Document Title:

Training on GET-Instrumentation

November
2014

PRESSURE MEASURMENT AND CONTROL

Code: PI

Introduction:Pressure is probably one of the most commonly measured variables in the power plant. It
includes the measurement of steam pressure; feed water pressure, condenser pressure,
lubricating oil pressure and many more.
Pressure is actually the measurement of force acting on area of surface.
PRESSURE = FORCE / UNIT AREA
UNITS:-

The units of measurement are either in

Pascal
Bar
Psi (pounds per square)
kg/cm2

Pressure Scales:-

Before we go into how pressure is sensed and measured, we have to establish a set of
ground rules. Pressure varies depending on altitude above sea level, weather pressure
fronts and other conditions. The measure of pressure is, therefore, relative and pressure
measurements are stated as either gauge or absolute.
Gauge pressure is the unit we encounter in everyday work (e.g., tire ratings are in gauge
pressure).
A gauge pressure device will indicate zero pressure when bled down to atmospheric
pressure (i.e., gauge pressure is referenced to atmospheric pressure). Gauge pressure is
denoted by a (g) at the end of the pressure unit [e.g., kPa (g)].
Absolute pressure includes the effect of atmospheric pressure with the gauge pressure. It is
denoted by an (a) at the end of the pressure unit [e.g., kPa (a)]. An absolute pressure
indicator would indicate atmospheric pressure when completely vented down to
atmosphere - it would not indicate scale zero.
Absolute Pressure = Gauge Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure

Document Title:

Training on GET-Instrumentation

November
2014

PRESSURE MEASURMENT AND CONTROL

Code: PI

The majority of pressure measurements in a plant are gauge. Absolute measurements tend
to be used where pressures are below atmosphere. Typically this is around the condenser
and vacuum building.

Pressure Gauges:Bourdon Tubes:Bourdon tubes are circular-shaped tubes with oval cross sections (refer to Figure 2). The
pressure of the medium acts on the inside of the tube. The outward pressure on the oval
cross section forces it to become rounded. Because of the curvature of the tube ring, the
bourdon tube then bends as indicated in the direction of the arrow.

Due to their robust construction, bourdon are often used in harsh environments and high
pressures, but can also be used for very low pressures; the response time however, is slower
than the bellows or diaphragm.

Document Title:

Training on GET-Instrumentation

November
2014

PRESSURE MEASURMENT AND CONTROL

Code: PI

Bellows:Bellows type elements are constructed of tubular membranes that are convoluted around
the circumference (see Figure 3). The membrane is attached at one end to the source and at
the other end to an indicating device or instrument. The bellows element can provide a long
range of motion (stroke) in the direction of the arrow when input pressure is applied.

Differential Pressure Transmitters:Most pressure transmitters are built around the pressure capsule concept. They are
usually capable of measuring differential pressure (that is, the difference between a high
pressure input and a low pressure input) and therefore, are usually called DP transmitters or
DP cells.

Document Title:

Training on GET-Instrumentation

November
2014

PRESSURE MEASURMENT AND CONTROL

Code: PI

A differential pressure transmitter has three functional parts.

1) Direct Pressure sensing element (located in the lower housing).
The majority of industrial DP Transmitters are fitted with diaphragm as the pressure sensing
element. This diaphragm is a mechanical device. It is placed in between the two pressure
inlet ports. The diaphragm will be deflected by the applied pressure.
This is clarified in Fig-7. This deflection is converted into an electrical signal. This is normally
done by the sensors. The commonly used sensors are (a) Strain Gauge (b) Differential
Capacitance (c) Vibrating wire. The sensor output is proportional to the applied pressure.

2) Electronic Unit:
The electrical signal generated at the lower chamber by the sensor is in the range of millivolt only. This signal is to be amplified to 0-5V or 0-10V range or is to be converted to 420mA for onward transmission to a remote instrument. This upper housing is the
Transmitter portion of the DP Transmitter which houses the Electronic Unit. See Fig-7 for
further clarifications.
3)2-Wire 4-20mA Current Transmitter:
A DC output current is generated which is directly proportional to the pressure range of the
Differential Pressure Transmitter. The lower range is 4mA, and the upper range is 20mA.
This controlled current output is not affected by load impedance variation and supply
voltage fluctuations. This 4-20mA output is superimposed with digital communications of
BRAIN or HART FSK protocol.
Industrial applications of Differential Pressure Transmitters:
There are unlimited industrial applications of Differential Pressure Transmitters.
Oil and Gas flow metering in onshore, offshore and subsea applications.
Water and effluent treatment plants. It is largely used to monitor filters in these
plants.
Pressure drops across valves can be monitored.
Pump control monitoring.
More complex pressure transducers include an electronic circuit for rationalizing the
transducer output signal so that there is very little difference from one transducer to

Document Title:

Training on GET-Instrumentation

November
2014

PRESSURE MEASURMENT AND CONTROL

Code: PI

another of the same type. A temperature compensation circuit is also added to reduce the
errors associated with changes in media temperature. Often the rationalized and
compensated output is then converted to a standardized output signal to make it universally
compatible with end users instrumentation such as readouts, analog to digital converter
cards, programmable logic controllers and data acquisition cards.
Installation:The pressure gauge should be installed where exposure to heat and vibration are
minimal and where the dial can be easily read. It is also important to install the gauge in a
location with undisturbed and continuous flow of the pressure medium. It is recommended
that an isolating device, such as a needle valve or gauge cock, be installed between the
process and the pressure gauges. This allows the gauge to be taken out of service without
interruption of the process.

Gauge cock

Needle Valve

A pressure gauge siphon is a simple device used to protect a pressure sensor from
high-temperature media, such as steam. It can also be used to reduce the potentially
damaging effects of rapid pressure changes. These low-cost devices allow systems builders
to use a pressure sensor with a much lower temperature range in high-temperature
applications. When first installed the siphon should be filled with water or some other
suitable separating medium. As seen in the diagram, condensation of the pressure medium
collected inside the coiled portion of the siphon prevents direct contact with the external
media.

Document Title:

Training on GET-Instrumentation

November
2014

PRESSURE MEASURMENT AND CONTROL

Code: PI

If gauges are to be used for steam service a siphon filled with water must be installed
between gauge lines to prevent live steam from entering the bourdon tube.
A diaphragm seal should be used in applications where process media should not
come in to contact with gauge.