What is a Pressure Gauge?
Pressure gauges are common devices in aircraft and other assemblies, serving to measure the pressure of a fluid, gas, water, or steam in a powered machine. Designed to conduct operations within a particular pressure range, pressure gauges monitor systems to identify any potential leaks or pressure changes that would negatively affect performance and safety. While an old technology that has been in use for more than a century, such devices still find many uses in the modern day.
Based on the application in question, a pressure gauge may be designed with varying sizes, styles, and materials. Nevertheless, their classification is based on their usage, pressure measurement method, and handled media. Pressure is most often measured through the perpendicular force applied per unit area of a surface, and the calculation can be made through reference pressures and components. Hydrostatic and mechanical pressure gauges are the two primary classifications of such devices, differing from one another in their operations.
With a hydrostatic pressure gauge, hydrostatic pressure varies based on the weight of a liquid situated above the measurement point, and the liquid’s height will determine pressure. It is important to know that liquid density and gravity can affect hydrostatic properties, and measurements are best when the liquid is in a resting state. On the other hand, a mechanical pressure gauge will garner measurements through the use of a diaphragm, bellows, or a Bourdon tube that allows for fluid pressure to be transformed into measurable force.
Alongside the two primary types of pressure gauges, there are also three methods of conducting pressure measurements. When discussing absolute pressure, one is referring to the measurement of pressure that is relative to a vacuum. Gauge pressure is relative to atmospheric pressure, always showing a negative value when measurements are below atmospheric pressure. Lastly, differential pressure can be found by comparing the difference between two forms of applied pressure. While useful in certain circumstances, differential pressure does not have a reference.
There are many types of pressure gauges that one may procure, each type differing its design and capabilities to serve as a fuel pressure gauge, adaptor pressure gauge, or another type. Generally, the primary forms of pressure gauges available on the market include the Bourdon tube pressure gauge, diaphragm pressure gauge, capsule pressure gauge, absolute pressure gauge, differential pressure gauge, bellow pressure gauge, and piezometer pressure gauge. As certain applications may demand the use of a certain type, one should take the time to consider their particular needs before making a purchasing decision.
As pressure gauges regularly operate in various intensive environments, it is important that they are regularly inspected and maintained for the sake of their health and integrity. If a pressure gauge begins to falter and fail, measurements may begin to lose accuracy, leading to a loss of safety for certain applications. As a result, faulty or malfunctioning pressure gauges must be repaired or replaced as soon as they pose an issue. Luckily for you, Aviation Gamut has all of the replacement parts you will ever need, all offered with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times for your benefit.
Aviation Gamut is a premier purchasing platform owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we are your strategic sourcing partner for all your operational needs. Take the time to explore our expansive inventory as you see fit, and our team is always ready to assist you through the purchasing process however necessary. With our online RFQ service, customers can easily request quotes for their comparisons, and responses are always provided within 15 minutes of receiving a completed form. Get in touch with one of our representatives as soon as you are ready and see why customers choose to rely on Aviation Gamut for all their operational needs.
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