An Overview of Pressure Gauges
Pressure gauges allow you to gauge the amount of pressure inside a system. It’s important to know the different types of pressure gauges, what they can measure, and how they do it to ensure that you choose the right one for your job.
Globally, pressure gauges get used in various fields, from automobile and airline parts to medical equipment and industrial machinery. When operating machinery of any kind, it’s essential to know whether you have enough pressure in the system you’re using or if that pressure might be too high and potentially dangerous.
Here are some basics to help you understand pressure gauges, from what they are and how they work to what can go wrong with them and how to prevent that.
What Are the Different Types of Pressure Gauges?
There are three main pressure gauges: dial gauges, gauge blocks, and digital. The type you should choose will depend on your needs.
For example, a dial gauge is probably best for you if you need to take measurements across a range of pressure levels or want an easy-to-read gauge with clear markings.
If it’s important to keep track of multiple pressures simultaneously, consider using a gage block instead. Digital gauges are perfect for applications where accuracy is critical or when quick pressure readings are required; they’re also great for monitoring oil and gas pipelines.
How Does a Pressure Gauges Work?
Pressure gauges measure pressure based on a scale. The gauge will display that reading as a function of height or length along with a dial. To read a pressure gauge, look for arrows or lines that indicate where zero is.
If there is no zero line, you can determine it by referencing ambient air pressure; if your gauge reads 1 bar and ambient air pressure read 1 bar, your needle should be 0 bar.
There’s also an arrow indicating which direction to rotate the pressure release screw to set zero point on some gauges. In some cases, when you twist an arrow clockwise (or counterclockwise), an attached pointer rotates as well, changing its position relative to readings on a dial.
Understanding Psi, kPa, Bar, and Absolute Scale
Depending on their usage location, pressure gauge readings get reported in several ways. For example, a tire pressure gauge shows pressures in pounds per square inch (psi), while aircraft gauges measure in kilopascals (kPa).
Both are measuring pressure but on different scales. So why not use a single scale? The short answer is simplicity. Engineers and scientists would rather standardize on one scale than try to remember what unit goes with what application.
The long answer is that there’s a good reason for these differences. Psi and kPa measures are absolute scales; psi measures force applied to an area, while kPa is proportional to how much area something has to apply that force against.
Determining What Type of Pressure Gauge Is Right for You
The first step to finding a gauge is deciding what type of unit you need to buy. Do you need pressure measurement for just one project, or will you regularly use it? If it’s only used occasionally, perhaps selecting an inexpensive version that meets your requirements would suffice.
On the other hand, if you need something more durable and accurate, it will pay off in time saved by choosing a more robust model with sturdier internal components that hold up over long-term use. The expense will also likely be less peruse.
General Features of a Good Pressure Gauge
If you’re using a pressure gauge, it’s good to look for certain features. One of these is accuracy; while you can’t guarantee that a gauge will be accurate, gauges rated as ± 2% get considered accurate. It means there is only an error of plus or minus two percent from what you expect it to read.
Another feature is durability; gauges designed for high-pressure conditions may not hold well if used in low-pressure situations.
Finally, longevity is important; older gauges may not perform as accurately or consistently over time.
How to Service Pressure Gauges
To service a pressure gauge, you must first understand how it works. Different pressure gauges are used for different things, but they all operate on similar principles. Pressure gauges utilize a valve that opens when fluid pressure builds up in front of it.
The higher the fluid pressure, the further open that valve will open. Some simple designs use a piston instead of a valve—you may have seen these if you’ve ever owned an old tire pump.
When you press down on it, you compress air inside until there is no more room and then hold your finger against that piston as it moves forward.
In Conclusion,
Learn more about pressure gauges at Titan Mid America’s online store. We carry high-quality parts from multiple manufacturers. Browse our selection today or contact us with any questions you may have. We also provide other services, including repair service for faulty pressure gauges or related components like valves, thermometers & gauges.
Pressure gauge repair can help ensure that your critical equipment is operating at peak efficiency in all conditions. Call or visit Titan Mid America today to learn more about our services, products, and shipping information.
