Question

A manometer is used to measure the air pressure in a tanlc The fluid used has a specific gravity of 1.25, and the differentialheight between the two arms of the manometer is 28 in. If the local atmospheric pressure is 127 psia, determine theabsolute pressure in the tank for the cases of the manometer arm with the (a) higher and (b) lower fluid level beingattached to the tank.

Answer 1

(a) 11.437 psia

(b) 13.963 psia

Step-by-step explanation:

The pressure exerted by a fluid can be estimated by multiplying the density of the fluid, acceleration due to gravity and the depth of the fluid. To determine the fluid density, we have:

fluid density = specific gravity * density of water = 1.25 * 62.4 lbm/ft^3 = 78 lbm/ft^3

height = 28 in * (1 ft/12 in) = 2.33 ft

acceleration due to gravity = 32.174 ft/s^2

The change in pressure = fluid density*acceleration due to gravity*height = 78*32.174*(28/12) = 5855.668 lbm*ft/(s^2 * ft^2) = 5855.668 lbf/ft^2

The we convert from lbf/ft^2 to psi:

(5855.668/32.174)*0.00694 psi = 1.263 psi

(a) pressure = atmospheric pressure - change in pressure = 12.7 - 1.263 = 11.437 psia

(b) pressure = atmospheric pressure + change in pressure = 12.7 + 1.263 = 13.963 psia