1.
Draw and Explain the Basic Block Diagram of Instrumentation System [CO1, K1] - (5 Marks)
Block Diagram:
Physical Quantity -> Primary Sensing Element -> Signal Conditioning -> Processing Unit -> Output
Display/Recorder
Explanation:
- Physical Quantity: The parameter to be measured (e.g., temperature, pressure).
- Primary Sensing Element: Converts physical quantity into an electrical signal (e.g., thermocouple).
- Signal Conditioning: Modifies the signal (amplification, filtering).
- Processing Unit: Processes the signal for interpretation (e.g., microcontroller).
- Output Device: Displays or records the data (e.g., digital meter, computer).
2(a). How is RTD different from Thermocouples? [CO1, K2] - (4 Marks)
| Feature | RTD | Thermocouple |
|----------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Working Principle | Resistance changes with temp | EMF generated at junctions |
| Material | Platinum, nickel, copper | Two dissimilar metals |
| Accuracy | High | Moderate |
| Temperature Range | -200 degreesC to 600 degreesC | -200 degreesC to 1750
degreesC |
| Output | Resistance (ohms) | Voltage (millivolts) |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheaper |
| Stability | More stable | Less stable over time |
2(b). Define the term 'Self Heating' in RTD [CO1, K2] - (2 Marks)
Self-heating is the phenomenon where the current passing through the RTD element causes it to
heat up, raising its temperature above the actual medium. This causes error in measurement.
Minimizing excitation current reduces self-heating.
2(c). Write Main Advantages of RTD over Thermocouples [CO2, K2] - (2 Marks)
- Higher accuracy and repeatability.
- Better stability over time.
- Linear resistance-temperature relationship.
- Suitable for precise applications.
3(a). Explain Basic Principle and Working of Optical Pyrometers. Briefly Describe its Uses. [CO2,
K3] - (5 Marks)
Principle: Based on comparing brightness of thermal radiation from a hot object with a filament. No
contact is needed.
Working:
- A filament is viewed against the hot target.
- Current is adjusted until filament disappears against the background.
- Current is converted to temperature using calibration.
Uses:
- Furnace temperature
- Metallurgical industries
- Measuring hot moving/inaccessible objects
3(b). Differentiate Between Optical and Infrared Pyrometer [CO2, K2] - (3 Marks)
| Feature | Optical Pyrometer | Infrared Pyrometer |
|--------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Principle | Brightness comparison | Measures IR radiation |
| Contact | Non-contact | Non-contact |
| Visual Requirement | Requires visible observation| Works in complete darkness |
| Application | Hot objects above 700 degreesC | Wide temp range |
3(c). Difference Between NTC and PTC Thermistors [CO2, K3] - (4 Marks)
| Property | NTC | PTC |
|--------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Resistance vs Temp | Decreases with temperature | Increases with temperature |
| Material | Metal oxides | Polymers, barium titanate |
| Temp Range | Low temperature | Circuit protection |
| Applications | Sensors, current limiter | Overcurrent protection, fuses |
