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A pressure gauge is an instrument that measures the pressure in a vessel, a line, or whatever the pressure gauge is connected to. Pressure gauges come in at least two different types: differential pressure gauges, and absolute pressure gauges.

Differential pressure gauges measure - surprise - DIFFERENCES in pressure. Pressure gauges that read "zero" when not attached to anything would actually be differential gauges that measure the difference between atmospheric pressure and the pressure of whatever they are attached to. Vacuum gauges are differential gauges that measure how far BELOW atmospheric pressure the pressure is in a vessel or pipe. Gauges that measure "gauge pressure" are just differential gauges that are calibrated to measure zero at atmospheric pressure.

Absolute pressure gauges would only read "zero" if they were attached to an absolute vacuum. A common type of absolute pressure gauge is a barometer. Strictly speaking, a Mercury barometer is really a differential gauge that measures the difference between the vapor pressure of the mercury and the surrounding atmosphere, but the vapor pressure of the mercury is so low that the error in treating it as an absolute pressure gauge is generally negligible.

There are many different kinds of gauges used to measure pressure including:

Instruments

hydrostatic - These measure pressure according the height of a liquid in a column. The height of the liquid is proportional to the pressure. Common types of hydrostatic gauges include: manometers, McLeod gauges, and piston gauges.

aneroid - The pressure sensing element may be a Bourdon, a diaphragm, a capsule, or a set of bellows, which will change shape with changes in the pressure of whatever the gauge is attached to. The deflection of the pressure sensing element is read by a linkage connected to a needle or by a secondary transducer. The most common secondary transducers in modern vacuum gauges measure a change in capacitance due to the mechanical deflection. Gauges that rely on a change in capacitance are often referred to as Baratron gauges.

Electronic sensors

thermal conductivity - including two wire and one wire gauges that measure pressure via changes in the thermal conductivity of the wires as they are placed under strain. Something like this is used in a lot of electronic bathroom scales.

ionization gauges - These are primarily used for measurements of low-pressure gasses. They sense pressure indirectly by measuring the electrical ions produced when the gas is bombarded with electrons. Fewer ions will be produced by lower density gases. they have to be calibrated against another type of pressure gauge and depend on the gas being measured.

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Q: What is a pressure gauge?
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Related questions

What is the difference between normal pressure gauge and differential pressure gauge?

A pressure gauge indicates actual pressure and a differential pressure gauge indicates the difference in pressure.


Definition of a compound gauge?

A compound gauge is a pressure gauge that displays both negative and positive gauge pressure measurements. Gauge pressure is a measurement of pressure relative to ambient pressure. For example, if ambient pressure was 14.7 PSI and you were to measure absolute vaccum using a compound gauge, the gauge would indicate -14.7 PSI.


Can bourdon's tube pressure gauge be used to measure negative pressure?

Bourdon's tube pressure gauge cannot be used to measure negative pressure. This is because absolute pressure must be measured and the Bourdon gauge only indicates the gauge pressure.


What gauge measures both vacuum and pressure?

Gauge pressure usually refers to the pressure difference between ambient, atmospheric pressure and the pressure in a vessel or line. A gauge pressure of zero would mean that the vessel or line was at atmospheric pressure. Normally the pressures of interest are ABOVE atmospheric so the gauge pressure is positive. Vacuum gauge pressure measures how far BELOW atmospheric pressure a vessel or line is. As such vacuum gauge pressure may be measured as a negative number - or for convenience it may be reported as a positive number with the caveat that it is "vacuum gauge pressure", meaning that the reported pressure is how far atmospheric pressure is above the pressure in the vessel or line.


Why pressure gauge is called a gauge not a meter?

A pressure gauge is called a gauge because it typically measures pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, which is often considered as the reference point or zero point for pressure measurements. On the other hand, a meter usually measures absolute values without reference to a specific point.


Why diaphragm of a pressure gauge is corrugated?

These are corrugated to increase the sensitivity of the pressure gauge.


Can you use an oil pressure gauge in the place of air pressure gauge?

No.No.No.No.


What is micro manometer?

A manometer is a pressure gauge. A micro manometer is either a really small pressure gauge, or a pressure gauge used to measure really small pressure difference.


What does a compound pressure gauge measure?

i need to explain what an absolute pressure gauge measures


Is PSI absolute or gauge pressure?

gauge


How do you install an oil pressure gauge on a zx2?

Connect the wiring harness to the back of your oil pressure gauge. Secure the oil pressure gauge with the retaining screws.


What type of pressure gauge can measure vacuum pressure?

A Bourdon Tube or a Bellows gauge