Name

: Ithnaini binti Muhamed Kamil

Matrix No.

: MRS141104

Programme

: Master Professional Science

Lecturer

: Dr. Sathiabama T. Thirugnana

Subject

: MRSQ1073 Methods of Experimental Physics

Assignment 1

: Bourdon Gauge and Application of LVDT

Assignment 2

: 1. Name and Describe Two Physical Effects That are Used to

Measure Low Pressure
2. Name and Describe Two Secondary Sensing Elements Used
in High Pressure Measurement

Bourdon Gauge
Bourdon Gauge was invented by Eugene Bourdon in the year 1849. It is also known
as Bourdon Tube Pressure Gauge. It is an elastic type pressure transducer and can
measure a very high range of differential pressure measurement in the range of
almost 100,000 psi (700 MPa). However, the range of the pressure measurement
will be dependent of its used. Nowadays it is made in such that the range of its
measurement is up to the application to ensure the price is appropriate.

Figure 1: Cross section of a Bourdon Gauge

Working Principle
As the fluid pressure enters the bourdon tube, it tries to reform and causes the tip
to travel in free space and the tube unwinds. The simultaneous actions of bending
and tension due to the internal pressure make a non-linear movement of the free
tip. The movement is amplified for the measurement of the internal pressure. The
tip will return to its initial point once the pressure is removed. The pressure input
is soldered to the tube at the base inside the socket. The other end or free end of
the device is sealed by a tip. This tip is connected to a segmental lever through an
adjustable length link. The lever length is adjustable. The segmental lever is
suitably pivoted and the spindle holds the pointer as shown in Figure 1. A hair
spring is sometimes used to fasten the spindle of the frame of the instrument to

provide necessary tension for proper meshing of the gear teeth and thereby freeing
the system from the backlash. Other than C-type, bourdon gauges can also be
constructed in the form of a helix or a spiral. The types are varied for specific uses
and space accommodations, for better linearity and larger sensitivity. For thorough
repeatability, the bourdon tubes materials must have good elastic or spring
characteristics. The surrounding in which the process is carried out is also
important as corrosive atmosphere or fluid would require a material which is
corrosion proof. The commonly used materials are phosphor-bronze, silicon-bronze
and beryllium-copper.

Figure 2: Expansion of tube due to internal pressure

Application of Bourdon Gauge
A commercial pressure gauge is used in general-purpose applications such as
refrigeration, ventilation and food and beverage industries. Industrial pressure
gauges are stainless steel gauges designed for the oil and gas, alternative fuels,
chemical manufacturing, petrochemical and mobile hydraulics industries. Low
pressure gauges are suitable for corrosive environments and gaseous or liquid
media that will not obstruct the pressure system. It is suitable for chemical,
petrochemical, plant construction, pneumatic systems and cleanrooms while high
precision test gauges are designed for calibration and testing laboratories. These
highly accurate test gauges are suitable for corrosive and industrial applications.

Application of Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT)

LVDT is one type of sensor to measure linear displacements. The sensors are placed
in gauge head. Some models have spring extended plunger, others are available
with air-extended spring return plunger. The LVDTs are available with AC output
and DC output, current output or digital interface. It is used in various
measurements of linear displacement such as in:
1. Position measurement of steam control valves.
The extraordinary reliability and the ability to withstand high ambient
temperatures, LVDT linear position sensors are being used in the rehab of power
generation plants to monitor the position of steam control valves for increased
efficiency and reduced operating costs. It is mounted at the exterior of the
valves where the connecting rods are attached directly or indirectly to the
valve's gate.
2. Thickness variation of work pieces.

3. Fluid level measurement

4. Structural monitoring

5. Soil compaction test

Assignment 2
1. Name and describe two physical effects that are used to measure low
pressure
Two physical effects that are used to measure low pressure are:
Length
An example of instrument that uses this physical effect is manometer
mercury where pressure is measured by calculating the differences between
the heights of the column as illustrated by Figure below. The difference in
liquid level represents the applied pressure. The pressure exerted by a
column of fluid of height h and density is given by the hydrostatic pressure
equation, P = hg. Mercury is used due to its high density. However, for low
pressure differences, light oil or water are commonly used.

Density
An instrument that uses this physical effect is ionization gauge. It is an
instrument that is very sensitive and for measurement of very low pressure.
It detects pressure indirectly by measuring the electrical ions produced
when the gas is bombarded with electrons. Fewer ions will be produced by
lower density gases. The calibration of an ion gauge is unstable and
dependent on the nature of the gases being measured, which is not always
known.

2. Name and describe two secondary sensing elements used in high pressure
measurement.
The two secondary sensing elements used in high pressure measurements
are:
Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT)
An example is, bourdon tube, the primary sensor converts pressure from
displacement. The displacement is then converted into an electrical form,
in this case, the LVDT converted it into an output voltage.
Strain gauge
An example is given as figure where the diaphragm act as a primary
transducer. It converts pressure (the quantity to be measured) into
displacement (the mechanical signal). The displacement is then converted
into change in resistance using strain gauge.