MARCET BOILER

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
LABORATORY
(CHE 331)

ABSTRACT
The experiment was carried out to investigate the relationship between the pressure
and the temperature of saturated steam in the state of equilibrium. Through this
experiment, the vapor pressure curve was able to be presented. The equipment used in
the experiment is known as Marcet boiler or HE169. It was found out that when the
pressure increases, the temperature increases as well. Thats why the relationship
between the pressure and the temperature is directly proportional. In addition to that,
the measured slope dT/dP is being compared to the calculated slope Tv fg/hfg which is
the data was taken from the steam table. Theoretically, the values measured should be
almost the same values with the calculated values. However, due to different values at
certain points, there might be some errors occurred during the experiment.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Objectives

3.0 Theory

4.0 Diagram and Description of Apparatus

5.0 Experimental Procedures

11

6.0 Results

13

7.0 Sample Calculations

15

8.0 Discussion

18

9.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

22

10.0

References

23

11.0

Appendices

24

INTRODUCTION
The SOLTEQ Marcet Boiler (Model: HE169) is a bench top unit designed for
the demonstration of the basic principal in Thermodynamics studies which is the
boiling phenomenon. Thermodynamics is defined as a study related to the
transfer of heat and work between a system and its surrounding, undergoing a
process causing any of the properties of the system change.

PV= nRT

P = pressure
V = volume
n = no of moles
R = gas constant
T = temperature

This equation was used during this experiment. An ideal gas that relate the
pressure, volume, no of moles, gas constant and temperature of fluid. During
heating process, the molecules collides each other. Thus, it will

increase the

number of molecule escape from the surface until an equilibrium state is

reached. The state of equilibrium depends on the pressure between the water
surface and steam.
3

The Marcet Boiler is used to investigate the relationship between the pressure
and temperature of saturated steam in equilibrium with water. The saturation
pressure curve can be determined at the pressure within 10 bar (150lb/in 2).

OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this experiment is to demonstrate between the pressure
and temperature of saturated steam in equilibrium phase. The state of
equilibrium depends on the pressure between the water surface and steam. At
lower pressure, the molecules become easier leaving the water surface while
less energy required in achieving the state of equilibrium (boiling point). The
temperature where equilibrium occurs at a given pressure level is called
saturated temperature.
Another objective is to demonstrate of the vapor pressure curve. The saturation
pressure curve can be determined at the pressure within 10 bar (150lb/in 2).

THEORY
Marcet

Boiler

(Model:

HE169)

has

been

developed

for

investigating

the

relationship between the pressure and the temperature of saturated steam, in

equilibrium with water, at all pressures between atmospheric and 10 bar (abs)
(150 lb/in2).
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics, which deals with the energy, and work
of a system. Thermodynamics deals only with the large-scale response of a
system that we can observe and measure in experiments. Small-scale gas
interactions are described by the kinetic theory of gasses, which is a compliment
to thermodynamics.
An ideal gas can be characterized by three state variables: absolute pressure
(P), volume (V), and absolute temperature (T). The realationship between them
aybe deduced from kinetic theory and is called the Ideal Gas Law. The ideal
gas law was originally determined empirically and is simply.
PV = nRT
Where,
P = Absolute pressure
V = Volume
n = Amount of substance (moles)
R = Ideal gas constant
T = Absolute temperature (K)
If a gas behaves exactly as the ideal gas laws would predict it to behave in
terms of volume, pressures, moles, and temperature, then the gas is said to be
an ideal gas. On the other hand, the gas deviates from Ideal Gas Behaviour,
then the gas is said to be acting like a real gas.

When energy increases within water, the increasing of activities among the
molecules enables the increase in the number of molecule escape from the
surface until an equilibrium state is reached. The state of equilibrium depends
on the pressure between the water surface and steam. At lower pressure, the
molecules become easier leaving the water surface while less energy is required
in achieving the state of equilibrium (boiling points). The temperature where
equilibrium occurs at a given pressure level is called saturated temperature.
The measured value of the slope of the graph (dT/dP)

SAT

obtained from the

practical results can be compared with corresponding values calculated from the
data in steam tables. Clausius-Clapeyron states:
dT

dP

dT

dP

SAT

SAT

Tv fg
h fg
T (v f v g )
h f hg

and hf + hfg = hg hfg = hg - hf

dT

dP

SAT

T (v f v g )
h fg

Tv g
h fg

as vg >> vf
in which,
vf = specific volume of saturated liquid
vg = specific volume of saturated vapor
hf = enthalpy of saturated liquid
hg = enthalpy of saturated vapor

hfg = latent heat of vaporization

DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS

The unit consists of a stainless steel pressure vessel fitted with high pressure
immersion electrical heater. The unit also comes together with a safety relief
valve, temperature and pressure measuring devices. Water feed port is installed
to allow water charging.
The unit comes with temperature and pressure transducers so that students will
be able to read the respective values on the digital indicators easily. The water
heater is protected from burnout by setting the maximum operating temperature
with a temperature controller.

Unit Assembly

Temperature
Controller/Indicator
Bourdon Tube
Pressure
Gauge

Pressure
Transduc

Temperatur
e Sensor

Pressure Relief
Valve

Water Inlet
Port & Valve

Pressure
Indicator
Control
Panel
Heate
r
Benc

Description and Assembly

The SOLTEQ Marcet Boiler (Model: HE169) consists of mainly the following items:
a) Pressure Vessel
Capacity: 3 Liters
Material: Stainless Steel 304
Design Pressure: 30 bar
Operating Pressure: 10 bar
Certification: DOSH certified
b) Pressure Gauge
Type: Bourdon Tube
Range: 0 20 bag (g)
c) Pressure Transducer
Wetted Material: Stainless Steel
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Range: 0 16 bar (abs)
d) Electrical Heater
Power: 2000W
Type: Immersion Type
Safety: High temp cut-off by means of a temperature controller
e) Temperature Sensor
Type: RTD (Class A)
Range: 0 - 200C
f) Safety Features
Pressure Relief Valve (Set at 15 bar), Temperature Controller (Set at 185.0C)
Experimental Capabilities
a) Demonstration of relationship between the pressure and temperature of
saturated steam in equilibrium with water.
b) Demonstration of the vapor pressure curve.

Overall Dimensions
Height: 1.15 m
10

Width: 1.00 m
Depth: 0.60 m

General Requirements
Electrical: 240VAC/1-phs/50Hz
Water Supply: Distilled water

11

PROCEDURES

General Start-up Procedures

1. A quick inspection is performed to ensure that the unit is in proper
operating condition.
2. The unit is connected to the nearest power supply.
3. The boiler is checked whether it is filled with water.
4. The valves at the feed port and the level sight tube (V1, V2 & V3) are
opened.
5. The boiler is filled with distilled water through the feed port and the water
level is at about the half of the boilers height. Then, the valves V1 & V2
at the level sight tube are closed.
6. The power supply switch is turned on.
7. The apparatus is now ready to be experimented.

General Shut-down Procedures

1. The heater is switched off and the boiler temperature is allowed to drop
until room temperature.
Note:
Do not open the valve at the water inlet port as it is highly pressurized
at high temperature.
2. The main switch and the main power supply are both switched off when
the temperature has dropped to room temperature.
3. The water is retained for next use.
4. The water is drained by open the upper part of level sight tube, V3 and
then V1 & V2 are opened to drain off the water.

12

Experimental Procedure

1. General start-up procedures are performed as described.

2. Since the boiler is initially filled with water, the valves at the level side
tube (V2 & V3) are opened to check the water level.
3. The temperature controller is set to temperature of 185.0C which is
slightly above the expected boiling point of the water at 10.0 bar (abs).
4. The vent valve, V3 is opened and the heater is turned on.
Important:
Always make sure that the valves at the level sight tube are closed
before turning on the heater as the sight tube is not designed to
withstand high pressure and temperature.
5. The steam temperature rise is observed as the water boils.
6. Steam is allowed to come out from the valve, V3 for about 30 seconds,
and then the valve is closed. This step is important to remove air from
the boiler as the accuracy of the experimental results will be significantly
affected when air is present.
7. The steam temperature and pressure is recorded when the boiler is
heated until the steam pressure reaches 10.0 bar (abs). (Make the
intervals of 0.1 initially, 0.2 and 0.5 for the following data).
Warning!
Never open the valve when the boiler is heated as pressurized steam can
cause severe injury.
8. Then, the heater is turned off and the steam temperature and pressure
will begin to drop. The steam temperature is start recorded when the
boiler is cooled until the steam pressure reaches atmospheric pressure.
9. The boiler is allowed to cool down to room temperature.
10. The steam temperatures at different pressure readings are recorded when
the boiler is heated and cooled.

RESULTS
13

Table 1 : Pressure and Temperature of Saturated Steam In Equilibrium.

Pressure, P (bar)
Temperature, T (C)
Measured
Slope,
Gauge Absolute Increase, Decrease, Average
Average
dT/dP
(C)
(C)
Tavc, (C) Tavc, (K)
0.1
1.1
105.0
106.6
105.80
378.80
0.2
1.2
107.6
109.3
108.45
381.45
0.262
0.3
1.3
110.5
111.8
111.15
384.15
0.266
0.4
1.4
112.4
114.0
113.20
386.20
0.202
0.5
1.5
114.2
116.1
115.15
388.15
0.192
0.7
1.7
118.3
119.9
119.10
392.10
0.195
0.9
1.9
122.0
123.6
122.80
395.80
0.183
1.1
2.1
125.2
126.7
125.95
398.95
0.155
1.6
2.6
132.6
133.8
133.20
406.20
0.143
2.1
3.1
138.6
140.0
139.30
412.30
0.120
2.6
3.6
144.0
145.1
144.50
417.55
0.104
3.1
4.1
148.4
149.8
149.10
422.10
0.090
3.6
4.6
153.0
154.1
153.55
426.55
0.088
4.1
5.1
157.0
158.0
157.50
430.50
0.078
4.6
5.6
160.6
161.6
161.10
434.10
0.071
5.1
6.1
163.9
164.8
164.35
437.35
0.064
5.6
6.6
167.1
168.0
167.55
440.55
0.063
6.1
7.1
170.1
171.0
170.55
443.55
0.059
6.6
7.6
172.8
173.8
173.30
446.30
0.054
7.1
8.1
175.5
176.4
175.95
448.95
0.052
7.6
8.6
178.0
179.0
178.50
451.50
0.050
8.1
9.1
180.5
181.3
180.90
453.90
0.047
8.6
9.6
182.8
183.8
183.30
456.30
0.047
9.0
10.0
184.7
184.7
184.70
457.70
0.035

14

Calculated
Slope,
Tvfg/hfg
0.271
0.260
0.249
0.237
0.225
0.199
0.173
0.156
0.134
0.113
0.101
0.090
0.083
0.075
0.070
0.065
0.062
0.058
0.055
0.052
0.050
0.048
0.046
0.044

Graph of Average Temperature,T versus Absolute Pressure, P

Average Temperature, T (K)

470
450
430
410
390
370
350

Absolute Pressure, P (bar)

Figure 1 : Graph of Average Temperature, T (K) versus Absolute Pressure, P (bar).

Graph of Measured Slope, dT/dP and Calculated Slope, Tvfg/hfg versus Absolute Pressure, P
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
1.1000000000000001 1.5

2.6 4.5999999999999996 6.6

Absolute Pressure, P (bar)

Measured Slope, dT/dP

15

Calculated Slope,Tvfg/hfg

8.6

Figure 2 : Graph of Measured Slope, dT/dP versus Absolute Pressure, P (bar) and
Calculated Slope, Tvfg/hfg versus Absolute Pressure, P (bar).
SAMPLE OF CALCULATIONS
Calculating the value of dT/dP

1 bar = 101.325 kPa

1.1 bar =

101.325 kPa
1

1.1 = 111.458 kPa

1.2 bar =

101.325 kPa
1

1.2 = 121.590 kPa

1.5 bar =

101.325 kPa
1

1.5 = 151.988 kPa

1.7 bar =

101.325 kPa
1

1.7 = 172.253 kPa

2.1 bar =

101.325 kPa
1

2.1 = 212.783 kPa

2.6 bar =

101.325 kPa
1

2.6 = 263.445 kPa

9.6 bar =

101.325 kPa
1

9.6 = 972.720 kPa

10.0 bar =

101.325 kPa
1

10.0 = 1013.250 kPa

For pressure interval of 0.1:

dP = 121.590 kPa 111.458 kPa
= 10.132 kPa
16

dT = 381.45 K 378.80 K
= 2.65 K
dT/dP =

2.65 K
10.132 kPa

= 0.262

17

For pressure interval of 0.2:

dP = 172.253 kPa 151.988 kPa
= 20.265 kPa
dT = 392.10 K 388.15 K
= 3.95 K
dT/dP =

3.95 K
20.265 kPa

= 0.195

For pressure interval of 0.5:

dP = 263.445 kPa - 212.783 kPa
= 50.662 kPa
dT = 406.20 K 398.95 K
= 7.25 K
dT/dP =

7.25 K
50.662 kPa

= 0.143

For pressure interval of 0.4:

dP = 1013.250 kPa - 972.720 kPa
= 40.53 kPa
dT = 457.70 K 456.30 K
= 1.4 K
dT/dP =

1.4 K
40.53 kPa

= 0.035

18

Calculating the value of Tvfg/hfg

Vg

Specific volume of Steam ( m3 /kg ):

2.01.1
1.1 bar = 0.8856 [ (0.8856 1.694) ( 2.01.0 ) ]
= 1.613
Tvfg = 378.80 1.613 = 611.0
hfg
Latent Heat of Vaporization ( kJ /kg ):
2.01.1
hfg = 2202 [ (2202 2258) ( 2.01.0 ) ]
= 2252.4 (at 1.1 bar)

Tvfg/hfg =

611.0
2252.4

= 0.271

Calculating the value of difference between dT/dP and Tv fg/hfg

Percentage error = (Calculated value Measured value) 100%

= (0.271 0.262) 100%
= 0.9 %

19

DISCUSSION
1. Why is it necessary to remove air from the boiler at the beginning of the
experiment?
2. Compare the graph plotted from measured data to that of the calculated data.
3. Discuss any discrepancy and sources of error of the experiment.
4. Discuss the liquid and vapour behaviour observed through the experiment.
5. Discuss 4 applications of boilers in industries. Elaborate your answer in detail.
The air need to be removed from the boiler at the beginning of the experiment
because the presence of the air maybe affect the accuracy of the result obtained.
There is slightly different with the result when the graph plotted from
measured data is compared to that of the calculated data. From the graph plotted,
showed that the temperature is directly proportional with pressure. As the
temperature increase, the pressure will also increase. The calculated data obtain
from the experiment is slightly different compare to the theory. This may due to error
occur during the experiment is conducted. One of it maybe because the time taken to
close the valve, V3 is more than 30 second (s) and the air in the marcet boiler is not
well removed.
There is about 0.9 % error in this experiment. Other than error stated, room
temperature and pressure also can cause some error to occur.
In this experiment, the water is boil until steam is produce. The steam is not
20

allowed to exit and causing the increment in pressure and temperature.

Industrial hot water boiler systems for generating thermal heat are very similar
to the household heating boilers in our cellars. The main difference is that industrial
boilers are dimensioned significantly larger, so their heating capacity is not only
sufficient for a family home but also for hotels, hospitals, skyscrapers, industrial
buildings or entire districts. When using process heat generated by steam boiler
systems the individual applications are far more versatile. They are used in many
industry sectors such as laundries and cleaning firms, food industry, building
materials industry and sewer pipe rehabilitation.

21

Figure 1 : Intelligent and modular boiler systems from Bosch Industriekessel.

Laundries and cleaning firms is the obvious example of what steam is used
for. It is just easier to get rid of spots and dirt when the washing water is heated. Our
washing machine at home does the same, however with electrical heating. In large
laundries this would be inefficient as electrical energy is too expensive. Steam can
also be perfectly used for downstream processes like pressing, using the mangle,
ironing or finishing. We know this process from steam-ironing at home, steam simply
removes all creases.
Other than that, food must often be heated or boiled during processing. Thus
this industrial sector obviously needs plenty of thermal energy. However, some steam
applications are still stunning, a good example is potato processing. Cold potatoes
are filled in a big pressure vessel and hot steam is abruptly injected. The abrupt heat
supply causes the potato peels to fall off so they do not have to be peeled by hand
any more.

Figure 1 : A different kind of fast food ( 120 C) in the pressure cooker and the
potatoes are ready in next to no time.

22

Large amounts of steam are also necessary for the production of moulded
bricks in building materials industry. The basic materials like sand, lime, water and
others are mixed and pressed to relatively loose stone compounds. From making
mud pies in the sandbox, subsequently the stones are transported to a huge
pressure vessel (autoclave) which is then closed and steam is injected. The stones
have to harden at a temperature of approximately 200 C and a pressure of
about 16 bar for a certain period of time and can then be withdrawn as finished
stones.
Last but not least, applications of boilers also can solve drain leakage
problem. This problem can either be solved by means of excavation works at the
underground pipes and renewal of the sewage pipe systems or with rehabilitation
tubes. These tubes are over dimensioned hoses that are inserted in the pipes without
excavation work and then inflated with steam. The plastic hose attaches itself to the
sewage pipe under application of pressure and temperature and the pipe can
continue to be used for many years.

23

CONCLUSION
In the experiment, it is found that the relationship between the pressure and the
temperature of the saturated steam in equilibrium is directly proportional. The
experimental slope shows a small deviation compared to the theoretical slope
due to certain errors. The experiment can be considered to be accepted as the
percentage error is very small which is only 0.9 %.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Make sure that all the readings were taken when certain interval of
pressure has reached so that the percentage error can be reduced.
2. Ensure all the data needed were plotted in the graph to get satisfactory
results.

24

REFERENCES

1. Studymode.
Retrieved August 11, 2013 from
www.studymode.com/mobile/essays/Boiler-Experiment-1059371.html

2. The Free Class.

Retrieved July 29, 2013 from
yoursteacher.blogspot.com/2012/05/markets-boiler.html

3. Retrieved from
http://www.bosch-industrial.com/files/BR_IndustrialBoiler_Beginners_en.pdf

25

APPENDICES

26