Wednesday, March 19, 2014

How Does A Steam Gauge Work?

A steam gauge is an instrument that measures the amount of steam from a boiler or a tank. It tells the exact pressure of the steam, whether it has increased or reduced. The earliest model of stream gauge was developed by Eugene Bourdon in 1849. Initially called as the Bourdon pressure, it measured different kinds of liquids and gases. Eugene Bourdon started using it in France and the design was originally made with coiled tube that connects to the parts that measure pressure for up to 100,000 PSI. This then became the ideal design manufactured by many companies. Steam gauge is used in many fields including automobile, medicine, and other industries. It is one of the most used measurements that adds to the quality and value of modern life.


How It Functions

Generally, the steam gauge works with two major components. These are the U-shaped rod made with coiled wire, just like what Bourdon designed, and a vacuum. The U-shaped rod is located inside a tube where it performs a specific function. Now, when the boiler or the tank begins to create pressure, it also starts to increase, causing the rod to create a force in the tube. The tube will begin to expand as if it is being elongated to form a straight line. The level of expansion will depend on the amount of pressure that boiler or the tank gives off.

The tube is encased in the back of the gauge. This is protected further by a steel to prevent any damages. The pressure scale is placed in the front of the steam gauge for easier view. The pressure scale has to be protected from the damages caused by the high amount of pressure, so it has to be encased within a thick glass and sealed thoroughly with a vacuum. The tube located in the back of the gauge and the pressure scale is connected to the U-shaped rod. When the rod expands, the pointer will move at the exact measurement.


This is how the steam gauge works. To know more about it, or to find out what is the best steam gauge for your business, visit the Quest Tec website. 

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