What is a pressure gauge, and how is it used?

Pressure gauges are instruments used to determine the pressure of a system's media. Measuring the pressure in your system is a critical quality control step that ensures product consistency and serves as a safety check to detect leaks or build-up pressure. However, before choosing a gauge, it's critical to grasp the fundamentals of what pressure is.

How Does a Pressure Gauge Work?

Different pressure gauges function in different ways. Analog versions, for example, employ a bourdon tube, whereas digital models use strain gauges. More information can be found in the sections below:

How does an analog gauge work?

The Bourdon tube on analog pressure gauges is curved. This is a tube with an oval cross-section that has been radially constructed. The Bourdon tube will straighten under pressure when in use. The measured gas or liquid presses against the line internally, causing movement in the unclamped tube end. The pressure is then indicated and counted as a result of this. The Bourdon tube is connected to the dial, which spins clockwise to show the pressure reading as pressure rises.

How does a digital gauge work?

Microprocessors and sophisticated sensors are combined in digital pressure gauges. These measure pressure with extreme precision, with measurements displayed on a screen or digital indication. Strain gauge sensors are used in many digital models. These work by detecting changes in electrical resistivity due to applying pressure. These changes are then measured, and the pressure reading is calculated using the results.

How Pressure Gauges Are Used –

Automobiles

The air pressure gauge for the tires is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about pressure gauges for an automobile. Though an air pressure gauge is necessary, additional pressure gauges, such as thermocouple pressure gauges, monitor various automotive systems such as air conditioning, oil, and engine coolant. Almost every essential component in modern autos has gauges and meters.

Oil industry

Flow lines, separators, and stock tanks are all under pressure in the oil business. A pressure gauge monitors and oversees every part of an oil operation, from the wellhead to the tank. All gauges used in the oil business have built-in safety features to protect workers since they can blow out if the pressure becomes too high.

Food Industry

Pressure gauges for the food sector must be highly hygienic, and they must be made of the stainless steel grade 316, which can be exposed to the media.

A Sanitary pressure gauge must have an exceptionally smooth surface for safety and sanitary purposes, as pollutants, bacteria, and residue cannot be trapped on the gauge's surface.

Chemical Industry

Chemical industry pressure gauges are specifically engineered to withstand a wide range of media and hostile situations. As a result, pressure gauges in the chemical industry must be repaired and replaced regularly. In addition, chemical industry pressure gauges are coated with corrosion-resistant materials such as Tantalum, Halar, or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for protection.

Selection Criteria of pressure gauges –

Pressure gauges are available in several designs, serving a specific application or industry. Therefore, it's critical to become familiar with the aspects that influence gauge selection for your system. Swimming pool filter gauges, vacuum pressure gauges, sanitary gauge, compressors, and water pressure gauges are all examples of these instruments.

Accessories of pressure gauge –

• Snubbers
• Pressure gauge syphon
• Swivel adaptors
• Needle valve
• Multiport gauge
• Over range protection valve

Conclusion –

Pressure gauges are a key and indispensable tool used by industry to monitor the pressure in a system as a quality control measure and ensure product uniformity.