TECHNICAL BRIEF

WIKA Instrument Corporation 1-888-WIKA-USA www.wika.com

Liquid Filled Pressure Gauges

Filling Instructions for Liquid-Fillable Pressure Gauges
Set-up Allow the gauge to “breathe” for at least 10 minutes then
Gauges should be positioned so that the filling plug is at the top replace the filling plug. Wipe away any excess fluid on the
of the gauge. The temperature of the liquid filling fluid should outside of the gauge. Gauges filled with glycerine or a glycerine/
be between 68ºF and 85ºF (20ºC to 29ºC). Remove the filling water mixture may be rinsed under running water if necessary,
plug by prying it up with a blunt instrument, being careful not to but must be completely dried before putting the gauge into a
puncture the plug or damage the internals of the gauge. cardboard carton.

Filling About heated glycerine

Using a funnel, fill the gauge until the liquid begins to appear at
the bottom of the dial and allow the liquid to level off. Very thick
fluids (such as glycerine at room temperature) flow extremely
slowly down the back of the case and can overflow through the
filling hole before the gauge appears to be full on the face. After
the liquid has settled at the bottom of the gauge, continue to
fill slowly, allowing the liquid to level off several times until the
proper amount of liquid has been added. (See Table A below).
Glycerine flows much faster when it is heated above room
temperature. WIKA recommends that the glycerine not be
heated to more than 85ºF (29 ºC). Filling temperatures above
85ºF may trap entrained air in the glycerine which will form tiny,
hard to remove bubbles after several days on the shelf.

NOTE: A funnel is recommended for filling to avoid spilling the filling fluid on the outside of the case. Excess filling fluid may
cause the plug to become lubricated which may allow the plug to pop-off when the gauge is exposed to high temperatures.

TABLE A: Liquid Fill Levels for Gauges

Gauge Size With Lever Plug With Membrane
% Full H % Full H
233.30 2.5” 90-95% N/A N/A
4” 90-95% N/A N/A
2X3.34 4.5” N/A N/A 99% Full as Possible
6” N/A N/A 99% Full as Possible
213.40 2.5” 90-95% 99% Full as Possible
4” 90-95% 99% Full as Possible
233.50 2.5” 90-95% N/A N/A
4” 90-95% 99% Full as Possible
2X3.53 2.5” 90-95% 99% Full as Possible FIGURE A
4” 90-95% 99% Full as Possible
2X3.54 2.5” 90-95% N/A N/A
4” 90-95% N/A N/A

CAUTION: Gauges filled with glycerine or silicone cannot be used on applications where strong oxidizing agents are present. A
chemical reaction, ignition or explosion may result. Oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, oxygen, chlorine, nitric acid and
hydrogen peroxide. Completely fluorinated or chlorinated fluids such as HALOCARBON 6.3 CST should be used.
 Liquid Fill Fluid Ambient Temperature Ratings
Allowable Operating Range
Temperature range in which the operation of the gauge is not
adversely affected by the filling liquid. At temperatures above
the maximum rating, the fluid may break down. At temperatures
below the minimum rating, the fluid may solidify (freeze).
Liquid Fill Gauge Case Venting
For pressure gauges with full scale ranges of 300psi and below
(including vacuum and compound ranges of 30” Hg-0-200
psi and below), case venting (after the gauge is installed) is
necessary to preserve the accuracy. Temperature fluctuations
during shipment and in the process application cause the
TABLE B: Allowable Ambient Temperature Ratings
Fill Fluid
Glycerine PRICERINE 9099 Glycerine
99.7% USP, 1118 Centistokes at 68ºF
Silicone Dow Corning 200 Fluid
1000 Centistokes at 77ºF
Halocarbon® Halocarbon® Products
6.3 Centistokes at 100ºF
NOTE: Some parts of the pressure gauge may not be able to withstand temperatures above 140ºF. Consult with the factory
for technical assistance for these applications.
Pressure Compensating Membranes
Some applications may require installation of the gauge in a
position other than vertical or ambient conditions where venting
is not possible.
One solution to this problem is the installation of a pressure
compensating membrane window or internal rubber membrane.
The membrane window, sometimes referred to as a pressure
compensating window, allows the liquid filling to expand and
contract without affecting the internal case pressure of the
HALOCARBON® is registered trademark of the HALOCARBON Products Corporation
liquid filling to expand and contract which in turn increases
or decreases case pressure. As a result, accuracy can be
decreased and the pointer may not return to zero properly until
the gauge is vented to the atmosphere.
To vent a WIKA gauge, move the valve to
the open position which will release any
pressure or vacuum built up in the case. If
the gauge is installed in an upright position,
the lever can be left in the open position.
Vent Plug
The lever allows the use of a gauge in a non-upright orientation.
Allowable Operating Range
-4ºF to 140ºF (-20ºC to 60ºC)
-40ºF to 140ºF (-40ºC to 60ºC)
-40ºF to 140ºF (-40ºC to 60ºC)
gauge. Internal membranes serve the same purpose as the
membrane window, but are usually affixed to the inside of the
case back.
Optional membrane windows are available for Type 213.40 2½”
& 4”, 233.30 2½” & 4”, 233.50 4”, and 2X3.53 2½” & 4” liquid
filled gauges. Standard internal membranes are available for
Type 2X3.34 4½” process gauges and are optional for some
4” and 6” liquid filled gauges. Contact the factory for price and
availability.