TRAINING MANUAL - INSTRUMENTS DOC No.

: 29040-IC-UFR-0002

Rev. : R0
PRESSURE GAUGES
Uhde India Limited Page : 1

CONTENTS

Page

0.0 Cover Sheet 1

1.0 Introduction 2
2.0 Selection and Application 2-4
3.0 Accessories 4
4.0 Installation 4
5.0 Safety pattern gauges 4

Annexure: Slides 4 sheets

Applicable Revision:
Prepared: Checked: Approved:

Date: Date: Date:

First Edition: R0
Prepared: Checked: Approved:

A.K.SARKAR/
N.SANGEETHA M.B.JOSHI N.C.JAIN
Date: 11.8.2000 Date: Date:
File Name: 537007347.doc Server: KUMUS 206

Directory: /conversion/tmp/activity_task_scratch/537007347.doc
 TRAINING MANUAL - INSTRUMENTS DOC No. : 29040-IC-UFR-0002

Rev. : R0
PRESSURE GAUGES
Uhde India Limited Page : 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Pressure gauge is one of the most common instrument used in voluminous number in any
type of plant. There are different types of pressure gauges depending on their service and
pressure ranges. In this topic we will discuss different types of pressure gauges and their
selection, application, construction,etc.

The following points will be discussed in this topic

a. Selection & Application
b. Accessories
c. Installation
d. Special notes
2.0 SELECTION AND APPLICATION
2.1 RANGE & OVER RANGE
Range of the instrument should be approximately twice the maximum operating pressure.
Too low a range may result in low fatigue life of the elastic element due to high operating
stress. Too high a range may yield insufficient resolution for the application.

Over range:

Pressure gauges shall have integral over range protection of at least 130 % of design
upper range value without affecting accuracy. An internal stop shall limit the movement of
bourdon tube in case of over range pressure

2.2 TEMPERATURE

To ensure long life and accurate readings, pressure gauges should not be exposed to
process or ambient temperature over 65C.

2.2.1 STEAM SERVICE

To prevent steam from entering bourdon tube, a siphon filled with water should be
installed between the gauge and the process line.
Siphons can be applied upto 4000 psi at 540 C.
If freezing of condensate in siphon is a possibility, a diaphragm seal should be chosen to
isolate the gauge from the process steam.
Siphons should also be used whenever condensing hot vapour is present.
2.2.2 HOT LINES
When a gauge is installed in a hot line, one way to get the hot liquid or gas cooled down is
to simply include an extra length of piping or tubing between the tapping point and the
gauge. The slow rate of heat transfer through the extra pipe / tube will generally protect
the gauge.Long term exposure to temperature in excess of 65 C may cause discoloration
of dials and fill fluids, as well as hardening of elastomeric seals and possible fill leakage.
Soft soldered, silver brazed and welded pressure joints are rated at 120 C max, 230 C
max, and 400 C max. respectively. Plastic gauge cases including phenolic should not be
exposed to temp. > 120 C.
 TRAINING MANUAL - INSTRUMENTS DOC No. : 29040-IC-UFR-0002

Rev. : R0
PRESSURE GAUGES
Uhde India Limited Page : 3

Max. recommended service temperature for gauge windows

177 C FOR PLAIN GLASS.

150 C FOR POLYSULFONE.
130 C FOR POLYCARBONATE
95 C FOR LAMINATED SAFETY GLASS
80 C FOR ACRYLIC

2.2.3 COLD SERVICE

The min. recommended operating temperature for all gauges is (–45 C). A hermetically
sealed gauge case can be selected to minimise condensate freezing on the movement,
thus reduce hindering its action. Gage filled with silicon oil will have maximum resistance
to the effects of operating in freezing conditions.

Glycerine filled gauges may be unsuitable below (-7 C) due to increase in viscosity.

2.3 DIAPHRAGM SEALS

Diaphragm seals with filled, flexible line assemblies are good solution to the problem of
hot liquid or gas lines. Due to small diameter of the flexible line and usually a 5-ft length is
adequate to cool down the process temperature to acceptable limit of instrument.

A diaphragm seal is recommended for the following process media ;

 which are corrosive to the process sensing element

 which contain heavy particulates (slurries)

 Which are very viscous including those that harden at room temperature

2.4 AUTO CLAVING APPLICATIONS

Sanitary gauges with clamp connections are frequently sterilised in autoclaves. Gauges
equipped with polysulfone windows will withstand more autoclave cycles than
polycarbonate windows.

Gauges fitted with plain glass and a laminated safety glass should not be chosen for
autoclaving.

2.5 OXIDISING MEDIA

For selecting gauge for oxidising media appropriate gauge cleanliness level as per ASME.
B40.1 be included in the gauge specification.

Gauges having hydrocarbon contamination inside the pressure system will often rupture
in such service.

2.6 PULSATION / VIBRATION

To protect gauges from vibration, include a dampener such as throttle plug / screw or
porous metal snubber. A liquid filled gauge with dampener will last longer. If the vibration
is extreme, then choose a remote mounted pressure gauge with flexible tubing

2.7 GAUGE FILLS

Following points shall be considered while selecting the filling liquid in the chemical seal
for pressure guage.
 TRAINING MANUAL - INSTRUMENTS DOC No. : 29040-IC-UFR-0002

Rev. : R0
PRESSURE GAUGES
Uhde India Limited Page : 4

- Glycerine meets most requirements and its usable temperature is -17C to 120 C.

- Silicon filled gauges have a broader service range - 40 to 120 C.

- Oxidising media such as pure oxygen, chlorine require the use of compatible gauge fill

such as fluorolube with a service range of - 45 to 120  C.

3.0 ACCESSORIES

Accessories used with process pressure gauges are Snubbers, siphons, diaphragm seals
and mounting accessories etc.

Siphons: Siphons shall be installed on locally mounted gauges for steam service,
and for process fluids with a temperature over 200 Degree C ,when the
gauge is above the tap connection. Pig tail siphon shall be used as std.

Snubbers: Snubber design shall allow easy disassembly to facilitate cleaning.

Gauge Savers: Gauge savers protecting instruments against pressures that are very high
compared to the operating range may be used, except on switches in
critical service.

Limit Switches: Pressure gauges are also available with switches when alarm contacts
are required. Both inductive and microswitches are available. However
microswitches are never specified as the force for the movement has to
be derived from pressure gauge system.

4.0 INSTALLATION

In the pressure measurement the means by which the instruments interfaces with the
process is a prime consideration to achieve reliable operation. The measuring device
must come in physical contact with the process.

Certain precautions need to be taken to prevent damage due to the following factors:

Process Temperature may be above design limits.

Process medium may be corrosive

Mechanical vibration or process pulsation detrimental to gage element.

Location: All local gauges shall be mounted close to the process connection as
practical, consistent with required accessibility and visibility and not
subject to vibration.
Where considerable number of gauges are located in the same area,
mounting them on a common panel may be considered. a sun shade may
be considered to avoid drift.

Elevation: Gauges shall be mounted at an elevation above the tap for low-pressure
service.
For additional installation details refer to the hook up sketches.

5.0 SAFETY PATTERN GAUGES

 TRAINING MANUAL - INSTRUMENTS DOC No. : 29040-IC-UFR-0002

Rev. : R0
PRESSURE GAUGES
Uhde India Limited Page : 5

These gauges are meant for ensuring safety to the operating personnel in case of a blow
out. Process connected gauges of safety type shall have a solid front disc inserts and
hydrocarbon resistant blow out backs to prevent bursting of the gauge case or window
upon element rupture.