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The Benefits of Liquid-Filled Pressure Gauges

Industrial facilities require accurate pressure readings for many operations and applications, from pipelines to manufacturing processes. Inaccurate or inconsistent pressure readings can result in accidents, even explosions, and damaged products that don’t meet quality standards. Learn the benefits of liquid-filled pressure gauges to see if you should consider using them in your facility.

Dry vs. Liquid-Filled Pressure Gauges

There are two primary types of pressure gauges: dry and liquid-filled. Dry gauges are the most common type. They use a simple mechanical movement to measure pressure. But dry gauges are susceptible to condensation inside the casing, which can freeze at low temperatures and cause corrosion within the gauge mechanism.

Liquid-filled pressure gauges contain a liquid solution, such as glycerin or silicone, that fills the casing. There are several benefits to using liquid-filled gauges over dry ones.

Types of Liquid Used in Liquid-Filled Gauges

There are two popular choices for the liquid used in these gauges: glycerin and silicone. These are used in around 95 percent of liquid-filled pressure gauges. Glycerin is a cost-effective option, offering good stability and damping characteristics. However, it can become discolored with exposure to UV rays or extreme temperatures.

Silicone, while more expensive, is less prone to discoloration and offers better performance in extreme temperatures. It also resists hardening or softening due to temperature fluctuations.

Benefits of Liquid-Filled Pressure Gauges

So if dry gauges are the most common, why choose a liquid-filled pressure gauge? There are several reasons an industrial or manufacturing facility might choose liquid-filled pressure gauges:

Mitigation of Vibration and Pulsation: Vibration and pulsation are common problems in industrial facilities that can cause pressure gauge needles to bounce, making it difficult to read the actual pressure. The fluid inside a liquid-filled pressure gauge acts as a buffer, absorbing much of the vibration and pulsation, leading to a more accurate reading.

Resistance to Corrosion: Dry pressure gauges tend to be susceptible to corrosion. Condensation can develop within the casing and damage moving parts over time. In liquid-filled pressure gauges, the liquid offers additional protection by sealing out contaminants. So even in harsh environments, these gauges enjoy a longer life span.

Lubrication of Internal Parts: The liquid inside a liquid-filled pressure gauge serves as a lubricant for the internal moving parts. This lubrication reduces friction and wear, providing the gauge with increased reliability and longevity.

Greater Accuracy: Perhaps the most critical benefit of liquid-filled pressure gauges is their accuracy. Liquid-filled gauges can maintain greater accuracy under a wide range of operating conditions, making them a top choice in many industrial settings.

These benefits of liquid-filled pressure gauges make them an ideal choice for industrial facility managers. If you want to enhance your facility’s efficiency, reliability, and overall performance, consider switching to liquid-filled pressure gauges.