PRESSURE GAUGE
PRESSURE
We know that pressure is Force per unit of the Surface Area. Pressure can be measured in various units. Some of the commonly used units are Kg/Cm2, Bar, PSI (Ponds per Square inch), mm WC, Inches WC, Pascal, KPa, Mpa, mm Hg etc. In Indian market, commonly used units are Kg/Cm2, Bar, PSI & mm WC.
WHAT IS PRESSURE GAUGE
The device that is used to measure the pressure is called pressure gauge. Normally pressure gauges indicate the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure as the Zero that means when atmospheric pressure is 1.03 Kg/Cm2, gauge pressure is 0.
It clearly shows that the Gauge pressure is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure is positive if absolute pressure is above atmospheric pressure and for absolute pressures below atmospheric pressure, gauge pressure is negative.
The pressure gauge used to measure negative pressure is also known as Vacuum Gauges and the pressure gauge used to measure both positive and negative pressure together, is also called Compound Gauge.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRESSURE GAUGES
Schaffer Diaphragm Type
Bellow Type
Manometric Type
Piezometric Type
Out of above-mentioned types of Pressure Gauges, first three type of pressure auges are mostly used in India.
3 Most Important Types of Pressure Gauges
Bourdon Tube Type Pressure Gauges
In Bourdon Sensing Pressure Gauges, basic Sensing Element is Bourdon Tube.
Bourdon tube pressure gauges is most commonly used pressure gauge as they can be used to measure pressure range from vacuum to pressure as high as few thousand Bar. Bourdon is basically a C-shaped hollow tube, whose one end is fixed and connected to the pressure tapping, the other end free. For Higher pressure (>100 Bar), Coiled bourdon tubes are used instead of C-Shaped Bourdon tube.
Diaphragm Type Pressure Gauges
In Diaphragm Sensing Pressure Gauges, basic Sensing Element is Diaphragm. These are also called as Schaffer Diaphragm Pressure Gauges.
It is the device used to measure the pressure of fluid in a system. It is designed to measure low pressure intensities in the process. Diaphragm Pressure gauges are also known as Schaffer Pressure Gauges or Membrane Pressure Gauge.
Capsule Type Pressure Gauges
In Capsule Sensing Pressure Gauges, basic Sensing Element is Capsule.
Capsule sensing pressure gauges has Sensing element is Capsule, hence, called Capsule Pressure Gauge. The capsule element comprises two diaphragms sealed tight around their circumference. Look wise it is similar to normal Bourdon Pressure Gauges, however, in Capsule Gauges, capsule is connected to special type of movements, which are placed just above the capsule. Capsule Pressure Gauges are used for maximum pressure of 6000mm WC and minimum pressure of 60mm WC.
Use of Different Types of Pressure Gauges with Respect to Ranges
Bourdon Sensing
Used for minimum Span of 0.6 Kg/Cm2 (6000mm WC) and different manufacturers have different maximum range. Some have 2500 Kg/Cm2 and some have 7000 Kg/Cm2 also.
Diaphragm Sensing
Used for Minimum pressure span of 250mm WC (some manufacturers have minimum 160mm WC). Normally used for range 10,000mm WC (1 Kg/Cm2).
Though can be provided for higher ranges, however, Bourdon Sensing are preferred for range above 1 Kg/Cm2.
Capsule Sensing
Used for Minimum pressure of 60mm WC and are available for maximum pressure of 6000mm WC.
For higher ranges, Bourdon Sensing Pressure gauges are preferred.
Main Purposes of Pressure Gauges
Measurements
Pressure gauges are mainly used to measure the pressure of fluids or gases in various systems like pipeline, vessel, tanks, etc.
We use them for visual indication of the pressure reading.
Pressure Gauges allows operators to monitor and control the pressure.
Controls
Pressure gauges provide valuable feedback for controlling and adjusting processes.
By monitoring pressure variations, operators can make suitable adjustments to the control mechanisms to maintain desired pressure levels to ensure efficient operation.
Safety
Pressure gauges play a role in the safety of equipment and processes.
By monitoring pressure reading, we can monitor overpressure situations to protect the equipment from failure, leaks, etc.,
Troubleshooting
Pressure gauges are also used for troubleshooting issues in pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
By observing pressure reading, we can monitor overpressure situations to protect the equipment from failure, leaks, etc.,
Applications where Different Types of Pressure Gauges are used
Gauges for Water Applications
Gauges for Air Applications
Gauges for various Liquids
Gauges for Pump Discharge Applications
Gauges for Steam Applications
Gauges for High Temperature Applications
Gauges for Corrosive / Hazardous / Highly Viscous Fluids
Gauges for Fluids with solid particles / Sediments
Gauges for fluids having tendency to crystalize / Solidify / Freeze
Gauges for the Acid Application.
Gauges for Vibrating Area
Conclusion
Pressure Gauges are the Primary Instruments for measuring Pressure in the field area.
These are the oldest method to measure pressure in various applications.
We will come up with more information about details of Different types of Pressure Gauges.
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