UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA

PROCESS ENGINEERING LABORATORY 1
(CPE435)

NAME
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STUDENT ID.
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EXPERIMENT
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DATE SUBMITTED
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PROGRAMME / CODE
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Abstract/Summary
Introduction
Aims
Theory
Apparatus
Methodology/Procedure
Results
Calculations
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
Reference / Appendix
Supervisors grading

Allocated Marks
(%)
5
5
5
5
5
10
10
10
20
5
5
5
10

TOTAL MARKS

100

No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

MUHAMMAD SOLAHUDIN BIN MUSA

2014342085
EH2202
PVT
: 2ND DECEMBER 2015
:2
: EH220
: DR ZULKIFLI ABDUL RASHID

Title

Remarks:
Checked by:

--------------------------Date:
ABTRACTS

Marks

This experiment involving a perfect gas or ideal gas has seven experiment. An equipment
has been used which called Perfect gas expansion apparatus in order to determine the
properties of measurement and study the relationship between ideal gas and various factor that
can propose an understanding of First and second law of thermodynamics.
For Boyles Law experiment and determination of ratio of volume are to determine the
relationship between pressure and volume of an ideal gas, to compare the experimental results
with theoretical results and to determine the ratio of volume and compares it to the theoretical
value. For Gay-Lussac Law experiment is to determine the relationship between pressure and
temperature of an ideal gas. For determination of ratio of heat capacity is to determine the ratio
of heat capacity. Lastly, for Isentropic expansion process is to demonstrate the isentropic
expansion process.
The objectives of this experiment successfully achieved. Boyles and Gay-Lussacs law was
proven in this experiment when the ideal gas was obey the law. The volume ratio and heat
capacity were also determined. The experiment was successful.

INTRODUCTION

The Perfect Gas Expansion Apparatus is a sufficient bench top unit designed in order to
expose the student and familiar with the fundamental thermodynamic processes. This
experiment is likely safe and more convenient to demonstrate thermodynamic properties. The
apparatus have two vessels, one is for pressurized chamber and the other one is for vacuum
chamber. This apparatus also equip with pressurized pump and vacuum pump and several
valve which can connect between chambers and also to the surrounding.
The chamber is made from glass that can withstand maximum pressure of apparatus can
operate. The apparatus also equipped with temperature and pressure sensors for both tanks
which can be read on the board. These sensors used to monitor and manipulate the pressure
and temperature. The board displays the temperature and pressure in a digital indicator that
dealt with the PVT laws.
Gas particles in the chamber collide with each other and the walls which transfer
momentum in each collision. The gas pressure is equal to the momentum delivered to the wall
per unit time. A single particles moves arbitrarily along some direction until it strikes back and
forth with wall and change direction and speeds. Equations are derived directly from the law of
conservation of linear motion of conservation of energy.

OBJECTIVES
Experiment 1: Boyles Law Experiment
To determine the relationship between pressure and volume of an ideal gas.
To compare the experimental result with theoretical result.

Experiment 2: Gay-Lussac Law Experiment

To determine the relationship between pressure and temperature of an ideal
gas.

Experiment 3: Isentropic Expansion Process

To demonstrate the isentropic expansion process.

Experiment 4: Stepwise Depressurization

To study the response
depressurization.

of

pressurized

vessel

following

stepwise

of

pressurized

vessel

following

Experiment 5: Brief Depressurization

To study the response
depressurization.

Experiment 6: Determination of Ration Volume

To determine the ratio of volume and compares it to the theoretical value.

Experiment 7: Determination of Ratio of Heat Capacity

To determine the ratio of heat capacity.

brief

THEORY

Perfect Gas
Perfect gas is also known as ideal gas. An ideal gas is defined as one in which all collisions
between atoms or molecules are perfectly elastic and in which there are ni intermolecular
attractive forces. An ideal gas is also an imaginary substance tht obeys the ideal equation state.
An equation had been introduced in 1662 where it has been named as ideal gas
equation of state:

T
V
)
P=R

(1)

Where the constant of proportionally R is called the gas constant and is different for each gas.
Any gas that obeys this law is called an ideal gas. The equation also can be written as:

PV =mRT

(2)

By writing equation (2) twice for fixed mass and simplifying, the properties of ideal gas at two
different states are related to each other by:

(3)
It has been experimentally observed that ideal gas relation closely approximate the P-v-T
behaviour of real gases at low density. At low pressure and high temperature, the density of gas
decreases, and the gas behaves as an ideal gas under these conditions.

Boyles Law
Boyles law describe the relationship between the pressure and the volume of a gas. This
law works when the pressure increase inversely with the volume of gas where the temperature
held constant along the process. The gas inside a system loosely packed and move randomly. If
the volume is reduce, then the pressure become high as the molecules having less space to
move, to hit the wall of container more frequently.

Figure 1: Graph of Boyle's Law

Charless Law
Second law is Charless Law which involves with the effect of heat on the expansion of
gases. The pressure will remain constant throughout the process and the volume of gas will go
directly proportional to the absolute temperature. The moving molecules increase their speed
and hit the wall more frequently as the temperature getting higher because the temperature
transfer the heat of energy into the molecule. Thus, as the speed increase and the frequency of
collision increases, the volume of the container increases. Therefore the equation of Charless
law simply shows below where the k is a constant. The temperature must be calculated in
Kelvin unit. If the constant value of k is not known then, the equation is derived as follow:

The relationship of volume and temperature of Charless law describe in a graph as follow :

Figure 2 : The graph of Charles's Law

Gay-Lussacs Law
The third law involving ideal gas is Gay-Lussacs law where the volume of the system
becomes constant throughout the process. This law stated that the pressure and temperature
are in direct relation. That means as the pressure increase, the temperature also increase.
Temperature is a parameter for kinetic energy, as the temperature increase, the kinetic energy
also increase, therefore the frequency of collision also increase which causing the pressure to
be increase with the constant volume. The equation below can prove the relationship between
pressure

and

temperature

in

particular

system

with

constant

volume.

Graph below show the relationship of temperature and pressure in the Gay-Lussacs law with
constant volume. The conclusion is that the pressure directly proportional to the temperature.

Figure 1: Graph of Gay-Lussac's Law

Heat capacity
The heat capacity ratio or adiabatic index or ratio of specific heats, is the ratio of the heat
capacity at constant pressure (CP) to heat capacity at constant volume (CV). To determine the
ratio of heat capacity,

For an ideal gas the internal energy - u - is a function of temperature and the change in internal
energy can be expressed as
du = Cv dT

(1)

where
du = change in internal energy
Cv = specific heat capacity for the gas in a constant volume process
dT = change in temperature
Cv varies with temperature, but within a moderate temperature change the heat capacity - Cv can be regarded as constant.
Now, let talk about enthalpy. For an ideal gas the enthalpy - h - is function of temperature and
the change in enthalpy can be expressed as
dh = Cp dT

(2)

where
dh = change in enthalpy
Cp= specific heat capacity for the gas in a constant pressure process
Cp can within a moderate temperature change be regarded as constant.

APPARATUS

V1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Pressure transmitter
Pressure relief valve
Temperature sensor
Pressurized chamber
Vacuum chamber
Vacuum pump
Electrode

V2

V3

PROCEDURE

General Start-up Procedures

1. The equipment was connecting to single phase power supply and then the unit was
switch off.
2. All valves were fully open and the pressure reading was checked on the panel. This was
to make sure that the chambers were under atmospheric pressure.
3. Then, all valves were closed.
4. The pipe was connecting from compressive port of the pump to pressurized chamber or
the pipe was connecting from vacuum port of the pump to vacuum chamber.
5. Now, the unit was ready for used.

General Shut-Down Procedures

1. The pump was switch off and both pipes were removed from the chambers.
2. The valves were fully open to release the air inside the chambers.
3. The main switch and power supply were switch off.

EXPERIMENT 1: Boyles Law Experiment

1. The general start up method as previously mentioned was performed and the valves
were once again made sure to be fully closed.
2. The compressive pump was switched on and the pressure inside the chamber was
allowed to increase up to about 150kPa. Then, the pump was switched off and the hose
was removed from the chamber.
3. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored until it stabilized.
4. The pressure reading for both chambers before expansion was recorded.
5. The V 02 was fully opened and the pressurized air flows were allowed into the
atmospheric chamber.
6. The pressure reading for both chambers after expansion was recorded.
7. The experimental methodology was repeated for the following conditions:
i.
From atmospheric chamber to vacuum chamber;
ii.
From pressurized chamber to vacuum chamber.
8. The PV value was calculated and Boyles Law was proven in further sections

EXPERIMENT 2: Gay-Lussac Law Experiment

1. The general start up method was performed again.
2. The hose was connected from the compressive pump to pressurized chamber.
3. The compressive pump was switched on and the temperature for every increment of
10kPa in the chamber was recorded. The pump was stopped when the pressure PT 1
reaches about 160kPa.
4. Then, the valve V 01 was slightly opened and the pressurized air was allowed to flow
out. The temperature reading for every decrement of 10kPa was recorded.
5. The experiment was stopped when the pressure reached atmospheric pressure.
6. The experiment was repeated for three times to get the average value.
7. A graph was plotted to represent the pressure versus temperature.

EXPERIMENT 3: Isentropic Expansion Process

1. The general start up procedures was performed.
2. The hose was connected from compressive pump to pressurized chamber
3. The compressive pump was switched on and the pressure inside the chamber was
allowed to increase until about 160kPa. Then, the pump was switched off and the hose
was removed from the chamber.
4. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored until it stabilized. The pressure
reading PT 1 and temperature TT 1 were recorded.
5. Valve V 01 was slightly opened and air was allowed to flow out slowly until it reached
atmospheric pressure.
6. The pressure reading and the temperature reading after the expansion process were
recorded.
7. The isentropic expansion process was discussed in further section.

EXPERIMENT 4: Stepwise Depressurization

1. The general start up procedure was performed.
2. The hose from the compressive pump was connected to the pressurized chamber.
3. The compressive pump was switched on and the pressure inside the chamber was
allowed to increase until about 160kPa. The pump was then switched off and the hose
was removed from its chamber.
4. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored until it stabilized. The pressure
reading PT 1 was recorded.
5. The valve V 01 was fully opened and brought back to closed position instantly. The
pressure reading PT 1 was monitored and recorded until it became stable.
6. Step 5 was repeated at least four times.

EXPERIMENT 5: Brief Depressurization

1. General start up procedure was performed.
2. The hose was connected from the compressive pump to the pressurized chamber.
3. The compressive pump was switched on and allowed to increase the pressure inside the
chamber until about 160kPa. Then it was switched off and the hose was removed.
4. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored until it stabilized. The pressure
reading was recorded as PT 1.
5. The valve V 01 was fully opened and brought back to closed position after a few
seconds. The pressure reading after expansion was monitored and recorded as PT 1
until it became stable.
6. The result was displayed on graph and further discussed.

EXPERIMENT 6: Determination of Ratio of Volume

1. General start up procedure was performed and valves were made sure to be closed.
2. Compressive pump was switched on and the pressure inside the chamber was allowed
to increase up to about 150kPa. Then, the pump was switched off and the hose was
removed from the chamber.
3. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored until it stabilized.
4. The pressure reading for both chambers was recorded before expansion.
5. Valve V 02 was opened and the pressurized air was allowed to flow into the atmospheric
chamber slowly.
6. The pressure reading for both chambers after expansion was recorded.
7. The experimental procedures were repeated for the following conditions:
i.
From atmospheric chamber to vacuum chamber.
ii.
From pressurized chamber to vacuum chamber.
8. The ratio of volume was calculated and compared with the theoretical value

EXPERIMENT 7: Determination of Ratio of Heat Capacity

1. The general start up method was performed.
2. The compressive pump was connected to pressurized chamber.
3. The compressive pump was switched on and the pressure inside the chamber was
allowed to increase until about 160kPa. Then, the pump was switched off and the hose
was removed from the chamber.
4. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored until is stabilized. The pressure
reading PT1 and temperature TT1were recorded.
5. The valve V 01 was fully opened and brought back to closed until after a few seconds.
The reading PT1 and temperature TT1 were monitored and recorded until they became
stable.
6. The ratio of the heat capacity was determined and then compared with the theoretical
value.

RESULTS
Experiment 1: Boyles Law Experiment
A. EXPERIMENT 1.1
PT 1 (kPa abs)
PT 2 (kPa abs)

Before expansion
156.5
102.3

After expansion
137.9
137.4

Before expansion
103.2
53.3

After expansion
88.8
88.2

Before expansion
155.9
54.0

After expansion
122.4
121.4

B. EXPERIMENT 1.2
PT 1 (kPa abs)
PT 2 (kPa abs)
C. EXPERIMENT 1.3
PT 1 (kPa abs)
PT 2 (kPa abs)

Experiment 2: Gay-Lussac Law Experiment

Pressure
(kPa abs)

Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Temperature (C)

Temperature (C)

Temperature (C)

Depressure
rise vessel

110

Pressure
rise
vessel
22.6

Depressure
rise vessel

22.3

Pressure
rise
vessel
22.1

Depressure
rise vessel

22.6

Pressure
rise
vessel
22.2

120

22.9

22.8

22.3

23.3

22.4

24.1

130

23.5

23.6

22.8

24.5

23.0

25.3

140

24.5

24.8

23.9

25.7

23.8

26.6

150

25.4

26.6

24.8

26.8

24.8

26.9

160

26.3

27.9

25.9

27.3

25.6

27.0

Experiment 3: Isentropic Expansion Process

23.1

PT 1 ( kPa abs)

Before expansion
163.0

After expansion
103.5

PT 2 ( kPa abs)

25.2

21.7

Experiment 4: Stepwise Depressurization

PT 1 (kPa abs)
AFTER FIRST EXPANSION
120.2

INITIAL
160.0

AFTER SECOND EXPANSION

102.3

Experiment 5: Brief Depressurization

INITIAL
159.1

PT 1 (kPa abs)
AFTER BRIEF EXPANSION
147.5

Experiment 6: Determination of Ratio of Volume

A. PRESSURIZED AIR FLOW FROM TANK 1 TO TANK 2
PT 1 (kPa abs)
160.0
140.4

BEFORE EXPANSION
AFTER EXPANSION

PT 2 (kPa abs)
102.2
140.5

B. PRESSURIZED AIR FLOW FROM TANK 2 TO TANK 1

PT 1 (kPa abs)
103.2
88.3

BEFORE EXPANSION
AFTER EXPANSION

PT 2 (kPa abs)
55.0
87.7

C. BOTH TANK 1 AND 2 WAS PRESSURIZED

PT 1 (kPa abs)
158.8
54.7

BEFORE EXPANSION
AFTER EXPANSION

PT 2 (kPa abs)
123.9
123.6

Experiment 7: Determination of Ratio of Heat Capacity

PT 1 (kPa abs)
TT 1 (C)

INITIAL

INTERMEDIATE

FINAL

160.2
31.0

143.1
30.4

144.6
29.0

CALCULATIONS
Experiment 1:
A. CONDITION 1
V1 = 0.025m3
V2 = 0.01237m3
By using Boyles law
P1V1 = P2V2
(P1V1 + P2V2)before = (P1V1 + P2V2)after
(156.50.025) + (102.30.01237) = (137.90.025) + (137.40.01237)
5.178 = 5.147
The difference is only 0.030862, therefore the Boyles Law is verified.
B. CONDITION 2
V1 = 0.025m3
V2 = 0.01237m3
By using Boyles law
P1V1 = P2V2
(P1V1 + P2V2)before = (P1V1 + P2V2)after
(103.20.025) + (53.30.01237) = (88.80.025) + (88.20.01237)
3.239 = 3.311
The difference is only 0.0720, therefore the Boyles Law is verified.
C. CONDITION 3
V1 = 0.025m3
V2 = 0.01237m3
By using Boyles law
P1V1 = P2V2
(P1V1 + P2V2)before = (P1V1 + P2V2)after
(155.90.025) + (540.01237) = (122.40.025) + (121.40.01237)
4.565 = 4.562
The difference is only 0.003, therefore the Boyles Law is verified.

Experiment 2:
In every increment of 10kPa
PRESSURE (kPa) (y-axis)

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (x-axis)

110

22.30

120

22.53

130

23.10

140

24.07

150

25.00

160

25.93

Pressure versus Temperature

180
160
140
120
100

Pressure (kPa)

80
60
40
20
0
22.3

22.53

23.1

24.07

Temperature (C)

25

25.93

In every decrement of 10kPa

PRESSURE (kPa) (y-axis)

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (x-axis)

110

22.67

120

23.40

130

24.47

140

25.70

150

26.77

160

27.40

Pressure versus Temperature

180
160
140
120
100

Pressure (kPa)

80
60
40
20
0
22.67

23.4

24.47

25.7

Temperature (C)

26.77

27.4

Experiment 3:
For isentropic process,

(21.7/25.2) = (103.5/163.0) ^(
0.8611 = 0.6350^(
ln 0.8611 =(

k1

k1

k1
ln 0.6350
k

k1
= ln 0.8611/ ln 0.6350
k

k1
= 0.3293
k

K = 1.4910

Experiment 4:

Response of pressurized vessel following stepwise depressurization

180
160
140
120
100

Pressure (kPa)

80
60
40
20
0

Graph of response of pressurized vessel following stepwise depressurization

Experiment 5:
Responses of pressurization vessel following of brief depressurization
165

160

155

Pressure (kPa)
150

145

140

Graph of responses of pressurization vessel following of brief depressurization

Experiment 6:
A. CONDITION 1
V1/V2 = (P2,initial - P2,final) / (P1,final - P1,initial)
0.025/0.01237 = (102.2-140.5)/(140.4-160)
2.021 = 1.954
Difference = -0.067
Percentage difference : -3.32%
B. CONDITION 2
V1/V2 = (P2,initial - P2,final) / (P1,final - P1,initial)
0.025/0.01237 = (55-87.7)/(88.3-103.2)
2.021 = 2.194
Difference = 0.173
Percentage difference : 8.56%
C. CONDITION 3
V1/V2 = (P2,initial- P2,final) / (P1,final - P1,initial)
0.025/0.01237 = (54.7-123.6)/(123.9-158.8)
2.021 = 1.974
Difference = -0.046
Percentage difference : -2.28%

Experiment 7:

ln 160.2ln 143.1
=
ln160.2ln 144.6
=
1.102
The ideal k, Cp/Cv = 1.4
Deviation = (1.4 - 1.102) / 1.4 100%
=21.28%

DISCUSSION
Boyles law stated that the pressure of gas inversely proportional to the volume of a
container. From the results recorded, some calculation have been made in order to know the
difference value between before and after of the experiment one. For conditions 1, 2 and 3 the
value are 0.030862, 0.0720 and 0.003. These values are very small and close with the
theoretical value, therefore the Boyless Law is verified. According to the data tabulated, it can
been said that the pressure and volume inversely proportional. When the pressure increase, the
volume start to decrease. This is happen because if the gas of the same pressure with constant
temperature injected into small and big container which means have different volume. The gas
molecule in small container have less spacious room and will collide to the wall and with
each other more often which exert more pressure.
Gay-Lussacs Law stated that pressure is directly proportional to the temperature
which means when the pressure increase, the temperature increase with constant volume.
From the data tabulated and graph plotted, it can be said that the Gay-Lussacs Law is verified.
The same concept applied here, if the temperature of a gas in a container increase, the heat
energy of the system transfer its energy into the molecule of gas which actually increase the
frequency of collision in that container which exert more pressure.
The heat capacity ratio is the ratio of the heat capacity at constant pressure (CP) to heat
capacity at constant volume (CV). Based on calculated value, the value of heat capacity ratio is
1.059 whereas the theoretical value is 1.4.The percentage error 24.36%. The actual
intermediate pressure supposed to be lowered that the measured one. Unfortunately the error
could be occurs due to heat loss and sensitivity of pressure sensors. Supposed, the
intermediate pressure taken as the lowest pressure at the moment the valve is closed. Since the
percentage difference is more than 10%, the experiment can be declared as failed.

Isentropic expansion process is occurred when the system is reversible and

adiabatic where no heat will be transferred in or out and no energy transformation occurs. From
the data recorded, a constant k is now known which is equal to 1.4910. It was obtained that both
temperature and pressure of the gas before expansion were higher compared to after the
expansion. The process is said to be isentropic since there was no change in the entropy
throughout the process.
Stepwise depressurization is

strategy

to

adopt

an

equal

time-stepwise

depressurization approach in this study yield a more reliable result for an example in the
production sector in industries. The molecule in the container affected when the number of them
decreasing slowly as they do not have to collide between them more often. The
depressurization shown that pressure decrease with time and also affecting the temperature. As
the pressure decrease, the temperature also decrease in the system.
Brief depressurization shown in the graph plotted in result section which is decrease
more linear compared to stepwise. The expansion occur when the pressure of gas increase.
Expansion of gas decrease as the gas is free to flow out time by time.
Ratio volume can be determine by manipulating the equation of Boyles law. Boyles law
proposed an equation P1V1=P2V2 and after manipulate the equation ratio volume can be
determine byV2/V1=P1P2. This experiment test in three different condition where first condition
the gas is flow from tank 1 to tank 2, while gas flow from tank 2 to tank 1 in second condition
and both were filled with gas in third condition. The theoretical value is 2.021 in this experiment
where the error or percentage difference are between 10 and -10. There must be environmental
factors that affect the stability of pressure and temperature or random mistake during
experiment. Since the percentage error is less than10%, it can be said that the experiment is
successful.

Determination of ratio of heat capacity using the expression of the heat capacity ratio
and it gives the 1.102. The theoretical value of this experiment is 1.4. The deviation which now
is equal to 21.28%.The deviation is due to measurement error. The actual intermediate pressure
supposed to be lowered that the measured one. Unfortunately the error occur due to heat loss
and sensitivity of pressure sensors. Supposed, the intermediate pressure taken as the lowest
pressure at the moment the valve is closed. Since the percentage difference is more than 10%,
the experiment can be declared as failed.

CONCLUSION
In a nutshell, the experiment was to determine the properties of measurement/PVT
according to Boyles law, Gay-Lussacs law, isentropic expansion, and heat capacity equation.
We managed to prove the Boyles law and Gay-Lussacs law which is based on their law. The
volume ratio of gas indicates and expresses the dynamics of compression and expansion of
gases. Although there is fail experiment but we managed to find the reason behind the failure.
For example experiment 7, related to heat capacity ratio, the experiment fail maybe because of
the intermediate pressure not taken after the valve is closed. In conclusion, the experiment is
successfully done and the objective of the experiment is achieved.

RECOMMENDATION
Before starts the experiment, each of the experiment must do the start-up and shutdown step in order to make sure there is no gas left in the chamber. Most important during
recording data, keep eye on the sensor while monitoring the board because the parameter can
increase and decrease really fast and read the procedure carefully. Get an average reading by
repeating the experiment normally three times in order to reduce amount of deviation. Handle
the valve carefully and do not make mistake by choosing the valve because it will affect the
data. The place where the experiment is conducted also must be at stable and no vibration. All
the equipment must be handle carefully in order to avoid explosion because over-pressure in
the tank would cause an explosion.

REFERENCE
1. Charles's Law. (n.d.). Retrieved from how stuff works:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/physics-terms/charles-law-info.htm
2. Charles's Law. (2010). Retrieved from Sparknotes
http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/sat2/chemistry/chapter5section8.rhtml3.
3. Irfan,M.H. (2013). The Perfect Gas Expansion Experiment (TH11). Muhammad
Haidharul Irfan.
4. Ngagiman, S. F. (2013). Perfect Gas Expansion. Siti Fatimah Ngagiman.

APPENDIX