The construction of a fluid pressure meter with two inlet ports, flexible diaphragms and a pressure-responsive transducer is described. One port can be connected to the line and the other to a source of standard pressures for calibration

Melton, D. E.

English

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e- Responsive 
icer 3 
Diaphragm 2 
Diaphragm 6 
Line- FIui 
March 1964 -
NASA TECH BRIEF
Brief 63-10502 
This NASA Tech Brief is issued by the Technology Utilization Division to acquaint industry 
with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
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Fluid-Pressure Meter Can Be Calibrated Without Removal from Flow Line 
The problem: A conventional way of measuring 
fluid-line pressure is by means of a meter tapped into 
the line. When the meter needs calibration, one of two 
methods can be used: (1) The meter is physically 
removed from the line and connected to a source 
of standard pressures; after calibration, the meter is 
reinstalled in the line. (2)' Without physically removing 
the meter, it is disconnected from the line and then 
connected through the inlet port to the standard 
pressure source; after calibration, the meter is recon-
nected in the line. Both methods are troublesome and 
time-consuming. Furthermore, the latter method con-
taminates the line fluid with the calibrating fluid. 
The solution: A meter having (1) two inlet ports, 
one of which can be connected to the line, and the 
other to a source of standard pressures for calibration;
and (2) an additional diaphragm separating the cham-
ber containing line pressure from the chamber con-
taining standard calibration pressure. 
How it's done: In normal operation of the meter, 
the line fluid enters port 1 and forces up flexible 
diaphragm 2, actuating a pressure-responsive trans-
ducer 3, such as, for example, a variable carbon-pile 
resistor. The output terminals 4 of the transducer are 
connected to a suitable readout device. When it is 
desired to calibrate the meter, the line pressure is shut 
off and the standard pressure is introduced through 
port 5, where it forces up diaphragm 6, rod 7, and 
diaphragm 2, which provides an input to the trans-
ducer. The meter reading is then made to conform to 
the standard pressure. On removal of the standard 
pressure, both diaphragms return to their rest posi-
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern. 
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may 'not infringe privately-owned 
rights: or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19630000087 2020-03-11T16:47:15+00:00Z
tions, and the line pressure may be reconnected to the 
inlet port. 
The new meter not only makes calibration faster 
and more convenient, but also prevents contamination 
of line fluid with the standard fluid, increases the 
measurement accuracy by minimizing valve leakage, 
and makes possible remote calibration.
Patent status: NASA encourages the immediate 
commercial use of this invention. It was invented by a 
NASA employee and a patent application has been 
filed. Inquiries concerning license rights may be made 
directly to the inventor, D. E. Melton at Marshall 
Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama. 
Source: Marshall Space Flight Center (M-FS-98) 
Brief 63-10502


Fluid-pressure meter can be calibrated without removal from flow line

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