The Most Common Steam Pressure Gauge

The Bourdon Tube Pressure Gauge

The Bourdon tube is the most common type of pressure gauge used to measure the movement of steam pressure. It consists of a thin-walled tube that is sealed at one end and connected to the steam source at the other end. When steam pressure increases, the Bourdon tube flexes or bends, causing the connected mechanical indicator to move. This movement is then displayed as a reading on the gauge face, indicating the pressure.

Other Pressure Gauge Options

In addition to Bourdon tubes, there are other types of pressure gauges commonly used in steam systems. Manometers operate based on the principle that pressure due to the weight of a fluid of constant density can be determined by the equation p = hpg, where p is pressure, h is the height of the fluid column, and ρ is the fluid density. Manometers are often used in specific applications where precise pressure measurements are required.

Aneroid gauges are another type of pressure gauge that measures pressure using a bellows-and-spring mechanism connected to a calibrated scale. As pressure changes, the bellows inside the gauge expands or contracts, causing the needle on the scale to move and indicate the pressure. Aneroid gauges are commonly found in various industrial applications, including steam systems.

Overall, while the Bourdon tube is the most common steam pressure gauge used to measure movement, manometers and aneroid gauges offer alternative options for specific pressure measurement needs in steam systems.