Zenith Instruments
What Are Vacuum Gauges? This article provides some basic information about these devices and how they work. There are two primary types of vacuum gauges: ionization and non-ionization. Ionization vacuum gauges ionize gases by forcing electrons to travel long paths and ionize residual gas. These measurements are then converted into pressure readings. In contrast, non-ionization vacuum gauges measure pressures in a range of 1.3×10-4 mbar.
There are several types of vacuum gauges. Most use a dial for measuring pressures between 10 mbar and atmospheric pressure. These gauges are considered to be the most basic direct gauges. Their name is derived from the fact that they measure pressure in a tube connected to a vacuum system. As the pressure decreases in the tube, it bends. This movement is then translated to a pointer arrangement attached to the tube, which reads the pressure on a linear scale.
Typical electrical vacuum gauges consist of a sensing head and an electronic readout. The head of the gauge is connected to a power cable, while the electrical cable connects to the readout. Many gauges use a grade A, B, or C accuracy grade. Others measure 1% of full scale and 0.5%. Vacuum gauges can also be graded for a range of precision. To be sure of its accuracy, it should be labeled A, B, or C.
The 7FCS gauge has a filament that illuminates when it is turned on, making it easier to calibrate than other types. This type of gauge provides accurate readings at 10-8 Torr within five seconds. It is useful in national labs. High vacuum gauges typically require quarterly calibration. The 7FCS is often paired with a 4A convection Pirani or 2A thermocouple. The latter allows the measurement of atmosphere as well as high vacuum.
There are many types of vacuum gauges, each with its own unique features. Gauges for high vacuum are much more accurate than their equivalent pressure-based counterparts, but they do not measure the same pressures. Vacuum gauges are often used in the same applications, but they have slightly different capabilities and ranges. You should research your options carefully to find the one that best suits your needs. They are useful for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your system.
The type of gas you need to test depends on the accuracy of your instrument. For example, the range of thermal conductivity vacuum gauges is the same as that of air and nitrogen. Then you can read off the scale of these two gases directly. In addition to that, NIST-traceable calibrations will include all of the documentation you need. The most important consideration when choosing a gauge is the accuracy. If it doesn’t give you a reading that is within a certain range, it isn’t accurate enough.
Vacuum gauges are an excellent choice for any job that requires measuring pressures at low levels. They measure pressures that are lower than atmospheric pressure. Generally, the zero point of a vacuum gauge is -15 psig or 760 mmHg. Most vacuum gauges use relative pressure. Therefore, the gauges used in a laboratory are called “relative pressure” instruments. A vacuum gauge is an excellent tool for testing various components of a vehicle.
