User Guide

Tel: 1-800-WINTERS / www.winters.com WINTERS INSTRUMENTS2
Operation and Maintenance of a Pressure Gauge
Inspection Frequency
The frequency of inspection is dependent on the severity of service and how critical the accuracy of the indicating
pressure is. The inspection frequency can range from monthly to annual basis. To ensure the accuracy of your
pressure readings it is strongly recommended that all pressure gauges be recalibrated and certified each year.
Winters provides test certification that are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST).
Isolating Valves
It is recommended that isolating valves be fitted with the gauge. This enables the gauge to be removed at any time for
checking, recalibration or replacing without interruption to the process. The valves should be opened or closed slowly
to avoid sudden changes to pressure being applied to the gauge. It is recommended for systems that have an abrupt
pressure surge at start-up to close the valves during initial start-up. Winters carries various types of valves.
Materials
Brass wetted parts are suitable for use on the following types of media: air, oil, water and other non-corrosive fluids.
For corrosive fluids, stainless steel should be specified. For special applications, other materials such as Monel
®
can
be used as well. Diaphragm seals may also be considered. Please consult Winters Instruments for assistance.
Pulsation
If pressures are expected to pulsate violently, oscillate with high frequency or occur with sudden shock, a snubber
should be considered. Winters' snubbers incorporate sintered porous 316 stainless steel snubbing element with a
large surface area to ensure long term effectiveness on most pressure media. Snubbers are available in three
viscosity classifications: heavy oil, water and air. Brass, stainless steel or Monel
®
housing can be specified depending
upon the media used.
Storage
All pressure gauges should be placed in dry storage under ambient room temperatures. It is recommended to store
pressure gauges in their original packing boxes.
Temperatures
The normal ambient temperature ranges are -40°C to 70°C (-40°F
to 158
°F) for dry gauges and -25°C to 65°C (-13°F to 149°F) for
glycerin filled gauges. Process temperature up to 400
°C (752°F)
can be accommodated when gauge is dry AND appropriate
external cooling is applied. In situations where the process
temperature is extreme, utilizing a syphon or remote mounting the
pressure gauge with a capillary and diaphragm seal are
reasonable alternatives. In general, a gauge is unduly hot if it
cannot be grasped by hand without discomfort. It should be noted
that gauges used on water might burst if exposed to frost.
Vibration
Vibration can affect the dial reading of pressure gauges. These areas should be avoided as much as possible.
Vibration effects can be minimized by the use of a dampening liquid such as glycerin or silicone. If vibration is
extreme, then a flexible tube connected to an appropriate diaphragm seal should be considered. A Winters
StabiliZR™ movement can also be used to improve dial reading.
Monel
®
is a registered trademark of Inco Alloys International
Dry gauge ambient temp.
-40°C to 70°C
-40°F to 158°F
Filled gauge ambient temp.
-25°C to 65°C
-13°F to 149°F