Process gauges are designed for different industrial applications with extreme environments to help prevent premature failures that can interrupt production and cause downtime. Stainless steel gauges can deliver the accurate service that will ensure worker safety with the capability to withstand system vibrations, pulsation and shock in extreme environments. There are also industrial applications that will push pressure gauges to work more than their normal operating conditions which require stainless steel materials. Stainless steel is used as the standard material because its offers solid corrosion resistance in harsh environments. Stainless steel gauges also provide durability and reliability to withstand extreme temperature, shock and vibration.
Industrial applications of the stainless steel gauges
- Chemical industries – companies in biotechnology, chemical, petrochemical and oil refining industries rely on stainless steel gauges to keep their operation on track. Stainless steel is the most ideal option in corrosive environments where acetone, ammonia, dry carbon dioxide or creosote is present. Where high temperature is a concern, the stainless steel gauges are the only choice to maintain the integrity of the system. A process gauge that is enclosed in a fiberglass case may be unsuitable with these industries that work with highly corrosive chemicals.
- Water and wastewater treatment facilities – designed to meet the rigors of wastewater treatment application, stainless steel gauges are offered with a rugged, all welded socket-to-case design for superior strength. When vibration and pulsation are a factor, stainless steel gauges have improved shock resistance. The instrument is also supplied with seals and capillaries that will address the most demanding chemical or sludge-based media in wastewater treatment facilities.
- Petrochemical processing – stainless steel gauges for petrochemical plants are used as oil and gas gauges for upstream and midstream applications. In the petrochemical industry, Bourbon tube stainless steel gauges are the preferred instrument to ensure accuracy and comply with industry standards.
- Food and beverage processing – Stainless steel gauges allow for easy cleaning and sterilization to ensure consumer safety in the finished product. The gauges include features that include resistance to extreme temperatures, sealed for wash down environments, reliable and continuous moisture measurement and reliable operations in high temperature locations.
Complimentary products to ensure safety and avoid downtime
- Liquid filled stainless steel pressure gauges are ideally suited for applications where there are excessive vibrations and pulsations present. The liquid fill will minimize the effects of these severe environments, provide protection for the gauge internals and ensure continuous lubrication on the mechanism for longer life.
- The diaphragm seal protects the instrument from hot, viscous, contaminated and corrosive media. This layer of protection ensures the media doesn’t reach the gauge so as to prevent failure and prevent leaks that can cause safety issues for the plant workers.
- An all-welded system can be retrofitted into the pressure gauge by welding the diaphragm seal permanently. This will create a dependable, reliable and safe sealed pressure measurement system. With the removal of all threaded connections, the all-welded system will become tamper resistant and eliminate any potential leak paths.
