Pressure Gauges – A Complete Guide

A pressure gauge is an instrument that measures the pressure of a gas or liquid relative to the atmosphere, a vacuum, or the difference between two points. Understanding the pressure gauge meaning helps in comprehending the instrument's function and significance in various applications.

Pressure gauges are used in a wide range of applications and industries. There are also many different types, each best suited to specific tasks and requirements. So, what are pressure gauges? In short, they provide a simple, straightforward means of measuring pressure.

Pressure measurement uses a variety of units, including:

1. Pounds per square inch (psi) - This is a common unit used in various applications, especially in automotive and industrial settings
2. Bar - This unit is widely used in Europe and is common in various engineering and scientific contexts. 1 bar is approximately equal to atmospheric pressure at sea level
3. Pascal (Pa) and kilopascal (kPa) - These are the SI units for pressure, with 1 bar equal to 100,000 Pascals. Kilopascals are frequently used for convenience
4. Millibar (mbar) - This is often used in meteorology for atmospheric pressure

These different pressure gauge units are used depending on the specific application and industry standards.

Different types of pressure gauges are suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. They can be found in everyday domestic equipment such as boilers, heating systems, and tyre pressure monitors. However, they are also used across a diverse range of industries, including:

• Automotive
• Medical
• Food and beverage
• Manufacturing
• Energy

Some of the principal applications of these versatile instruments are explained below.

Oil Pressure Gauges

Oil gauges measure and monitor oil pressure in a variety of systems and applications. One of their most common uses is measuring oil pressure in vehicle engines, yet they can also be used for various other purposes.

Oil pressure gauges are found in a variety of applications, including:

• Automotive
• Industrial lubrication systems
• Cutting fluid systems

Pressure Gauges for Water

Water pressure gauges are instruments used in plumbing and water systems to measure water pressure. They are primarily used within the plumbing and utility industries but can also be utilised for domestic purposes. Mains water gauges are designed specifically for professional use.

Air Pressure Gauges

Air pressure gauges are used for monitoring and testing pneumatic and air systems. They are suitable for use with a wide range of devices and instruments, including air compressors, air cylinders, and tyre pressure gauges.

Air pressure gauges can test:

• Fan efficiency
• Filter conditions
• Speed (using a pitot tube)
• Air supply

Boiler Pressure Gauges

Boiler pressure gauges display the water pressure within a boiler or heating system. Standard boiler gauges measure the pressure within the system against the ambient pressure in the atmosphere. The water pressure within these systems is relatively low and typically should not be more than four bar.

These instruments are available as digital or mechanical devices, providing greater flexibility. Pressure gauges designed for boilers typically feature larger dial sizes which makes them easy to read from a distance. This is beneficial when working in potentially small or confined areas around a boiler or heating system.

Each type of pressure gauge is best suited for a particular task. Traditional, round-style gauges are among the most common pressure gauge types. In contrast, industrial process gauges are better suited to heavy-duty applications and frequent use.

Some of the most common pressure gauge types are explored in the sections below:

Analogue Pressure Gauges

Traditional pressure gauges are analogue. To function, they rely on a needle and mechanical internals. Analogue gauges are adaptable, reliable, and accurate, and can be used in a wide variety of applications. Your normal applied pressure should be roughly half the full gauge scale when using an analogue pressure gauge.

Digital Pressure Gauges

Modern pressure gauges are electronic or digital. A diaphragm and strain gauge are typically used in these devices. Their digital displays enable them to display and record readings more easily.

Differential Pressure Gauges

In differential pressure, one pressure is measured relative to another. As a result, differential pressure gauges measure the difference in pressure between two ports. It is possible to have a positive or negative differential pressure.

Absolute Pressure Gauges

Pressure is measured relative to a vacuum with an absolute pressure gauge. This means that it reads against an absolute vacuum or complete vacuum. Therefore, absolute pressure is always positive. Gauges of this type are used when working with altimeters, barometers, and deep vacuum or atmospheric equipment.

Hydraulic Pressure Gauges

Hydraulic pressure gauges have a wider pressure range. Some models can reach hundreds of bar. Oil should be used with hydraulic gauges.

Atmospheric Pressure Gauges

Meteorologists use atmospheric pressure gauges to measure air pressure. The data they provide can be used for providing weather forecasting data and predicting weather patterns.

Different types of pressure gauges work in different ways. For instance, analogue versions use a Bourdon tube, whereas digital models use strain gauges. To understand how does a pressure gauge work, the following sections provide more detail.

Reading a pressure gauge involves understanding the type of gauge and interpreting the scale correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to read pressure gauges accurately:

1. Identify the gauge type: Analogue or digital?
2. Understand the scale: Ensure you know the unit of measurement your gauge uses
3. Zero the gauge: Before taking a reading, ensure that the gauge is at zero when there is no pressure applied. If the gauge is not zeroed correctly, it may need calibration
4. Take the reading: For analogue gauges, observe where the needle is pointing on the dial then look at the number the needle is pointing to on the scale to read the value. For digital gauges, turn it on if it requires activation, then simply read the display and note the value shown on the screen

By following these steps, you can accurately read both analogue and digital pressure gauges.

Pressure gauge manufacturers offer high-quality instruments for a range of applications. However, it is imperative to consider the best brand for your requirements. This is because manufacturers offer varying types, designs, and uses, so choosing the right one is key.

Some of the most popular pressure gauge manufacturers include:

The exact installation method varies from one device to the next. As there are so many different types of pressure gauges available, the instrument must be fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions for that particular gauge.

Many pressure gauges include a threaded mount. This should be placed into a manifold or pipe fitting, depending on application and gauge type. However, the location of the threads will determine how and where it can be installed.

There is no specific timeframe for pressure gauge recalibration. Certain industries or businesses – especially those in which accuracy is key – will require more frequent recalibration than other systems.

Accuracy will vary based on several factors including:

• The type of device
• The device's quality
• What it is used for
• How often it is used
• The environment it is both used and stored in
• How long has passed since it was last calibrated
• The device's age

As a result, deciding when a gauge needs recalibration is the responsibility of the user. However, as a rough guide, many industrial users prefer to get their devices calibrated annually.