Fluid Mechanics LAB:

PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
AND GAGE CALIBRATION
ENTC - 303

ENTC-303

Dr. ALVARADO

Objective
To learn about the different pressure
measuring devices frequently used to
measure pressure difference in fluid
flow.
To calibrate a pressure gage.

Pressure Measurement
Pressure measurement is important for
many reasons. It can provide information
needed to determine a systems flow rate.
Pressure measuring devices can also
allow operating pressures to be monitored,
so that any necessary adjustments can be
made. Since the pressure in any fluid is not
constant from one point to the next, it is
important to measure the pressure at
different points in the system.

Pressure Measuring Devices

Bourdon tube gages
- can measure both pneumatic and
hydraulic pressure.
- cannot measure low pressure in
the range of 0-5 psi
Diaphragm-type dial gages

Pressure Measuring Devices

Manometer
A manometer employs a column of liquid, which is
forced upward to a height where it balances the pressure
being measured. The pressure exerted by the liquid
column depends on it height and the density of the liquid.
-

U-tube manometer

The reading is taken as the difference in height

of the two columns.

- Well-type manometer

The column height can be read directly.

Pressure Gage Calibration

Calibration refers to the process of
comparing the reading of an
instrument or device that is used to
measure a desired variable, with a
primary reference standard.
The primary reference standard is a
device, which measures the desired
variable in basic units such as mass,
length, time which is reproducible
and accurate.

Pressure Gage Calibration

Steps:
1. Make sure that the pressure gauge tester is filled with
oil and that it has no air bubbles inside.
2. Note down the mass of the platform and piston of the
gage tester. Also record the area of the piston.
3. Record the gage reading without any additional
weight. In order to ensure that the piston is not stuck
inside due to friction, always make sure to spin the
platform before noting the reading of the pressure
gage.
4. Place weights in the following increments (0.5, 1.0.
2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 kg.), noting down the gage reading
at each step.
5. Remove the weights one at a time, and note the
readings on the gage at each step. This is done to
check for gage hysteresis.

Pressure Gage Calibration

Steps:
7. The apparent pressure is the average of all the gauge
readings per weight increment.
8. Calculate the true pressure by dividing the sum of the
weights on the platform and the weight of the
platform with no load by the cross sectional area of
the piston. Use the following equation:
(Weights Plarform)

Pture
Cross_ Sectional _ Area
Data Analysis:
Plot the following:
Actual pressure (gage readings) as a function of true
pressure (from equation above).
Gage correction (True Pressure Actual Pressure) as
a function of true pressure.

Mass
Total
added
True
mass
pressur
on
to
e
piston
piston
(kg)
0.0
0.5
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0

Increasing Pressure

(kg)

(kPa)

Gage Reading(kPa)

Gage
Gage
Average
Correctio error
(kPa)
n (kPa)
(%)

Mass Total
True
added mass
pressu
to
on
re
piston piston
(kg)
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.5
0.0

(kg)

(kPa)

Decreasing Pressure

Gage Reading(kPa)

Gage
Gage
Average
Correctio error
(kPa)
n (kPa)
(%)