Learning objectives/experiments:

• To Function, operation and calibration of a Bourdon tube pressure gauge.

Features:

• Many engineering applications use the Bourdon gauge.
• This equipment Calibration of a Pressure Gauge experiment allows students to study Bourdon Tube theory.
• They see the working mechanism, calibrate the gauge and compare theoretical results to experiment results.
• The apparatus is a Bourdon gauge connected to a dead weight tester.
• The Bourdon gauge has a transparent dial that allows students to see the working mechanism.
• The mechanism is a thin-walled tube with an oval cross-section, bent into an arc. One end of the tube is held rigidly.
• This end admits pressure. The other end of the tube, connected to a dial and pointer mechanism, is free to move.
• When the pressure in the tube increases, it tries to straighten and so moves the pointer by an amount proportional to the pressure increase.
• To calibrate the gauge, students add weights to a platform on a dead weight tester.
• The weights put a known force on to a piston.
• The piston has a known area, so students can calculate the pressure.
• A flexible tube containing water transfers the pressure on the piston to the Bourdon tube.
• Students add the weights in increments, recording pressure readings from the gauge at each increment.
• They then remove the weights and record gauge readings.
• By working out theoretical results they can work out gauge error and discuss possible causes.
• Shows ‘dead weight’ calibration of a Bourdon gauge.
• Bourdon gauge has transparent dial so students can see how it works. 
• Suitable for group demonstrations and student experiments.
• Simple to operate.
• Compact, bench-mounting unit.
• Self-contained – needs no extra services

Specification/ Technical data:

• Net dimensions: Approx.: 470 mm x 420 mm x 270 mm
• Packed dimensions: 0.11 m3 and 10 kg
• Weights: Four 1 kg weights, two 0.5 kg weights, one 0.2 kg weight
• Bourdon gauge scale: Graduated in 0 to 200 kN.m–2 in 10 kN.m–2 intervals.
• Bourdon tube arc: Approximately 270º
• Maximum dead weight tester load:5.2 kg
• Typical gauge error:1 kN.m–2 over the entire range
• Operating environment: Laboratory Storage temperature range: –25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport)
• Operating temperature range: +5°C to +40°C Operating relative humidity range: 80% at temperatures < 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
• Bench space needed: Approx. 400 mm x 500 mm