Selection of a Pressure Gauge

When selecting a pressure gauge, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Pressure Range (specify units of measure)
2. Temperature Range
3. Conditions affecting wear of the system
4. Pressure Fluid Composition
5. Pressure Fluid Temperature
6. Environmental Conditions
7. Method of mounting
8. Required Accuracy
9. Case Venting

1. Pressure Range: A gauge range of twice the working pressure is generally

recommended for maximum accuracy, safety and for extended gauge life. The
operating pressure should always be limited to 75% of the gauge range. When
pressure pulsations are encountered, the operating pressure should be limited to
2/3 of the gauge range.
2. Temperature Range: Ambient temperature for AMETEK General Equipment
gauges that are soft-soldered is 40 F to 120 F. Ambient temperature for
AMETEK Process gauges that are silver soldered or welded is 40 F to 190F and
for AMETEK Liquid Filled gauges it is 0 F to 140 F.
3. Conditions Affecting Wear of the System: In applications involving severe
pressure fluctuations, vibrations and/or pulsation the use of restrictors or pressure
snubbers is recommended. Also, liquid filled gauges should be considered. The
fill fluid will lubricate the movement and reduce friction and wear. Liquid filling
can also prevent moisture or corrosive atmospheres from affecting the gauge
internals. The most common fill fluid is glycerin. Silicone can be used in
applications with larger temperature extremes.
4. Pressure Fluid Composition: Since the sensing element of a pressure gauge
may be exposed directly to the measured medium, consider the characteristics of
this medium. It may be corrosive, it may be gas or liquid, it may solidify at
various temperatures, or it may contain solids that will leave deposits inside the
sensing element. For pressure fluids that will not solidify under normal conditions
or leave deposits, a Bourdon tube pressure gauge is acceptable. Diaphragm
chemical seals should be considered when the pressure gauge wetted parts are not
compatible with the measured media. Please refer to the Chemical Compatibility
Chart to aid you in the selection of the proper sensing element material.

5. Pressure Fluid Temperature: Steam and other hot media may raise the
temperature of the gauge components above safe working limits of the sealed
joints. In these cases, it is recommended that a siphon or a chemical diaphragm
seal be used in conjunction with the pressure gauge. Chemical diaphragm seals
and remote capillary can also be considered for use with gauges that are subjected
to very low or high ambient temperatures.
6. Environmental Conditions: The normal ambient temperature range for
AMETEK General Equipment gauges (soft soldered) is 40 F to 120 F, for
Process gauges (silver soldered / welded) 40 F to 190 F, and for Liquid Filled
gauges 0 F 140 F. The error caused by temperature changes is approximating + /
- 1% for every 50 deg. F change. The reference temperature is 75 F. Remote
mounting of the pressure gauge using a chemical diaphragm seal and capillary
line is one alternative for applications involving extreme ambient temperature.
Moisture and weather effects must also be considered. Liquid filled gauges can
prevent condensation build up. For outdoor use, stainless steel, brass, or plastic
cased gauges are recommended. Mechanical shock, vibration, dust and humidity
are some other considerations in selecting a pressure gauge.
7. Method of Mounting: Bottom (LM) and back (CBM or LBM) connections are
available for most AMETEK gauges. AMETEKs cataloged products have
standard NPT threaded connections. Other types such as metric threads, straight
threads, hose barbs, and other special fittings are available as special order.
AMETEK pressure gauges are calibrated in the vertical, upright position and
should be mounted as such. For applications where the gauge is mounted
sideways, horizontally, or upside down, the gauge should be recalibrated in the
position in which it will ultimately be used.
8. Required Accuracy: AMETEK manufactures pressure gauges with accuracies
from + / - 3/2/3% (ASME Grade B) to + / - .25% (ASME Grade 3A) of full scale.
Generally, the more accurate gauges have a larger dial diameter and are more
costly.

9. Case Venting: AMETEK Liquid Filled gauges have an elastometric vent / fill
plug tip which can be easily cut (after installation) to permit case venting. This is
recommended for all liquid filled gauges, especially those with maximum
pressure ratings of 100 psi and under. This will compensate for atmospheric
changes that could effect the calibration of the filled gauge.