Frequently Asked Questions

A pressure gauge is a device that measures pressure in a compressed gas or liquid. Pressure gauges are used across many industries. Everyday examples of use include measuring tyre pressure or blood pressure.

In industry, gauges monitor pressurised systems whether it's a refrigeration system in food processing or equipment in a nuclear power plant. Standard pressure gauges take a reading of pressure against ambient atmospheric pressure. These would be used in boilers and all kinds of compressed air systems.

Vacuum gauges and absolute gauges take readings against an absolute vacuum. Equipment for atmospheric, deep vacuum or altimeter readings would need to measure absolute pressure. Other types of gauge include digital display pressure gauges which can make readings easier or gauges with analogue dials which are linked directly to the gauge.

For any industry relying on the precision of measurements, for example pressure and temperature readings, a trusted calibration service is essential.

Calibration refers to the process of testing and adjusting measuring equipment to ensure the readings they are producing are accurate. The process involves comparing the reading of a given piece of equipment against what we know to be a highly accurate, laboratory standard.

Once your equipment is calibrated you will receive a certificate. The certificate will show the original readings of your equipment and will verify that it has been accurately corrected to a national standard.

We offer both traceable and UKAS calibration on pressure measuring equipment as well as traceable calibration on temperature, conductivity, metrology, torque, force, scales and electrical equipment.

Regularly calibrating your equipment to national standards is vital to ensure your equipment is operating properly and maintaining accuracy. It also helps spot problems with equipment that may not be related to calibration.

Pressure gauge re-calibration is determined by the end user. Generally, the more critical the industry the more often the gauge will be calibrated. It would usually be written into the site procedure or manual. After our years of experience annually is certainly most common we come across.

We have an information page dedicated to gauge process connections, click here to visit.

The most common process connection used in the uk is bsp (british standard pipe) which has a parallel thread and a spigot on the bottom. The pressure tight seal is made using a bonded washer.

The other commonly used process connection is npt (national pipe thread) which is used most in other countries, particularly the usa. A pressure tight seal is made upon a tapered thread (generally a ptfe tape). Process connections are most commonly available in 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in both bsp and npt sizes*:
* bsp and npt process connection sizes do not relate to the physical size of the connection or thread.
We have a process connection information page which provides full details on the most commonly used threads including their physical dimensions.

Absolute, Gauge and Differential are completely different methods of recording pressure.

Gauge pressure is the deviation of a particular pressure away from atmospheric pressure. It can be positive or negative.

For example, a dial pressure gauge whose pointer reads zero when no pressure is applied would usually measure gauge pressure. Gauge Pressure is by far the most common measurement process used worldwide.

Absolute pressure is a measurement of pressure relative to a complete or absolute vacuum. It will always be positive. For example, a barometer measures absolute pressure.

Differential pressure is the measurement of any pressure relative to another pressure. It can be positive or negative. For example, a manometer used to measure the pressure drop across an air filter is measuring differential pressure.

The Accuracy class is a way of measuring acceptable levels of error in pressure equipment. It is given as a percentage of the scale reading span. For example, an accuracy class 4 on a 10 bar pressure gauge would indicate that readings may deviate by +4% or +0.4 bar across the measuring range.

For pressure ranges under 363 psi (25 bar), gauges tend to have something called a filling plug. These plugs come with small yellow levers which are closed when delivered. You must ensure you open these when fitting so that pressure does not build up in the case. This pressure causes unacceptable high accuracy deviations for the gauge.

Safety pattern gauges are generally used in the gas industry and are designed with operator safety in mind. They are constructed with an additional solid baffle wall welded between the dial and the measuring system. The case also has a safety glass window and a back wall that can blow out completely in the case of a rupture.

Restrictors are used to regulate the flow of sudden changes in pressure, sometimes known as “spikes”. The restrictor is fitted into the pressure gauge socket and forces the fluid through a small space, restricting the flow of fluid to the element. By protecting the sensor from sudden pressure fluctuations, you will enhance the performance and longevity of your pressure gauge.

ATEX is a combination of two EU directives detailing what equipment is to be used in a workplace with a potentially explosive environment: The 94/9/EC Equipment Directive and the 99/92/EC Workplace Directive. ATEX is a synonym taken from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive “Appareils destinés à être utilisés en Atmosphères Explosibles”.

Diaphragm gauges are often used where clogging can be an issue. The diaphragm does not have a small inlet hole and therefore the medium does not compact and cause a blockage. There are several different types from flanged to hygienic versions with a nut and liner.

There is 14.5038 psi to 1 bar pressure.

There is 0.0689476 bar to 1 psi pressure.

Glycerine is a food-grade clear viscous fluid. It is generally used in gauges to help stabilize the pointer when being mounted on or around the pressure source.

The liquid fill inside the gauge's head acts as damping for the moving parts. As a result, any damage caused by vibration, pulsation, and general wear and tear can be prevented.

F.S.D or F.S is relating to the accuracy of the gauge, this stands for full scale deflection or full scale. It means the accuracy (C.L or K.L) of the gauge is of the full gauge range.

C.L is the accuracy class of the pressure gauge, this is more commonly seen in the U.K. K.L is the same meaning but generally seen more across Europe.

A gauge with negative and positive pressure is called a compound gauge.

There are several different options to help with a pressure spike. The easiest way is to fit an internal restrictor. This is a small screw with a very fine hole to restrict speed the pressure enters the gauge.

Diaphragm and Grout gauges are used with clogging media. The diaphragm acts as a wall between the process and bourdon tube.