7 step for choosing a pressure gauge

Pressure gauges are one of the most widely used devices in industrial applications, in manufacturing plants to measure the pressure of gases or liquids. We often see pressure gauges used in the oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, automotive and manufacturing industries.

The importance of pressure gauges stems from their ability to detect changes of pressure in real time, allowing users to react and intervene in time to prevent system failures, leaks and other potential hazards. The main function of a pressure gauge is to monitor and manage the pressure of various substances in tanks, pipes and other systems, ensuring everything is working properly

With so many types of pressure gauges available on the market, choosing the most suitable pressure gauge for your needs can sometimes be a challenge for many users. Choosing the wrong one can lead to inaccurate measurements, system damage or safety hazards. And to solve this problem, there are 7 steps you need to consider before making a decision on choosing a pressure gauge, including: environment and application, size, connection type, accuracy, pressure range, temperature range and any accessories for the gauge.

1. Environment and Application

Because the Bourdon tube (one of the most important components of common pressure gauges) will be in direct contact with the measured environment, so the characteristics of the environment need to be carefully considered. We need to consider using membrane seals if the measured environment is corrosive, because in corrosive environments, there may be deposits that clog the Bourdon tube, or there will be substances that will solidify in the Bourdon tube.

In addition, the choice of material for the pressure gauge is also very important. If the measuring environment is corrosive, the internal parts and the outer shell should be made of stainless steel instead of brass. Because brass is only suitable for general applications, the corrosion and acid resistance of brass is relatively poor, and the influence of humidity and weather conditions can directly damage brass, so it should be carefully considered when choosing this material. As for applications with high requirements for microbiology or material resistance, stainless steel is still the safest and most suitable choice.

For applications that generate harmful pulsations, vibrations or sudden pressure spikes, you should choose gauges with appropriate options. For example, using additional filling fluid or choosing a WINTERS StabiliZR™ gauge will minimize any adverse effects of vibration and allow you to read the pressure reading more easily.

2. Size of pressure gauge

Pressure gauges have a variety of sizes and the size you choose will depend on your requirements for readability, space and accuracy. Depending on the installation location, you will choose a different size gauge. The larger the gauge face, the more levels it has for more accurate readings and easier visibility from a distance – an important consideration if plant technicians cannot get close to the gauge.

Pressure gauge of WINTERS (Canada) offer a full range of dial sizes, from 1”(25mm) to 10”(250mm).

3. Connection

In this section, you need to determine at which points or processes you need to connect the pressure gauge? Currently, the most common type in the United States and Canada is NPT, while other countries tend to use the G (metric) connection type.

Winters offers bottom and back (centre and lower) connections on our gauges. The standard thread is NPT, however, other options are available such as BSP(G), SAE and many other special fittings. The most common connection sizes are 1/4″ NPT and 1/2″ NPT.

4. Accuracy

It is important to determine the accuracy level in advance to ensure that you are purchasing the correct gauge for your application. WINTERS utilizes the ANSI/ASME standards for accuracy grading.

WINTERS offers pressure gauges with accuracy from ±0.25% (ANSI/ASME Grade 3A) to ±3.23% (ANSI/ASME Grade B). Generally, the more critical the application, the higher the accuracy required.

5. Pressure Range

At this step, we need to choose a gauge with a pressure range that is approximately twice the normal operating pressure of the substance being measured. Because if we choose a scale that is close to the actual measured pressure, it means that the gauge will always operate at 100% of its efficiency.

Thus, if we choose a pressure gauge without considering this criterion, over time it may damage the Bourdon tube inside the gauge.

6. Temperature Range

– The normal temperature ranges for dry gauges are between -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 65°C)
– The normal temperature ranges for glycerin-filled gauges are -13°F to 150°F (-25°C to 65°C)

At temperatures above or below the temperature range of the pressure gauge, the accuracy will be greatly reduced and there is a possibility of the gauge being damaged. Therefore, it is important to know the normal temperature of the operating environment in order to choose the most suitable gauge.

7. Gauge Accessories

Restrictor screws, snubbers and liquid filling are excellent accessories and options for reducing the effects of vibration and pulsation, and increasing the service life of pressure gauges.

In situations where temperature is extreme, utilizing a syphon or remote monitoring the pressure gauge with a capillary and diaphragm seal are some alternatives to reduce the temperature of the process going into the gauge.

Summary

Pressure gauges are a small but essential part in any application. That is why choosing the right pressure range for the gauge is so important to ensure your equipment operates as expected. If you choose a pressure gauge without considering all of the above factors, your system may be damaged or unsafe.

The WINTERS (Canada) brand is known worldwide for its comprehensive pressure gauge portfolio for almost every industrial application. For more information on choosing the right pressure gauge, please contact Khanh Anh Inox immediately for our Technical Department to advise you in the most dedicated way, ensuring to meet all your requirements at a reasonable cost.

As a partner and an authorized distributor of WINTERS in the Vietnamese market, Khanh Anh Company is very pleased to accompany Our Customers – Partners!

KHANH ANH COMPANY LIMITED
Address: F10, street 6, Van Gia Phuc block, 295 Tan Ky Tan Quy str., Tan Son Nhi ward, Tan Phu dist., Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.
Email: kaco@inoxkaco.vn
Hotline: +84 28 6658 2434 – 6659 2434