Red Seal Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Practice Exam

A deadweight tester is used primarily to measure pressure in a hydraulic system by employing known weights. This device operates on the principle of equilibrium, where the pressure exerted by the fluid in the system balances the weight of the known masses placed on a piston. By knowing the weight and the area of the piston, the system pressure can be calculated using the formula \( P = \frac{F}{A} \), where \( P \) is pressure, \( F \) is the force (weight), and \( A \) is the area of the piston. This method is highly accurate and is often used to calibrate pressure gauges and sensors. The other options are related to fluid dynamics but do not accurately describe the primary function of a deadweight tester. For instance, determining the volume of fluid generally requires different measuring devices, and regulating fluid flow typically involves control valves or flow meters. Checking for leaks also entails different methodologies, such as visual inspection or the use of pressure decay tests, rather than the deadweight tester's pressure measurement capabilities.