In process industries, measuring physical parameters such as pressure, temperature, and level is crucial for maintaining process quality and efficiency. These measurements are achieved using various types of instruments, including gauges. Gauges are used to indicate the measurement of a particular parameter and come in different types based on the variables being measured.
Pressure Gauges:
Pressure gauges are instruments used to measure the pressure of liquids and gases in a pipeline system. They come in different types, including Bourdon tube gauges, diaphragm gauges, and capsule gauges. Bourdon tube gauges are the most commonly used pressure gauges and operate on the principle of deformation of a curved tube due to the pressure applied. Diaphragm gauges are used in applications where high accuracy is required, while capsule gauges are used for low-pressure applications.
Temperature Gauges:
Temperature gauges are instruments used to measure the temperature of fluids and gases. They come in different types, including bimetallic, gas-filled, liquid-filled, and digital thermometers. Bimetallic thermometers measure temperature using two different metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. Gas-filled thermometers measure temperature using the pressure of the gas inside the thermometer, while liquid-filled thermometers measure temperature using the expansion of a liquid inside the thermometer.
Level Gauges:
Level gauges are instruments used to measure the level of liquids in a tank or container. They come in different types, including sight glass gauges, magnetic gauges, ultrasonic gauges, and radar gauges. Sight glass gauges are the simplest type of level gauges and consist of a transparent tube mounted on the side of the tank that indicates the level of the liquid. Magnetic gauges use a float with a magnet that moves along a guide tube as the level of the liquid changes. The movement is then detected by a magnetic sensor. Ultrasonic and radar gauges use sound waves and radio waves, respectively, to measure the level of the liquid inside the tank.
In conclusion, gauges are essential instruments used in process industries to measure physical parameters such as pressure, temperature, and level. Pressure gauges, temperature gauges, and level gauges come in different types, depending on the variable being measured and the application’s nature. The industry uses Bourdon tube gauges, diaphragm gauges, capsule gauges, bimetallic thermometers, gas-filled thermometers, liquid-filled thermometers, sight glass gauges, magnetic gauges, ultrasonic gauges, and radar gauges to measure physical parameters accurately and reliably. The use of gauges ensures that the process is running within the desired range and helps maintain process efficiency and quality.