Comprehensive guide to pressure gauges - types, applications and principles of operation
Pressure gauges are measuring instruments that are used to determine the pressure of various substances, such as gases or liquids. Depending on the type of manometer, they can measure relative, absolute or differential pressure. In this article, we will discuss the basic types of pressure gauges, their use and principles of operation.
Types of pressure gauges
Pressure gauges can be divided into several basic types, depending on the principle of operation:
- Mechanical pressure gauges – operate on the principle of deformation of an elastic element under pressure. An example of such a manometer is a pressure gauge, in which a tube with an elliptical cross-section deforms under pressure, and this movement is transmitted to the pointer.
CPP “PREMA” S.A. offers glycerin pressure gauges with various connection threads, including G1/4 and G1/2, ideal for pressure measurement in a variety of applications. Choose the model that suits your needs, such as the G1/2 glycerin pressure gauge No. 85.1615.12100.
- Hydrostatic pressure gauges – based on the principle of hydrostatic equilibrium. An example is the U-tube pressure gauge, in which the difference in the height of the liquid columns in the tubes indicates the pressure difference.
- Electronic pressure gauges – use pressure transducers that convert the pressure value into an electrical signal. An example is a piezoelectric manometer, in which a crystalline material generates a voltage proportional to the pressure.
Applications of pressure gauges
Pressure gauges are used in many fields of industry and science, such as:
- Chemical industry – pressure monitoring in reactors, pipelines or tanks.
- Power industry – monitoring pressure in boilers, turbines or cooling systems.
- Industrial automation – pressure monitoring in pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
- Medical – measurement of blood pressure and intracranial pressure.
CPP “PREMA” S.A. glycerin pressure gauges are available in a wide range of pressures, from 0 – 4 bar to 0 – 160 bar, ensuring accuracy of measurements under all conditions. For example, model 85.1623.14100 is perfect for measurements in the 0 – 100 bar range.
Principles of pressure gauges
Depending on the type of pressure gauge, the principles of operation may vary:
- Mechanical pressure gauges – the deformation of the elastic element is proportional to the pressure, which allows you to read the pressure value on the gauge scale.
- Hydrostatic manometers – the difference in the height of the liquid columns is proportional to the pressure difference, which allows the pressure value to be read on the gauge scale.
- Electronic manometers – the electrical signal generated by the pressure transducer is proportional to the pressure, which makes it possible to read the pressure value on the display of the manometer.
Basic information about pressure gauges
In this part of the article, we will focus on the definition of a pressure gauge, the history of its development and the basic applications of this measuring instrument.
What is a pressure gauge and what is it used for?
A pressure gauge is a measuring instrument used to measure the pressure of various substances, such as gases or liquids. Its main function is to determine the value of relative, absolute or differential pressure. Pressure gauges are indispensable in many fields of industry and science, where pressure control plays a very important role.
Construction of pressure gauges - actuators
Pressure gauges vary in construction depending on the type and principle of operation. Nevertheless, a few key elements can be distinguished that are common to most such devices:
- Elastic element – deforms under pressure, which allows you to read the pressure value on the scale of the pressure gauge. An example of such an element is the Bourdon tube in a mechanical pressure gauge.
- Indicator – indicates the pressure value on the scale of the measuring device. In the case of electronic pressure gauges, the pressure value is displayed on the screen.
- Pressure transducer – occurs in electronic pressure gauges and converts the pressure value into an electrical signal, which is then processed by the electronic circuit.
- Scale – allows you to read the pressure value. For mechanical and hydrostatic pressure gauges, the scale is usually located on the dial of the gauge, while in electronic gauges the pressure value is displayed on the screen.
The principle of a pressure gauge - how does it measure pressure?
The principle of operation of a pressure gauge depends on its type. In the case of mechanical pressure gauges, the pressure causes a deformation of the elastic element, which is proportional to the pressure. This deformation is transmitted to the gauge, which indicates the pressure value on the gauge scale.
In hydrostatic pressure gauges, pressure is measured by the difference in the height of the columns of liquid in the gauge tubes. This difference is proportional to the pressure difference, which allows the pressure value to be read on the gauge’s scale.
In electronic pressure gauges, a pressure transducer converts the pressure value into an electrical signal that is proportional to the pressure. This signal is processed by the electronic circuit, and the pressure value is displayed on the gauge’s screen.
Types of pressure gauges and their specifics
In this part of the article we will discuss different types of pressure gauges, their specifics and applications. We will learn about the can, water supply, sewer, heating, bourdon tube, membrane and electronic pressure gauges.
Overload-resistant can manometer - features and applications
A can pressure gauge is a type of mechanical pressure gauge, which is characterized by high resistance to overloading. Its features include simplicity of design, ease of reading and wide measuring range. The can manometer is used in industries where high overload resistance is required, such as in the hydraulic and pneumatic industries.
Water supply, sewage and heating pressure gauge - differences and similarities
Water supply pressure gauges, sewage pressure gauges and heating pressure gauges, share many common characteristics. All of these gauges are used to measure pressure in systems associated with fluid flow. A water supply pressure gauge is used in water supply systems, a sewer pressure gauge is used in sewer systems, while a district heating pressure gauge is used in district heating systems. The differences between these pressure gauges are mainly due to the range of pressures they are designed to measure and the specific environment in which they are used.
Bourdon tube manometer - construction and principle of operation
This is another type of mechanical pressure gauge. Its construction is based on the use of a Bourdon tube, which is an elastic element. The Bourdon tube deforms under pressure, which makes it possible to read the pressure value on the pressure gauge scale. Bourdon tube pressure gauges are widely used in industry and scientific laboratories because of their simplicity, reliability and accuracy of measurement.
Diaphragm pressure gauges - design and application
This is a type of pressure gauges in which the elastic element is a thin diaphragm. The diaphragm deforms under pressure, which allows the pressure value to be read on the gauge scale. Diaphragm pressure gauges are particularly useful for measuring the pressure of highly viscous, chemically aggressive substances or those containing solid particles. They are used in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.
Electronic manometers - modern solutions in pressure measurement
Solutions in pressure measurement that use a pressure transducer to convert the pressure value into an electrical signal. This signal is processed by an electronic circuit, and the pressure value is displayed on the manometer’s screen. Electronic pressure gauges are characterized by high accuracy, fast measurement speed and data recording capability. They are used in various branches of industry, science and medicine.
Pressure gauges in practice - application in various industries
In this part of the article, we will look at the practical application of pressure gauges in various sectors, such as industry, science and medicine. We will discuss the specifics and applications of air, water and gas pressure gauges, as well as examples of industrial pressure gauge standards and models. We will also learn about the use of a hydraulic pressure gauge and the advantages and disadvantages of a plastic pressure gauge.
Air, water and gas pressure gauge - specifics and applications
We use pressure gauges in various industries, science and medicine fields. Air pressure gauges are used to measure air pressure, such as in ventilation or pneumatic systems. Water pressure gauges are used to monitor the pressure of water pipes, pumps and other systems related to water flow. Gas pressure gauges, on the other hand, are used in the gas industry, where the pressures of various gases, such as natural gas or propane-butane, are monitored.
We also offer standard pressure gauges, which are versatile in their use for measuring the pressure of gases and liquids. Model 85.1619.1240 with a plastic housing is ideal for a wide range of industrial applications.
Industrial pressure gauges: standards and models
They are available in a variety of standards and models that are tailored to the specific requirements of different industries. In the chemical, pharmaceutical or food industry, diaphragm pressure gauges are often used, which are resistant to aggressive chemicals and the high viscosity of the medium being measured. In the hydraulic or pneumatic industry, can pressure gauges, which are characterized by high resistance to overloading, are popular. In scientific laboratories, Bourdon tube pressure gauges are often used because of their simplicity, reliability and accuracy of measurements.
Hydraulic pressure gauge - industrial applications
It is an indispensable tool in the hydraulic industry, where it is used to measure the pressure of hydraulic fluids in power systems such as cylinders, pumps and valves. Hydraulic pressure gauges are extremely resistant to vibration and overload, making them ideal for demanding industrial working conditions.
Plastic pressure gauge: advantages and disadvantages
This is a type of pressure gauge, the housing of which is made of plastic. The advantages of a plastic pressure gauge are low price, light weight and corrosion resistance. The disadvantages, however, are lower mechanical strength and limited resistance to high temperatures compared to gauges made of metal. Plastic pressure gauges are often used in the food industry, where corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning are required.
Our pressure gauges are designed to operate over a wide temperature range, from -20°C to +60°C, ensuring reliable measurements in a variety of environmental conditions. Model 85.1615.1216 is an excellent choice for demanding applications.
How to read the pressure value on the pressure gauge?
In this part of the article, we will discuss how to read the pressure value on a pressure gauge, focusing on a detailed explanation of the pressure scale, measurement ranges and differential pressure indication.
Pressure gauge scale - how to read it?
The pressure scale of a pressure gauge is usually marked on the dial of the device, and the pressure value is read by a pointer. The scale can be represented in various units, such as pascals (Pa), bars (bar) or psi (pound-force per square inch). To read the pressure value, note the position of the pointer relative to the scale graduation. The value read from the pressure gauge can be an absolute value of pressure or a relative value to atmospheric pressure.
Indication of differential pressure - how does it work?
The indication of differential pressure on a pressure gauge allows the measurement of the pressure difference between two points in a system. Differential pressure gauges are used in cases where it is important to monitor the pressure difference, such as in filtration, ventilation or fluid flow systems. The differential pressure indication on a differential pressure gauge is read as an absolute value, rather than relative to atmospheric pressure. In practice, this means that a differential pressure gauge will indicate a value equal to zero when the pressures at both points are the same.
CPP “PREMA” S.A. offers pressure gauges with different accuracy classes, enabling accurate pressure measurement depending on the application requirements. For example, a pressure gauge with order number 85.1613.14160 provides high accuracy measurements in class 16.
Summary
In the article, we discussed key aspects of reading the pressure value on a pressure gauge. We outlined how to read the pressure scale of a pressure gauge, noting units such as pascals (Pa), bars (bar) or psi (pound-force per square inch). We then discussed the measurement ranges of pressure gauges, which depend on the type of device and its design. We also pointed out how the differential pressure indication on a differential pressure gauge works to measure the pressure difference between two points in a system.
We stressed that different types of pressure gauges have different measurement ranges and units, so it is important to adapt the reading to the specifics of the device. It is also worth remembering that the value read from a pressure gauge can be an absolute value of pressure or a relative value to atmospheric pressure.
Knowledge of how to read the pressure value on a pressure gauge is essential for both beginners and advanced users of these devices. With this article, readers should be able to better understand how to interpret pressure readings and how to adjust readings to the specifics of a particular pressure gauge.
If you need assistance or would like to learn more about the machines built by CPP “PREMA” S.A., we encourage you to contact us.