Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

ME 415 – ME LABORATORY 1
LABORATORY REPORT NO. 1: CALIBRATION OF PRESSURE GAUGE

SUBMITTED BY:
GROUP NO. 1
BAJIO, JIRAH B.
BALAZON, SHAINA MAE
EVANGELISTA, NATHAN
LINGERAS, JANET
MACARAIG, KYLHA SHAYNE D.
MAULLION, MARY JOY
PACIA, CYRILL JADE
VALDEZ, KIM ISAAC
VERGARA, JENAR JOSE
ME 3106

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. JOMARIE G. MARIQUINA
INSTRUCTOR

SEPTEMBER 28, 2022

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 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

I. INTRODUCTION

One of the main instruments used for measuring are pressure gauges. They are widely

used in industries and a variety of sectors, used for something as simple as inflating car

tyres to the complexity of manufacturing in aerospace industries. A pressure gauge is a

device that measures the state of a liquid or gas by calculating the force that the fluid would

apply to a unit area if it were at rest, such as pounds per square inch or newtons per square

centimeter. Gauge pressure is the reading on a gauge that represents the difference between

two pressures. The total or absolute pressure is the sum of the gauge and atmospheric

pressures if the lower of the two pressures is the atmospheric pressure.

Since this device is commonly used, it must be kept in adequate conditions and have its

maintenance for at least every 12 months. If it is left unattended, the equipment could stray

from its specifications, which would make it impossible to establish the instrument's past

performance and could have serious effects on production and process. Calibration is

required when an instrument has been subjected to an unexpected shock or vibration that

might have pushed it above its intended limitations. It could be necessary to send the

pressure gauge out for a second calibration if its look changed between calibrations, or if

the dial or pointer developed cracks, blisters, or changed color.

Calibrating is an important aspect of maintaining the pressure gauge from operating

accurately. It requires a handful amount of knowledge in the process, as such, this activity

is done to study how to calibrate pressure gauges and to test whether it works accurately.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

II. OBJECTIVES

1. To learn how to operate a pressure calibrator.

2. To learn how to read the pressure in the Master Gage.

3. The test is carried out in order to:

3.1 Calibrate a pressure gauge using a dead tester.

3.2 Calculate the measurement Uncertainty.

3.3 Calculate the Final Results by Averaging Increasing and Decreasing Cycle.

III. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENTS

Pressure Calibrator:

A pressure calibrator is a very accurate pressure measuring tool that can

calibrate or check the reading of another pressure measuring equipment. These tools

are also known as pressure standards. The calibrator pressure must be more precise than

the device being calibrated. The standard calibration ratio is 4:1. Accordingly, the

pressure calibrator is four times as accurate as the apparatus it is calibrating.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

Additionally, a pressure calibrator may contain features that make calibration

easier. A test item's output can be measured by a pressure calibrator. A precision

regulator that can regulate a supply pressure and maintain a precise pressure output may

be present, or it may include an internal pump that can produce the pressures needed

for calibration.

Motor Oil:

Motor oil is a lubricant used in internal combustion engines, which power

vehicles, motorbikes, lawnmowers, engine generators, and numerous other machinery.

Engines have moving parts that rub against one another, wasting heat instead of kinetic

energy that would otherwise be beneficial. Furthermore, it degrades those components,

which can cause the engine to run less efficiently and become less reliable. In addition

to extending the life of engines, proper lubrication reduces fuel use and wasted power.

By separating the surfaces of adjacent moving parts with lubricating oil, frictional heat

is reduced, wear is decreased, and the engine is thus protected.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

IV. PROCEDURE

1. Test Points from 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, to 100% should be noted down using tables.

2. Fix the Master Gauge and Unit on the Gauge Comparator under calibration.

3. Preload your device. Gently apply full-scale pressure to Test Gauge (UUC) and then

slowly release pressure to zero.

4. Keep an eye on the UUC and Master Gage readings at each test point during the

cycles of raising and reducing pressure.

5. In order to stabilize the pressure, at least 30 seconds should pass before taking an

observation on each test site. Take pictures of the master gauge every reading to

avoid inaccurate information. List down all the data in the tables.

6. Calculate the final results based on observations, including the measurement

uncertainties. Lastly formulate a conclusion.

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1: Increasing Cycle of Pressure Reading

Calibration Points Test Gauge Master Gauge Measurement Uncertainty

0% 0 psi 0 psi 0 psi

25 % 15 psi 14.9 psi ± 0.1 psi

50 % 30 psi 28.6 psi ± 1.4 psi

75 % 45 psi 39.8 psi ± 5.2 psi

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

100 % 60 psi 51.7 psi ± 8.3 psi

Table 1 depicts the gathered data for the increasing cycle of pressure reading under

calibration points from 0% to 100% whereas it has been set under the test gauge or universal

unit calibration range the designated pressure extents that the calibrated readings would be

compared to. As perceived in the input, 0 psi corresponds to the least calibration point followed

by 15 psi for 25 % until it reaches 60 psi which is the maximum amount of pressure assigned

to the highest calibration point. Upon setting the dead weight apparatus and allotting 30 seconds

before recording the pressure, it can be discerned from the data the ascending order of the

calibrated readings of the master gauge specifically having readings from 0 psi, then 14.9 psi,

28.6 psi, 39.8 psi and 51.7 psi at the highest calibration point. This implies that with the

calibration points getting higher along with the assigned pressures under the test gauge, the

readings of the master gauge go higher as well in line with the increasing calibration points.

Considering the prevalence of pressure gauges in the process sector, it stands to reason

that these instruments would benefit from periodic calibration, just as would any other type of

measuring device. The fact that gauges are mechanical instruments also increases the

possibility that they will drift as a result of mechanical stress. Pressure gauges are divided into

different accuracy classes that specify the accuracy of the gauge as well as other attributes and

as for the activity performed, the reference points for the pressure used are 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60

psi. If we simplify the principle of a pressure gauge calibration to its minimum, we can say that

when we calibrate a pressure gauge, we provide a known accurate pressure input and read the

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

indication on the gauge, and then document and compare these. The error is the numerical

disparity between the two measurements, and it must be less than the tolerance for the gauge.

The measurement uncertainties computed out of the reference and calibrated pressure readings

are also in increasing manner with 0 psi at the first calibration point, followed by ± 0.1 psi, ±

1.4 psi, ± 5.2 psi, and ± 8.3 psi for the calibration points, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, respectively.

Table 2: Decreasing Cycle of Pressure Reading

Calibration Points Test Gauge Master Gauge Measurement Uncertainty

100 % 60 psi 39 psi ± 21 psi

75 % 45 psi 40 psi ± 5 psi

50 % 30 psi 29.8 psi ± 0.2 psi

25 % 15 psi 13.7 psi ± 1.3 psi

0% 0 psi 0 psi 0 psi

The table above displays the pressure's decreasing cycle, which begins at the calibration

points' and test gauge's maximum pressure scale. The pressure on the equipment is reduced by

turning the wheel counterclockwise once it reaches its greatest measurement of pressure. The

pressure of the master gauge similarly drops when the test gauge does. First calibration point

is 100% which is the test gauge is at 60 psi and the master gauge reading is 39psi, we saw a

large discrepancy between the reading data compared to the test gauge reading for the reason

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

that the equipment don’t have precise outcome, as a result the measure uncertainty is equal to

± 21 psi. Second calibration point is at 75% with a test gauge value of 45 psi, the master gauge

reading comes up to 45 psi, as a result the measure of uncertainty yields ± 5 psi. Third

calibration point is at 50% with a test gauge value of 30psi, the master gauge reading comes up

to 29.8 psi, as a result the measure of uncertainty yields ± 0.2 psi. We observed that there is a

small difference between the test gauge value and the master gauge reading. Fourth calibration

point is at 25% with a test gauge value of 15 psi, the master gauge reading comes up to 13.7

psi, as a result the measure of uncertainty is ± 1.3 psi. The final calibration point is at 0% with

a test gauge value of 0 psi, the master gauge reading comes up to 0 psi, as a result the measure

of uncertainty is at 0 psi. Moreover, the measurement of uncertainty initially starts at ±21 , and

goes to ±5 , then down to ±0.2, next is ± 1.3 psi until it reaches zero uncertainty.

Table 3: Final Results of the Increasing and Decreasing Cycles

Calibration Points Test Gauge Master Gauge Measurement Uncertainty

0% 0 psi 0 psi 0 psi

25 % 15 psi 14.3 psi ± 0.7 psi

50 % 30 psi 29.2 psi ± 0.8 psi

75 % 45 psi 39.9 psi ± 4.6 psi

100 % 60 psi 45.35 psi ± 14.65 psi

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

Table 3 displays the outcomes of the increasing and decreasing cycles. Calibration

points, test gauge, master gauge, and measurement uncertainty are the four columns in the

table. The pressure in the test gauge at the calibration point of 0% measures 0 psi, and the

average of the increasing and decreasing cycle in the master gauge also registers 0 psi, resulting

in a measurement uncertainty of 0 psi for the pressure result. The test gauge records a pressure

reading of 15 psi at the 25% calibration point, and the master gauge records an average pressure

of 14.3 psi for the cycle's increasing and lowering outcomes. The measurement uncertainty at

this point is ± 0.7 psi. At the 50% calibration point, the test gauge reads 30 psi, and the master

gauge reads 29.2 psi as the average of the increasing and decreasing cycle results. At this point,

the measurement uncertainty is 0.8 psi. The test gauge registers a pressure of 45 psi at the 75%

calibration point, while the master gauge registers an average pressure of 39.9 psi for both

cycles of increasing and decreasing pressure. At this point, the measurement uncertainty is 4.6

psi. The test gauge records a pressure of 60 psi at the point of 100% calibration, while the

master gauge records an average pressure of 45.35 psi throughout both cycles of increasing and

decreasing pressure. Furthermore, there is a measurement uncertainty of 14.6 psi.

VI. CONCLUSION

To conclude, using a dead weight tester method and its apparatus to calibrate the pressure

gauge would give an overall good result but there are many effects that could change or

decrease the accuracy of the gauge. The results show a minimal measurement uncertainty.

These effects are due to some unstable position of the equipment and also upon driving the fine

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

control screw press, the thread comes to short. This may also affect the position of the pointer

of the gauge. Air bubbles were also found inside the tubes which may also affect the gauge

reading. The result of the test gauge and master gauge are directly proportional to each other.

VII. DOCUMENTATION

A. Increasing Cycle of Pressure Reading

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

B. Decreasing Cycle of Pressure Reading

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

C. Performing the Activity

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives