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How to Choose a Pressure Gauge

What to Know When Choosing a Pressure Gauge.

Knowing how to choose a pressure gauge for your application is essential. To make the right choice, you need to have a complete understanding of the factors that go into selecting a gauge. Please take a few minutes to learn more about choosing the right option for your specific needs.

Pressure Range

Be sure to consider what your gauge’s operating pressure will be, and what maximum pressure your system will reach. You want your gauge’s operating pressure to lie within the middle third of the dial, and your range to be higher than your system’s maximum pressure. If your operating pressure does not fit into your gauge’s middle third, you may wish to add an over-pressure protector.

Gauge Materials

It’s important to know what materials will pass through your gauge and what temperatures those materials will reach. Regulatory and sanitary restrictions must also be considered, and you should think about what your gauge’s operating environment will be like. A stainless steel gauge case is a great choice for outdoor operation, for example.

Gauge Size and Accuracy

You should understand where your gauge is being installed, what space restrictions you’re dealing with, and whether your gauge has any specific accuracy requirements. Small gauges are often not very accurate and can be difficult to read, especially from far away, which makes gauge placement a critical factor.

Mounting Style

Pressure gauge selection depends greatly on mounting style. Some common mounting options include:

  • Lower Mount
  • Center Back Mount/Lower Back Mount
  • Back Connection with a U-Clamp, Panel Mount
  • Back Connection, Front Flange, Panel Mount
  • Bottom Connection, Back Flange, Wall Mount
  • Back Connection, Back Flange

Connection Size

Always think about what size connection you need for your process. Certain processes require special connections, such as high pressure, hydraulic, and tube stub options. ESP is happy to provide any style you may need.

Gauge Options

Consider whether your gauge will be subject to a lot of vibration or pulsation during your process. You should also think about the ambient temperature in your gauge’s operating area. This will help you determine whether you should use a fill fluid, which fluid to use, and whether a snubber/restrictor should be added to the gauge to reduce pulsation.