Virtual Experiment Setup
Controls & Live Telemetry
| S.No | Applied Pressure (Bar) | Pressure (PSI) | Tube Tip Deflection (mm) | Sector Angle (°) | Pointer Angle (°) | Indicated Reading (Bar) | Observation / Mechanical Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No observations logged yet. Start experiment and click 'Record Observation' or run Auto Calibration. | |||||||
Working Principle
The C-Type Bourdon Tube works on the fundamental principle that an elastic curved tube with an non-circular (flattened oval) cross-section tends to change its cross-section toward a circular shape when subjected to internal fluid pressure.
This cross-sectional expansion produces a tangential strain that forces the curved arc of the C-tube to uncurl (increase its radius of curvature). Because the socket end is rigidly fixed to the inlet block, the uncurling motion causes the sealed free tip to move outwards and upwards.
Mechanical Motion Transfer
- Pressure Input: Pressurized fluid enters the fixed socket of the Bourdon tube.
- Elastic Tube Tip Displacement: Fluid pressure causes small linear tip deflection (proportional to applied pressure).
- Linkage Coupling: The adjustable connecting link transfers tip displacement to the sector arm.
- Angular Multiplication: The sector quadrant gear pivots, driving the central pinion gear with a high mechanical gear ratio (~12.5:1).
- Pointer Indication: The pinion rotates the pointer shaft smoothly over a calibrated 225° dial scale.
Industrial Application & Operational Dynamics
Elastic Tip Deflection Response:
The uncurling motion of the flattened C-tube tip responds linearly to applied internal pressure. Material elasticity (Young's Modulus) and tube wall geometry dictate sensor sensitivity and pressure rating.
Gear Train Angular Amplification:
The sector and pinion gear ratio multiplies tiny tip deflections into wide pointer rotation across the entire dial scale, with an anti-backlash hairspring eliminating mechanical play.
Major Components & Materials
- Bourdon Tube: Phosphor Bronze (0-10 Bar), Stainless Steel 316L (High Pressure).
- Cross Section: Oval / Flattened Ellipse (Ratio ~ 3:1).
- Sector & Pinion: Precision Brass / Stainless Steel anti-backlash gear teeth.
- Hairspring: Beryllium Copper spiral spring (eliminates gear backlash play).
- Case & Window: Stainless Steel / Die-cast Aluminum with Safety Glass.
Advantages & Industrial Uses
- High Accuracy: Direct mechanical reading without electrical power.
- Wide Range: Measures vacuum up to 7,000 bar (100,000 PSI).
- Applications: Steam boilers, hydraulic power units, gas pipelines, HVAC, chemical plants.
- Limitations: Sensitive to severe shock/vibration (requires liquid-filled cases for heavy pulsation).