DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

LAB 1: Marcet Boiler

SURNAME : NGOBENI
INITIALS : F
STUDENT NO : 201461362
COURSE : B.Eng. Tech MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MODULE : STEAM PLANT
DATE : 08 SEPTEMBER 2019

I confirm that this assignment is my work, is not copied from any other person's work, and has not
previously submitted for assessment either at the University of Johannesburg or elsewhere.

Signed………………………………………. Date ………………………………………….

Table of Contents

ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................. i
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................... 1
Theory ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................ 2
APPARATUS .............................................................................................................................................. 2
PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................................. 3
OBSERVATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 3
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS......................................................................................................................... 4
CALCULATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Sample of calculations for Average Temperature T ave ......................................................................... 6
Sample of calculations for dP................................................................................................................... 6
Sample of calculations for dT ................................................................................................................... 6
Sample of calculations for (dT/dP) .......................................................................................................... 6
Sample of calculations of Vf..................................................................................................................... 6
Sample of calculations of Vg .................................................................................................................... 6
Sample of calculations of Vfg ................................................................................................................... 6
Sample of calculations of Enthalpy Hfg ................................................................................................... 7
Sample of calculations for the calculated slope ...................................................................................... 7
Percentage Error....................................................................................................................................... 7
Sample of calculations percentage error................................................................................................. 7
Discussion ................................................................................................................................................. 8
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................................... 8
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 9
APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................... 10
List of Figures

Figure 1: Experimental setup ........................................................................................................................ 2

Figure 2: Vapor pressure curve ..................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 3: Slope vs Absolute pressure ............................................................................................................ 5
Figure 4: Percentage error ............................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 5: MARCET BOILER ........................................................................................................................... 10

List of Tables
Table 1: Observations ................................................................................................................................... 3
Table 2: Measured slope ............................................................................................................................... 4
Table 3: Calculated slope .............................................................................................................................. 5
ABSTRACT

This experiment was conducted to work out the connection between the pressure and the
temperature of saturated steam in equilibrium. Also, this experiment was done to demonstrate the
temperature against the pressure curve or vapor pressure curve. The Marcet Boiler was used for
this experiment. It was found that once the pressure increases, the temperature additionally will
increase. Therefore, the relationship between pressure and temperature is directly proportional.
The derived formulae and the and the observed results were used to calculate the slope. The dT/dP
measured was compared with the slope calculated using the data in the steam table. Theoretically,
the values measured ought to be nearly identical with the calculated values. However, at bound
points, the values don't seem to be identical and at some points, they are the same. This may
because of the errors made in the experiment.

i
INTRODUCTION

Theory
Thermodynamics is outlined as a study associated with the transfer of warmth and work between
a system and its surroundings, undergoing a method inflicting any of the properties of the system
change.
An ideal gas obeys the equation of state that relates the pressure, specific volume or density, and
temperature with the mass of the molecule and the constant, R.
𝑚𝑅𝑇
𝑃𝑉 =
𝑀
However, real gas doesn't completely adapt to the equation of state. A few changes in the ideal gas
equation of state enable its application within the properties of real gas.
When energy will increase among water, the increasing of activities among the molecules permits
the rise within the range of molecules escaping the surface until the associate degree equilibrium
state is reached. The state of equilibrium depends on the pressure between the water surface and
steam. At lower pressure, the molecules become easier leaving the water surface whereas less
energy is needed in achieving the state of equilibrium (boiling point). The temperature wherever
equilibrium happens at a given physical phenomenon is termed as the saturated temperature.
The Marcet Boiler is employed to research the connection between the pressure and temperature
of saturated steam in equilibrium with water in the slightest degree temperature levels between the
gas pressure and 10 bars. The experimental slope (dT/dP)SAT obtained is compared to the
theoretical worth determined through calculation from the steam table. Clausius-Clapeyron states:
𝑑𝑇 𝑇𝑣𝑓𝑔
( ) =
𝑑𝑃 𝑆𝐴𝑇 ℎ𝑓𝑔
𝑑𝑇 𝑇(𝑣𝑓 − 𝑣𝑔 )
( ) =
𝑑𝑃 𝑆𝐴𝑇 ℎ𝑓 − ℎ𝑔

And ℎ𝑓 + ℎ𝑓𝑔 = ℎ𝑔 ≈ ℎ𝑓𝑔 = ℎ𝑔 − ℎ𝑓

𝑑𝑇 𝑇(𝑣𝑓 −𝑣𝑔 ) 𝑇𝑣𝑔

( ) = = as 𝑣𝑔 ≫ 𝑣𝑓
𝑑𝑃 𝑆𝐴𝑇 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ℎ𝑓𝑔

in which,
vf = specific volume of saturated liquid
vg = specific volume of saturated vapor
hf = enthalpy of saturated liquid

1
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This experiment aims to study the relationship between the pressure and temperature of saturated
steam at all pressure levels between atmospheric pressure and 10 bars (150 lb/in2). Besides that, this
experiment was additionally done to demonstrate the pressure level curve. This was accomplished by
collecting the reading of temperature when pressure increases as well as when the pressure decreases.
The experimental value for the slope of the graph (dT/dP)SAT is compared to the theoretical value
calculated from the values found in the steam table.

APPARATUS

• Marcet Boiler and Water

The unit of Marcet Boiler consists of

a stainless-steel pressure vessel fitted
with high-pressure immersion
electrical heater, control panel, a
safety relief valve, water inlet port &
valve, Bourdon tube pressure gauge,
temperature and pressure measuring
devices

Figure 1: Experimental setup

2
PROCEDURE

1. A quick inspection was performed to ensure that the unit was in proper operating condition.
2. The power supply was connected to provide a heating rate of 2kW to the electrical heater.
3. The level valve was opened and switched on the power supply.
4. Temperature 'setpoint' was then set to 1800C.
5. To ensure that there is no air trapped in the boiler, the steam had to come out through the
level valve first
6. The level valve was then closed and continue heating until the maximum gauge pressure
reaches 8 bars.
7. Warning: Don't remove filler plug or open level valve when the device is pressurized.
8. The temperature 'setpoint' was decreased to room temperature in which the electrical heater
will be off.
9. All temperature readings at different pressure settings of the boiler were recorded when the
boiler is heated and cooled.

OBSERVATIONS

Atmospheric pressure: 0.989252 bar

Atmospheric temperature: 19 (°C)

Table 1: Observations

Pressure, P (bar) Temperature T Measured

Calculated
Average T Average T Slope
Slope,
Gauge Absolute Increase decrease (°C) (K) dT/dP
1.0 1.989 105 138 105 378 - 0.239
1.5 2.489 119 138 119 392 0.280 0.163
2.0 2.989 122 138 122 395 0.060 0.151
2.5 3.489 128 138 128 401 0.120 0.130
3.0 3.989 144 143 144 417 0.320 0.089
3.5 4.489 147 148 147 420 0.060 0.084
4.0 4.989 150 151 150 423 0.060 0.078
4.5 5.489 154 154 154 427 0.080 0.072
5.0 5.989 157 157 157 430 0.060 0.069
5.5 6.489 160 160 160 433 0.060 0.064
6.0 6.989 163 163 163 436 0.060 0.060
6.5 7.489 166 166 166 439 0.060 0.056
7.0 7.989 168 169 168 441 0.040 0.054
7.5 8.489 171 171 171 444 0.060 0.051
8.0 8.989 173 174 173 446 0.040 0.049

3
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

Graph of Average Temperature, T against Absolute Pressure, P

450

440
Average Temperature (K)

430

420

410

400

390

380

370
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Absolute Pressure (kPa)

Figure 2: Vapor pressure curve

Calculations for measured slope

Table 2: Measured slope

Average T ave
Pressure, Pabs (bar) P abs (kpa) dP (kPa) (K) dT (K) (dT/dP)(K/kPa)
1,9893 198,925156 378
2,4893 248,925156 50 392 14 0,280
2,9893 298,925156 50 395 3 0,060
3,4893 348,925156 50 401 6 0,120
3,9893 398,925156 50 417 16 0,320
4,4893 448,925156 50 420 3 0,060
4,9893 498,925156 50 423 3 0,060
5,4893 548,925156 50 427 4 0,080
5,9893 598,925156 50 430 3 0,060
6,4893 648,925156 50 433 3 0,060
6,9893 698,925156 50 436 3 0,060
7,4893 748,925156 50 439 3 0,060
7,9893 798,925156 50 441 2 0,040
8,4893 848,925156 50 444 3 0,060
8,9893 898,925156 50 446 2 0,040

4
Calculations for the Calculated slope
Table 3: Calculated slope

Temperature, T Enthalpy, h
Pressure P, (bar) (K) Specific Volume, v (m3/kg) (kJ/kg) Calculated
Guage Absolute Average T ave vf vg vfg hfg Slope
1,0 1,989252 378 0,001047 1,420000 1,41900 2243,605 0,239071494
1,5 2,489252 392 0,001059 0,918981 0,91792 2205,150 0,163174944
2,0 2,989252 395 0,001062 0,840500 0,83944 2196,710 0,150943006
2,5 3,489252 401 0,001068 0,706958 0,70589 2179,580 0,129869924
3,0 3,989252 417 0,001084 0,457774 0,45669 2132,160 0,089317748
3,5 4,489252 420 0,001088 0,423813 0,42273 2122,945 0,083631229
4,0 4,989252 423 0,001091 0,392524 0,39143 2113,630 0,078337343
4,5 5,489252 427 0,001095 0,355186 0,35409 2101,040 0,071962661
5,0 5,989252 430 0,001099 0,330075 0,32998 2061,415 0,06883131
5,5 6,489252 433 0,001102 0,306849 0,30575 2081,740 0,063595094
6,0 6,989252 436 0,001106 0,285752 0,28465 2071,900 0,059899443
6,5 7,489252 439 0,001110 0,266195 0,26509 2061,950 0,056437991
7,0 7,989252 441 0,001112 0,254102 0,25299 2055,230 0,054285209
7,5 8,489252 444 0,001116 0,237248 0,23613 2045,035 0,051266902
8,0 8,989252 446 0,001119 0,226707 0,22559 2038,165 0,049364352

Graph of dT/dP and Tvg/hfg against absolute pressure, P

Slope vs Absolute pressure

0,350

0,300

0,250

0,200
Slope

0,150 Measured Slope

Calculated Slope
0,100

0,050

0,000
0,0000 2,0000 4,0000 6,0000 8,0000 10,0000
Absolute Pressure (bar)

Figure 3: Slope vs Absolute pressure

5
CALCULATIONS
Sample of calculations for Average Temperature T ave
T inc: 122 °C T dec: 138 °C
𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 +𝑇𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒
𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑒 =
2
122+138
= 2

= 130 °𝐂

Sample of calculations for dP

100𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 4.989 𝑏𝑎𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 4.489 𝑏𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑃4.989 = 4.989 − 4.489 = 0.5𝑏𝑎𝑟 ×
1 𝑏𝑎𝑟

= 𝟓𝟎 𝐤𝐏𝐚

Sample of calculations for dT

𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑒@4.989 423𝐾 = 𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑒@4.489 = 420𝐾 𝑑𝑇4.989 = 𝑇4.989 − 𝑇4.489

= 423 − 420
dT = 𝟑 𝐊

Sample of calculations for (dT/dP)

𝑑𝑇 𝑑𝑇4.989
( ) =
𝑑𝑃 4.989 𝑑𝑃4.989
3
=
50
= 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔 𝐊/𝐤𝐏𝐚

Sample of calculations of Vf
𝑇@4.989 = 150 °𝐶

𝑉𝑓 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟏𝟎𝟗𝟏 𝐦𝟑 /𝐤𝐠

Sample of calculations of Vg
𝑉𝑔 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟗𝟐𝟓𝟐𝟒 𝐦𝟑 /𝐤𝐠

Sample of calculations of Vfg

𝑣𝑓𝑔 = 𝑣𝑔 − 𝑣𝑓

𝑣𝑓𝑔 = 0.392524 − 0.001091 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟗𝟏𝟒𝟑𝟑 𝐦𝟑 /𝐤𝐠

6
Sample of calculations of Enthalpy Hfg
ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 2113.63 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔

Sample of calculations for the calculated slope

𝑑𝑇4.989 𝑇𝑣𝑓𝑔 423 × 0.391433
( )= = = 0.078337 𝐾/𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑑𝑃4.989 ℎ𝑓𝑔 2113.63

Percentage Error
Sample of calculations percentage error

𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 − 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑑

% 𝑎𝑡 4.989 𝑏𝑎𝑟 = × 100%
𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑
0.12 − 0.129869
× 100% = −8.22%
0.12

Figure 4: Percentage error

Calculated Measured Percentage

slope slope Error
0,239071494
0,163174944 0,28 41,7
0,150943006 0,06 -151,6
0,129869924 0,12 -8,2
0,089317748 0,072 -24,1
0,083631229 0,06 -39,4
0,078337343 0,06 -30,6
0,071962661 0,08 10,0
0,06883131 0,06 -14,7
0,063595094 0,06 -6,0
0,059899443 0,06 0,2
0,056437991 0,06 5,9
0,054285209 0,04 -35,7
0,051266902 0,06 14,6
0,049364352 0,04 -23,4

7
Discussion
When the water in the Marcet boiler is heated, it will gain energy in form of heat, which causes the
temperature of the water to increase. Since the water is in a control volume (Marcet boiler), the
pressure inside the Marcet boiler increases also, which obeys the ideal gas equation of PV = MRT. The
pressure of water vapor increases as a result.

From the graph of average temperature against absolute pressure, the slope of the graph is decreasing
as the pressure is increasing. This shows that at one point, the increasing pressure will not influence the
temperature rise.

Based on the second graph, it shows that the graph of dT/dP vs P is higher than the graph of Tvg/hfg vs
P. Meanwhile, Average Temperature is increasing when the Absolute Pressure is increasing. However,
there might be some errors that occur during our experiment that may affect our result. The first error
might be the machine error. This can happen especially when the machine is used by many groups of
students in one day followed by not doing any inspection on the machine after it is used. Second error
may be the human error by not following the procedures while using the machine that may lead to
damage on the machine. Since the reading that we get is just by observing the number that is displayed
on the machine’s screen, so the parallax error does not occur.

If not all the air had been removed during the experiment. It will affect the results when air is present,
thus, to overcome this condition we must allow steam to come out more than 30 seconds so that,
mostly air (steam) is successfully removed from the valve.

Besides, the valve at the level sight tube did not close tightly before turning on the heater. Thus, a small
amount of pressure for the experiment values will be lower. So, to overcome this situation we must
make sure or even double-check the valve before turning on the heater.

CONCLUSION

Based on the experiment, we can conclude that some errors had been made during experiment
conduct, the values of the measured slope, dT/dP and the calculated slope, Tvg/hfg are not the
same. At a point, the increasing pressure will not alter the temperature of the water in the Marcet
boiler. Based on the experimental values the pressure increases as the temperature increase. This
was proven with the obtained graph of average temperature against absolute pressure that
directly proportional. The vapor pressure curve obtained was slightly deviate because of some
errors of data.
Disgracing some negligible faults, this experiment is thought of prospering, to enhance the
results of the experiment, it ought to be dole out at temperature change off all the air-conditions,
and additionally by the continuance of the experiment and taking the common worth. If some
insulation were kept on the Marcet boiler to reduce heat loss, the experiment could be more
accurate.

8
REFERENCES

1. Gupta J.K, Khurmi R.S. (2000) A textbook of thermal engineering. New Delhi, S. Chand &
CompanyLtd.
2. https://www. Academia.edu/31529545/lab_report_marcet_boiler (Accessed 04 September
2019)

3. www.scribd.com

9
APPENDICES

Figure 5: MARCET BOILER

10