Pressure Measurement

Pressure Measurement

Industrial Pressure Measurement instruments come in many technologies and styles to suit the wide variety of needs for measuring pressure. Also important is related equipment to protect and service pressure measurement instruments.

Here are some broad categories of industrial Pressure Measurement instruments and related equipment. Selecting a Pressure Measurement instrument begins by deciding on a type.

• Pressure Gauges are analog or digital gauges indicating absolute, gauge, or differential pressure of a fluid. Pressure gauges are ideal for a local display. Digital models can be battery powered. Some models may have programmable alarm switches
• Pressure Controllers/Regulators will control flow based on set pressure. Controllers provide PID control and Regulators use mechanical means
• Pressure Switches have one or two switches that trip at configured alarm setpoints on rising or falling pressure. Typically they do not display pressure
• Pressure Transducers/Transmitters convert pressure from a fluid into an electrical signal such as 0-5 VDC, 0-10 VDC, or 4-20 mA that can be used for control, recording, and/or display. Transducers are typically strain gauge type and Transmitters are capacitance type
• Remote Seals/Diaphragm Seals protect pressure measurement equipment and personnel from the dangers of a corrosive or extreme temperature processes
• Siphon / Pressure Dampeners protect pressure measurement instruments. Siphons protect from hot fluids such as steam, while Pressure Dampeners protect against rapid pressure surges
• Instrument Manifolds / Block and Bleed Valves are used to isolate the process from the pressure measurement instrument so that it can be serviced and calibrated

Other Pressure Measurement instrument selection considerations

• Accuracy required?
• Materials of construction? Chemical compatibility with the fluid, fluid temperature, ambient temperature, hazardous area classification, weatherproof, etc.
• Are alarm relays required?
• What kind of signal output, if any, is required?
• Local display? Analog or Digital?
• Minimum, maximum, and operating pressure range?
• Process connection?  Threaded, flanged, sanitary