Bourdon tube is used to measure:

Explanation:

Bourdon Tube

• A Bourdon tube is a mechanical device used for measuring pressure. It is one of the oldest and most widely used instruments for pressure measurement. The device operates based on the principle of elastic deformation of a curved tube when subjected to pressure. As the pressure changes, the tube either straightens or curls further, and this mechanical movement is translated into a readable value on a calibrated scale.

Working Principle:

• The Bourdon tube is typically a closed, hollow, and curved tube made of an elastic material such as brass, phosphor bronze, or stainless steel. When the fluid (gas or liquid) whose pressure is to be measured enters the tube, the internal pressure causes the tube to deform. The degree of deformation depends on the pressure exerted by the fluid. The curvature of the tube changes (tends to straighten out) as the pressure increases, and it returns to its original shape when the pressure decreases. The mechanical movement of the tube is transferred to a pointer through a linkage mechanism, which displays the pressure on a calibrated scale.

Advantages:

• Simple and robust design.
• Requires no external power source for operation.
• Wide range of pressure measurement capabilities.
• High reliability and durability in industrial applications.

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for measuring very low pressures due to limited sensitivity.
• Accuracy can be affected by mechanical wear and tear over time.
• Limited to measuring static or slowly changing pressures.

Applications: Bourdon tubes are extensively used in various industrial and commercial applications, such as:

• Pressure measurement in boilers, pipelines, and hydraulic systems.
• Monitoring pressure in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
• Measuring fuel pressure in engines.
• Pressure monitoring in medical equipment like oxygen cylinders.