The 4 Types of Pressure Measurements, and the tools to Measure them

The 4 Types of Pressure Measurements, and the tools to Measure them

In almost every type of engineering, having knowledge on how to use pressure measurement tools is crucial to the safety and integrity of projects. According to the International Society of Automation (ISA), pressure measurement is the second-most common in processing plants and is usually coordinated with that of temperature.

The ISA defines pressure as a force applied over a surface measure in force per unit area using the formula in which pressure is equal to the unit of force divided by that of an area. Traditional tools like manometers pale in comparison to today's techniques for measuring and transmitting pressure. Modern tools are highly precise and take advantage of a variety of modern technologies.

Despite the new tools involved in the processes used today, their use is still reliant on the user understanding the unchanged physics behind how pressure works. Gas laws of physics are considered in many pressure management systems because they involve gases, and this means they have a direct effect on the overall reaction.

The Four Types of Pressure and their Measurement

For pressure measurement, Applied Measurements LTD states there are four main methods to get the most accurate readings for the four types of pressure involved. These four types of pressure measurements are gauge, sealed, absolute and differential.

Gauge: In a vented environment with ambient atmospheric pressure, this measure uses sensors to gauge the input pressure into the system. These setups are vulnerable to humidity. Applications could include chamber pressure, hydraulics, tyre pressure.

Sealed: The measure of pressure applied to a sealed chamber closed with atmospheric pressure. Some application examples would be food and beverage, also used in aggressive media.

Absolute: These types of measurements are conducted in areas in a vacuum chamber removed of air (generating absolute pressure) for a reading of input pressure. An absolute pressure meter is the most recommended tool for this measurement. According to Pneumatic Tips, this is often confused with gauge pressure. The difference between the two in terms of measurement is that the latter uses atmospheric pressure as its zero point, while absolute uses absolute zero. Using the two incorrectly in calculators will lead to extremely inaccurate readings.

Differential: Unlike the others, differential pressure measurement is the difference between two pressures, usually between ambient and those internal to a sensor. For this measurement, you'll be sure to need a differential pressure gauge. Some common applications include filter monitoring, HVAC, clean rooms.

Other pressure measurements important to industries such as HVAC are those for absolute pressure, overpressure, negative pressure and differential pressure. With proper and regular pressure management, accidents resulting from leaky pipes and damage to refrigeration or ventilation systems can be negated.

Measurement Tools You Can Use and How they Can be Applied

Today's modern tools are easily applied to a variety of situations. They offer convenience and efficiency in the workplace, such as using a pressure monitor to test leaky pipes without the need to shut off the system. Even aggressive media, such as refrigeration and heating systems, can be dealt with safely using manometers and pressure sensors for measurement.

Vacuum gauges and manifolds are very useful for evacuating refrigeration systems, while digital barometers can be used by those in the industrial sector to assist in reducing overpressure and keep clean rooms free of undesirable air particles and germs. Differential pressure measurement devices also play a role in the maintenance of cleanrooms and HVAC in general, and also heating systems.

Testo offers a range of products and solutions that can be used for these types of pressure measurements, as well as tools that can help record, save, and store readings for further use… all accessible via smartphone, making them highly efficient and simple to implement into your business's workflow. These tools provide a wide array of applications for many businesses- even for overall facilities management. For example, routine applications to check refrigeration systems can use Testo's electronic manifold, which features an acid-resistant, ceramic pressure sensor that also functions as a manometer. Our fast and high-precision leak detectors may also come in handy, as they are easy to handle in spaces seemingly inaccessible for measurement.

It cannot be overstated the importance of having a measurement instrument that enables fast and simple measurements of all the important parameters required for your business's operation. With Testo, you can rest assured that you always have the right measuring instrument that provides all the accurate data for pressure measurement and other important measurement parameters at your side.

If you are after the perfect tools for pressure measurement and management for your facility, get in contact with the Testo New Zealand team today.