TH SERIES: THERMODYNAMICS

EXPANSION PROCESSES OF A PERFECT GAS – TH5

©2015 Armfield Ltd

INSTRUCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

> Analysis of the pressure changes in the processes involves the

The Armfield Expansion Processes
First Law of Thermodynamics
of a Perfect Gas apparatus has
>The exercises assist the student in understanding the Second been designed to introduce
Law of Thermodynamics and its corollaries students to a range of basic
> The relationship between pressure, volume and thermodynamic processes
temperature can be explored and used to determine using air as the working fluid.
other thermodynamic properties
> The different responses resulting from fast or slow changes in
a process and the relationship between the pressure and
temperature of air can be observed
KEY FEATURES
> Interconnected vessels operating under pressure and under
vacuum are supplied complete with an electric air pump and
appropriate instrumentation ready for use
> This modern version of a classic experiment (attributed to
Clément and Désormes) enables pressure and temperature
changes to be monitored continuously using a PC (not supplied).
Optional teaching software is available for data logging
> The vessels can be operated singly or in combination enabling
processes whereby air flows from a pressurised vessel to
atmosphere, from atmosphere to an evacuated vessel or from a
pressurised vessel to an evacuated vessel
The latest version of this data sheet is available at: ISSUE 4
www.armfield.co.uk/th5
DETAILED CAPABILITIES DESCRIPTION

Teaching exercises will enable students to The apparatus consists of two floor-
become familiar with the following topics: standing interconnected rigid vessels, one
equipped for operation under pressure
> The nonflow energy equation
and the second under vacuum.
> The behaviour of a perfect gas and its
An electrically operated air pump connected to the
describing equations
top of the vessels, together with valves and tappings
> An adiabatic reversible process enables the appropriate vessel to be pressurised or
(isentropic expansion) evacuated as required to suit the teaching exercise.
The vessels can be used independently or together
> A constant volume process
to enable different thermodynamic processes to be
> An adiabatic irreversible process
evaluated. A pressure sensor connected to each vessel
> Conversion of pressure units and a temperature sensor inside each vessel permit
the changes in the properties of the air contained
> A constant internal energy process
within the vessels to be monitored continuously.
> Polytropic processes, with the limiting
Both vessels are constructed from clear rigid plastic,
case of n = Gamma
which affords light insulation between the air inside
> Conversion of pressure units the vessel and the surroundings to reduce heating/
cooling. This also enables each vessel and its contents
> Gauge and absolute pressures
to return to ambient temperature reasonably quickly.
> The unsteady flow energy equation
The capacity of the pressurised vessel is
(in vacuum mode)
approximately 23 litres. The capacity of the
evacuated vessel is approximately 11 litres.
Each vessel incorporates the following features: Readings from the pressure sensors and thermistors
are displayed on a common digital meter with
> Connection to the air pump via an isolating valve
selector switch on the front of the console.
to enable the vessel to be pressurised/evacuated
All important electronic sensors used on the unit
> Connection to a piezoresistive sensor to
provide outputs for data logging and analysis. The
measure the pressure / vacuum inside the
data logger, provided with the unit, interfaces between
vessel (range of both sensors ±34.5kN/m2)
the unit and the user’s computer using a USB port.
> Connection to a large bore pipe and valve
The optional educational software package
to enable depressurisation / pressurisation
enables data recording, graph plotting and
of the vessel to / from the atmosphere
provides full instructions for setting up the
(the valve is rapidly opened and closed to
equipment and performing the experiments.
provide a small step change in pressure)
All related theory and help texts are provided.
> Interconnection between the two vessels via a
The software requires a computer (not supplied)
large bore pipe and valve (fast change) and small
running Windows 98 or later with a USB port.
bore pipe and needle valve (gradual change)
A user supplied chart recorder can also be utilised.
> Fast response thermistor to monitor
air temperature inside the vessel As the teaching exercises require the transient pressure
and temperature responses to be observed and
> Relief valve to prevent overpressurisation
recorded one of these recording options is necessary.
All power supplies, signal conditioning circuitry
etc, are contained in a simple electrical console
with appropriate current protection devices and
an RCD for operator protection. The console is
designed to stand on a bench top above the pressure
and vacuum vessels and incorporates electrical
connections for the air pump and sensors.

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●● PRESSURE (kNm -2)
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● ● ●●●●●●●●● PRESSURE (kNm -2) TEMPERATURE ( 0C)
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▲ (from thermistor resistance)
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Elapsed time Elapsed time

Response of the pressurised vessel following stepwise depressurisation Response of the pressurised vessel following a brief depressurisation
 REQUIREMENTS ORDERING SPECIFICATION
Electrical supply: Single phase • A small-scale unit designed to introduce students
to the properties of a perfect gas using air to
TH5-A: 220-240V/1ph/50Hz, 1A demonstrate basic thermodynamic processes
TH5-B: 120V/1ph/60Hz, 2A
TH5-G: 220-240V/1ph/60Hz, 1A • The hardware consists of two floor-standing
interconnected rigid vessels, one equipped for
RECOMMENDED INSTRUMENTS operation under pressure and the second under
Barometer: (to determine absolute pressure) vacuum. Appropriate valves and tappings are fitted
to enable different thermodynamic processes to
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES be evaluated. An electric air pump is supplied
TH-DTA-ALITE: to enable pressurisation or evacuation of the
Educational software for TH1-TH5 on a CD vessels as required for the different exercises. Each
complete with data logger (a PC running vessel incorporates a fast response thermistor
Windows 98 or later, with a USB port is required) sensor to monitor the temperature of the air and
OVERALL DIMENSIONS connection to a piezoelectric pressure sensor

Vessel assembly: • All power supplies, signal conditioning circuitry

etc, are contained in a simple electrical console
Height: 0.80m with appropriate current protection devices
Width: 0.46m and an RCD for operator protection. Readings
Depth: 0.28m from the pressure sensors and thermistors are
Electrical console: displayed on a common digital meter with
selector switch. A port on the console can
Height: 0.22m be used to connect to a PC using an optional
Width: 0.22m interface device included with the educational
Depth: 0.30m software package . Alternatively the signals can
SHIPPING SPECIFICATION be connected to a user supplied chart recorder
Volume: 0.34m3 • A comprehensive instruction booklet describing
Gross weight: 22kg how to carry out the laboratory teaching
exercises is included
THE TH RANGE FOR THE STUDY
OF THERMODYNAMICS
TH1: Temperature Measurement and Calibration
TH2: Pressure Measurement and Calibration
TH3: Saturation Pressure
TH4: Recycle Loops
TH5: Expansion Processes of a Perfect Gas

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ADVANCED FEATURES OF

THE SOPHISTICATED ARMFIELD SOFTWARE VISIT:
www.discoverarmfield.co.uk/data/armsoft/
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WordPress We reserve the right to amend these specifications without prior notice. E&OE 03/14/3k
Correct at time of going to press.