How to configure your piston gauge

Engineers and technicians across industries require precise and reliable measurement tools to ensure the pressure readings from their instruments are accurate. One of the most popular tools for high accuracy pressure calibration is the piston gauge. They are useful when measuring the pressure of gases and liquids in a closed system. They can be used to calibrate pressure sensors, pressure transducers, and a wide variety of other pressure-measuring instruments.

How to configure your piston gauge

What is a piston gauge?

Piston gauges are used when you need high-precision measurements from the device being calibrated. You can often find piston gauges used in calibration laboratories. They support industries that require high-precision measurements, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.

An important benefit of piston gauges is that they can measure a wide range of pressures, depending on the type and accuracy you’re looking for. The PG7601 Piston Gauge can measure from 7 kPa to 7 MPa, or 1 to 1,000 psi. It can also cover absolute and gauge pressures with gas including pressures near and under atmospheric pressure.

Selecting a piston gauge configuration

There are three types of piston gauge configurations:

  • Manual
  • Semi-automated  
  • Fully automated 

Manual piston gauges

Manual piston gauges require more time and effort to operate. You’ll need a manual operation to generate pressure and take measurements at each step in the process.

They are ideal for low-volume calibration work, as they can be time-consuming and require a skilled operator who has to be present to switch parts in and out throughout the entire calibration process. However, they are also the most affordable option and offer high accuracy.

Semi-automated piston gauges

Semi-automated piston gauges offer increased productivity by automating some aspects of the calibration process. They also reduce the risk of operator induced measurement error They feature automatic pressure generation and control, but still require manual measurements.

Semi-automated piston gauges are ideal for high-volume calibration work. They also require a little less training to operate, but still need someone to load masses during the calibration process.

Fully automated piston gauges

Fully automated piston gauges are the most efficient and productive option available. They feature automatic pressure generation and control, as well as automatic mass handling.

Fully automated piston gauges are ideal for high-volume calibration work and pressure calibration labs with high volume; they reduce the amount of touch time required for each calibration completed. This type of configuration requires the least training and offers the smallest room for human error in the calibration process. For a fully automated piston gauge, you really just need to be able to tell it what pressure you want, the gauge does the rest itself. You can essentially have an entire second shift with the gauge running itself over night.

Select a piston cylinder

When selecting a piston cylinder, there are several factors to consider, including the pressure range and compatibility with your specific application. You’ll want to work with an expert to help you choose the right piston cylinder to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. 

How to configure your piston gauge

When configuring your piston gauge, it's important to consider the level of accuracy that you require, the volume of calibration work, and your budget.

While fully automated piston gauges offer the highest productivity and efficiency, they are also the most expensive. Manual piston gauges are the most affordable but require skilled operators and can be time-consuming.For lower accuracy applications, users may want to start with a Pressure Controller. When your workload expands, requiring higher accuracy, the pressure controller can become a component in the Piston Gauge solution.

The great thing about picking a piston gauge like a 7601 Piston Gauge is that you can always upgrade it. If you start at a manual or semi-automated option, you can add the pieces needed to have a semi-automated or automated piston gauge in your lab at a later date. You can start small with a manual configuration and as your volume increases, you can upgrade to a more automated option to handle the higher throughput needs.

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