The most common type of pressure range for pressure measurement instrumentation is one which has a gauge reference. So if you want to measure vacuum pressure, it would be convenient to use a gauge pressure device which is the most widely available pressure range format. So is it possible to measure vacuum with a gauge pressure range instrument, and if so how do you select the correct pressure range?
There are different levels of vacuum quality, from low partial, to very high, but they we all reside within the confines of a pressure range between local atmospheric air pressure and full vacuum where no pressure exists at all.
A vacuum, regardless of quality, which is generated in vessel or chamber, will always be measured as a negative pressure relative to the ambient environment air pressure surrounding the vessel or chamber.
Featured negative gauge pressure measurement products
Air scrubber 10 inH2O negative pressure transmitter - Monitor air scrubber performance with this negative pressure transmitter. 4-20mA output, ranged to -10 inH2O. Ideal for industrial and healthcare applications.
Landfill biogas extraction well depressure pressure transmitter - Ensure efficient biogas extraction and safe operation in hazardous landfill environments with the DMP331 pressure transmitter. This intrinsically safe device accurately measures depressure in extraction wells, contributing to optimized gas collection and environmental protection.
A gauge reference pressure measuring device provides pressure readings relative to ambient air pressure. A positive gauge pressure range would not be suitable for measuring a vacuum, since it will only measure pressures that are greater than atmospheric pressure. Therefore only gauge pressure ranges that include a negative pressure range will be suitable for measuring a vacuum pressure.
For example a 0 to -1 bar or -15 to 0 psi gauge range will cover the entire range of vacuums, and is a popular range offered by manufacturers. It can also be combined with positive pressure ranges which are called compound pressure ranges, such as -1 to +10 bar g or -760 mmHg to + 100 psi g.
If you only interested in measuring a partial or low vacuum you will need a smaller gauge range such as 0 to -1 psi or 0 to -250 mbar g, which provide a better accuracy and resolution than the larger ranges, for measuring the full vacuum range.
Featured low range negative gauge pressure measurement products
- ATEX approved negative 10 mbar vacuum pressure transmitter - ATEX certified intrinsically safe pressure transmitter for measuring from 0 to minus 10 millibar gauge vacuum pressure.
A gauge pressure range is not suitable for measuring high vacuum pressures, since you can only use a full vacuum range device, which compromises the accuracy and resolution so much that the errors are greater than the difference between full vacuum and the high vacuum reading.
Gauge pressure measurement devices which are suitable for measuring vacuum
will often be described as having a negative gauge range, or a compound range for measuring both vacuum and positive pressure.
Featured negative gauge pressure measurement products
Negative 30 inHg vacuum gauge with 0-10V output - Dual-function vacuum gauge with digital display and 0-10V output for industrial process control and monitoring.
-100 mbar digital vacuum gauge - Measure vacuum down to -100 mbar with this digital vacuum gauge. Ideal for industrial and laboratory applications.
Related Help Guides
- Measuring vacuum with negative gauge or absolute ranges
- What is the difference between gauge and absolute pressure measurement
- What is the difference between vacuum and absolute pressure
- Measuring negative pressure using a positive differential pressure range
- Measuring liquid level in a sealed tank with a hydrostatic pressure sensor
- What does negative and positive gauge pressure mean
- Measuring vacuum as a negative gauge pressure using a dp sensor
Related Technical Terms
- Gauge Reference Pressure
- Negative Gauge Pressure
- Reference Pressure
- SG – Sealed Gauge
- Vented Cable
- Vented Gauge
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