Fluid Statics and Manometry

The apparatus is constructed from PVC and clear acrylic and consists of a vertical reservoir containing water that is connected to a series of vertical manometer tubes. These tubes can be used individually or in combination for the different demonstrations of hydro static principles and manometer. One tube includes changes in cross section to demonstrate that the level of a free surface is not affected by the size or the shape of the tube. The right-hand manometer tube is separate from the other tubes and incorporates a pivot and indexing mechanism at the base that enables this tube to be inclined at fixed angles of 5°, 30°, 60° and 90° (vertical).
The reservoir incorporates a hook and point gauge with Vernier scale, mounted through the lid, that enables large changes in level to be measured with better precision than a simple scale. A vertical transparent pyrometer tube through the lid of the reservoir enables the static head above the water in the reservoir to be observed when the air space above the water is not open to atmosphere. Connections at the top of the reservoir and each of the manometer tubes enables a syringe to be connected using flexible tubing that permits the static pressure of the air to be varied positively or negatively as required for the various demonstrations. The syringe and flexible tubing for filling the equipment etc. are stored at the rear of the apparatus when not in use for convenience.

A small flow can be induced through the interconnecting pipe work between the various manometer tubes to provide a simple but clear demonstration of the effect of friction created by the motion of the fluid.
This is useful to the student before performing demonstrations using more advanced fluid dynamics accessories. The equipment is designed to demonstrate the basic principles of hydro statics and manometer using water for safety and convenience. The use of a safe, soluble food dye in the water makes observation of the level changes clearer without affecting the operation of the apparatus. Alternative liquids, with different densities, can be used in the ‘U’ tube manometer if required to extend the range of the demonstrations.