DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering Department

Engineering Thermodynamics Laboratory

Final Laboratory Report

Experiment # 3
Calibration of Pressure Gauges

Group Name N3P Section EA1

NAME SIGNATURE Criteria Score

1. Cellona, Kimberley B. Content (50%)
2. Dar, Lloyd Ross M. Presentation (25%)

3. Javier, Mona Lyndsay C. Relevance (25%)

4. Lopez, Maristela Ann F. Total (100%)

5. Soriano, Elijah Jeremie D. Percentage Equivalent

29 May 2018 5 June 2018

Date of performance Date of Submission

Dr. Lawrence P. Belo

Instructor
Engineering Thermodynamics Laboratory

Calibration of Pressure Gauges

Kimberley B. Cellona, Lloyd Ross M. Dar, Mona Lyndsay C. Javier,
Maristela Ann F. Lopez, Elijah Jeremie D. Soriano
Department of Chemical Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University,
2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004, Philippines

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

AY 2017–2018 | Term 3 Mechanical pressure gauges are used in several industries to monitor pressures for
LBYCHED EA1
compressors, tanks, and other equipment. The experiment made use of a dead weight
Final Laboratory Report
Experiment # 3 tester to calibrate a Bourdon-type pressure gauge. Weights of increments and
Date Performed: May 29, 2018 decrements of 0.5 pound were placed in a piston, and readings were taken right after
Date Submitted: June 5, 2018 the plunger has pushed the indicator to the stopping position. The gauge was not
accurately calibrated, as results obtained show a percent error of 3-25% (difference
Keywords
pressure gauge, Bourdon-type, dead of 1-3 psi from the equivalent pressure). Plotting the experimental data versus the
weight tester, calibration theoretical/calculated data, the second trial gave an average R 2 value closer to unity.
Errors can be reduced by being consistent in reading the gauge pressure and by
continuously spinning the platform to minimize friction.

I. INTRODUCTION gauge makes use of bourdon tubes, tubes having an oval

cross-section and shaped into a circle. The pressure,
Mechanical pressure gauges, typically used to which is to be determined, passes inside the tube; then,
measure pressures higher than that of the atmospheric, the oval cross-section is slowly formed into a circle. This
are essential in different industries. These industries bent on the Bourdon tube creates a tension on the ring,
make use of mechanical pressure gauges due to its thus opening the tube. Consequently, the loose end of the
inherent light weight and compactness, ease of tube moves, enabling pressure measurement [6]. This
monitoring due to the direct reading of the movement, then, translates a rotation on the dial pointer
measurements, and various operational applications [1]. for the gauge reading [1].
Similarly, pressure gauges can be used to monitor The tubes used for the bourdon type pressure gauge
pressures for both air and gas in compressors, vacuum are typically made of alloys, specifically copper alloys or
equipment, various process lines and specialized tanks, alloyed steel. Brass, stainless steel, bronze and beryllium
for instance medical gas cylinders and fire extinguishers copper may also be used, as long as the material is
[2]. resistant to corrosion and provides the necessary elastic
Bourdon tube process gauge, direct drive process properties [1,6]. Other desirable properties for the
gauge, and process gauge with diaphragm seal are some Bourdon tubes would be its fast response rate and good
of the examples for pressure gauges [3]. Prior to the sensitivity [5]. Nevertheless, for this pressure gauge to
operation of these gauges, however, calibration is a accurately function, proper calibrations must be
fundamental step to ensure accurate performance of the conducted.
equipment. Amongst the widely used devices to calibrate One of the primary standards for the calibration of
the pressure gauges is the dead weight tester, which pressures is the dead weight tester or DWT. The DWT
outputs precise readings [1]. A dead weight tester is operates when accurately measured weights are put on
generally an oil-filled chamber with an operating top of the main piston, having a known cross-sectional
cylinder-piston combination [4]. area, while pressure is applied using the plunger. Pressure
Bourdon type pressure gauges are typically used to application is stopped once the weights is around the
measure high pressure values, since its spring gradient middle of the vertical movement range, signifying a
cannot detect low pressures [5]. This type of pressure balance between the exerted downward and upward
[1]
pressures of the weights and system, respectively [1,7].
Mathematically, the pressure can be defined as:
F
P=
A (1)

Where P is the gauge pressure, W is the dead weight, and

A is the cross-sectional area of the piston. However, the
DWT is prone to various errors, namely due to
temperature, perpendicularity, fluid buoyancy, and the
acceleration due to gravity. To address these errors, a
modified equation is used: Figure 1. Dead weight tester [8]

m g 2.2 Experimental Procedure

P=( −ρh−ρb) The oil in the reservoir was checked for any bubbles.
A gc (2)
Having bubbles will affect the pressure reading.
Where P is the gauge pressure, m is the piston’s mass, A Pressure was then applied to the pumping piston,
is the piston’s effective area, ρ is the liquid’s density, h is while spinning the platform to reduce friction. No
the distance between the pressure gauge used and the weight was added for the first reading, since the
piston, b is the correction factor for the liquid’s buoyancy platform already weighs 1.0 lb. Pressure was applied
due to the submerged plunger, and g/g_c is the ratio of gently and continuously until the weight is lifted.
the gravities measured at the point of use and that of the The reading from the pressure gauge was then
standard value. recorded. Weights were added by increments of five,
In this experiment, the students are tasked to recording the pressure until the total weight is 6.5
familiarize and explore the Bourdon gauge, specifically lbs. The process was then repeated, starting with 6.5
how it operates. Likewise, the students are expected to lbs, and decreasing by increments of 5 until only the
learn how to precisely calibrate pressure gauges using a platform is left. The experiment was performed in
dead weight tester. The aforementioned objectives are two trials.
accomplished by safely executing the experiment,
properly observing machine or setup changes, and
minimizing errors. III. RESULTS & DISCUSSION

All of the data obtained from the procedure exhibited

II. METHODOLGY differences from expected pressure readings by 1-3 psi
2.1 Equipment more than the equivalent weight pressure. These
A dead weight tester, complete with a set of weights, correspond to 3-25% error, signifying that the pressure
was used in the experiment. It consists of a pumping gauge is not accurately calibrated. Further, the large
piston with a screw, which is connected to an oil range in percent error, at a decreasing trend, is explained
reservoir, another piston containing the dead weight, by the fact that the difference from the expected value
and to a pressure gauge. Applying pressure to the nearly remains the same while the true value increase.
pumping piston increases the fluid pressure in the
reservoir, which in turn lifts the dead weight. When To assess precision, Fig. 2 illustrates the parity plot,
the weight is lifted, the reading in the pressure gauge consisting of the superimposed data points for upscale
should be the same as the pressure applied by the and downscale readings for two trials, along with a line
weight [1]. A dead weight tester is shown in Fig. 1. corresponding to the standard.

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[2]
 These correspond to hysteresis error, the difference in
70 Gauge Pressure Parity Plot output measurement, for the same equivalent weight
pressure, when the change in loading is approached from
Experimental wt. pressure (psi)

60
an increasing and then decreasing scale with all other
50
conditions unvaried [9]. The mechanical hysteresis is
40 attributed to the elasticity of the tubular measuring
30 element or bellow, which inherently lags or hinders its
repeatability in performance during depressurization [10,
20
11]. Because of this, the error becomes more defined
10 towards the middle of the scale [10]. This signifies that
0 pressure readings do not simply depend on the amount of
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
load and the area of the platform, but also include the
Theoretical wt. pressure (psi) approach of loading, whether upscale or downscale [12].
Standard Trial 1 - Increasing
Trial 1 - Decreasing Trial 2 - Increasing
Trial 2 - Decreasing With these, in order to determine the relationship
Figure 2. Gauge pressure parity plot. between the gauge readings and the equivalent weight
pressure values, a calibration curve is constructed in Fig.
From the graph, it can be observed that the data 4. The equivalent weight pressures are plotted against
points overlap closely for every pressure reading, or for average gauge readings, and the trendline equations are
every change in dead weight load. The pressure readings, indicated for each trial. From the graph, the data points
therefore, were precise, wherein repeatability was also can be observed to closely follow increasing linear
achieved for some loads. Further on the graph, the results trendlines.
obtained are also plotted closely along the standard line
from 10-25 psi, however begin to deviate from the 70 Gauge Pressure Calibration Curve
standard line for higher pressures, nonetheless remaining 60 f(x) == 0.98
f(x) 0.99 xx −− 1.32
1.7
Equivalent wt. pressure (psi)

precise. Closely viewing the 35-40 psi range provided in

50
Fig. 3, the data from the decreasing weight load
measurements also illustrate to be greater than the 40
measurements from the prior increasing of weight load. 30

20

40 Gauge Pressure Parity Plot 10

Experimental wt. pressure (psi)

0
39 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Gauge reading (psi)
38 Trial 1 Linear (Trial 1)
Trial 2 Linear (Trial 2)
37 Figure 4. Gauge pressure scale calibration curve

36
From this, Table 1 lists the coefficients of
determination for trendlines fitted for each data set
35
35 36 37 38 39 40 obtained from the experiment.
Theoretical wt. pressure (psi)
Standard Trial 1 - Increasing
Trial 1 - Decreasing Trial 2 - Increasing
Trial 2 - Decreasing

Figure 3. Gauge pressure parity plot for 35-40 psi.

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[3]
 Table 1. Coefficients of determination from linear loosened to release pressure. Lastly, when the
regression analysis. weights are lessened, either the applied pressure
R2 must be lowered, or a person must hold to screw
Trial 1 Increasing 0.9991 in place, to avoid any mishap (Dar).
Decreasing 0.9994
Average 0.9994
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Trial 2 Increasing 0.9994
Decreasing 0.9996
In this experiment, the dead weight tester was used
Average 0.9996
to calibrate a Bourdon gauge. Increments and
decrements of 0.5 lb. of dead weight were placed on the
As can be observed, the values are very close to 1, piston, and the readings in the pressure gauge were
indicating that the data indeed follow a linear increase recorded. The readings obtained had a 3-25% error
throughout the pressure range used. Thus, from the from the calculated value, indicating that the pressure
conducted experiment, the equation obtained for the gauge is not accurately calibrated. The set of data from
average readings from trial 2, according to its higher R2 the second trial better describes the relationship to
value, best describes the relationship that will determine determine the true or equivalent pressure based from
the true or equivalent weight pressure based from gauge gauge reading, as it has an R2 value closer to 1. Errors
reading. may be attributed to inconsistencies in reading
measurements.
Lastly, individual observations from the experiment
are that:
(1) The scale of the pressure gauge, only graduated V. ANSWERS TO GUIDE QUESTIONS
by 5 psi, contributes a large room for human
error due to subjectivity in attempting to 1. Discuss the significance of precision and
determine more precise measurements (Lopez). accuracy. Give examples.
(2) There are inconsistencies in the pressures
recorded, as these vary with the people who are In the fields of science and engineering, the
reading it (Javier). accuracy of a measurement system is the degree
(3) The accuracy of the dead weight tester is affected of closeness of measurement of a quantity to the
due to the friction between the piston and quantity's true value [13]. The precision of a
cylinder that is why the piston should be spun measurement system, related to reproducibility
from time to time in order to minimize the and repeatability, is the degree to which
friction (Soriano). repeated measurements under unchanged
(4) The dead weight tester’s arm gets slightly heavier conditions show the same results [13]. Although
to move as additional weight is added. The the two words precision and accuracy can be
moving of the arm up and down should be done synonymous in colloquial use, they are
slowly, otherwise the pressure will exceed and deliberately contrasted in the context of the
the weights may be dislodged. It is also scientific method. A measurement system can be
important in some instances to release some accurate but not precise, precise but not
pressure using the valve, especially when accurate, neither, or both. For example, if an
removing heavy weights from the platform to experiment contains a systematic error, then
avoid dislodge (Cellona). increasing the sample size generally increases
(5) Once dead weights are applied, the plunger starts precision but does not improve accuracy [14].
to get heavier as well. Whenever the plunger is The result would be a consistent yet inaccurate
moved excessively, the pointer or indicator string of results from the flawed experiment.
would go up, signifying that the loaded pressure Eliminating the systematic error improves
was in excess. Hence, the small screw must be accuracy but does not change precision [14]. A
Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[4]
 measurement system is considered valid if it is b. Venturi meters – similar to pitot tube, it is also
both accurate and precise. an instrument used to measure fluid flow
velocities by measuring the pressure drop
2. What is gauge pressure? What is absolute between two points in the pipe with a
pressure? When and why are these two units of converging section [19].
pressure used?

Absolute pressure is measured in relation to the

vacuum, while gauge pressure is the difference
between the absolute pressure and the
atmospheric pressure [15]. Absolute pressure
uses absolute zero as its's zero point and is
generally used for scientific experimentations
and calculations. On the other hand, gauge
pressure uses atmospheric pressure as its's zero
Figure 6. Venturi meter [20].
point. Gauge pressure is the most commonly
used reference of pressure, for an instance,
c. Pitot tube – an instrument used to measure fluid
compressors and pumps all uses gauge pressure.
flow velocities by measuring the pressure drop
Gauge pressure measurement is usually used
between two points [21].
when the pressure of the system cannot go
below atmospheric pressure [16]. However, due
to varying atmospheric pressure, gauge pressure
measurement is not precise as compared to
absolute pressure which is always definite [15].
A 'g' is often placed after the unit of pressure to
signify that a particular measurement is a gauge
pressure while for absolute pressure, uses the
term 'abs' or sometimes it is omitted [15]. Figure 7. Pitot tube [22]

3. Give at least five types of modern instruments d. Sphygmomanometer – an instrument for

used in measuring pressure. Describe each with measuring arterial blood pressure indirectly,
the aid of diagrams. consisting of an inflatable cuff, inflating bulb,
and a gauge showing the blood pressure [23].
a. Barometer – an instrument used by
meteorologists to predict short-term changes in
weather by measuring atmospheric the
atmospheric pressure which is the pressure
caused by air [17].

Figure 8. Sphygmomanometer [24]

Figure 5. Barometer [18]
Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[5]
 e. Bourdon Gauge – uses the principle that a
flattened tube tends to straighten or regain its
circular form in cross-section when pressurized.
Bourdon gauge consists of a tube coiled into a
spiral shape or helix, or formed into a C shape,
so that when the pressure increases, the tube will
straighten out. [21].

Figure 9. Bourdon Gauge (http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-

bourdon-pressure-gauge.htm#)

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[6]
REFERENCES

[1] LBYCHED Manual [PDF Document]

[2] Available online at: https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/sensors_transducers_detectors/pressure_sensing/
analog_pressure_gauges
[3] Available online at: http://www.lesman.com/train/webinars/Mechanical-Pressure-Gauges-101.pdf
[4] Available online at: http://www.rscal.com/perform-pressure-gauge-calibration-dead-weight-tester/
[5] Liptak, B.G., Jamison, J. E., & Edvi, S. (2003). Bourdon and helical pressure sensors. 731-735.
[6] Afriso Euro Index Operating Instructions [PDF Document]
[7] Available online at: http://www.instrumentationtoolbox.com/2013/08/how-to-calibrate-pressure-gauge-
with.html#axzz5HTitxmKi
[8] Available online at http://www.instrumentationtoolbox.com/2011/12/how-dead-weight-tester-
works.html#axzz5HQVEkvBs
[9] Available online at https://appmeas.co.uk/resources/pressure-measurement-notes/what-are-hysteresis-errors/
[10] Available online at https://www.flowcontrolnetwork.com/the-role-of-repeatability-hysteresis-in-bourdon-tube-
pressure-gauges/
[11] Available online at https://www.setra.com/blog/what-is-hysteresis
[12] Available online at https://campaign.stssensors.com/blog/pressure-measurement-accuracy-non-linearity
[13] Available online at https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-accuracy-and-vs-precision/
[14] Taylor, John Robert (1999). An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical
Measurements. University Science Books. pp. 128–129. ISBN 0-935702-75-X.
[15] Available online at https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/20460/gauge-pressure-vs-absolute-pressure
[16] Available online at http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-gauge-pressure-and-absolute-
pressure/
[17] Available online at https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/barometer/
[18] Available online at http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-bourdon-pressure-gauge.htm#
[19] Available online at http://www.thermopedia.com/content/1241/
[20] Available online at http://mechanicalbuzz.com/venturi-meter-principle.html
[21] Available online at http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pitot-tubes-d_612.html.
[22] Available online at http://olivier.granier.free.fr/ci/bernoulli/co/ex-CCP-4-meca-fluide.html
[23] Available online at https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/sphygmomanometer
[24] Available online at https://www.capesmedical.co.nz/media/lrssavc-hand-held-aneroid-sphyg-navy-boxed-velcro-
cuff.jpg

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[7]
APPENDICES

A. Raw Data
Table 2. Trial 1 gauge pressure readings using A=0.1 in2 platform.
Actual Equivalent Wt. Increasing reading Decreasing reading Average
mass (lb) Pressure (psi) Pressure (psi) % Error Pressure (psi) % Error Reading (psi)
1.0 10 11 10.00 12 20.00 11.50
1.5 15 16 6.67 17 13.33 16.50
2.0 20 21 5.00 22 10.00 21.50
2.5 25 26 4.00 27 8.00 26.50
3.0 30 32 6.67 33 10.00 32.50
3.5 35 38 8.57 38 8.57 38.00
4.0 40 42 5.00 43 7.50 42.50
4.5 45 47 4.44 47.5 5.56 47.25
5.0 50 53 6.00 53 6.00 53.00
5.5 55 58 5.45 58 5.45 58.00
6.0 60 63 5.00 62.5 4.17 62.75
6.5 65 67 3.08 67 3.08 67.00

Table 3. Trial 2 gauge pressure readings using A=0.1 in2 platform.

Actual Equivalent Wt. Increasing reading Decreasing reading Average
mass (lb) Pressure (psi) Pressure (psi) % Error Pressure (psi) % Error Reading (psi)
1.0 10 12.0 20.00 12.5 25.00 12.25
1.5 15 17.0 13.33 17.5 16.67 17.25
2.0 20 22.0 10.00 22.0 10.00 22.00
2.5 25 26.5 6.00 27.0 8.00 26.75
3.0 30 32.0 6.67 32.0 6.67 32.00
3.5 35 36.5 4.29 37.0 5.71 36.75
4.0 40 42.0 5.00 42.5 6.25 42.25
4.5 45 46.5 3.33 47.0 4.44 46.75
5.0 50 53.0 6.00 53.0 6.00 53.00
5.5 55 58.0 5.45 58.0 5.45 58.00
6.0 60 62.5 4.17 63.0 5.00 62.75
6.5 65 67.5 3.85 67.5 3.85 67.50

Table 4. Comparison of average readings from Trial 1 and Trial 2.

Actual Equivalent Wt. Trial 1 Trial 2
mass (lb) Pressure (psi) Average Reading (psi) %Error Average Reading (psi) %Error
1.0 10 11.50 15.00 12.25 22.50
1.5 15 16.50 10.00 17.25 15.00
2.0 20 21.50 7.50 22.00 10.00
2.5 25 26.50 6.00 26.75 7.00
3.0 30 32.50 8.33 32.00 6.67
3.5 35 38.00 8.57 36.75 5.00
4.0 40 42.50 6.25 42.25 5.63
4.5 45 47.25 5.00 46.75 3.89

Table 4. Comparison of average readings from Trial 1 and Trial 2.

Actual Equivalent Wt. Trial 1 Trial 2

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[8]
 mass (lb) Pressure (psi) Average Reading (psi) %Error Average Reading (psi) %Error
5.0 50 53.00 6.00 53.00 6.00
5.5 55 58.00 5.45 58.00 5.45
6.0 60 62.75 4.58 62.75 4.58
6.5 65 67.00 3.08 67.50 3.85

B. Sample Calculations

 Equivalent wt. pressure

W 1.0 lb
P= = =10 psi
A 0.1 in2

 % Error for Increasing pressure reading

|Equivalent wt . pressure−Increasing pressure reading| |10−11|
× 100= ×100=10.00 %
Equivalent wt . pressure 10

 Average reading
Increasing pressure reading+ Decreasing pressure reading 11+12
= psi=11.50 psi
2 2

C. Photos

Figure 10. Adding a 0.5 lb dead weight load on the platform.

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[9]
 Figure 11. Applying pressure and spinning the platform to reduce friction.

Figure 12. Reading the gauge pressure.

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[10]