API Pressure Gauges
API pressure gauges are built with a tough exterior and deliver accuracy you can trust, which makes them a likely contender for any of our industrial systems that require "consistent" pressure monitoring. They are built to handle demanding applications, and they provide clear, readable pressure indications that make it easy for operators to protect the system, maintain safe operating conditions, and watch pressure trends in real time. Pressure fluctuates all the time, but unless something goes wrong, the system will stay within a certain pressure range.
The API pressure gauges are designed to perform in an environment where those up-and-down pressure trends are more normal than abnormal. They have nice, roomy stainless-steel cases, which means that the pressure gauge internals are not cramped. Also, using a stainless steel case means we don't have to worry about the pressure gauge rusting and becoming inaccurate over time. Most of the internal parts of the gauge are made using steel or brass, which are good materials for making sturdy parts that can handle the environment in which pressure gauges normally live.
FAQs
What are API pressure gauges used for?
They measure system pressure in industrial equipment such as pumps, compressors, pipelines, tanks, hydraulic systems, and process vessels.
What types of pressure gauges does API offer?
API provides stainless-steel gauges, dry mechanical gauges, and oil-filled gauges designed to handle vibration, pulsation, and corrosive environments.
Why choose an oil-filled API pressure gauge?
Oil-filled gauges help dampen vibration and sudden pressure spikes, improving readability and extending gauge lifespan.
Are API pressure gauges suitable for corrosive or chemical applications?
Stainless steel and corrosion-resistant models are designed specifically for harsh process fluids and aggressive industrial environments.
Do API pressure gauges work on hydraulic and pneumatic equipment?
Yes, API gauges are widely used on hydraulic tools, pneumatic systems, compressors, and pump skids.
Instrumentation: Elements & Transmitters
2 pieces of hardware used in modern day instrumentation: measuring elements and transmitters.
Measuring Elements
Measuring elements are the part of the device that performs the measurement. For example, the measuring element of a pressure transducer is the part that is actually lowered into a tank that will take a pressure measurement. The measuring element of a flow meter is the part that actually measures the flow and an RTD or thermocouple takes the temperature measurement.
Transmitters
Transmitters collect information from measuring elements and sends the information to where it is needed. The transmitter interfaces with the measuring element and interprets the information. It then sends that information to a PLC, RTU or some other type of control unit. In many cases, the transmitter has the ability to communicate the information via multiple communication protocols. This may be necessary when the measuring element does not send the same type of signal that is needed by the controller. For example, it may be necessary to convert a temperature reading from a thermocouple to a 420 milliamp signal that can be received by a local PLC.