Simple low pressure steam gauge?

archibald tuttle

I have been using my UEI manometer EM151 as a substitute steam pressure meter when i'm setting up some boilers but i'm still looking for an analog or digital gauge that can operate reasonably well in those low ranges as a standing indicator. i've been installing tall dead end risers commando with valve and hose adapater to attach the UEI. i could use the control or additional pigtail to somewhat isolate gauges from the highest temps if required.

The problem is that the most commonly available low pressure gauge range is 15 psi. I could literally use a 2 lbs gauge. winters has a PLP series that goes that low although there isn't any stocking I can find in the larger dial sizes. And the maximum operating pressure is 30% over the scale so there is some risk of damaging the gauge in unusual circumstances where pressure is well within system but not gauge tolerances. I generally don't set up a system to reach those pressures so it isn't highest on my gripe list but I do wonder if there are analog or digital gauges anyone has found that can sustain larger departures from range.

thanks,

brian

Jamie Hall

Don't know what it's maximum pressure without damage is, but I've used this one on Cedric for a number of years... https://www.amazon.com/Kodiak-Controls-KC25-3-Pressure-Gauge/dp/B00H9ZWLZG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=391CHPE27HGGH&keywords=low+pressure+gauge&qid=1637086780&sprefix=low+pressure+g,aps,306&sr=8-3&th=1

mattmia2

Take a look at what Dwyer has. They have a lot of analog and digital gauges. Some rated for air only, some rated for various liquids and other gases.

JUGHNE

Or put a small ball valve under the gauge and just slowly open for observation and then close.

ChrisJ

archibald tuttle said:

I have been using my UEI manometer EM151 as a substitute steam pressure meter when i'm setting up some boilers but i'm still looking for an analog or digital gauge that can operate reasonably well in those low ranges as a standing indicator. i've been installing tall dead end risers commando with valve and hose adapater to attach the UEI. i could use the control or additional pigtail to somewhat isolate gauges from the highest temps if required.

The problem is that the most commonly available low pressure gauge range is 15 psi. I could literally use a 2 lbs gauge. winters has a PLP series that goes that low although there isn't any stocking I can find in the larger dial sizes. And the maximum operating pressure is 30% over the scale so there is some risk of damaging the gauge in unusual circumstances where pressure is well within system but not gauge tolerances. I generally don't set up a system to reach those pressures so it isn't highest on my gripe list but I do wonder if there are analog or digital gauges anyone has found that can sustain larger departures from range.

thanks,

brian

Why not a Dwyer Magnehelic?
They can handle something like 20 PSI without damage even though the scale may be setup for 1 or 2" WC.
A 16" Magnehelic may be perfect. Even the 2" one on my boiler has been pegged a few times during tests, it doesn't hurt it at all.

Magnehelics aren't bourdon tube gauges and the motion of it's diaphragm is limited mechanically.

archibald tuttle

thanks

@junghe always use isolation valve anyway and the point about practice of closing the valve regularly and only opening under circumstances of general knowledge the system pressure is below maximum pressure range could combine well with kodiak gauges recommended by @ChrisJ. Kodiak doesn't list a maximum pressure although given cost and apparent similarity to others in the class my suspicion is the maximum pressure is not much more than the gauge range.

@Jamie Hall i like the magnehelic gauges and in this application the premium seems worth it. thanks.

brian

mygardenshed

Jamie Hall said:

Don't know what it's maximum pressure without damage is, but I've used this one on Cedric for a number of years... https://www.amazon.com/Kodiak-Controls-KC25-3-Pressure-Gauge/dp/B00H9ZWLZG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=391CHPE27HGGH&keywords=low+pressure+gauge&qid=1637086780&sprefix=low+pressure+g,aps,306&sr=8-3&th=1

I have that one as well. Notice there are 18 marks between 0psi and 1psi.