 Diaphragm Pressure Gauges

Diaphragm pressure gauges are used to measure gas and liquids. They cover
measuring spans from 10 mbar to 40 bar. The measuring element consists of one
circular diaphragm clamped between a pair of flanges.

- suitable for gauge, absolute and differential pressure.

 Element/s:
Diaphragm- the core; circular, corrugated diaphragm which is clamped or
welded between two flanges.
Flexible Membrane- two sides;
Meter- to show the pressure measurement

 Advantages
1. Measurement of low pressures
2. High overpressure safety
3. Use with critical media

 How does it work?

A diaphragm pressure gauge is a device that uses a diaphragm with a known
pressure to measure pressure in a fluid. It has many different uses, such as
monitoring the pressure of a canister of gas, measuring atmospheric pressure,
or recording the strength of the vacuum in a vacuum pump.

The diaphragm is an elastic membrane that elongates when pressure is applied

to it. The diaphragm is a single sheet which elongate, Joining two diaphragm to form a
capsule. Two capsules joining to form a stacked diaphragm.
Adding more capsules to the diaphragm increases the sensitivity of the gauge. When
pressure is applied to the diaphragm, it flexes. The movement is transmitted by a link
that connects to the pointer. The pointer moves to indicate the amount of pressure
applied to the diaphragm. The diaphragm stays at the original position until a pressure
is applied to it.

 Capsule
The sensing element of a capsule pressure gauge consists of two corrugated
diaphragms welded together at their periphery to form a capsule. The pressure
to be measured is introduced into the capsule via an opening in the center of
the first diaphragm. The center of the second diaphragm is connected to the
transmission mechanism so that the deflection of the measuring element can
be
transmitted
to the
pointer.

 Applications for diaphragm pressure gauges:

1. With liquid filled case for applications with high dynamic pressure pulsations
or vibration
2. Suitable in corrosive environments for gaseous, liquid or highly viscous
media.
3. Process industry: chemical/petrochemical, power stations, mining, on and
offshore, environmental technology, mechanical engineering and plant
construction

 Materials of Construction

 Elastomers are commonly used, and include a wide variety of both general
purpose and speciality rubbers.
 Metal diaphragms of stainless steel (several grades), Carpenter 20,
Hastelloy, Monel, Inconel, tantalum, titanium and several other metals are in
common use where high pressure ratings and specific chemical
compatibility are required.
  Depending on the PSI levels of the sealing application, the diaphragm may
require fabric reinforcement. Typically, PSI under 5 does not require fabric
reinforcement. A PSI between 5 and 10 is application dependent. Anything
above 10 almost always needs fabric reinforcemen

To make their diaphragms resistant against aggressive substances, a whole

multitude of special materials can be exploited from PTFE, via tantalum,
Hastelloy or titanium, through to gold.

 Spring tempering - a form of heat treating. It causes the metal to closely

retain its original shape while allowing flexing or "elasticity" under load.

 Cause of failure
Diaphragm seals are susceptible to failure via several mechanisms,
including cracking. Ozone cracking can occur in many elastomers for example
used in pneumatic systems. If the gas contaminates the air supply, then many
rubber diaphragms are at risk from the problem.