Manometers measure a pressure difference by balancing the weight of a fluid column

between the two pressures of interest. Large pressure differences are measured with
heavy fluids, such as mercury (e.g. 760 mm Hg = 1 atmosphere). Small pressure
differences, such as those experienced in experimental wind tunnels or venturi
flowmeters, are measured by lighter fluids such as water (27.7 inch H2O = 1 psi; 1
cm H2O = 98.1 Pa).

To calculate the pressure indicated by the manometer, enter the data below. (The
default calculation is for a water manometer with a 10 cm fluid column, with the
answer rounded to 3 significant figures.):
Manometers
When using a barometer, you calculate gas
pressure with the following equation:

Gas pressure = atmospheric pressure

- h (height of the mercury)

The open-tube manometer is another

device that can be used to measure pressure.
The open-tube manometer is used to
measure the pressure of a gas in a container.
The pressure of the gas is given by h (the
difference in mercury levels) in units of torr
or mmHg. Atmospheric pressure pushes on
the mercury from one direction, and the gas
in the container pushes from the other
direction. In a manometer, since the gas in
the bulb is pushing more than the
atmospheric pressure, you add the
atmospheric pressure to the height
difference:

Pgas > Patm Gas pressure = atmospheric

pressure + h (height of the mercury)

Pgas < Patm Gas pressure = atmospheric

pressure - h (height of the mercury)

You could be asked about a closed-tube

manometer. Closed-tube manometers look
similar to regular manometers except that
the end that’s open to the atmospheric
pressure in a regular manometer is sealed
and contains a vacuum. In these systems, the
difference in mercury levels (in mmHg) is
equal to the pressure in torr.
Bourdon Gauge:

The Bourdon gauge is shown in figure 9-4. It works on the same principle as that of the
snakelike, paper party whistle you get at a New Year party, which straightens when you
blow into it. With in the Bourdon gauge is a thin-walled metal tube, somewhat flattened
and bent into the form of a C. Attached to its free end is a lever system that magnifies
any motion of the free end of the tube. On the fixed end of the gauge is a fitting you
thread into a boiler system. As pressure increases within the boiler, it travels through the
tube. Like the snakelike paper whistle, the metal tube begins to straighten as the pressure
increases inside of it. As the tube straightens, the pointer moves around a dial that
indicates the pressure in psi. The Bourdon gauge is a highly accurate but rather delicate
instrument. You can easily damage it. In addition, it malfunctions if pressure varies
rapidly. This problem was overcome by the development of another type of gauge,
the Schrader. The Schrader gauge is not as accurate as the Bourdon, but it is sturdy
and suitable for ordinary hydraulic pressure measurements. It is
especially suitable for fluctuating loads. In the Schrader gauge, liquid pressure actuates a
piston. The pressure moves up a cylinder against the resistance of a spring, carrying a bar
or indicator with it over a calibrated scale. The operation of this gauge eliminates the
need for cams, gears, levers, and bearings.