MARCET BOILER

Name: GABRIEL HII JIA ENN

Student ID: 0321318

Group Members:
Chan Yang
Lau Rui Hang
Lim Li Za

School of Engineering
Taylors University
Malaysia
22/04/2015
Date of Experiment: 16th April 2015
Report due date: 30th April 2015
Report submission date:
Checked by: Mr. Teow Hsien Loong
Item/marks
Format/10
Abstract and Introduction/10
Figures and Diagrams/15
Materials and Method/10
Results Discussions/45
References/10
Total

Table of Contents

Abstract....

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Experimental Design

2.1 Main apparatus and its components.

2.2 Methods

2.3 Procedure..

3.0 Results and Discussion

3.1 Data Tabulation.

3.2 Graphs ......

12

3.3 Calculations...

13

3.4 Discussion.

14

4.0 Error Analysis.

16

5.0 Conclusion .....

17

6.0 References ......................................................................................

18

ABSTRACT
2

The experiment utilizes Marcet Boiler as main apparatus to conduct investigation on

relationship between the saturation temperature of liquid water and the corresponding pressure of
water vapor. The saturation temperature is recorded for every 0.5bar intervals of pressure
readings and the measured slope, dT/dP is being calculated to be compared with calculated slope,
Tvg/hfg being provided by standardized steam table [1]. The theoretical slope is calculated by
deriving the Clapyeron equation based on several assumptions such as constant enthalpy value
for all range of temperature readings and ideal gases behavior for all vapor molecules [2]. From
interpretation of graphs and experimental data, it can be conclude that the greatest error deviation
occurs at the first 100kPa interval according to Table 3.1.2. Meanwhile, the inconsistency of
measured slope occurs between 300kPa and 500kPa interval which it is shown on graph 3.2.3.
Lastly, the experiment data can be improved by taking few precautions, such as examination of
apparatus conditions and repetition of experiment procedures.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Thermodynamics is the specific study of interchange for both heat and work energy
across its system boundary to its surroundings and vice versa. As a given system goes through a
process whereby it alters the properties of fluid, the ideal gases tend to follow the
thermodynamic law stated by using the equation of state interlinked with pressure, density or
specific volume, molecule mass, absolute temperature and gas constant, R. The equation of state
that applied on most thermodynamics substances is known as:

PV=

mRT
M
On the other hand, real gases are subjected by various aspects beyond the necessary

considerations related to the changes of ideal gases. Hence, it is no longer subjected to absolute
governance by the equation of state unless there is presence of minor modifications within it to
apply on purposes based on properties of real gases.
In this experiment, Marcet Boiler is specifically being chosen as the main apparatus to
initiate close study about relationship between saturation temperature and related pressure of
water using the demonstration of vapor pressure curve. It simply works on the fundamental
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principle of boiling process which both temperature and pressure readings of saturated steam are
eventually reach equilibrium state with water. In fact, the state of equilibrium for both vapor and
liquid state of water is related closely to the saturated temperature of liquid water as both
variables are depending on the water vapor pressure. Saturation temperature, Tsat and saturation
pressure, Ttemp, are known as the point of phase changing process for a pure substance when one
of the variables is fixed or held at constant value. For example, the evaporation process of water
molecules require less energy input during the initial period of boiling process for water as there
is hardly any resistance since there is absence of water vapor above surface of liquid water. In
other words, it can be concluded that the more energy required for water molecules to evaporate
at higher pressure in order to reach the state of equilibrium.
At the very beginning of the experiment, the heat energy is being supplied to the water by
huge electricity resistance flow in the circuit. The molecules within the water start to vibrate,
move and rotate more actively as they progress slowly to saturated vapor state by escaping from
the surface of water. This evaporation process increases amount of water vapor stored in the tank
which it eventually exerts more pressure onto water surface. Therefore, the rate of evaporation
process decelerates as resistance created by vapor pressure grows gradually against most water
molecules with time.

To sum up, the continuous boiling process will raise the saturation

temperature of water at liquid state since the amount of water vapor present is almost equivalent
to the resistance for evaporation process to occur inside Marcet Boiler.
The beginning of the experiment gets going under zero gauge pressure inside the heat
vessel as it is calibrated relative to atmospheric pressure. After obtaining a series of vessel
pressure and its corresponding temperature readings, a vapor pressure curve is being plotted
using the experimental values and also the theoretical values so that both curves can be
compared by their measurable value for the slope of the graph (dT/dP). The theoretical
calculation of slope involves the Clapeyron relationship which it implies the pressure, heat and
expansion during phase changing process when two phases are in equilibrium with each other.
The Clapeyron relationship can be written as below:

d T T ( v g v f ) T v g
=
=
dP
hfg
hfg
vf

Specific volume of water

Absolute pressure

vg

Specific volume of steam

Absolute temperature

hf

Enthalpy of water

hg

Enthalpy of steam

h fg

Latent heat of vaporization = h gh f

2.0 Experiment Design

2.1 Main apparatus and its components
A

Figure 2.1.1: Main Parts Of Marcet Boiler And Its Components

5

A = Pressure Gauge
B = Pressure Transducer
C = Overflow Valve (Behind)
D = Pressure Vessel
E = Drain Port
F = Pressure Relief Valve / Relief Port

G = Thermocouple
H = Main Switch
I = Digital Pressure Meter
J = Digital Temperature Meter
K = Heater On/Off Switch
L = Water Inlet

2.2 Methods
At initial stage of the experiment, the LS-17002 Marcet Boiler was received proper
examination to ensure its capability of maintaining normal operating condition when the power
supply for the main apparatus unit is switched on. The power supply is controlled via a main
switch which it is installed at the front panel. Before the operation of the unit begins, the valve of
the pressure vessel is allowed to open so that the formation of vapor steam can be observed. In
addition, the gauge meter is then calibrated to zero reading so it does not taken atmospheric
pressure into account as the consequence of disregarding calibration process would affect
accuracy for experimental values. Once it is switched on, the water being supplied into the
pressure vessel was heated up gradually. The initial temperature reading of water is being
recorded as corresponding to zero gauge pressure value by observing the digital temperature
meter. As the water steam was appeared escaping from the valve on top of the pressure vessel,
the valve was immediately sealed and the pressure meter was subjected to zero reading at the
moment. The temperature reading of the Marcet Boiler is then recorded in every gage pressure of
value 0.5 bar intervals starting from initial zero reading to approximately 9.5 bar. At the end, the
temperature and pressure readings are converted into absolute temperature and pressure before
the vapor pressure graph is being plotted using both experimental values and theoretical values to
do comparison in similarities and differences.
There are several necessary precautions that needs attention while operating the Marcet
Boiler to guarantee safety environment conditions and thus minimize possibility of injuries and
accidents. First and foremost, the outermost of Marcet Boiler is not supposed to be touched with
bare hands as it operates at high temperature condition and the denial actions could lead to severe
burns on average human skin. Next, the pressure relieve valve of Marcet Boiler should left with
no obstruction and hindrances for its reopening process as it controls the maximum allowance
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pressure inside the pressure vessel. The circumstances for faulty of valve vessel operations could
lead to possibility of explosion for pressure vessel or mechanical failures within the components
of main apparatus. Last but not least, the water supply should always connected to pressure
vessel before the heater switch is turned on as the absence of water inside pressure vessel could
damage the heating coil and result of faulty operation for the main apparatus.

2.3 Procedure
1. The LS-17002 Marcet Boiler was located on an even surface of level surface and the castor
wheels were fully locked tightly.
2. The main plug was then connected to a 240V AC main power supply before it has been
switched on.
3. The knob on main switch which is located on the control panel is turned on to activate the
main apparatus unit.
4. The drain / water inlet port was connected to the external water supply and meanwhile the
overflow outlet was connected to the designated laboratory drain.
5. The drain / water inlet port and the overflow valve were allowed to open.
6. The vessel was filled with external water supply until the overflow of water started occurring
on the overflow valve.
7. The temperature controller was adjusted to set maximum temperature to temperature reading
of 181oC.
8. The heater on/off switch was switched on to initiate heating process of water accumulated
inside the vessel.
9. The overflow valve was opened to allow steam escape through during the boiling process of
water.
10. As the vapor steam appeared from the overflow valve, the valve was immediately closed and
the pressure meter was calibrated to zero to start the experiment progress.
11. The temperature and the pressure readings were recorded correspondingly for each 0.5 bar
intervals.
12. The experimental results were tabulated in a table and several vapor graphs were plotted
according to their own designated variables.
13. The experiment values and the vapor graphs were being compared and carried forward to
further analysis.

3.0 Result and Discussion

7

3.1 Data Tabulation

Table 3.1.1: Temperature and pressure readings ( Experimental values )
Pressure (Bar)

Temperature (C)

Temperature (K)

25

298.0

0.5

100.8

373.8

111.8

384.8

1.5

120.5

393.5

127.7

400.7

2.5

133.5

406.5

138.9

411.9

3.5

143.5

416.5

144.4

417.4

4.5

152.0

425.0

155.6

428.6

5.5

159.0

432.0

162.1

435.1

6.5

165.1

438.1

167.8

440.8

7.5

170.5

443.5

173.1

446.1

8.5

175.5

448.5

177.7

450.7

9.5

180.0

453.0

Maximum (9.6)

180.3

453.3

Table 3.1.2: Measured slope, dT/dP and calculated slope, Tvg/hfg

Pressure
(kPa)

Temperature (K)

Measured slope
(dT/dP)

Calculated slope
(Tvg/hfg)

Percentage of
Error (%)

298.0

50

373.8

1.516

0.498

204.4

100

384.8

0.220

0.280

- 21.4

150

393.5

0.174

0.200

- 13.0

200

400.7

0.144

0.158

- 8.9

250

406.5

0.116

0.132

- 12.1

300

411.9

0.108

0.114

- 5.3

350

416.5

0.092

0.100

- 8.0

400

417.4

0.018

0.090

- 80.0

450

425.0

0.152

0.082

85.4

500

428.6

0.072

0.076

- 5.3

550

432.0

0.068

0.070

- 2.9

600

435.1

0.062

0.065

- 4.6

650

438.1

0.06

0.061

- 1.6

700

440.8

0.054

0.058

- 6.9

750

443.5

0.054

0.055

- 1.8

800

446.1

0.052

0.052

0.0

850

448.5

0.048

0.050

- 4.0

900

450.7

0.044

0.047

- 6.4

950

453.0

0.046

0.045

2.2

Table 3.1.3: Standard readings of different variables in steam table [1]

Pressure, Pabs
(bars)

Temperature,
Tabs (C)

Specific volume of steam,

vg (m3/kg)

Latent heat of vaporization,

hfg (kJ/kg)

0.5

81.3

3.240

2305

1.0

99.6

1.694

2258
9

1.5

111.4

1.159

2226

2.0

120.2

0.886

2202

2.5

127.4

0.719

2181

3.0

133.5

0.606

2163

3.5

138.9

0.524

2148

4.0

143.6

0.462

2134

4.5

147.9

0.414

2120

5.0

151.8

0.375

2109

5.5

155.5

0.343

2096

6.0

158.8

0.316

2087

6.5

162.0

0.293

2075

7.0

165.0

0.273

2067

7.5

167.8

0.256

2056

8.0

170.4

0.240

2048

8.5

172.9

0.227

2039

9.0

175.4

0.215

2031

9.5

177.7

0.204

2022

10.0

179.9

0.192

2015

Table 3.1.4: Calculated slope, Tvg/hfg corresponding to Pabs and Tabs in steam table [1]
Pressure, Pabs (kPa)

Temperature, T(K)

Calculated slope, Tvg/hfg (Km3/kJ)

50

354.3

0.498

100

372.6

0.280

150

384.4

0.200

200

393.2

0.158
10

250

400.4

0.132

300

406.5

0.114

350

411.9

0.100

400

416.6

0.090

450

420.9

0.082

500

424.8

0.076

550

428.5

0.070

600

431.8

0.065

650

435.0

0.061

700

438.0

0.058

750

440.8

0.055

800

443.4

0.052

850

445.9

0.050

900

448.4

0.047

950

450.7

0.045

1000

452.9

0.043

3.2 Graphs

11

Graph of pressure reading, P (kPa) versus temperature reading, T (K) for all experimental values
500
450
400
350
300

Temepratue (K) 250

200
150
100
50
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

Pressure (kPa)

Graph 3.2.1: Graph of Absolute Temperature (K) against Absolute Pressure (kPa)

Graph of dT/dP against pressure reading, P(kPa)

1.6
1.4
1.2
1

Measured Slope (K/kPa)

0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Pressure (kPa)

12

Graph 3.2.2: Graph of measured slope (dT/dP) against pressure readings (kPa)

Graph of dT/dP and Tvg/hfg versus Pabs

1.6
1.4
1.2
1
Measured Slope/ Calculated Slope (K/kPa)

0.8

Measured slope (dT/dP)

0.6

Calculated slope (Tvg/hfg)

0.4
0.2
0

Absolute Pressure (kPa)

13

Graph 3.2.3: Graph of Measured Slope and Calculated Slope against Absolute Pressure (kPa)

3.3 Calculation

Conversion from Degree Celsius to Kelvin

127.7 oC + 273= 400.7K

Calculation for measured slope, (dT/dP)

dT dT 400.7 K393.5 K
=
dP dP 200 kPa150 kPa
5.8 K

50 kPa
K
0.116
kPa

Calculation for calculated slope, (Tvg/hfg)

3

m
431.8 K x 0.316
Tvg
kg
=
hfg
kJ
2087
kg
K .m
0.065
kJ
-

Calculation for percentage error present in experimental values (%)

14

Percentage error

dT Tvg

dP hfg
Tvg
hfg
0.092

X 100%

K
K .m
0.100
kPa
kJ
K .m
0.100
kJ

X 100%

- 8.0 % (8.0 % lesser than standard steam value)

3.4 Discussion
To study the relationship between the saturation temperature and corresponding pressure,
the experimental readings and data readings provided by steam table that applies Clapeyron
equation are used to plot three distinct graphs which are T versus P, dT/dP versus P and dT/dP
with Tvg/hfg versus P. Clapeyron equation simplifies the calculation standards of vapor pressures
for common fluids based on several assumptions as below [2]:
1)
2)
3)
4)

The change in volume during evaporation process is equivalent to volume of water vapor.
Enthalpy of vaporization is fixed over wide range of temperature conditions.
Water vapor behave as ideal gases (low pressure and high temperature).
The vapor pressure is independent of regardless amount of external pressure.
From observation done on the Graph 3.2.1 above, the saturation temperature of water

inside pressure vessel increases gradually as pressure readings rise with time. There is a
noticeable sharp increase from 0 kPa to 50kPa which indicates that it is the range in which
maximum reading of measured slope (dT/dP) occurs. This can be deduced that the temperature
of water is still below boiling point of 373K and thus the water molecules are experiencing
energy absorption process in order to escape from water surface without much hindrance from
other significant less amount of water vapor present above water surface. As the pressure goes
beyond approximately 50kPa which the temperature of water hits its boiling point, the amount of
water vapor produced inside pressure vessel of Marcet is enough to create significant vapor
pressure against vaporization rate of water molecules. Hence, the measured slope of dT/dP
decreases at point within boiling temperature of water and fluctuate slightly in small differences
15

across the rest of pressure readings. To sum up, the temperature of water increases linearly with
the pressure readings with the highest gradient occurs at point around the boiling temperature of
water.
From observation done on the Graph 3.2.2 above, the measurement of slope, dt/dP
deviates greatly in the first 100kPa increment and drops slightly across the remaining of pressure
readings. There is a slight destabilization among dT/dP readings between increment of 300kPa
and 500kPa, in which the measured slope, dT/dP reaches zero value and increases back within
0.2K/KPa as the pressure goes beyond 400kPa reading. On the other hand, the graph 3.2.3
demonstrates the comparison between the theoretical slope and the measured slope under same
range of pressure readings. The slopes value for both theoretical and experimental experience
greatest deviation at 100kPa increment whereas the rate of decrease is almost identical for both
measured and calculated slope with exception of between 300kPa to 500kPa. It can be deduced
that the greatest error occurred at 100kPa increment and significant errors present within 300kPa
to 500kPa.
The interpretation of graphs can be done through the fundamental understanding of
behavior for liquid and vapor behavior inside the pressure vessel of Marcet Boiler. The heating
process supplies energy to water molecules in order to form vapor molecules and escaping from
water surface. The rate of evaporation for water molecules is directly proportional to the
temperature of water under constant rate [3]. On the other hand, the vapor molecules will
eventually condense at some points to form a cycle within an enclosed container so that the
evaporation rate will eventually reach equilibrium with the condensation rate. Hence, the
pressure created within this equilibrium is recognized as saturated vapor pressure [4]. As the
temperature of water began to rise beyond its boiling point, the saturated vapor pressure becomes
equivalent to atmospheric pressure and thus water molecules will form bubbles inside boiling
liquid instead of escaping from water surface [4]. This period is known as boiling phenomena
and the experiment began by trapping all water vapor inside pressure vessel while the water
receives continuous heat supply over time. To reach equilibrium state, the water molecules
becomes more energetic to counteract with the rising of saturated vapor pressure whereby the
kinetic energy of water molecules is equivalent to heat energy being supplied to the pressure
vessel which can be represented by the temperature of water. Hence, the saturation temperature
16

of water is increasing linearly with the vapor pressure which concludes that the saturation
temperature is dependent to amount of pressure within an enclosed space [3].
The principle of operation for Marcet Boiler can be found in many industrial applications,
such as steam boilers used in palm oil plantations and cooking utensils used in food productions.
Steam boilers present in various size form to suit different palm oil fruit production capacity in
refinery plants which they are specially designed using high vapor pressure in order to maximize
efficiency for power production during boiling process of water inside the chamber [5]. Cooking
utensils also utilize the function of enclosed lid to create high vapor pressure in order to perform
cooking more efficiently.

4.0 Error Analysis

Experimental error is an inevitable aspect in conducting experiment. The experiment
error for this experiment is categorized as systematic error as the improper usage of apparatus
could deviate the experimental readings from the purposed theoretical readings which can be
obtained under ideal conditions. According to table 3.1.2, the experimental error can be
calculated by comparing the deviation rate for the readings for measured slope, dT/dP from its
corresponding calculated slope, Tvg/hfg. The greatest error deviation is recorded as 204.4% from
theoretical value, Tvg/hfg under 50kPa amount of pressure, while the least error deviation is
recorded as 0.0% which the measured slope, dT/dP is identical to its theoretical value, Tvg/hfg.
There are several explanations for the introduction of systematic errors when conducting
the experiment. First and foremost, the impurity of water supply could affect the final
experimental readings as it has slightly difference in terms of evaporation rate and boiling
temperature compared to pure water substance. In other words, the impurities absorb heat energy
that supposed to water molecules only and create resistance for water molecules to escape from
water surface rather than the vapor pressure itself. Next, the steam was allowed to escape from
pressure relieve valve for certain amount of period before the vent valve is sealed tight. This
could also deviate the accuracy of experimental results due to loss of vapor pressure at initial
stage of experiment. In addition, the condition of main apparatus, such as valve leaking and

17

incorrect calibration of pressure meter, could cause saturation pressure readings to be fluctuate
and decrease the accuracy of experimental readings.
Last but not least, the accuracy of experimental readings can be improved by repetition of
experiment procedures to obtain average readings and minimize any possible systematic errors.
The components of main apparatus, Marcet Boiler, such as pressure relief valve and pressure
meter, are needed to be examined and operated in proper manner to ensure its ability of
registering experimental readings with higher accuracy.

5.0 Conclusion
The experiment has successfully demonstrated the relationship in which the saturation
temperature is increasing linearly to the amount of pressure exerted by water vapor. The
theoretical data is obtained by using Claperyron equation and then it is compared with
experimental data to evaluate experimental errors based on their respective gradient slope. The
temperature readings of heated water substance are recorded upon 0.5 bar increment of pressure
reading. The greatest deviation occurs at initial stage of experiment while destabilization of slope
readings occurs within 300kPa to 500kPa. The gradient of the line graphs, dT/dP and Tvg/hfg,
decrease gradually beyond 100kPa due to increasing amount of vapor pressure. The accuracy of
experimental data can be further improved by minimizing the systematic errors, such as
examination of apparatus conditions and repetition of experiment procedures. The principle of
Marcet Boiler is applicable in many industrial applications which high pressure is being utilized
to improve work efficiency and work effectiveness.

6.0 References
1. Beaton, C.F. (1986). Steam Tables. Heat Exchanger Design Handbook. Republished in Feb,
2011. doi: 10.1615. Retrieved from http://www.thermopedia.com/content/1150/
2. Senese, F. (Feb, 2010). What is the Clausius-Clapeyron equation? Frostburg.edu. Retrieved
from

http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/liquids/faq/clausius-clapeyron-vapor-

pressure.shtml
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3. Babb, D. (2014). Vapor Pressure And Saturated Vapor Pressure. Pennstate. Retrieved from
https://www.e-education.psu.edu/meteo003/content/l4_p4.html
4. Nave, R. (2014). Saturated Vapor Pressure & Evaporation vs Boiling. HyperPhysics.
Retrieved from http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/kinetic/vappre.html
5. Corley, R.H.V. & Tinker, P.B.H. (2003). Small scale mills. The Oil Palm. pg. 456-458. Oxford:
Blackwell Science Ltd

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