6 Tips to Help You Install the Pressure Gauge Perfectly
Is your pressure gauge installed properly? Incorrect installation of the pressure gauge can cause premature failure of the gauge and prevent you from troubleshooting problems in the equipment or process. Don’t let this happen in your factory. Use these six tips for proper gauge installation the next time you install a gauge.
1. Choose the Right Gauge
Before pulling out the wrench, first, make sure that you have the right pressure gauge for the application. The pressure gauge you choose must meet the following requirements:
Expected pressure range to be measured
Process medium or fluid
Process temperature
Vibration level
Even if you install the gauge perfectly, if the gauge is not suitable, you may encounter the same problems as before the installation.
2. Apply Force Through Spanner Flats
After selecting the correct gauge, please pay attention to how to tighten the gauge. Do not turn the case by hand, but apply force through the wrench flat. Applying force through the enclosure or junction box may damage the enclosure connection. Insufficient torque application may cause leakage.
3. Seal the Deal
Before sealing, pay attention to the thread type on the gauge. If the pressure gauge has parallel threads, use sealing rings and gaskets to seal it. If the pressure gauge has tapered threads, other sealing methods such as PTFE tape are recommended. This is standard practice for any plumbing installer, because tapered threads by themselves cannot provide a complete seal.
4. Use Clamp Sleeve or Union Nut With Straight Thread
When using tapered threads, the installer can easily adjust the gauge even if sufficient torque is applied. This makes it easy to locate the gauge surface. However, when using straight threads, the direction of the surface cannot be adjusted. Therefore, you should use a clamping socket or union nut to connect the meter. These will allow you to correctly orient the pressure gauge after installing the socket on the sealing ring or gasket.
5. Make Room for Blow-Out
For personnel safety, some gauges are equipped with blowout preventers. If the pressure gauge is reached the point of rupture by a dangerous overpressure, the force from the rupture will pass directly through the back of the gauge, not in the direction of anyone standing in front of it.
For these types of products, it is important that the back of the meter is not clogged with debris and dirt. Make sure you leave at least 15 millimeters of free space behind the blow-out back.
6. Vent the Gauge Case
Some meters have a small valve on the case. Users who do not understand the purpose of the valve will be confused as to why the valve is included. During shipment, liquid-filled pressure gauges may experience temperature changes, causing internal pressure to build up. This may cause the gauge pointer to deviate from zero. When installing the pressure gauge, open the compensating valve to discharge the pressure. It should then be closed again to prevent any outside entry. After installing the pressure gauge, set the compensation valve from closed to open.
Related Post: How to Reset a Liquid Filled Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge will only work if it is properly installed. Hope the 6 tips mentioned in this article can help you!