Automated experimental procedure using sensors and Arduino

This paper presents a novel method of automating experimental measurements in a laboratory environment. The acquisition and analysis of experimental data is possible using electronic sensors, open source software and hardware environment that makes the whole process simpler. This paper presents an experimental environment of testing of a centrifugal pump. However, the same approach can be extended to similar experiments that involve measurement of various parameters. In this experiment pressures, flow rate and speed that are essential parameters in a typical pump testing is measured using sensors and interfaced with the open source hardware Arduino. The advantage of using this approach is easy readability, more accurate and time saving. Different sensors that are used and calibration procedures involved are explained. The instrument chain consisting of sensors, Arduino and personal computer needed for the analysis of acquired data is explained.