MEASUREMENTS

&
INSTRUMENTATION

Paper code: ETME-208

 MEASUREMENT
Measurement can be termed as a process or act of obtaining a
quantative comparison between a predetermined standard and
an unknown magnitude of a parameter.

Whatever exists , exists in some amount

TYPICAL MECHANICAL
MEASUREMENTS
1. Pressure.

2. Temperature.

3. Displacement.

4. Acoustics (Sound, Noise, etc.)

5. Fluid flow and related parameters.

6. Mass, length and time etc.

MEASURAND
The physical quantity or the characteristic condition
which is the object of measurement in an instrument
system is called measurand / measurand variable/
instrumentation variable/ process variable.
ANALOG VS DIGITAL SIGNAL

An analog or analogue signal is any continuous signal for

which the time varying feature (variable) of the signal is a
representation of some other time varying quantity, i.e.,
Analogous to another time varying signal.

The analog signal which has a value at every instant of time

becomes a digital signal.
SCHEMATIC OF
GENERALISED MEASURING
SYSTEM
 COMPONENTS OF
GENERALISED MEASURING
SYSTEM
1. Basic functional elements:
a. Detector/sensor
b. Transducer
c. Signal conditioning
d. Output/ reed out
2. Auxiliary elements
a. External power
b. Calibration
BOURDON TUBE
PRESSURE GAUGE
 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF
BOURDON TUBE PRESSURE
GAUGE

force displacement
Pressure
(input)

Mechanical linkage
Bourdon tube

Gearing Pointer and dial

 METHODS OF MEASUREMENT

Direct Comparison method.

The parameter to be measured is directly compared with primary/

secondary standard.

Indirect Comparison method.

The comparison is done with a standard through the use of a

calibrated system.
 MODES OF
MEASUREMENT
1. Primary measurements
Comparing directly with reference standard.
Eg. Number of Strokes of a Clock.
2. Secondary measurements
Involves one translation.
Eg. Mercury in Glass Thermometer.
3. Tertiary measurements
Involves two conversions. Eg. Thermocouple.
STANDARDS OF
MEASUREMENT
Primary standard
Secondary standard
(reference standard calibrated from primary standard)

Working standard
 S.I UNITS
S.I, the international system of units is divided in 3 classes:
Base units
(length, mass ,time, electric current, thermodynamic
temperature, luminous intensity, amount of substance)
Derived units
( area, volume, speed, acceleration, density , etc.)
Supplementary units
( plane angle, solid angle, angular velocity, etc.)
 INSTRUMENT
The instrument serves as an extension of human faculties and
enables the man to determine the value of unknown quantity /
variable which his unaided human facilities cannot measure.

The technology of using instrument to measure and control the

physical and chemical properties of material is called
instrumentation.
CLASSIFICATION OF
INSTRUMENTS
1. Absolute and secondary instruments
2. Analog and digital instruments
3. Mechanical, electrical and electronic
4. Manual and automatic
5. Self contained and power operated
6. Self operated and power operated
7. Deflection and null output
 MULTI-METER
(To measure the electrical current,
resistance and voltage.)

ELECTRO-DYNAMIC OR
ELECTROMAGNETIC
WATTMETER (W).

To measure electric power.

 ANALOG MEASURING
INSTRUMENT
Show measured data on a scale with
a moving pointer.

DIGITAL MEASURING
INSTRUMENT
Show measured data in
numerical form.
FUNCTIONS OF
INSTRUMENTS
1. Indicating- speedometer/ pressure gauge

2. Recording

3. Controlling- Thermostats
FACTORS RELATING TO
SELECTION OF
INSTRUMENTS
a) Accuracy required.
b) Cost.
c) When final data is required- now or later.
d) In what form the data is to be displayed.
e) Quantity to be measured is constant value or time
variant.
 I N P U T- O U T P U T
C O N F I G U R AT I O N O F
M E A S U R I N G I N S TR U M E N T S /
SYSTEMS
Various inputs to the measurement system are classified as:

a. Desired inputs

b. Interfering inputs

c. Modifying inputs
 MECHANICAL
INSTRUMENTS
Advantages
Simple in design and use

More durable

Relatively cheaper

No external power required

Quite reliable and accurate

Disadvantages -
Poor frequency response to dynamic and transient measurements
Large forces require to overcome friction.
Incompatible for remote/control indications
Cause noise pollution
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONI
CS INSTRUMENTS
Advantages-
Less power consumption.
Non contact measurements possible.
Light , compact and more reliable.
Remote indications and control feasible.
Good frequency and transient response.
Lighter in constructions.
Analog and digital signals.
 APPLICATIONS OF
MEASUREMENTS
SYSTEMS

1. Monitoring of processes and operations

(Water and electric energy meters, ammeter or voltmeter )

2. Control of processes and operations

(Thermostat)

3. Experimental engineering analysis

 REFRENCES
Mechanical Measurements And Instrumentation
( Including Metrology and control systems)
- Er. R. K. Rajput