PRESSURE GAUGE ACCESSORIES

Manufacturing pressure gauge accessories involves intricate processes to create essential components that support the accurate measurement and functionality of pressure gauges in various industries. These accessories include components like gauge snubbers, isolators, adaptors, and mounting hardware, crucial for maintaining gauge accuracy and protecting instruments in challenging environments.

The manufacturing process begins with selecting materials like stainless steel, brass, or specialized alloys, considering factors such as corrosion resistance, pressure tolerance, and environmental compatibility. Precision machining techniques, including CNC machining and forming, shape the raw materials into accessories with precise dimensions, thread profiles, and necessary features for gauge installation and protection.

Quality control measures, such as pressure and leak testing, ensure the accessories meet stringent standards for performance and reliability under varying pressure ranges and environmental conditions.

Pressure gauge accessories play a vital role in extending the life and accuracy of pressure measurement devices across industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and manufacturing. Continuous advancements in materials, machining techniques, and quality assurance contribute to enhancing the reliability and functionality of pressure gauge accessories in diverse applications.

Pressure Gauge Accessories and Attachmentsnts

Pressure gauge accessories are mechanical devices used in the hook up of a pressure gauge or transmitter to minimise any potentail damage to the pressure measuring instrument from the process fluid being measured.

Why use Pressure Gauge Accessories?

Pressure gauges and differential pressure instruments are mechanical pressure measuring instruments used to measure gauge pressure, absolute pressure or differential pressure. Although relatively robust, they are susceptible to damage from the process being measured e.g. too much pressure, extreme temperatures, pulsating pressure etc. To help mitigate the likliehood of damage pressure gauge manufacturers and suppliers offer a wide range of accessories that can be installed with the gauge. Below is a description of the more common pressure gauge accessories.

Syphon Tube (aka Pigtail)

A pressure gauge siphon tube, also know as a pressure gauge pigtail, is a device installed to protect the gauge from high temperatures. Siphons are used in hot vapour applications and are particuarly common on steam systems.

The hot vapor condenses inside the coil of the siphon which prevents the high temperature vapors from reaching the sensing element of the pressure instrument. The condensed vapour transmits the pressure of the working fluid to the measuring element tube, enabling the gauge to be located some distance from the actual point where the pressure is being measured. In steam applications it is common for the syphon tube to be filled with water during gauge installation.

There are two common forms of syphon tube, namely: the "U", and the ring type. The ring type is frequently referred to as a pigtail. The choice of "U" or pigtail depends on pipe orientation and available space.

types of pressure gauge syphon

The ring tube is used on horizontal pipelines where there is sufficient space above the pipe, and the ‘U’ type pressure gauge syphon is used when mounting the gauge on a vertical pipeline, or on horizontal pipelines where there is insufficient space for a ring type siphon.

Mini-siphon

The mini-syphon is a relatively new accessory, designed to replace pigtail and "U" siphons. It is manufactured with an internal thermal barrier which protects the pressure-measuring instrument from harmful steam, hot vapours and liquids.
It is also claimed that the mini–siphon helps eliminate gauge whip and vibration that is typically found on traditional syphons by mounting the instrument closer to the process.

Pressure Gauge Snubber

A pressure gauge snubber, or simply a gauge snubber, is a device used to dampen pressure pulses and fluctuations caused by reciprocating pumps and compressors. This smoothing effect provides more accurate pressure indication and extends the working life of the pressure gauge. Additionally, a pressure gauge snubber can prolong the time between gauge calibrations.

Another method of smoothing out pulsations is to use a liquid-filled gauge, typically glycerine. Snubbers are generally a cheaper option than using a glycerine filled gauge.

There are various types of snubber including porous snubbers, piston snubbers and throttling snubbers.

Porous snubbers are suitable for general purpose applications.

Piston snubbers are generaaly supplied with two or more pistons to adapt to varying applications.

Throttling snubbers have a built-in needle valve, or variable orifice that allows you to adjust the amount of snubbing externally. Anti-blow out stems are a desireable feature when specifying throttling gauge snubbers.

Block and Bleed Valve

block and bleed valve

A block and bleed valve arrangement is often referred to as a 2-way manifold, or a 2-valve manifold.

The block valve shuts off the process from the pressure gauge. The vent valve allows the safe venting of the instrument. By closing the block valve, then opening the vent valve the gauge can be safely removed.

Swivel Gauge Adapter

A swivel gauge adaptor enables the easy orientation of a pressure gauge in any direction through 360°. This allows the dial face of the gauge to be visible to the process palnt operator.

Some manufacturers provide swivel gauge adapters where the size of the male thread is different from the female thread in the parts to be connected. Very useful when designing the gauge hook-up.

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