Assessment of the Mechanical failure of pressure gauges.

Abstract

Fluid Pressure measurement is the analysis of an applied force by a fluid on a surface. (Lucky, 2000). Pressure is typically in units of force per unit of surface area. Instruments used to measure and display pressure in an integral unit are called pressure meters or pressure gauges. RRM being the largest Uganda based manufacturer of steel building materials. (IFC 2006), heavy machinery such as bridles, shears, coil cars, pinch rolls, pay off reels and the re-coiler are used in the production process which necessitates the need for pressure gauges to monitor the operating pressures of these equipment on the production lines. The widely used mechanical device for pressure measurement at RRM is the Bourdon gauge which both measures and indicates pressure was invented by Eugene bourdon. Eugene Bourdon (1808–1884) was a brilliant French watchmaker and engineer who invented the Bourdon gauge in 1849. This revolutionary new pressure measurement device enabled accurate measurement of much higher pressures than existing measurement devices. Bourdon designed the device for steam locomotive engines, but the notably more useful and robust pressure measurement device allowed engineers to develop a range of industrial machinery that operated at higher pressures. (orzikowski, 2016). Besides its relative simplicity and accuracy, the Bourdon gauge can measure much higher pressures than the U-tube manometer pressure gauges used at that time. With the Bourdon gauge, engineers could now measure pressures in excess of 100,000 psi. A Bourdon tube gauge is a hollow, C-shaped spring tube that is closed and sealed at one end. The opposite end is bonded to the socket of the connection to the medium for measurement. When the pressure medium enters the eponymous Bourdon tube, the pressure differential causes the tube to move (contract or expand). The direction the tube moves is determined by the curvature of the tubing (the inside radius is less than the outside radius). Depending on the design of the Bourdon tube, a predetermined amount of pressure will cause the C shape to move (open) a specific distance. However, when the pressure is no longer present, the tube returns to its original shape and the end connected to the pointer returns to its original position relative to the socket (George, 2013)