Diaphragm pressure gauges are believed as specialists along the way industries. They come into play when Bourdon tube pressure gauges reach the limits of their performance. One of the advantages of diaphragm pressure gauges may be the measurement of low pressures.
Diaphragm pressure gauges can be recognised from the first look: From the flanges below the case, between which the elastic pressure element ? the diaphragm element ? is clamped. These instruments can measure pressures from only 16 mbar, with the utmost value at around 25 bar (for comparison: Bourdon tube gauges reach their lowest physically possible measured value at 600 mbar). The larger the diaphragm element, the low the measurable pressure is, relative to the formula ? pressure = force / area. WIKA uses two diaphragm sizes: with a diameter of 134.5 mm for the measuring ranges of 0 ?16 mbar up to 0 ? 250 mbar and a diameter of 76.5 mm for the measuring ranges of 0 ? 400 mbar up to 0?25 bar.
Special variation of diaphragm pressure gauges
With pressures under 16 mbar, diaphragm pressure gauges hit their limits. Because of this case, their diaphragms would have to be exceptionally thin to experience the mandatory elasticity. Then, however, they might no longer remain reliably stable. Sure could be solved, though, with a special variation of the diaphragm pressure gauge: the capsule pressure gauge.
Capsule elements consist of two diaphragms welded together, which can be loaded with pressure from the inside. This results in a double diaphragm travel. In this way, even the lowest of pressures could be measured without reducing the wall thickness. However, because the pressure chamber isn’t self-draining, capsule elements are not ideal for applications with liquid media.
Note
You can find further information on diaphragm pressure gauges on the WIKA website under the headings Pressure gauges and Pressure gauges with output signal.
See also our article
Advantages of diaphragm pressure gauges (2): High overload protection