2nd Class Power Engineering (2B1) Practice Exam

A Bourdon tube pressure gauge is commonly used to measure steam pressure due to its robust design and ability to provide accurate readings in high-pressure environments. The Bourdon tube itself is a curved metal tube that straightens out when pressurized, translating pressure changes into a movement that can be read on a calibrated dial. This type of gauge is particularly well-suited for steam applications because it can withstand high temperatures and pressures that are typical in steam systems.

Digital pressure sensors can also measure steam pressure, but they tend to be more sophisticated and may require additional components for calibration or digital readouts. As a result, they aren't as commonly seen in all steam systems compared to the traditional and reliable Bourdon tube gauge.

Mechanical aneroid barometers and vacuum manometers serve different purposes and are not used for measuring steam pressure specifically. Aneroid barometers measure atmospheric pressure and are not designed for high steam pressures, while vacuum manometers are used to measure pressures below atmospheric levels, which does not apply to typical steam systems running at positive pressures. Therefore, the Bourdon tube pressure gauge remains the standard for measuring steam pressure effectively and accurately.