Introduction
Industrial facilities across the UAE and Gulf operate in some of the harshest environments anywhere in the world offshore oil platforms exposed to saltwater spray, refinery units running at elevated temperatures, petrochemical complexes handling corrosive chemicals, and large-scale desalination plants dealing with aggressive process media. In these circumstances, the reliability of pressure instruments should not be in question. Tempsens builds its pressure gauges to meet the realities of the Gulf region: extremely high humidity, temperatures over 50 °C, exposure to corrosive marine environments and harsh process fluids. Knowing what type of pressure gauge is best for each application will ensure maximum safety, uptime, and process efficiency; all critical factors in mission critical industries.
What is a Pressure Gauge?
A Pressure Gauge is an instrument that measures and displays pressure (liquid and gas) in an Industrial System with accurate measurement capabilities and displays the pressure values in real time using an elastic deformation to convert from mechanical to a readable value (pressure). Pressure gauges are critical tools for gaining insight into hydraulic networks, pneumatic circuits, and pipeline pressure in all facilities located in the Gulf region.
Working Principle of Pressure Gauge
The design of a pressure gauge employs the principle of mechanical deformation of its sensing component. When pressure is applied to the sensing component, it will deform due to the force of that pressure.The deformation caused by this pressure is then transmitted through the use of mechanical linkages to move a pointer along a calibrated dial.
Types of Pressure Gauges for Oil and Gas Applications in the UAE
Based on the Pressure-Sensing Element
Bourdon Tube Gauge
A Bourdon tube gauge uses a curved metal tube that gradually straightens as pressure increases.Tempsens manufactures brass and SS316 models with precision-welded joints.
-C-type tubes handle pressures up to 600 Kg/cm² for general oil & gas services.
-Helical tubes extend capability to 2100 Kg/cm² in high-pressure hydraulic or drilling applications.
-Accuracy ranges from ±0.25% to ±1.6%, making them suitable for both critical and utility instrumentation.
Diaphragm Gauge
A diaphragm gauge uses a flexible stainless-steel membrane to sense pressure.Tempsens’ PD1–PD6 series includes compact, tri-clover, and flanged options.
-Excellent for viscous fluid media, or those that are corrosive and/or contaminated.
-Greatly preferred when performing processes that require sanitary clean-in-place (CIP) or sterile-in-place (SIP) compatibility, such as chemical dosing, desalination, etc.
Capsule Gauge
A capsule gauge is two thin metal disc-like diaphragms or membranes that have been welded together and have low pressure (usually from 0-25 KG cm2) designed for low-pressure applications.
-It is typically used in HVAC, filtration systems, reverse osmosis lines (RO skids), and water treatment plants in the UAE.
-Capsule gauges are responsive to changes in pressure at even very small increments.
Based on the Pressure Measured
Differential Pressure Gauge
The differential pressure gauge measures the difference in pressure between two points.
-Essentially, they are a key tool for monitoring the health of filters and any flow restrictions developing within them, as well as assessing the overall performance of a heat exchange system.
-Offshore oil platforms have widely used this type of gauge to prevent fouling or blockage of equipment from occurring prior to system failure.
Vacuum Gauge
A vacuum gauge measures pressure below the normal atmospheric pressure (-1 to 0 bar). Vacuum gauges are used in several applications within the Gulf Region’s petrochemical plants
– vacuum distillation units, condensers, and evaporators.
-Compound vacuum gauges are available in composite configurations that allow for the measurement of both vacuum and positive pressures on a single multifunction panel.
Other Types of Pressure Gauge
Digital Pressure Gauge
The digital pressure gauge is an electronic measurement device that uses electronic sensors and provides a digital readout via an LED or LCD display. The feature includes:
– High accuracy (± 0.1% FS)
– Built-in temperature compensation
– DATA logging and SCADA connectivity
– Widespread implementation in the many new refineries and automated process units currently being built throughout the United Arab Emirates.
Uses for Pressure Gauge
– Hydraulics: Pressure measurement of the range from 0 -1000 Kg/cm² for presses, molding and hydraulic mobile applications.
– Air Compressors: Pressure measurement of the discharge, and distribution of the air from air compressors.
– Chemical Industries: Pressure measurement control of chemical reactors using a corrosion-resistant diaphragm seal.
– Water Purification and Desalination: Measuring the RO membrane and the differential pressure between the filter and membrane.
– Steam Boiler: To monitor the safety of boiler operation and to verify the IBR rated setting of a safety valve.
– Marine/Offshore: To monitor ballast control in the marine environment as per standards for saltwater environments.
Factors to Consider While Choosing a Pressure Gauge
–Pressure Range: Choose a gauge where operating pressure stays around 75% of full-scale.
–Media Compatibility: SS316 or diaphragm seals for corrosive fluids; brass for benign media.
–Environmental Conditions: IP65/IP68 protection for marine environments; glycerin-filled gauges for vibration.
Selecting a Pressure Gauge: Important Factors
–Pressure range: Select a Pressure Gauge that is pressure rated at 75% of the full-scale or “working” pressure.
–Media Compatibility: SS316 or diaphragm seals for corrosive fluids; brass for benign media.
–Environmental Conditions: IP65/IP68 protection for marine environments; glycerin-filled gauges for vibration.
-The accuracy class of the gauge for calibration and test purposes should be at least +/- 0.25%.For general industrial applications, the accuracy class should be +/- 1.6%.
–Gauge Connection Size: To suit your existing process fittings, choose a range between 1/8 inch to 2 inches BSP/NPT.
–Gauge Certification: Select gauges certified by NACE as suitable for sour service, IBR certified as suitable for boiler safety testing, and compliant with IS3624/EN837 as appropriate for industrial safety testing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right style of pressure gauge for your application is critical for safe and efficient operation throughout the UAE and Gulf Region. Tempsens has an extensive range of engineered pressure gauges designed to address the environmental issues created by high ambient temperature, corrosive environments and aggressive media.Our full suite of pressure measurement devices have been certified according to IS3624 and EN837 standards, providing accuracy of +/- 0.25% to +/- 1.6% of the full scale range.
We manufacture gauges to measure absolute pressures from absolute zero to 2100 kg/cm² of full scale. With over 35 years of experience and a global footprint in over 75 countries, Tempsens is committed to providing reliable products to meet the toughest demands of the region.
For More Details, visit us at –Pressure Gauge
Call – +91-9358835576 Or Email – [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What Purpose Does a Pressure Gauge Serve?
The function of a pressure gauge is to monitor the operating pressure of gases and/or liquids in a variety of industrial systems and to provide each system in which it is installed with an indication that it is operating under safe working conditions.
What Is The Measurement Unit Used By A Pressure Gauge?
Common units of measurement are; kg/cm², bar, PSI, kPa and MPa. Gulf industries primarily use Kg/cm² and bar.
How accurate are pressure gauges?
Tempsens gauges provide accuracies from ±0.25% FSD (master gauges) to ±1.6% FSD for standard industrial use.
What is the range of a pressure gauge?
Tempsens gauges cover vacuum (-1 bar) up to 2100 Kg/cm², including compound ranges.
How do I calculate gauge pressure?
Gauge Pressure = Absolute Pressure – Atmospheric Pressure
How to Select the Appropriate Pressure Gauge for Your Application?
When selecting the appropriate pressure gauge for your application, consider the following factors: operating range of the gauge; media compatibility with the gauge; environmental exposure; accuracy; and certification requirements.
