42 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

CHAPTER 2

Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices

INTRODUCTION

The main properties of fluids, which are considered in real-time applications are pressure, velocity
and temperature. Pressure and temperatures play a major role in the fields of pipeline constructions,
water supply, hydraulics for irrigation, thermal power, hydraulic power, aviation of flights and even
in human blood, etc. Fluids under pressure can exert forces that can be used by us to do work.
Fluids form the basis for pneumatic and hydraulic systems which are used in industries such as
automobile manufacturing (brakes), hoists found in service stations, dentists chair, aeronautics,
submarines, the shipping industry and the list can go on and on.
A small pressure, spread over a very large area, can add up to be very large force. When a fluid
moves over or through an object; it gives small pushes on the surface of the object. These pushes,
over the entire surface, are defined as pressure and are measured as force per unit area.
To understand the fluid flow, we need to study the fluid properties like pressures, velocity and
temperature. And we deal with study of pressure and its ways of measuring, in this section.

PRESSURE OF A FLUID (P)

All fluid molecules will be in constant and random motion called Brownian motion, due to which
fluid at rest in a vessel, does exerts force on all the walls of the vessel, with which it is in contact,

Liquid at
rest in
a vessel

Figure 2.0
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 45

1
C
PZ C
C Pxz
PZ
Pyz
Pyz
y Pyz
A
1 B1 y
z
B y 
A x A B
PXZ z x
x PXZ
Figure 2.3a Figure 2.3b

Consider a liquid drop element in shape of a wedge with unit thickness (i.e. z = 1 ), having
two triangular faces ABC , ABC and three rectangular faces AACC , AABB, BBCC as shown
in the Figures 2.3a and 2.3b.
Let pressure intensities pxz , p y z , pz be acting along the three rectangular faces.

Let total pressures acting along faces AA BB, BBCC , AACC be Pxz , Pyz , Pz respectively.

Then total pressure (

Pxz = pxz * AB * BB ' ) since Pxz = pxz * ( area )

Pxz = pxz * ( x *1) (2.3a)

(
Similarly, total pressure Pyz = p yz * BC * BB since Pyz = p yz * ( area )
'
)
Pyz = p yz * ( y *1) (2.3b)

Similarly, total pressure (

Pz = pz * AC * AA' ) since Pz = pz * ( area )

Pz = pz * ( AC *1) (2.3c)

Under equilibrium condition, sum of all forces is equal to zero in horizontal and vertical directions.
i.e.
=
F
= F
x y 0

Hence, for sum of forces along horizontal direction is Fx = 0

i.e. Pyz = Pz * (sin )

(
p yz * ( y *1) = p z * AC *1 * ( sin ) )
p yz = pz (2.4)
since y = AC * sin
46 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

Similarly, for sum of forces along vertical direction is F y =0

l.e. Pxz = Pz * (cos )

(
pxz * ( x *1) = p z * AB *1 * ( cos ))
p xz = p z (2.5)
since x = AB * cos .

So. from Eq. (2.4) and Eq. (2.5), we get

p=
xz p=
yz p=
z p (2.6)

Hence, Pascals law is proved and is independent of the wedge angle or independent of surface
angular orientation and is a scalar quantity.
Example 2.1: Find the weight that can be lifted by a hydraulic press when the force applied at the
plunger is 350 N and has diameters of 250 mm and 40 mm of ram and plunger respectively.
Solution: Given data:
=F 350N,
= d ram 0.25m,
= d plunger 0.04 m
Area of the ram
d ram 2 3.14 * 0.252
Aram
= = = 0.049 m 2
4 4
Area of the plunger
d plunger 2 3.14 * 0.042
Aplunger
= = = 0.001256 m 2
4 4
Normal pressure intensity due to the force applied

F 350
=p = = 278.6 kPa
Aplunger 0.001256

P
Ram

Plunger

Figure P2.1
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 47

As the pressure intensity due to the force in the plunger lifts the weight, so the total pressure
acting on the weight in the ram must be equal or greater to the weight, and hence
W
p=
Aram

* Aram 278.6 *=
W p=
= 0.049 13.65kN

HYDROSTATICS LAW : VARIATION OF PRESSURE IN A STATIC FLUID

Hydrostatic law defines the variation of pressure with respect to the elevation of fluid particles
under static condition and states that as the distance from a datum surface level increases the
pressure drops. When an object pushed in a fluid to its bottom, it compresses the fluid. so there
arise an increase in pressure force around it and is termed as Hydrostatic force.
A projectile soaring higher altitudes from earth surface experiences decrease in pressure and
similarly underwater missiles experience increase in hydrostatic force as it penetrates into the depths
of sea waters, as illustrated in the below pictures.

Ship surface

Atmosphere P

Sea Water

P
z2
ile
P + dP iss
z1 M

Earth surface
P + dP

Target Bottom level of Sea

Decrease in pressure while
soaring higher altitudes Increase in pressure while targeting beneath altitudes

Similarly, a diver experiences more pressure as he goes down to the depths of the sea levels and
similarly a tumbled mug when pushed to bottom of a water filled bucket, experience more upward
force and this can be proved by taking a cylindrical fluid element having an area and length as
dA, ds respectively, at some height from the datum, as shown in Figure 2.4.
The cylindrical element will be subjected to pressure force at one end with height z1 is P and at
the other end of height z2 is P + dP and also the weight of the fluid element dw which acts vertically
downwards.
Under equilibrium of the element, the resultant of forces in any direction is zero and resolving
the forces in the direction along the central axis gives
48 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

(P+dP)

ds
dA


z2
P
z1
dw = p*g*dA*ds

Figure 2.4: Cylindrical fluid element with an arbitrary orientation in a container

( P * dA ) ( P + dP ) dA ( g * dA * ds * cos ) =
0

By rearranging
( dP ) = ( g * ds * cos )
dP
= ( g * cos ) (2.7)
ds
Note:
Case 1: If the cylindrical fluid element is vertical, then the angle of orientation = 0o , then Eq.
(2.7) becomes.
dP Pg
(g) =
= (2.7a)
dz RT

so on integrating we get
gZ
P = P0 * e RT (2.7b)

(P)
Liquid
Liquid
(P) (P) (P)
dA

ds
dw

z2 ds z2
dA
z1 z1
p + dP

Figure 2.4a: Cylindrical fluid element subjected to Figure 2.4b: Cylindrical fluid element subjected to
variation of pressure through out its length uniform pressure through out its length
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 49

From Eq. (2.7) it is evident that when a diver dives into sea, the datum elevation will be reducing, as
he goes into the depths of the sea and hence the pressure increases at the depths.

Case 2: If the cylindrical fluid element is horizontal, then the angle of orientation = 90 then
Eq. (2.7) becomes
dP
=0 (2.7c)
dz
and so pressure is constant (i.e. P = constant) throughout in a static liquid, at a given height.

PRESSURE HEAD ( h )

When pressure expressed in terms of the height of fluid raised/fallen is called fluid Pressure head.
A diver experiences more pressure as he goes below the sea level, due to reason of hydrostatic
forces which increases the level of fluid by an amount equal to pressure raise and is expressed as
mm of Hg on meters of water.
If considered a cylindrical bar of length L and cross-section area A immersed in a water/liquid
with an inclination , as shown in figure.
Under equilibrium conditions sum of all the forces acting on the cylindrical bar is equal to zero
and hence there will be three forces acting like pressure forces ( P1 A, ( P1 + P ) A ) at both the ends
and weight force lA cos due to the weight of the cylindrical bar.

Then ( P1 + P ) A P1 A lA cos =0

But h = L cos so P1 A P2 A Ah =
0

P
h= (2.7d)

where is specific weight of liquid, h is depth or else called pressure head.

Free surface

Z Liquid P1
L
A
h


P1+P
dw = p*g*dA*L

Figure 2.5: Cylindrical bar immersed in a liquid

 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 51

b) Height of Mercury Barometer Patm = gh

101000 = 13600 * 9.81* h

h = 0.75 m of mercury

Example 2.6: An oil of specific gravity 0.8 is under pressure of 137.2 kPa, then determine pressure
head expressed in terms of meters of oil.
3
=
Solution: Given data: water 1000 kg/m
= , Pgauge 137.2
= kPa, S 0.8

Pressure head Pgauge = oil gh

Pgauge = S * water gh

137.2 *1000 = 0.8 *1000 * 9.81* h

h = 17.48m of oil

So pressure head in terms of oil is 17.48 m.

Example 2.7: Find the weight that can be lifted by a hydraulic press when the force applied at the
plunger is 350 N and has diameters of 250 mm and 40 mm of ram and plunger respectively, take the
specific weight of the liquid in the press as 1000 N/m3.

Solution: Given data:

=F 350
= N,d ram 0.25=
m, d plunger 0.04 m
= 1000
= N/m3 , h 0.3
Area of the ram
d ram 2 3.14 * 0.252
Aram
= = = 0.049 m 2
4 4

F
0.3 m

W
Plunger

p
Ram

Figure P2.7
52 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

Area of the plunger

d plunger 2 3.14 * 0.042
Aplunger
= = = 0.001256 m 2
4 4
Normal pressure intensity due to the force applied in the plunger
F 350
=p = = 278.6 kPa
Aplunger 0.001256

As the level of force and weight are not of the same and so there exists a pressure intensity due to
head of 0.3 m height in the plunger then the total pressure intensity on the weight will be

F 350
p
= + =
h + 1000*0.3
= 278.96 kPa
Aplunger 0.001256

As the total pressure intensity due to the force in the plunger lifts the weight, so the total pressure
acting on the weight in the ram must be equal or greater to the weight, and hence

W
p=
Aram
W p=
= * Aram 278.96 *=
0.049 13.669 kN

Types of Pressure Measuring Devices

a) Manometers
b) Mechanical gages.

Types of pressure measuring devices

Manometers Mechanical
gages

Bourdan tube
Simple Differential gage
manometers manometers
Bellow
gage
Piezometer U-Tube
Diaphragm
gage
U-Tube Inverted
U-Tube Dead weight
Single column/ gage
Micro Manometer

Figure 2.6: Different types of pressure mesuring devices

 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 53

Manometers
Manometer is a device used to measure pressure at a single or multiple points in a single or multiple
pipelines, by balancing the fluid column by the same or another column of fluid. Manometers can be
categorized into two types, namely simple manometer and differential manometer. Simple manometric
devices measure pressure at a single point in a fluid, whereas differential manometric devices
measure pressure at two or more number of points, in a single or multiple flow lines.
The simplest type of manometer is simple manometers, wherein we have three types of simple
manometers like Piezometer, U-tube manometer and Single column/Micro manometer. Simple
manometers consist of a glass tube straight or bent, whose one end is connected to the point at
which the measurement of pressure is required and the other end is left open to the atmosphere.

A. Piezometer
Piezometer is a simple manometric device which measures pressure at a point in a fluid, without
balancing any other fluid column.
Consider a cylindrical vessel having a fluid filled in it and is open to atmosphere. Connect a
piezometer glass tube as shown in Figure 2.7, at the point where pressure is to be measured, such
that the other end of the piezometer tube is open to the atmosphere. As soon as the piezometer glass
tube is connected to the cylindrical tank, some amount of the fluid rushes into the tube, due to
atmospheric pressure outside the cylindrical tank. But as the other end of the piezometer glass tube
is exposed to atmosphere, atmospheric pressure acts at that open end also and hence fluid raises up
to some level in the glass tube and does not overflow from the tube.

Patm Patm
Patm

PA
Liquid Piezometric Piezometric
in a glass tube glass tube
vessel h h

A A

Fluid in pipe

Figure 2.7: Piezometer Figure 2.7a: Piezometer connected to pipeline

If pressures considered in the cylindrical vessel ( Patm + PA ) and piezometer tube ( Patm + h )
then they will be equal, due to which the overflow of fluid does not take place,

i.e. Patm + PA = Patm + h

PA = h (2.8)

where PA is the pressure at the point A where pressure is required to measure in an open container
and (h) is the specific weight of the fluid raised in the piezometer column.
54 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

If the container is not an open one, for instance like a pipeline and if a piezometer is connected
to it, as shown in the Figure 2.7a, to find the pressure inside the pipeline, the hydrostatic pressure
equation varies. i.e.

PA Patm + h
= (2.8a)

And if needed in terms of pressure heads, dividing the Eq. (2.8a) with the specific weight of water
( water ) , we get

hA = hatm + Sh = 10.3 + Sh (2.8b)

Hence, Eqs. (2.8), (2.8a) and Eq. (2.8b) are the equations of hydrostatic pressure and hydrostatic
pressure head.

B. U-tube Simple Manometer

U-tube manometer is a simple manometric device used to measure pressure at a point in a fluid, by
balancing the fluid column by the same or another column of fluid. It has a glass tube bent in U
shape with some amount of same or other type of fluid, called manometric fluid like mercury, as
shown in Figures 2.8a and 2.8b.
Consider a pipe carrying a fluid called fluid 1 with specific weight 1 and let pressure PA to
be measured at a point A in the pipe. Let the manometric fluid have specific weight 2 - As the
U-tube manometer is connected to the pipe, the fluid 1 rushes into the U-tube and pushes the
manometric fluid upwards in the other limb of the U-tube, due to which the initial manometric fluid
level as shown in Figure 2.8a is disturbed and lowers in the left limb and raised up with a pressure
head h2 in the right limb of U-tube.
Let the fluid 1 in pipe occupy the U-tube column in the left limb, of height h1 and let the
manometric fluid in U-tube be raised up to a height h2, in the right limb.
Due to the push given by the fluid 1 onto the manometric fluid, the manometric fluid may over-
flow but it does not happen due to the reason that the atmospheric pressure acts on the open end of
the U-tube, as shown in Figure 2.8b.

PA PA
A A

Fluid 1 Fluid 1 h1
in the pipe in the pipe
x x
h2
x x x1 x1

Manometric
fluid Manometric
fluid
Figure 2.8a: Just before connecting the U-Tube Figure 2.8b: After connecting the U-Tube
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 55

Under equilibrium the pressures on the left limb of U-tube must be equal to the pressures in the
right limb, so
PA + 1h1 = 2 h2 + Patm (2.9)

PA + w S1h1 = w S 2 h2 + Patm (2.9a)

PA
= h2 S 2 h1 S1 meters of water (2.9b)
w

h S 2 h2 h1 S1
= (2.10)

or
If hydrostatic pressure is considered, then

h = S 2 h2 h1 S1 + 10.3 (2.10a)

Where h is the pressure head at the point A where pressure is required.

Example 2.8: Pipeline carrying water has a connection of a mercury manometer connected to it
and the readings are measured as shown in Figure P2.8. Find the pressure of the water flowing in
the pipeline.
Solution: Given data:
=h1 0.1m,
= h2 0.8 m,
= S water 1,=
S Mercury 13.6
Equating the pressure heads on both sides of the limbs of the manometer, we have

h + h1 Swater =
h2 S Mercury
h 0.8 *13.6 0.1*1
= = 10.78 m
So pressure in the pipeline will=
be PA =
water gh 1000 * 9.81*10.78
= 105.75 kPa
If hydrostatic pressure is considered, then we have P
=A water g ( h + 10.3=
) 206.75 kPa

PA

A
h2

Fluid 1 h1
in the pipe

x1 x1

Manometric
fluid
Figure P2.8
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 57

PA

A
h2
Fluid
in the pipe h1

x1 x1

Manometric
fluid

Figure P2.10

0
h + h1 S water + h2 S Mercury =
0.3*1 0.5 *13.6 =
h= 7.1m

So pressure in the pipeline will be

=PA =
water gh 1000 * 9.81*
= 7.1 69.651kPa (vaccum)

If hydrostatic pressure considered, then we have

P
=A water g ( h + 10.3=
) 1000 *9.81* 3.2
= 31.4 kPa

Example 2.11: A funnel connected to a U-tube mercury manometer having water in it, as shown in
Figure P2.11a. The other end of the manometer is exposed to atmosphere. The level of mercury is

1m dia 1m dia
2.5 m
2.5 m

Funnel Funnel
h2+z

h2

h1 h1

x x x x
x1 z
x1
Manometric Manometric
fluid fluid

Figure P2.11a Figure P2.11b

58 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

0.25 m from the reference line. If the funnel is filled with water, find the level of manometer
readings.
Solution: Given data:

=h2 0.25m,
= S water 1,=
S Mercury 13.6

When the funnel is empty: Observe Figure P2.11a.

Equating the pressure heads on both sides of the limbs of the manometer, we have

h1 S water = h2 S Mercury
= h1 0.25 = *13.6 /1 3.4 m

Hence, the level of the water column above the reference is 3.4 m, when the funnel is empty.
When the funnel is filled completely: Observe Figure P2.11b. The reference line moves to new
position to X1-X1 and so by equating the pressure heads on both sides of the limbs of the manometer,
we have

h1 S water + z + 2500= ( h2 + 2 z ) SMercury

3.4 *1 + z =
+ 2500 0.25 *13.6 + 2 * z *13.6
z = 95.4 mm

Hence, the reading of manometer is 95.4 mm.

Example 2.12: Figure below shows a gasoline tank in a car, which reads proportional to the bottom
gage. The tank is 30 cm deep and accidentally contains 1.8 cm of water in addition to the gasoline.
Determine the height of air remaining at the top when the gauge erroneously reads full. Assume

= water 0.0118
= kN/m 3 , mercury 6.65 kN/m 3

3
=
Solution: Given data: h 0.3m,
= water 0.0118 kN/m
= , mercury 6.65kN/m3

=
When the tank is full of gasoline, then Pgauge =
gasoline * h 6.65 *1000
= * 0.3 1.995 kPa. When the
tank contains 1.8 cm of water then the sum of pressure created due to presence of air, gasoline and
water must be equal to tank with full gasoline, so as to have erroneous reading and hence

Air hair
30 cm

Gasoline hgasoline
1.8 cm

Water hgauge

Figure P2.12
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 59

PAir + Pgasoline + Pwater =

PGage

Air * hAir + gasoline * hgasoline + water * hwater =

1.995 kPa

0.0118* hAir + 6.65* ( 0.3 0.018 hair ) + 9.81* 0.018 =

1.995kPa

hAir = 0.857 cm

Hence, the height of air remaining at the top is 0.857 cm.

c) Single Column/Micro-manometer
Single column/micro-manometers are just similar to the U-tube manometer, only with a difference
of having a small reservoir in the tube, as shown in Figures 2.9a and 2.9b.
Micro-manometer has a glass tube bent in U shape or inclined and has a small reservoir in the
tube, having some amount of same or other type of fluid called manometric fluid. Consider a pipe

PA PA
Patm Patm
A A

Fluid 1 h1
Fluid 1 h2
in pipe in pipe
x x x x
h x1
x1

Manometric Manometric
fluid fluid

Figure 2.9a: just before connecting micro-manometer Figure 2.9b: After connecting micro-manometer

PA

Fluid 1
in pipe L
h2=L sin 


Fluid 2
Figure 2.9c: Inclined micro-manometer
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 61

a
If a<<<<A, then 0 which give
A

=h h2 S 2 h1 S1 (2.13b)

If the tube is inclined to the reservoir at angle as shown in Figure 29c, then h2 = l sin and so

a
=h l sin ( S 2 S1 ) + l sin S 2 h1 S1 (2.14)
A

a
And if 0 then =h l sin S 2 h1 S1 (2.14a)
A
Example 2.13: A micro-manometer having a ratio of reservoir to limb areas as 40 was used to
determine the pressure in a pipe containing water. Determine the pressure in the pipe for manometer
readings, as shown in Figure P2.13.
Solution:
Given data:
A
S water 1,=
= Smercury 13.6,
= Patm 101kPa,
= 40
a
=h1 50 =mm, h2 80 mm

Equating the pressure heads on both sides of the manometer limbs, we have

a
=h h ( S Swater ) + h2 Smercury h1S water
A 2 mercury

Patm

PA

A
80 mm
50 mm

Water
in pipe
x x

Manometric
fluid

Figure P2.13
62 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

1
=h 0.08 (13.6 1) + 0.08 *13.6 0.05 *1
40

h = 1.06 m of water
So pressure in the pipe will be

=P =
water h 9.81*1.06
= 10.4 kPa

Example 2.14: An inclined micro-manometer having a ratio of reservoir to limb areas as 10 was
used to determine the pressure in a pipe containing water. Determine the pressure in the pipe for
manometer readings, if the inclination of the manometer limb has a slope of 4:1, as shown in Figure
P2.14.
Solution:
Given data:
A
= 1, Smercury
S water = 13.6,= 10,
= l 0.25 m
a
h1 = 50 mm
h2 l sin
= = 0.25 * sin14
= 0.06 m
Equating the pressure heads on both sides of the manometer limbs, we have

a
=h [l sin ( S2 S1 )] + l sin S2 h1 S1
A
1
h
= 0.06 (13.6 1) + 0.06 *13.6 0.05 *1
10

h = 0.84 m of water
So pressure in the pipe will be
=P =
water h 9.81*=
0.84 8.25 kPa

PA

A
50 mm

Water
5m

in pipe
0.2

x x

1

Mercury 4

Figure P2.14:
64 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

where is the specific weight of fluids.

PA + w S1h1 = w S 2 h2 + w S3 h3 + PB (2.15)
since S =

w where w , S1 , S 2 are specific weight of water and specific gravities of fluids

respectively. By rearranging and dividing by w throughout, we get

( PA PB ) = h S + h2 S2 h1 S1
3 3 (2.16)
w
meters of water. When written in terms of pressure heads, we get

( hA hB ) = h2 S2 + h3 S3 h1S1 (2.17)

If the fluid 1 and fluid 2 are of same kind, then S1 = S3.

( hA hB )= h2 ( S2 S1 ) (2.17a)

Example 2.15: Find the pressure difference at two points A and B in the pipe carrying water and
connected to a mercury differential manometer and also has oil filled in between it, as shown in
3
=
figure P2.15. Take water 10 kN/m
= , mercury 136
= kN/m 3 , oil 8.5 kN/m 3
3
Solution: Given
= data: water 10 kN/m
= , mercury 136
= kN/m 3 , oil 8.5 kN/m 3
Equating using differential manometer equations, we have
PA + water *1.08 mercury * 0.72 + oil * 0.48 mercury * 0.6 water * 0.36 =
PB

PB 10 *1.08 136 * 0.72 + 8.5 * 0.48 136 * 0.6 10 * 0.36

PA = = 168.2 kPa

Hence, the pressure difference between two points is 168.2 kPa.

PA PA

A A

Water Water
0.96 m
1.08 m

Oil
0.6 m
0.48 m
0.72 m

Manometric
fluid
Manometric
fluid
Figure P2.15
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 65

Example 2.16: Two pipes A and B contain carbon tetrachloride of specific gravity 1.59 at 103 kPa
pressure and oil of specific gravity 0.8 at 171.6 kPa respectively. The manometric liquid is mercury.
Find the difference h between the levels of mercury.

Take Sccl 2 1.594,=

= Smercury 13.6,
= Soil 0.8
Solution: Given data:
Sccl 2 1.594,=
= Smercury 13.6,
= Soil 0.8
=PA 103kPa,
= PB 171.6 kPa

Equating the pressure heads on both sides of the manometer limbs, we have

hA + 4 * Sccl 2 + h * Smercury =h * Soil + Soil *1.5 + hB

PA PB
+ 4 * Sccl 2 + h * Smercury =h * Soil + Soil *1.5 +
water water

103 171.6
+ 4*1.59 + h *13.6 =h *0.8 + 0.8*1.5 +
9810 9810

103 171.6
+ 4 *1.59 + h *13.6 =h * 0.8 + 0.8 *1.5 +
9.81 9.81

h = 402 mm

Hence, the difference in mercury levels is 402 mm.

PA

A PB

Carbon
4m
1.5 m

tetrachloride
x x Oil
h
x1 x1
Mercury

Figure P2.16

Example 2.17: Two pipes A and B contain water and air above in pipe A with 78.5 kPa pressure of
air and oil of specific gravity 0.8 in pipe B respectively. The manometeric liquid is mercury. Find the
pressure in pipe B (absolute). Take Patm = 101kPa

Solution: Given data: Swater= 1, Smercury = 13.6, Soil = 0.8

66 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

PA

A PB

Water

4m
1.2m
x x Oil

1m
x1 x1
Mercury

Figure P2.17

PA = 78.5 kPa, Patm =101 kPa

Equating the pressure heads on both sides of the manometer limbs, we have
hA + 5 * S water = 1* Smercury + 1.2 * Soil + hB

PA PB
+ 5 * S water = 1* Smercury + 1.2 * Soil +
water water
78.5 P
+ 5 *1= 1*13.6 + 1.2 * 0.8 + B
9.81 9.81
PB = 15.3 kPa (vacuum)
PB ( absolute ) = Patm + PB = 101 15.3 = 85.7 kPa

Hence, the pressure inside the pipe B is 85.7 kPa (absolute).

b) Inverted Differential U-tube Manometer: Inverted differential U-tube manometer is a device
just as same that of U-tube differential manometer but is inverted in construction. It measures
pressure difference P at two different points A and B in a single pipe or different pipes,
carrying two fluids of same or different kinds, as shown in Figure 2.11a. As small change in

Manometric Manometric
fluid fluid
x1 x1
h3
x x x x
Fluid 2 Fluid 2 h1
Fluid 1 Fluid 1
in pipe 2 in pipe 1 in pipe 2 h2 in pipe 1

A B A B

PA PB PA PB
Figure 2.11a: Just before connecting inverted Figure 2.11b: After connecting inverted differential
differential U-tube U-tube
68 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

Example 2.18: Find the absolute pressure in the pipe A carrying an oil having specific gravity of 0.8
and has a mercury manometric fluid, as shown in figure P2.18. Take

=h1 0.66
= m, h2 0.3m,
= h3 0.165 m

=h4 0.11m,
= Patm 105 kPa

Solution: Given data:

=Soil 0.8,
= S Mercury 13.6,
= SWater 1

=h1 0.66
= m, h2 0.3m,
= h3 0.165 m

=h4 0.11m,
= Patm 105 kPa
Equating using differential manometer equations, we have

P=
A oil ( h4 + h3 ) mercury h3 mercury h2 + water h1 + Patm
PA 0.88* 9.81* ( 0.11 + 0.165) 13.6 *9.81* 0.165 1.6 * 9.81* 0.33 + 9.841*
= 0.66 + 105 88.6kPa

Hence, pressure in the pipe is 88.6 kPa.

Manometric
fluid

Water

x1 x1
h3
h2 h1
PA
h4
A

Oil in
the pipe

Figure P2.18

Example 2.19: A pipe has two points A and B and carries water and is connected to an inverted U-
tube differential manometer having manometeric liquid as mercury. Find the difference in pressures
at the two points A and B in absolute. Take atmospheric pressure as 101 kPa, as shown in Figure
P2.19
S water 1,=
Solution: Given data:= Smercury 13.6
Equating the pressure heads on both sides of the manometer limbs, we have

hA + 1.7 * S water + 0.8 * S water =

0.8 + Smercury + 0.7 * S water + hB
70 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

hA + 4 * S water + 1* Smercury =1* Soil + 1.2 * Soil + hB

PA PB
+ 4 * S water + 1* Smercury =
1* Soil + 1.2 * Soil +
water water

78.5 P
+ 4 *1 + 1*13.6= 1* 0.8 + 1.2 * 0.8 + B
9.81 9.81
PB = 139.7 kPa

Hence, the pressure at the point B in the second pipe is 139.7 kPa.
Example 2.21: An inverted differential U-tube manometer having an oil of specific gravity 0.8 as
manometeric liquid is connected to two different pipes carrying water under pressure. Determine
the pressure in pipe B, if the pressure head in the pipe A is 2.0 m of water as shown in Figure P2.21.
Solution: Given data: Soil = 0.8, HA = 2.0 m
Equating the pressure heads on both sides of the manometer limbs, we have

(hB =
hA ) 0.15 * Soil + 0.1* S water 0.3 * S water

( hB 2.0
= ) 0.15* 0.8 + 0.1*1 0.3*1
hB = 1.92 m

B * water
PB h=
= 1.92
= * 9.81 18.8 kPa

Hence, the pressure at the point B in the second pipe is 18.8 kPa.

Oil

x1 x1
0.15m
x x
0.1m

Water
0.3m

A
Water
PA

PB

Figure P2.21
72 Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

EXERCISE

Objective
1. In a static fluid
a) Resistance to shear stress is small
b) Fluid pressure is zero
c) Linear deformation is small
d) Only normal stresses can exist
e) Viscosity is nil
2. Liquids transmit pressure equally in all the directions. This is according to the
a) Boyles law
b) Archimedes principle
c) Pascals law
d) Newtons formula
3. Manometer is used to measure
a) Pressure in pipes, channels, etc.
b) Atmospheric pressure
c) Very low pressures
d) Difference of pressure between two points
e) Velocity
4. Gage pressure is equal to
a) Absolute pressure + atmospheric pressure
b) Absolute pressure atmospheric pressure
c) Atmospheric pressure absolute pressure
d) Atmospheric pressure vacuum
e) Atmospheric pressure + vacuum
5. Piezometer is used to measure
a) Pressure in pipes, channels
b) Atmospheric pressure
c) Very low pressures
d) Difference of pressure between two points
e) Flow
6. Differential manometer is used to measure
a) Pressure in pipes channels, etc.
b) Atmospheric pressure
c) Very low pressure
d) Difference of pressure between two points
e) Velocity in pipes
7. 10 m of water column is equal to
a) 10 kN/m2
b) 1 kN/m2
c) 100 kN/m2
d) 0.1 kN/m2
e) None of the above
 Pressure and Pressure Measuring Devices 73

8. Determine the pressure in bar at a depth of 10 m in oil of relative density 0.750.

a) 735575
b) 0.075
c) 735575 105
d) 73.575
e) 98100
9. What depth of oil (in m), relative density 0.75, will give a gage pressure of 275000 Pa?
a) 37.38
b) 367
c) 0.027
d) 20.2 104
e) 28.03
10. Express the pressure head of 15 m of water in meters of oil of relative density 0.75.
a) 110.36
b) 11.25
c) 11250
d) 15.0
e) 20.0

Answers
1. d 2. c 3. c 4. b 5. a 6. d
7. c 8. b 9. b 10. c

Theory

1. Explain different types of pressures.

2. Give the relation between different types of pressures.
3. State and prove the Pascals law.
4. Explain theory behind hydrostatic law.
5. Write a detailed note on pressure head.
6. Write a detailed note on manometers.
7. Explain the differences between Simple and Differential manometers.
8. Write the merits and demerits of manometers.

Problems

1. A manometer connected to a pipe indicates a negative gage pressure of 60 mm of mercury.

What is the absolute pressure in pipe, if the atmosphere pressure is 101 kPa?
2. Calculate the pressure due to column of 0.4 m of (a) Water (b) Oil of specific gravity 0.9
(c) Mercury.
3. A simple manometer (U-Tube) containing mercury is connected to a pipe in which an oil of
specific gravity 0.8 is flowing. The pressure in the pipe is vacuum. The other end of the
manometer is open to atmosphere. Find the vacuum pressure in the pipe, if the difference