Many factors go into the decision of which industrial pressure gauge to purchase. Asking the 'STAMPED' questions regarding Size, Temperature, Application, Media, Pressure, 'Ends,' and Delivery time will help buyers determine which gauges are right for their specific situation.
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Selecting a pressure gauge is a lot like buying a car. The marketplace is filled with manufacturers, each offering various makes and models with different features. When deciding on a vehicle, buyers look at factors such as the seats and storage space needed (two-seater, sedan, station wagon, minivan), primary driving conditions (city, highway, racing, towing), transmission type (manual, semi-automatic, automatic), and fuel (gasoline, hybrid, electric, hydrogen fuel cell). Cost, of course, is another important consideration.
When choosing a pressure gauge, buyers go through a similar process but with different priorities. Here's a quick tutorial on how to select a pressure gauge.
In the world of pressure measurement, the equivalent of a supercar is a digital gauge. With an accuracy of up to ±0.025% of span, this instrument is so precise and high-performance that it can be used for calibration. Top-of-the-line digital gauges like the CPG also communicate wirelessly, a necessity for remote monitoring and industrial IoT (Internet of Things). Understandably, digital gauges are expensive.
Most industrial processes do not require that level of accuracy or number of features. A mechanical, or analog, pressure gauge is sufficient.
There's a simple mnemonic for remembering the seven factors for gauge selection: STAMPED.
Mechanical pressure gauges come in a variety of nominal sizes, and the one you choose depends on your requirements for readability, space, and precision. The larger the dial face, the more gradations it will have for more exact readings, and the easier it can be seen from a distance ' an important consideration if technicians cannot get close to the gauge. However, some applications don't have room for a large pressure gauge. WIKA gauges range from 1.5' (40 mm) to 10' (250 mm).
Another factor to keep in mind is that the size of the end connection will determine what sizes of gauge are available. For example, a 1.5' gauge is too small to accommodate a ½ inch size connection, based on the wrench flat area in proportion to the case profile.
Regardless of the gauge size, low-light situations make it difficult to read a dial. At WIKA, many of our gauge dial faces come with the option of InSight', a retro-reflective material, or InSight Glow', which is InSight' with the addition of photo luminescence for visibility during power outages.
Both the ambient temperature and media temperature will determine the material of the wetted parts (brass, stainless steel, nickel alloy, etc.) and whether it will have a dry case or be liquid-filled. The lower the ambient temperature, the more likely it is that a liquid-filled gauge is the right choice. Gauges in extremely cold environments, like the oil fields around the Arctic Circle, are filled with a special low-temperature silicone oil to prevent the internal parts from icing.
If the media temperature will reach 140°F (60°C) or higher, use a stainless steel gauge. This is because brass gauges are soldered, and solder begins to break down at that temperature. We've seen customers who used brass gauges for steam applications based on price, and those gauges failed since steam exceeds the 140°F threshold for solder. SS gauges can withstand temperatures up to 392°F (200°C), depending on the configuration.
Basically, in what industry will the gauge be used? Here are some examples: Gauges for drinking water applications need to be lead-free, while process industries like refineries and pharmaceuticals require industrial process gauges. Cryogenic gas tanks call for a pressure solution that measures both differential pressure and working pressure, and is cleaned for oxygen service. Gauges used in sanitary processes must have a hygienic design. The highly aggressive gases used in the semiconductor industry means these applications need gauges with an ultra-high purity (UHP) design. What's more, some applications require special approvals. For example, gauges for use with fire sprinklers must have UL (Underwriter Laboratories) and FM (Factory Mutual) approvals.
For reliability and long service life in high-vibration applications, use a liquid-filled gauge to dampen movement and protect the instrument's internal mechanism. Note that in high-pressure cycles (pulsation), liquid fill should be used in conjunction with a restrictor or a snubber.
Some common questions we hear have to do with these accessories. What's the difference between a restrictor and snubber? Besides dimensional restraints, when would a snubber be the better choice? Restrictors are a less expensive option for gauges in applications with dynamic pulsation. However, they are limited based on the orifice size, and they are prone to clogging in debris-filled media such as wastewater. Snubbers mitigate dynamic pulsations and pressure spikes much like restrictors, but they come in a wider range of sizes and are not as prone to clogging. Snubbers are also more adjustable in the field with the use of interchangeable pistons or external adjustment screws, and this flexibility reduces downtime.
The media that the pressure gauge, especially its wetted parts, comes in contact with will determine the gauge material. In other words, what's in the pipeline? A brass (copper alloy) gauge is suitable for water, air, or other non-aggressive liquids or gases. But sour gas (hydrogen sulfide), ammonia, creosote, and other harsh chemicals require corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or a nickel-copper alloy like Monel®. For media that can clog gauge mechanisms, opt for the addition of a diaphragm seal, which provides a physical barrier between the fluid and the pressure instrument.
The media also affects the type of case filling used. Glycerin is the standard fill fluid for non-oxidizing environments, while highly reactive media call for an inert oil like Halocarbon or Fluorolube®.
This question encompasses several aspects. First, what type of pressure do you need to measure ' gauge pressure (working pressure), absolute pressure, or differential pressure?
Second, what is the operating range of the application? In general, select a gauge whose range is 2X the optimal operating pressure, as this ensures the best performance. Standard pressure gauges can handle up to 20,000 psi (1,600 bar), with specialty products like the PG23HP-P going as high as 87,000 psi (6,000 bar). For low pressure measurements, use a capsule gauge to detect small pressure differences in units such as millibar (mbar), inches of water column (inH2O), or ounces per square inch (oz/in2).
Finally, what is the desired pressure scale? Gauges come in a variety of measurement units ' e.g., psi, bar, kPa, inH2O. All WIKA gauges can be customized, such as dual scale, triple scale, or custom scales, based on your application needs.
What 'ends,' or process connections, do you need? The most common type in the U.S. and Canada is NPT, while other countries tend to use G (metric) connections. Then for each type there's the question of connection size, such as ', ¼, and ½. And finally, the location of the process connection; the two most common connection locations to choose from are lower (bottom) mount or back (rear) mount.
Most buyers don't consider this last factor, but the issue of delivery time is very relevant. If you need a large quantity by tomorrow, your choices will be standard gauges in popular nominal sizes that are already on the shelf. But if you can wait a few weeks, you'll be able to get the exact pressure gauge you want with all the desired options.
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With a few exceptions, WIKA's mechanical gauges have a five-digit model number. The system may look complicated, but it's really quite simple. Let's take the model 213.40 Bourdon tube pressure gauge as an example.
1 = standard (100 series): general purpose, low cost
2 = industrial (200 series): high quality
3 = test gauge: high precision
4 = Sealgauge': diaphragm gauge
5 = absolute pressure gauge
6 = capsule gauge (600 series): low pressure
7 = differential pressure and duplex gauges
8 = Electronic Pressure Measurement line
9 = diaphragm seal
0 = special type
1 = copper alloy (brass)
2 = steel
3 = stainless steel
4 = nickel-iron alloy (Ni-Span C®)
5 = plastic (coating or lining, not sensing element)
6 = nickel-copper alloy (Monel®)
0 = special type
1 = standard type
2 = dry case, with increased water protection
3 = liquid-fillable case or liquid-filled case
4 = square or rectangular housing
10 = standard design (lower mount connection in 100 series)
11 = compressed gas gauge or small size stainless steel
12 = standard design (center-back mount connection in 100 series)
13 = liquid-filled ABS plastic case
15 = special stainless steel gauge
20 = heavy-duty case
25 = hinged ring design
30 = solid-front, blow-out back case (safety case)
34 = fiberglass reinforced thermoplastic case (XSEL® process gauge)
40 = forged brass case
41 = special design for mining industry
50 = All stainless steel construction
52 = gas density monitor or controller
53 = stainless steel case, O-ring or welded connection to socket, crimped ring bezel
54 = stainless steel case, O-ring or welded connection to socket, bayonet ring
Using this chart, we can see that the 213.40 is an industrial gauge (200 series) made of brass, is liquid-fillable/liquid-filled, and has a forged brass case. This is WIKA's hydraulic gauge, as it is designed to withstand extreme shock, vibration, and pulsation.
WIKA is known throughout the world for our comprehensive portfolio of pressure gauges for almost every industrial application. For more information about selecting the right pressure gauge, contact the experienced pressure specialists at WIKA USA.
Modern pressure sensors are equipped to provide accurate measurements under arduous operating conditions, providing outstanding resistances to a range of industry-specific corrosives. Absolute, differential, and temperature-compensated pressure measurements can be acquired for containers and pipelines containing: pharmaceutical solvents; flue gas; heated crude oil; and more.
This vast range of pressure sensors represents an industrial problem of choice. The suitability of many pressure components is likely to intersect with multiple applications and sectors, yet there are unique attributes to consider when choosing a pressure sensor for your own facility.
This article will outline four key things to consider when choosing a pressure sensor.
1. Pressure Sensor Type
The primary consideration for selecting a pressure sensor is the type of component that your application requires. For example, negative pressure values cannot be quantified by a gage transmitter, while temperature-compensated pressure measurements can only be carried out by a multivariable pressure sensor or an array of separate pressure and temperature monitors. Pressure transmitters can typically be broken down into four distinct types:
2. Pressure Sensor Range
The pressure range is a superficially simplistic consideration for choosing a pressure sensor. Operators typically depend upon pre-determined application pressure ranges and select a transmitter that matches those values. However, density changes or abrupt pressure variations can reduce the efficacy of measurement equipment, and in extreme cases can damage the component. In such instances, it is advisable to select a sensor with a higher pressure range and calibrate it accordingly.
3. Atmospheric / Process Conditions of Application
Prior to component selection, it is paramount that you consider the corrosive influences that your pressure sensor could be subjected to during operation. Seals may need to be wetted to withstand solvent corrosion in laboratory applications, while special considerations should be taken to protect a pressure sensor's internal electronics. Corrosive process media or incident humidity can damage transmitters, reducing measurement accuracy and increasing the risk of premature component failure.
4. Onboarding Times
Installation of new components usually impacts a facility's throughput due to mechanical downtime during integration and reduced efficacy from onboarding processes. For example, the pressure-sensitive diaphragms of a transmitter must be welded to measurement sites to acquire force values and convert them into electrical signals. Ease of weldability and low wiring footprints are critical for rapid and efficient component integration in applications where extended periods of component inactivity are not an option.
Pressure Sensors from ABB
ABB provides a robust range of sensors for customers all over the world. Our range has provided unique measurement solutions for facilities in the oil and gas, energy, laboratory sectors, and more.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Industrial Pressure Measurement Devices. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.