PRESSURE GAUGE

INSTALLATION,
OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE

PARTNO. 250-1353J
ii
 CONTENTS

1.0 Selection and Application Page

1.1 Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.2 Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.3 Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.4 Oxidizing media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.5 Pulsation/Vibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.6 Gauge fills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.7 Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2.0 Temperature
2.1 Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2.2 Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2.3 Steam service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2.4 Hot lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2.5 Cold service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2.6 Diaphragm seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2.7 Autoclaving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

3.0 Installation
3.1 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.2 Gauge reuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.3 Tightening of gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.4 Process isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.5 Surface mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.6 Flush mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.0 Operation
4.1 Frequency of inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.2 In-service inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.3 When to check accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.4 When to recalibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.5 Other considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.6 Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

5.0 Gauge Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

6.0 Accuracy: Procedures/Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

6.1 Calibration - Rotary movement gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
6.2 Calibration - 1009 Duralife® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

iii
 CONTENTS
Page
7.0 Diaphragm Seals
7.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.4 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.5 Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

8.0 Dampening Devices

8.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.2 Throttle Screws & Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.3 Ashcroft Gauge Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.4 Ashcroft Pulsation Dampener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.5 Ashcroft Pressure Snubber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.6 Campbell Micro-Bean® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.7 Ashcroft Needle Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.8 Chemiquip® Pressure Limiting Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

9.0 Resources
9.1 Training Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
9.2 Pressure Instrument Testing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
9.3 Tools & Tool Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
9.4 Sales Bulletins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Cover photo courtesy of Johnson/Yokogawa Co.

Campbell Micro-Bean® is a registered trademark of J.A. Campbell Co.

Chemiquip® is a registered trademark of Chemiquip Products Co. Inc.

iv
 or (c) are very viscous including those that
1.0 SELECTION & APPLICATION harden at room temperature. Additionally,
diaphragm seals with flexible line assemblies
Users should become familiar with ASME should be considered for applications involv-
B40.1 (Gauges – Pressure Indicating Dial ing hot lines (see page 2) or significant levels
Type – Elastic Element) before specifying pres- of vibration and/or pulsation.
sure measuring instruments. That document
– containing valuable information regarding 1.4 Oxidizing media – It is extremely impor-
gauge construction, accuracy, safety, selection tant that when specifying gauges for use on
and testing – may be ordered from The oxidizing media the appropriate gauge cleanli-
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ness level per ASME B40.1 be included in the
345 East 47th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017. gauge specification. Gauges containing signif-
icant amounts of hydrocarbon contamination
WARNING: To prevent misapplication, pres- inside the pressure system will often rupture
sure gauges should be selected considering explosively in such service.
media and ambient operating conditions.
Improper application can be detrimental to 1.5 Pulsation/Vibration – Severe service appli-
the gauge, causing failure and possible per- cations are characterized by the presence of
sonal injury, property damage or death. The significant levels of pressure pulsation and/or
information contained in this manual is vibration. Gauges should be protected from
offered as a guide in making the proper selec- severe pressure pulsation by the inclusion of a
tion of a pressure gauge. Additional informa- dampener such as a throttle plug/screw or
tion is available from Dresser Instrument porous metal snubber. If the pulsation is
Division. extreme, a liquid filled gauge, with dampener
should be used. A liquid filled gauge will also
The following is a highlight of some of the last significantly longer than a comparable
more important considerations: dry gauge when vibration is present. If the
1.1 Range – The range of the instrument vibration levels are extreme the only solution
should be approximately twice the maximum may be to remotely mount the gauge away
operating pressure. Too low a range may from the source of vibration. In that case flex-
result in (a) low fatigue life of the elastic ele- ible tubing may be used to connect the gauge
ment due to high operating stress and (b) sus- to the pressure source.
ceptibility to overpressure set due to pressure 1.6 Gauge fills. – Once it has been determined
transients that exceed the normal operating that a liquid filled gauge is in order, the next
pressure. Too high a range may yield insuffi- step is selecting the type of fill. Glycerin sat-
cient resolution for the application. isfies most applications. While being the least
1.2 Temperature – Refer to page 2 of this man- expensive fill, its usable temperature range is
ual for important information concerning tem- 0/250°F. Silicone filled gauges have a broader
perature related limitations of pressure service range: –40/250°F. Oxidizing media
gauges, both dry and liquid filled. require the use of a compatible gauge fill such
as Halocarbon, with a service range of
1.3 Media – The material of the process sens- –50/250°F .
ing element must be compatible with the
process media from a corrosion point of view. 1.7 Mounting – Users should predetermine
Consult the Media Application Table in how the gauge will be mounted in service:
Bulletin DU-1 or Dresser Instrument stem (pipe), wall (surface) or panel (flush).
Division. Use of a diaphragm seal with the Ashcroft wall or panel mounting kits should
gauge is recommended for process media that be ordered with the gauge.
(a) are corrosive to the process sensing ele-
ment; (b) contain heavy particulates (slurries)
1
 piping (or smaller diameter flexible tubing)
2.0 TEMPERATURE between the hot line and the gauge. The slow
rate of heat transfer through the added pipe
2.1 Ratings – To ensure long life and accurate
wall and dead-ended process fluid will gener-
readings, pressure gauges should not be
ally protect the gauge from damage.
exposed to process or ambient temperatures
over 150°F. This is especially true of gauges 2.5 Cold Service – The minimum recommend-
with liquid filled cases due to thermal expan- ed operating temperature for all gauges is
sion of the case fill fluid. Long term exposure –50°F. A hermetically sealed gauge case is rec-
to temperatures in excess of 150°F may cause ommended to minimize condensate freezing
discoloration of dials and fill fluids, as well as on the movement, thus hindering its action.
hardening of elastomeric case seals and possi- Gauges filled with silicone oil will provide
ble fill leakage. Soft soldered, silver brazed maximum resistance to the effects of operat-
and welded pressure joints are rated at 250°F ing in freezing conditions. While glycerin filled
maximum, 450°F maximum and 750°F maxi- gauges can be safely stored at temperatures
mum respectively. Plastic gauge cases, includ- down to –50°F , their operation is impeded at
ing phenolic, should not be exposed to temper- temperatures below +20°F due to the marked
atures in excess of 250°F. Maximum recom- increase in the viscosity of the glycerin.
mended service temperatures for gauge win-
dows are as follows: 350°F for plain glass; 2.6 Diaphragm seals – Diaphragm seals
300°F for polysulfone; 270°F for polycarbon- (isolators) with filled, flexible line assemblies
ate; 200°F for laminated safety glass; and are another good solution to the problem of hot
180°F for acrylic. liquid and gas lines. Due to the small diame-
ter of the flexible line (capillary) a five foot line
2.2 Accuracy – Heat and cold affect accuracy length will usually assure that the tempera-
of indication. A general rule of thumb for dry ture of the gauge connection does not exceed
gauges is 0.5% of full scale change for every 150°F. Even one foot of capillary often will pre-
40°F change from 75°F. Double that allowance vent the high temperature of the seal from
for gauges with hermetically sealed or liquid reaching the gauge. This solution is also supe-
filled cases, except for Duragauge® gauges rior to a siphon on steam service where the
where no extra allowance is required due to water filled siphon might freeze. Refer to sales
the elastomeric, compensating back. Above bulletin DS-1 for a listing of service tempera-
250°F there may exist very significant errors ture ranges by type of fill.
in indication.
2.7 Autoclaving – Sanitary gauges with clamp
2.3 Steam service – In order to prevent live type connections are frequently steam steril-
steam from entering the bourdon tube, a ized in an autoclave. Gauges equipped with
siphon filled with water should be installed polysulfone windows will withstand more
between the gauge and the process line. autoclave cycles than those equipped with
Siphons can be supplied with ratings up to polycarbonate windows. Gauges equipped
4,000 psi at 1,000°F. If freezing of the conden- with plain glass or laminated safety glass
sate in the loop of the siphon is a possibility, a should not be autoclaved. Gauge cases
diaphragm seal should be used to isolate the should be vented to atmosphere (removing the
gauge from the process steam. Siphons should rubber fill/safety plug if necessary) before
also be used whenever condensing, hot vapors autoclaving to prevent the plastic window
(not just steam) are present. from cracking or excessively distorting. If the
gauge is liquid filled, the fill should also be
2.4 Hot lines – When a gauge is installed on a
drained from the case before autoclaving.
process line containing hot liquid or gas, one
solution is to simply include an extra foot
(200°F process) to 4 feet (600°F process) of 1/2˝

2
 ing strains. The gauge case mounting feet, if
3.0 INSTALLATION applicable, will ensure clearance between the
pressure relieving back and the mounting sur-
3.1 Location – Whenever possible, gauges
face.
should be located to minimize the effects of
vibration, extreme ambient temperatures and 3.6 Flush mounting – Also known as panel
moisture. Dry locations away from very high mounting. The applicable panel mounting
thermal sources (ovens, boilers etc.) are pre- cutout dimensions can be found in Ashcroft
ferred. If the mechanical vibration level is sales bulletins – see item 9.4 RESOURCES on
extreme, the gauge should be remotely located page 14 of this manual. These dimensions are
(usually on a wall) and connected to the pres- also on Ashcroft general dimension drawings
sure source via flexible tubing. which can be obtained from the Customer
Service department in Stratford, CT.
3.2 Gauge reuse – ASME B40.1 recommends
that gauges not be moved indiscriminately
from one application to another. Whereas the 4.0 OPERATION
cumulative number of pressure cycles on an
in-service or previously used gauge is general- 4.1 Frequency of inspection – This is quite
ly unknown, it is generally safer to install a subjective and depends upon the severity of
new gauge whenever and wherever possible. the service and how critical the accuracy of the
This will also minimize the possibility of a indicated pressure is. For example, a monthly
reaction with previous media. inspection frequency may be in order for criti-
3.3 Tightening of gauge – Torque should cal, severe service applications. Annual in-
never be applied to the gauge case. Instead, an spections, or even less frequent schedules, are
open end or adjustable wrench should always often employed in non-critical applications.
be used on the wrench flats of the gauge sock- 4.2 In-service inspection – If the accuracy of
et to tighten the gauge into the fitting or pipe. the gauge cannot be checked in place, the user
NPT threads require the use of a suitable can at least look for (a) erratic or random
thread sealant, such as pipe dope or teflon pointer motion; (b) readings that are suspect –
tape, and must be tightened very securely to especially indications of pressure when the
ensure a leak tight seal. user believes the true pressure is 0 psig.
CAUTION: Torque applied to a diaphragm 4.3 When to check accuracy – Obviously any
seal or its attached gauge, that tends to loosen suspicious behavior of the gauge pointer war-
one relative to the other, can cause loss of fill rants a full accuracy check be performed. Even
and subsequent inaccurate readings. Always if the gauge is not showing any symptoms of
apply torque only to the wrench flats on the abnormal performance, the user may want to
lower seal housing when installing filled, establish a frequency of bench type inspection.
diaphragm seal assemblies or removing same
4.4 When to recalibrate – This depends on the
from process lines.
criticality of the application. If the accuracy of
3.4 Process isolation – A shut-off valve a 3-2-3% commercial type gauge is only 0.5%
should be installed between the gauge and the beyond specification, the user must decide
process in order to be able to isolate the gauge whether it’s worth the time and expense to
for inspection or replacement without shutting bring the gauge back into specification.
down the process. Conversely if the accuracy of a 0.25% test
gauge is found to be 0.1% out of specification
3.5 Surface mounting – Also known as wall then obviously the gauge should be recalibrated.
mounting. Gauges should be kept free of pip-

3
4.5 Other considerations – These include (a) f. Gauges showing significant friction error
bent or unattached pointers due to extreme and/or wear of the movement and linkage
pressure pulsation; (b) broken windows which (assuming the movement cannot be
should be replaced to keep dirt out of the inter- replaced).
nals; (c) leakage of gauge fill; (d) case damage
– dents and/or cracks; (e) any signs of service g. Gauges having damaged sockets, especial-
media leakage through the gauge including its ly damaged threads.
connection; (f) discoloration of gauge fill that h. Liquid filled gauges showing loss of case
impedes readability. fill.
4.6 Spare parts – As a general rule it is rec- NOTE: ASME B40.1 does not recommend
ommended that the user maintain in his parts moving gauges from one application to anoth-
inventory one complete Ashcroft instrument er. This policy is prudent in that it encourages
for every ten (or fraction thereof) of that the user to procure a new gauge, properly tai-
instrument type in service. lored by specification, to each application that
arises.

5.0 GAUGE REPLACEMENT 6.0 ACCURACY:

It is recommended that the user stock one PROCEDURES/DEFINITIONS
complete Ashcroft instrument for every ten (or
fraction thereof) of that instrument type in Accuracy inspection – Readings at approxi-
service. With regard to gauges having a ser- mately five points equally spaced over the dial
vice history, consideration should be given to should be taken, both upscale and downscale,
discarding rather than repairing them. before and after lightly rapping the gauge to
Gauges in this category include the following: remove friction. A pressure standard with
accuracy at least 4 times greater than the
a. Gauges that exhibit a span shift greater accuracy of the gauge being tested is recom-
than 10%. It is possible the bourdon tube mended.
has suffered thinning of its walls by corro-
sion. Equipment – A finely regulated pressure sup-
ply will be required. It is critical that the pip-
b. Gauges that exhibit a zero shift greater ing system associated with the test setup be
than 25%. It is likely the bourdon tube has leaktight. The gauge under test should be
seen significant overpressure leaving positioned as it will be in service to eliminate
residual stresses that may be detrimental positional errors due to gravity.
to the application.
Method – Two checking techniques exist –
c. Gauges which have accumulated over direct and reverse reading. ASME B40.1 rec-
1,000,000 pressure cycles with significant ommends the direct approach wherein
pointer excursion. known pressures are applied and readings
are taken from the gauge under test. When
d. Gauges showing any signs of corrosion the gauge under test has a relatively coarsely
and/or leakage of the pressure system. graduated dial, it is tempting to use the
e. Gauges which have been exposed to high reverse method wherein the applied pressure
temperature or simply exhibit signs of is adjusted to precisely align its pointer with a
having been exposed to high temperature dial graduation and then readings are taken
– specifically 250°F or greater for soft sol- from the pressure standard. The reverse read-
dered systems; 450°F or greater for brazed ing technique is often misleading and should
systems; and 750°F or greater for welded not be used.
systems.
4
Calibration chart – After recording all of the Linearity – A gauge that has been properly
readings it is necessary to calculate the errors spanned can still be out of specification at
associated with each test point using the fol- intermediate points if the response of the
lowing formula: ERROR in percent = 100 gauge as seen in Figure 1 on page 6 is not lin-
times (TRUE VALUE minus READING) ÷ ear. The Ashcroft Duragauge® is equipped
RANGE. Plotting the individual errors with a rotary movement feature which per-
(Figure 1 on page 6) makes it possible to visu- mits the user to minimize this class of error.
alize the total gauge characteristic. The plot Other Ashcroft gauge designs (e.g., 1009
should contain all four curves: upscale – before Duralife®) require that the dial be moved left
rap; upscale – after rap; downscale – before or right prior to tightening the dial screws.
rap; downscale – after rap. Rap means lightly
Hysteresis – Some bourdon tubes have a
tapping the gauge before reading to remove
material property known as hysteresis. This
friction as described in ASME B40.1.
material characteristic results in differences
Referring to Figure 1 on page 6, several class- between the upscale and downscale curves.
es of error may be seen: This class of error can not be eliminated
by adjusting the gauge movement or dial
Zero – An error which is approximately equal
position.
over the entire scale. This error can be mani-
fested when either the gauge is dropped or Friction – This error is defined as the differ-
overpressured and the bourdon tube takes a ence in readings before and after lightly rap-
permanent set. This error may often be cor- ping the gauge case. If excessive, the move-
rected by simply repositioning the pointer. ment should be replaced (if replaceable by
Except for test gauges, it is recommended that design). One possible cause of excessive fric-
the pointer be set at midscale pressure to tion is improper adjustment of the hairspring.
“split” the errors. The hairspring should be level and the coils
should not touch or distort at any point
Span – A span error exists when the error at
between zero and full scale. The hairspring
full scale pressure is different from the error
torque should also be at a near optimum level
at zero pressure. This error is often propor-
– adequate without being excessive.
tional to the applied pressure. Most Ashcroft
gauges are equipped with an internal, adjust- (Continued on page 7)
ing mechanism with which the user can cor-
rect any span errors which have developed
in service.

5
 TYPICAL CALIBRATION CHART
INDICATED VALUE (PSI)
True Value – Increasing – Increasing – Decreasing – Decreasing –
PSI Without RAP With RAP Without RAP With RAP
0 –.4 0 –.4 0
40 +.8 +1.0 +1.4 +1.1
80 +.4 +.5 +1.2 +1.0
120 –.4 –1.0 +.8 +.6
160 –.8 –.5 +.6 +.4
200 +.4 +.8 +.4 +.4

ERROR (% OF FULL SCALE)

True Value – Increasing – Increasing – Decreasing – Decreasing –
% of Range Without RAP With RAP Without RAP With RAP
0 –.20 0 –.20 0
20 +.40 +.50 +.70 +.55
40 +.20 +.25 +.60 +.50
60 –.20 –.05 +.40 +.30
80 –.40 –.25 +.30 +.20
100 +.20 +.40 +.20 +.20

1.0
Fig. 1

s
s
t
0.5 n t
l s n
t s
n
l t l

0.0 n
n

l l
n

l
l l upscale – without rap
–0.5
n n upscale – with rap
s s downscale – without rap
t t downscale – with rap

–1.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
% of Range

6
6.1 Calibration – Rotary Movement Gauges movement. If the error is positive, the
– Inspect gauge for accuracy. Many times movement should be rotated counter clock-
gauges are simply “off zero” and a simple wise. Rotating the movement one degree
pointer adjustment using the micrometer will change this error by approximately
pointer is adequate. If inspection shows the 0.25%. Rotating the movement often affects
gauge warrants recalibration to correct span span and it should be subsequently
and/or linearity errors, proceed as follows: rechecked and readjusted if necessary
according to step 6.1e and 6.1f.
a. Remove ring, window and, if solid front
case, the rear closure assembly. h. While recalibrating the gauge, the friction
error – difference in readings taken with
b. Pressurize the gauge once to full scale and and without rap – should be noted. This
back to zero. error should not exceed the basic accuracy
c. Refer to Figure 2 on page 8 for a view of a of the gauge. If the friction error is exces-
typical Ashcroft system assembly with sive, the movement should be replaced.
component parts identified. One possible cause of excessive friction is
improper adjustment of the hairspring.
d. For solid front gauges, adjust the microme- The hairspring torque,or tension, must be
ter pointer so that it rests at the true zero adequate without being excessive. The
position. For open front gauges the pointer hairspring should also be level, unwind
and dial must also be disassembled and the evenly (no turns rubbing) and it should
pointer should then be lightly pressed onto never tangle.
the pinion at the 9:00 o’clock position.
NOTES:
e. Apply full scale pressure and note the mag- 1 For operation of test gauge external zero
nitude of the span error. With open front reset, refer to Figure 3 on page 8.
gauges, ideal span (270 degrees) will exist 2 For test gauge calibration procedure,
when at full scale pressure the pointer refer to Figure 4 on page 9.
rests exactly at the 6:00 o’clock position.
6.2 Calibration – 1009 Duralife – Inspect
f. If the span has shifted significantly (span gauge for accuracy. Many times gauges are
error greater than 10%), the gauge should simply “off zero” and a simple pointer adjust-
be replaced because there may be some ment using the adjustable pointer is adequate.
partial corrosion inside the bourdon tube If the inspection shows that the gauge war-
which could lead to ultimate failure. If the rants recalibration to correct span and/or lin-
span error exceeds 0.25%, loosen the lower earity errors, proceed as follows:
link screw and move the lower end of the
link toward the movement to increase span Remove ring, window, gasket and pointer
or away to decrease span. An adjustment of using Ashcroft tool kits 1205T and 1206T.
0.004 inch will change the span by approx- Positive Pressure Ranges –
imately 1%. This is a repetitive procedure
which often requires more than one adjust- a. Remove dial and lightly press pointer onto
ment of the link position and the subse- pinion at 9:00 o’clock position.
quent rechecking of the errors at zero and
b. Apply full scale pressure and rotate span
full scale pressure.
block as shown in Figure 5a on page 11
g. Apply midscale pressure and note error in until pointer rests at 6:00 o’clock position.
reading. Even though the gauge is accurate
c. Fully exhaust pressure and check that
at zero and full scale, it may be inaccurate
pointer still is at 9:00 o’clock position. If not
at the midpoint. This is called linearity
repeat steps 1 and 2 until span is correct.
error and is minimized by rotating the
(Continued on page 10)
7
Fig. 2 ASHCROFT SYSTEM ASSEMBLY

SEGMENT BOURDON TUBE

TIP HAIRSPRING

LINK PINION

ROTARY MOVEMENT
BACKPLATE

SOCKET

Fig. 3 TYPE 1082 EXTERNAL ZERO ADJUST FEATURE*

B RING
A

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:

LOOSEN RING LOCKING SCREW “A’’
OBTAIN REQUIRED ADJUSTMENT BY ROTATING
KNOB “B’’ CLOCKWISE OR COUNTER-CLOCKWISE.
TIGHTEN SCREW “A’’ DOWN ON KNOB “B.’’

*Applicable only for test gauge with hinged ring design.

8
Fig. 4 TYPE 1082 TEST GAUGE CALIBRATION PROCEDURE

9
d. Remove pointer and reassemble dial and h. Repeat steps 4 through 8 until span is
dial screws (finger tight). correct.
e. Lightly press pointer onto pinion. i. Remove the pointer.
f. Check accuracy at full scale. If error j. With 25 inches of Hg vacuum applied,
exceeds 1% return to step 1, otherwise pro- reassemble dial, dial screws (finger tight)
ceed. and pointer.
g. Check accuracy at midscale. If error k. Apply 15 inches of Hg vacuum and note
exceeds 1% slide dial left or right to com- accuracy of indication. If required, slide
pensate. dial left or right to reduce error to
1% maximum.
h. Continue at * below.
l. Continue at * below.
Vacuum range –
a. Using a pencil, refer to dial and mark the 0
* Now complete calibration of the gauge as fol-
lows:
and 25 inch of Hg positions on the case
flange. a. Firmly tighten dial screws.
b. Remove the dial. b. Firmly tap pointer onto pinion, using brass
back-up tool from Ashcroft kit 1205T if
c. Apply 25 inches of Hg vacuum. gauge has rear blow-out plug. If gauge has
d. Lightly press pointer onto pinion carefully top fill hole no back-up is required.
aligning it with the 25 inch of Hg vacuum c. Recheck accuracy at zero, midscale and full
mark on case flange. scale points (Figures 5a & 5b on
e. Release vacuum fully. page 11).

f. Note agreement of pointer to zero mark on d. Reassemble window, gasket and ring.
case flange.
g. If span is high or low, turn span block as
shown in Figure 5b on page 11.

10
 1009 DURALIFE CALIBRATION

1009 DURALIFE CALIBRATION

PRESSURE VACUUM

25

15

25

Fig. 5a
Fig. 5a Fig. 5b
Fig. 5b

11
 suring element in the pressure instrument to
7.0 DIAPHRAGM SEALS which the seal is to be attached.
7.1 General – A diaphragm seal (isolator) is a It is imperative that the pressure instru-
device which is attached to the inlet connec- ment/diaphragm seal assembly be properly
tion of a pressure instrument to isolate its filled prior to being placed in service. Ashcroft
measuring element from the process media. diaphragm seal assemblies should only be
The space between the diaphragm and the filled by a seal assembler certified by Dresser
instrument’s pressure sensing element is Industries. Refer to section 3.3 for a caution-
solidly filled with a suitable liquid. ary note about not applying torque on either
Displacement of the liquid fill in the pressure the instrument or seal relative to the other.
element, through movement of the
diaphragm, transmits process pressure 7.3 Operation – All Ashcroft diaphragm seals,
changes directly to a gauge, switch or any with the exception of Type 310 mini-seals, are
other pressure instrument. When diaphragm continuous duty. Should the pressure instru-
seals are used with pressure gauges, an addi- ment fail, or be removed accidentally or delib-
tional 0.5% tolerance must be added to the erately, the diaphragm will seat against a
gauge accuracy because of the diaphragm matching surface preventing damage to the
spring rate. diaphragm or leakage of the process fluid.

Used in a variety of process applications 7.4 Maintenance – Clamp type diaphragm

where corrosives, slurries or viscous fluids seals – Types 100, 200 and 300 – allow for
may be encountered, the diaphragm seal replacement of the diaphragm or diaphragm
affords protection to the instrument where: capsule, if that ever becomes necessary. The
Type 200 top housing must also be replaced
• The process fluid being measured would with the diaphragm. With all three types the
normally clog the pressure element. clamping arrangement allows field disassem-
bly to permit cleaning of the seal interior.
• Pressure element materials capable of with-
standing corrosive effects of certain fluids 7.5 Failures – Diaphragm failures are gener-
are not available. ally caused by either corrosion, high tempera-
tures or fill leakage. Process media build-up
• The process fluid might freeze due to
on the process side of the diaphragm can also
changes in ambient temperature and dam-
require seal cleaning or replacement. Consult
age the element.
Customer Service, Stratford CT for advice on
7.2 Installation – Refer to sales bulletin DS-1 seal failures and/or replacement. Refer also to
for information regarding (a) seal configura- Product Information page ASH/PI-14B con-
tions; (b) filling fluids; (c) temperature range taining drawing 96A121 Corrosion Data
of filling fluids; (d) diaphragm material pres- Guide.
sure and temperature limits; (e) bottom hous-
WARNING: All seal components should be
ing material pressure and temperature limits;
selected considering process and ambient
(f) pressure rating of seal assembly; (g) accu-
operating conditions to prevent misapplica-
racy/temperature errors of seal assembly; (h)
tion. Improper application could result in fail-
diaphragm seal displacement. The volumetric
ure, possible personal injury, property damage
displacement of the diaphragm must at least
or death.
equal the volumetric displacement of the mea-

12
 tube is protected from plugging and corrosion.
8.0 DAMPENING DEVICES The space between the bulb and bourdon tube
is completely filled with glycerin. Felt plugs
8.1 General – Some type of dampening device
located between the bulb and bourdon tube
should be used whenever the pressure gauge
are first compressed some amount to restrict
may be exposed to repetitive pressure fluctua-
the flow of glycerin through an orifice and thus
tions that are fairly rapid, high in magnitude
provide a degree of dampening. The greater
and especially when transitory pressure
the compression of the felts the greater the
spikes exceeding the gauge range are present
degree of dampening.
(as with starting and stopping action of valves
and pumps). A restricted orifice of some kind 8.4 Ashcroft Pulsation Dampener – Type 1106
is employed through which pressure fluctua- Ashcroft Pulsation Dampener is a moving pin
tions must pass before they reach the bourdon type in which the restricted orifice is the clear-
tube. The dampener reduces the magnitude of ance between the pin and any one of five pres-
the pressure pulse thus extending the life of elected hole diameters. Unlike a simple throt-
the bourdon tube and movement. This reduc- tle screw/plug, this device has a self-cleaning
tion of the pressure pulsation as “seen” by the action in that the pin moves up and down
pressure gauge is generally evidenced by a under the influence of pressure fluctuations.
reduction in the pointer travel. If the orifice is
very small the pointer may indicate the aver- 8.5 Ashcroft Pressure Snubber – The heart of
age service pressure, with little or no indica- the Type 1112 pressure snubber is a thick
tion of the time varying component of the porous metal filter disc. The disc is available
process pressure. in four standard porosity grades.

Commonly encountered media (e.g. – water 8.6 Campbell Micro-Bean® – Type 1110 Micro-
and hydraulic oil) often carry impurities which Bean is a precision, stainless steel, needle
can plug the orifice over time thus rendering valve instantly adjustable to changing condi-
the gauge inoperative until the dampener is tions of flow and viscosity. A very slight taper
cleaned or replaced. on the valve stem fits into tapered hole in the
body. The degree of dampening is easily
Highly viscous media and media that tend to adjusted by turning the valve handle. A filter
periodically harden (e.g., asphalt) require a is built into the Micro-Bean to help prevent
diaphragm seal be fitted to the gauge. The seal plugging.
contains an internal orifice which dampens
the pressure fluctuation within the fill fluid. 8.7 Ashcroft Needle Valves – Type 7001 thru
7004 steel needle valves provide varying
8.2 Throttle Screws & Plugs – These acces- degrees of dampening similar to the Campbell
sories provide dampening for the least cost. Micro-Bean but with a less precise and less
They have the advantage of fitting completely costly adjustability. Like the Micro-Bean these
within the gauge socket and come in three devices, in the event of plugging, can easily be
types: (a) a screwed-in type which permits opened to allow the pressure fluid to clear
easy removal for cleaning or replacement; (b) a away the obstruction.
pressed in, non-threaded design and (c) a
pressed in, threaded design which provides a 8.8 Chemiquip® Pressure Limiting Valves –
highly restrictive, helical flow path. Not all Model PLV-255, PLV-2550, PLV-5460, PLV-
styles are available on all gauge types. 5500 and PLV-6430, available with and with-
out built-in snubbers, automatically “shut off”
8.3 Ashcroft Gauge Saver – Type 1073 at adjustable preset values of pressure to pro-
Ashcroft Gauge Saver features an elastomeric tect the gauge from damage to overpressure.
bulb that fully isolates the process media from They are especially useful on hydraulic sys-
the bourdon tube. In addition to providing tems wherein hydraulic transients (spikes)
dampening of pressure pulses, the bourdon are common.
13
9.0 RESOURCES
9.1 Training Videos
9.1.1 Test gauge calibration
9.1.2 1009 Duralife® calibration
9.1.3 Duragauge® calibration
9.1.4 Diaphragm seal filling

9.2 Pressure Instrument Testing Equipment

9.2.1 Type 1305D Deadweight Tester
9.2.2 Type 1327D Pressure Gauge Comparator
9.2.3 Type 1327CM “Precision” Gauge Comparator

9.3 Tools & Tool Kits

9.3.1 Type 2505 universal carrying case for 1082 test gauge
9.3.2 Type 266A132-01 span wrench for 1082 test gauge
9.3.3 Type 1280 conversion kit for 41⁄2˝ lower connect 1279/1379
9.3.4 Type 1283 conversion kit for 41⁄2˝ back connect 1279/1379
9.3.5 Type 1284 conversion kit for 6˝ lower & back connect
9.3.6 Type 1281 socket O-Ring kit for 1279/1379 lower connect
9.3.7 Type 1285 41⁄2˝ ring wrench for 1279/1379 lower & back connect
9.3.8 Type 1286 6˝ ring wrench for 1379 lower & back connect
9.3.9 Type 1287 cone tool for installing diaphragm & spring on 1279/1379 back connect
9.3.10 Type 1105T calibration tool kit (all gauges except 1009 Duralife®)
9.3.11 Type 3220 pointer puller (all gauges except 1009 Duralife®)
9.3.12 Type. 3530 pinion back-up tool for 1009 Duralife®
9.3.13 Type 1230 throttle plug insertion (1⁄4 NPT) for 1009 Duralife®
9.3.14 Type 1231 throttle plug insertion (1⁄2 NPT) for 1009 Duralife® (body only)
9.3.15 Type 1205T calibration hand tools for 1009 Duralife®
9.3.16 Type 1206T ring removal & assembly tools for 1009 Duralife®

9.4 Sales Bulletins

9.4.1 Pressure Instrument Testing Equipment – Bulletin TE-1
9.4.2 Type 1327CM Portable Precision Gauge Comparator – Bulletin TE-2
9.4.3 Test Gauges – Bulletin TG-2
9.4.4 Duragauge® Pressure Gauges – Bulletin DU-1
9.4.5 General Service Gauges – Bulletin GS-1
9.4.6 Type 1009 Duralife® Industrial Gauges – Bulletin GS-2
9.4.7 Type 1008 Metric Case Gauges – Bulletin SS-1
9.4.8 Duralife® Metric Process Gauges – Bulletin GS-4
9.4.9 Type 1032 Sanitary Pressure Gauges – Bulletin SG-2
9.4.10 Special Service Gauges – Bulletin SG-1
9.4.11 Diaphragm Seals – Bulletin DS-1

14
Instrument Division Sales and
Customer Service Locations

Domestic Headquar ters International Headquar ters Japan

Dresser Japan Ltd.
Stratford, Connecticut Stratford, Connecticut Room 318, Shin Tokyo Building
250 E. Main Street 250 E. Main Street 3-1 Marunouchi 3-Chome,
Stratford, CT 06497-5245 Stratford, CT 06497-5245 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: (203) 378-8281 Tel: (203) 378-8281 Tel: 813-3201-1501/1506
FAX: (203) 385-0499 TLX: 475-00171TT FAX: 813-3213-6567/6673
FAX: (203) 385-0357
Domestic Sales Of fices Korea
International Operations Dresser International S.A.
Chicago, Illinois Korea Office
400 W. Lake Street Brazil #2107 Kuk Dong Bldg.
Suite 318 Dresser Industria e 60-1, 3-KA, Choongmu-Ro, Chung-
Roselle, IL 60172-3392 Comercio Ltda. ku, Seoul, Korea 100-705
Tel: (708) 980-9030 Divisao Manometros Willy Tel: 82-2-274-079-2/3
FAX: (708) 980-9440 Caixa Postal 212 FAX: 82-2-274-0794
09510 Sao Caetano do Sul
Houston, Texas Sao Paulo, Brazil Mexico
3838 North Sam Houston Tel: 55 -11-453-5477 Dresser Instrument Division
Parkway East FAX: 55-11-453-6778 Henry Ford No. 114
Suite 120 Fracc. Industrial San Nicolas
Houston, TX 77032 Canada Tlalnepantla edo
Tel: (713) 590-1092 Dresser Canada, Inc. de Mexico 54030
FAX: (713) 590-7100 6688 Kitimat Road Tel: 011-52-5-310-9863
Mississauga, FAX: 011-52-5-310-5584
Los Angeles, Califor nia Ontario L5N 1P8
3931 Mac Arthur Blvd. Canada Saudi Arabia
Suite 202 Tel: 905-826-8411 DARVICO
Newport Beach, CA 92660 FAX: 905-826-9106 P.O. Box 10145
Tel: (714) 852-8948 Jubail Industrial City
FAX: (714) 852-8971 China Saudi Arabia 31961
Dresser Trading Tel: 966-3-341-0278
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Room 3, 24th Floor FAX: 966-3-341-7624
Computer Road CITIC Bldg.
P.O. Box 646 19 Jianguo Menwai St. Singapore
Suite A-8 Beijing, P.R.C. Dresser Singapore
Willow Grove, PA 19090 Tel: 86-10-500-3139 Instrument Operations
Tel: (215) 657-2886 FAX: 86-10-512-0030 Block 1004 Toa Payoh North
FAX: (215) 657-7962 #07-15/17
France Singapore 1231
Dresser Europe S.A. Tel: 65-252-6602
Division Instrumentation FAX: 65-252-6603
5, Rue d'Antony
F-94563 Rungis Cedex United Kingdom
Silic 192, France Dresser U.K. Ltd.
Tel: 33-1-49-79-22-80 Rufford Court
FAX: 33-1-46-86-25-24 Hardwick Grange
Warrington, Cheshire
Germany England WA1 4RF
Dresser Europe S.A. Tel: 44-925-814545
Instrument Division FAX: 44-925-816378
Postfach 11 20
Max-Planck-Str. 1 Venezuela
D-52499 Baesweiler Manufacturas Petroleras
Germany Venezolanas S.A.
Tel: 49-2401-8080 Apartado Postal 617
FAX: 49-2401-7027 Maracaibo, Venezuela
Tel: 58-61-412-120
FAX: 58-61-413-954

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

All sales subject to standard terms and conditions.
Copyright Instrument Division, Dresser Industries Inc.,8/95 5M DPS