When choosing a digital pressure gauge it is important that you look at all the differences between the various options.  Here is an informative guide to help you choose the best digital pressure gauge to fit your needs.

What is a Digital Pressure Gauge?

A digital pressure gauge is a pressure measurement device that indicates pressure digitally using an electronic display.  A digital pressure gauge differs from a dial gauge, which uses a purely mechanical component to sense and indicate the pressure.  Before digital, they used them within most industries.

The Inner Workings of a Digital Pressure Gauge

Instead of mechanical workings, a digital pressure gauge contains a pressure transducer and electronics that can digitally display a high-resolution pressure reading.  It can include data logging, min/max display, peak alarms, unit selection, temperature readout, tare function, and more.  In fact, many gauges are capable of remote data transmission.

Digital Pressure Indicators

Digital pressure indicators are available in desktop or rack-mounted cases.  A case may have one or multiple internal pressure sensors with individual pressure connections and a display showing all the pressure readings. These typically use pressure rated tubing to connect the process or test port being monitored.  Some are capable of communicating and displaying the readings of one or more remotely mounted pressure transducers.

Continuous Process Monitoring Needs

For a direct single point, continuous monitoring a digital dial gauge is the best choice.  They also provide electronic or wireless communication for remote monitoring or data collection.

If you are working with a process pipeline, tank, or a pressurized vessel containing liquid or gas it may require an accurate high resolution, local indication of pressure.  A digital dial gauge can connect directly to the process at the location of interest.

Calibration Reference Standards

For calibration purposes, you can use either type of pressure gauge.  However, in calibration, a source of regulated pressure must be available as well in order to read the output of the device being tested.

You can calibrate a digital pressure indicator using a laboratory standard on a regular basis.  They can also use it as a portable transfer standard to verify the readings of a field standard or portable pressure calibrator.  An indicator is good for this application as it equips them with high accuracy transducers and capabilities of multiple ranges.

They can equip a digital dial gauge with a hydraulic or pneumatic pump to act as the pressure source.

Test Bench Applications

Either type of digital pressure gauge can be used successfully in a calibration bench test.  A test bench can take many forms depending on the ranges that are for testing and calibration.  A bench might include digital dial gauges or digital pressure indicators, besides process signal measurement instruments, pressure pumps, pressure controllers, and manifold valves.

Top 5 Considerations When Choosing

The top 5 considerations after understanding the differences between pressure gauges are:

• Range and Accuracy – You want to be sure that the range and accuracy class is adequate for your application.
• Features – Examine the feature to be sure that it matches your application and expectations.
• Material- The materials of construction should be specifically compatible with the medium used in your application.
• Environment – The ingress protection (IP) rating and hazardous location rating for explosive environments should be compatible with your application.
• Connection – Pressure fitting should be compatible or adaptable to existing process connections.

Work with An Experienced Company

If you are still unsure about which digital pressure gauge that you need for your lab, we can help.  SRP control systems can help you take care of your equipment with one of the largest pressure laboratories in Canada.  We are an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and can calibrate your equipment to meet your needs. Contact us today!