The Bourdon manometer is used to measure pressure.
Bourdon tubes measure gauge pressure, relative to ambient atmospheric pressure, as opposed to absolute pressure; the vacuum is detected as a reverse movement. When the measured pressure is pulsing rapidly, such as when the pressure gauge is near a reciprocating pump, an orifice restriction in the connecting tube is often used to prevent unnecessary wear on the gears and provide an average reading; When the entire meter is subject to mechanical vibration, the entire case including the pointer and indicator card can be filled with oil or glycerin. Typical modern high-quality meters provide an accuracy of ±2% of range, and a special high-precision meter can be accurate to within 0.1% of full scale.
Basic Principle of Bourdon Tube Pressure Gauge: –
Bourdon tube pressure gauge diagram:
Construction of the pressure gauge with Bourdon tube: –
Bourdon tube operation: –
This displacement of the free and closed end of the Bourdon tube is proportional to the applied pressure. As the free end of the Bourdon tube is connected to a link – section – pinion arrangement, the displacement is amplified and converted into a rotary movement of the pinion. As the pinion rotates, it causes the pointer to assume a new position on a calibrated pressure scale to directly indicate the applied pressure. Since the pressure in the box containing the Bourdon tube is generally atmospheric, the pointer indicates the gauge pressure.
- They are used to measure medium to very high pressures.
- To measure high pressures, for example in steam boilers, compressors.
- To measure pressures in vehicle tube tires.
- These Bourdon tube pressure gauges provide accurate results.
- The Bourdon tube costs low.
- Bourdon tubes are of simple construction.
- They can be modified to provide electrical outlets.
- They are safe even for high pressure measurements.
- Accuracy is high, especially at high pressures.
Disadvantages of Bourdon pressure gauge: –
- They respond slowly to pressure changes
- They are subject to hysteresis.
- They are sensitive to shocks and vibrations.
- Amplification is mandatory as the displacement of the free end of the Bourdon tube is low.