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Primary Pressure Reference Standard
Primary pressure reference standards are instruments that can measure pressure very accurately by deriving a pressure reading from the fundamental components of mass, acceleration and area.
For example water or mercury manometers which are liquid filled U tube columns, use the difference in height between columns to determine the weight (Force) of liquid. Since the diameter of the column is known the cross sectional area (Area) can be calculated and thus the pressure can be determined.
Another example is a Dead Weight Tester which uses a piston and cylinder of a known cross sectional area (Area) and weights of a known mass (Force) which are placed on top of the piston. Thus the pressure applied can be determined very accurately.
Since Primary Pressure Standards are the most fundamental pressure measurement instruments available they are typically used as calibration instruments for pressure sensors and gauges.
Site Last Updated: 07/02/12
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