascals, N/m2, Psi, etc.)

(+ve) Gauge Pressure

Atmospheric Pressure
As indicated by Barometer
(-ve) Gauge Pressure

Absolute vacuum

Note that if the gauge pressure is negative(below atmospheric) this can also be added mathematically
to the atmospheric pressure. For example if the gauge pressure is -500 N/m2 and local atmospheric
pressure is 101325 N/m2 , the absolute pressure will be
P 101325 500
100825 N/m 2 Absolute

Similarly if the gauge pressure is +500 kN/m2 the absolute pressure will be

P 101325 500
101825 N/m 2 Absolute