Pressure Control Valve: What are Manometres and How Do They Work?

Manometres are precision instruments that are used to measure pressure. This is because pressure is the force exerted by either liquid or gas and its effects are owed to the weight of that gas or liquid. The pressure or the exerted force must be measured accurately. Depending on how their pressure control valve is configured, a manometre can be set up to provide an accurate measurement of different pressure values.  

A common type of manometre that people commonly see used by medical professionals is the one that measures and monitors a patient’s blood pressure. This is called a sphygmomanometre. 

Analog manometres 

Analog manometres have a fluid inside that is contained in a U-shaped tube. It operates using the Hydrostatic Balance Principle. The fluid in the tube will settle at equal height at each end of the tube when both ends are open to measure atmospheric pressure. Should any positive pressure be applied to only one leg of the U-shaped tube, the liquid level in that leg will fall while it rises in the other leg. Thus, the vertical distance between the fluid levels in the two tube ends or legs represents a measure of the amount of pressure being applied. 

Digital manometres 

Digital or electronic manometres do not use or rely on the Hydrostatic Balance of fluids to measure pressure. They contain a pressure transducer device that converts an observed pressure level into an electrical signal. This measured signal has a characteristic value that is either proportional to or proxy for the magnitude of the pressure. An elastic portion in the transducer deflects under pressure. This deflection is then converted to the value of an electrical parametre that can be calibrated after detection to a pressure reading. 

Advantages of digital over analogue manometres 

• They are portable, weigh less, and feature easy displays for reading. 
• They can interface with a computer with a logic controller (LC). 
• They don’t rely on manometric fluids that contain mercury and can be toxic. 
• They are not subject to issues related to fluid properties that will affect the accuracy of the measurements. 
• They can correct deviations from standard conditions. This can be done using programmable software or computer applications. 
• Since they don’t follow any primary standard, they do not require periodic calibrations.   

MasterMac 2000 

Since the 1980s, Univer has been manufacturing high-quality pressure control valve sub-bases, systems, and components and other pneumatic valves for any industrial applications. MasterMac 2000 has also been distributing quality Univer and other big-brand valves since the 1980s. Contact us today for more information by calling us on 07 3344 4711. You can also visit MasterMac2000 at https://mastermac2000.com.au/.