What is Diaphragm Pressure Gauge? Diagram and How it Works

Applying pressure to a diaphragm causes it to displace due to its elastic nature. This sort of pressure gauge will use the diaphragm’s elastic property to determine the difference between the reference and unknown pressures.

The Bourdon gauge’s functioning principle is the same as this device. The main difference between this gadget and a Bourdon gauge is that it has a corrugated diaphragm rather than a Bourdon tube.

If we attach this gadget to any gauge point, the diaphragm will deform elastically. Due to its small size, people commonly utilize this type of pressure gauge. The diaphragm pressure gauge excels in low-pressure applications.

Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what a diaphragm pressure gauge is, its applications, parts, diagram, types, and how it works. We’ll also explore its advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s Begin!

What is a Diaphragm Pressure Gauge?

A pressure gauge with a diaphragm is one that measures pressure using a diaphragm. A diaphragm, also known as a flexible material, typically consists of thin metal, leather, rubber, cloth, or other similar materials.

The membrane device is used to measure the difference between two different pressures, and the working principle of the pressure gauge with a diaphragm is based on the resilience properties of metal / thin plate due to the curvature of iteration pressure at the membrane plane.

The membrane separates the pressure gauge’s inner working components from the media, preventing contamination. This feature allows the diaphragm pressure gauge to work with corrosive or contaminated liquid or gaseous media.

Applications

Several industries have successfully used diaphragm pressure gauges for both absolute and differential pressure measurement applications. Due to its capacity to separate media and prevent contamination, it is suitable for applications seeking purity.

It’s also suitable for industries that work with corrosive fluids. The following industries may benefit from the use of a diaphragm pressure gauge:

  • Food and beverage
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Petrochemical
  • Mining

Additionally, vacuums, air compressors, hydraulic applications, and swimming pool filters use the diaphragm pressure gauges.

Related: What is Bourdon Pressure Gauge? its Diagram and How it Works

Diagram 

Diaphragm Pressure Gauge

Types of Diaphragm Pressure Gauge

The following are the various types of diaphragm pressure gauges:

Metallic Diaphragm Gauge

Brass or bronze serves as the construction material for its thin, flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm moves, which controls an indicating or recording instrument.

This gauge’s versatility and portability make it ideal for use or installation in moving equipment such as airplanes.

Slack Diaphragm Gauge

Because the fluctuations are minor, measuring pressure below atmospheric pressure is more challenging. Only 14.7 psi (1 kg/cm2) separates air pressure from the complete vacuum. It is more difficult to measure pressure here.

You can use a slack diaphragm gauge with a weak spring and a large area (torr) to measure overpressure ranges as low as 0.01–0.40 mm Hg. It is possible to attain 1-2 percent accuracy.

How Does Diaphragm Pressure Gauge Work?

A diaphragm pressure gauge operates in a less complex and easily understandable manner. The diaphragm (B), a thin circular metal sheet that can be flat or corrugated, forms the basis of the figure.

Applying pressure should result in a linear diaphragm deflection. A flat diaphragm can guarantee only tiny deflections. For industrial applications, a corrugated diaphragm is the preferred option.

You can either weld or clamp the diaphragm in place between the flanges. Normally, clean applications prefer the welded diaphragm to prevent any potential leakage.

The diaphragm separates the gauge’s environment, exposing one side to the ambient while sealing the other. When working with corrosive or viscous fluids, this media separation protects the internal gauge components.

As pressure enters the system through the inlet (D), the diaphragm deflects. The link (A) and gears translate this deflection into pointer (C) movement, enabling a precise measurement of the pressure change.

People commonly express pressure in bar or psi (pounds per square inch), and several accuracy grades indicate the maximum deviation.

Related: What is a Pressure Gauge? Its Diagram and How it Works

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Diaphragm Pressure Gauge

Advantages:

  • They are quite sensitive.
  • It has the ability to detect fractional pressure variations in the microsecond range.
  • It merely requires a smaller amount of area.
  • This type of pressure measurement apparatus measures low pressure, vacuum, and differential pressure.
  • It is suitable for usage in corrosive environments.

Disadvnatages:

Conclusion

A pressure gauge with a diaphragm is one that measures pressure using a diaphragm. Typically, thin metal, leather, rubber, cloth, or other similar materials construct the diaphragm, a flexible material also known as a membrane.

That is all for this article, where the definition, applications, parts, diagram, types, working, advantages, and disadvantages of a diaphragm pressure gauge are been discussed.

 

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