Differential pressure sensors can double as gauge pressure sensors. Here we will explain how a DP sensor is used to measure gauge pressure.
- Gauge pressure measures pressure relative to the atmosphere.
- Differential pressure sensors measure the difference between two pressures.
- A differential pressure sensor can be used as a gauge pressure sensor by leaving one side open to the atmosphere.
Featured differential pressure sensor products
Monitoring hot and cold aisle containment in datacenters using a differential pressure transmitter - Low range differential pressure transmitter with a local display was used to maintain precise room pressurization in a mission-critical datacenter environment for improved thermal management.
Digital Interface DP Sensors - Explore our range of differential pressure sensors featuring RS485, RS232, and USB digital interfaces.
Gauge pressure is the measurement of pressure relative to the surrounding atmospheric pressure. This is normally achieved by using a sensor which has the reverse side of the sensing diaphragm open to atmosphere via a reference tube or port.
A differential pressure sensor is designed for pressure to be applied to both sides, so the mechanical design and fittings are similar on both sides of the diaphragm.
Even though the reverse side connection of a dp sensor is designed to withstand a range of pressures, and protected against liquids in many cases, it is perfectly okay, despite its underuse, to leave the process connection open and vented to atmosphere.
When pressure is now applied to the forward side connection of the dp sensor, it will be measured relative to atmospheric pressure, operating in exactly the same way as a gauge reference pressure sensor.
Featured differential pressure sensor products
Bidirectional -50 to +50 Pa diff pressure transmitter with user calibration adjustment - Enhance your hvac or filter monitoring system with this accurate and durable low differential pressure transmitter featuring user-adjustable zero and span.
Airflow and chamber pressure measurement for a portable modbus data acquisition trolley - Differential pressure sensor and a analogue signal to Modbus RTU RS-485 converter provided a flexible solution for measuring bidirectional pressures from a test chamber and an orifice plate on a mobile test rig.
Here are the steps involved in measuring gauge pressure using a differential pressure sensor:
- Make sure that the reverse or negative side of the sensor is left open to the atmosphere.
- Connect the forward or positive side of the differential pressure sensor to the system to be measured.
- The pressure that you apply will be measured relative to atmospheric pressure.
- The sensor will output a value that corresponds to the gauge pressure.
Related Help Guides
- Measuring vacuum with negative gauge or absolute ranges
- Measuring the difference in air pressure between rooms
- Measuring liquid level in a sealed tank with a hydrostatic pressure sensor
- What is the difference between gauge and absolute pressure measurement
- What does negative and positive gauge pressure mean
- Measuring negative pressure using a positive differential pressure range
- Measuring vacuum as a negative gauge pressure using a dp sensor
- Measuring liquid level in a tank using a dp sensor
- Measuring density of a liquid using a dp sensor
Related Technical Terms
- Dry/Dry
- Gauge Reference Pressure
- Negative Gauge Pressure
- Reference Pressure
- SG – Sealed Gauge
- Static Line Pressure
- Vented Cable
- Vented Gauge
- Wet/Dry
- Wet/Wet
Related Online Tools
- DP Flow Transmitter Output Calculator
- High and Low Side Pressure to Differential Pressure Calculator
- Gauge + Barometric to Absolute Pressure Calculator
Related Product and Application Guides
Related Application Questions and Answers
- 16 bar, 200°C steam pressure transmitter and gauge
- Pass/Fail timed 500 kPa pressure leak test software and sensor
- 60000 psi pressure indicator with RS232 interface
- Submersible rainwater tank level sensor for measuring 3.5m depth
- Air Replacement Plant (ARP) 100 mm H2O differential pressure transmitter
- HART flameproof (Ex d) re-scalable level transmitter for hydrostatic head up to 2 metres
- Dockside sea water tide level transmitter up to 6 metres depth
- Vacuum drying pressure data logger
- 5 bar water irrigation pressure transducer with 0 to 5 volt output
- Low range vacuum pressure logger for 0 to -60 inH2O g
- 300 foot sea depth waterproof pressure sensor with 0-5V signal
- Calibrate air pressure gauges ranging to 60psi with NPT fittings
Contact us about this Measuring gauge pressure using a dp sensor page to request more information, or to discuss your application requirements.