Pressure gauges are used to measure gas and liquid pressure within a system. Through either dials or digital displays, they’re able to show the force exerted by the fluid or gas within a container. Typically, the units are measured in psi, bar, or Pa. 

Pressure gauges are vital to ensure a safe environment and prevent exceeding pressures that could lead to dangerous explosions, leaks, or equipment failure. Additionally, they make certain that the efficiency of systems is constantly monitored, highlighting problems within the systems that may be causing blockages or need maintenance. Pressure gauges are often a standard regulation across many industries; that's why GNW offers a diverse product range. This article will take a closer look into the types of pressure gauges we have available and which one is the right choice for your business, whether you operate a hydraulic system, automotive engines, or beyond. 

General Purpose Pressure Gauges 

General purpose gauges are ideal for industries working with lighter applications; these versatile pressure gauges are used for measuring lower pressures where extreme conditions like corrosive environments aren’t present. If you operate HVAC systems, water pumps, compressors, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems, general purpose pressure gauges are a recommended piece of kit. 

Our general purpose gauges range from 40mm to 160mm, suitable for light duty hydraulic and pneumatic applications, measuring in both bar and psi. Made of stainless steel, general purpose pressure gauges provide running accuracy for day-to-day industrial and commercial systems. An attested and cost effective solution for pressure measurement in routine applications, these gauges will monitor systems and safety, flagging any need for maintenance. 

Industrial Pressure Gauges 

Industrial press gauges are designed specifically for measuring pressure in more demanding environments, best suited to industries like manufacturing, chemical processing, oil and gas, and power generation. Built to withstand both humid outdoor environments and harsh industrial settings, our industrial gauges are cased in durable 304 stainless steel. 

Industrial pressure gauges can measure a significantly higher psi and are incredibly useful in measuring with precision. This type of gauge is essential for critical applications where accuracy, durability, and safety are superlative. 

All Stainless Steel Pressure Gauges 

All stainless steel pressure gauges are made entirely of stainless steel, including both

internal and external components. This means this type of pressure gauge is extremely resistant to corrosion, perfect for harsher environments that deal with corrosive substances like chemicals or extreme weather, making them a popular choice for ships, oil platforms, and other marine environments. 

Not only do all stainless steel pressure gauges score highly in the durability department, but the ease of the material to be frequently cleaned makes it an ideal solution in sanitary industries, like food, beverage, or pharmaceutical. Stainless steel has the ability to withstand both hot and cold temperatures to a maximum; our pressure gauges can therefore do the same without losing measurement precision. These instruments are best suited to industries where the environment is corrosive or where hygiene and strength are required. 

Hygienic Gauges 

Hygienic gauges are designed specifically for industries where cleanliness and contamination prevention are paramount, for example in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology processing. Hygienic gauges tend to have smooth, crevice-free designs to prevent the accumulation of bacteria or contaminants, ensuring a sterile environment can be maintained. 

Often made from stainless steel, hygienic gauges are corrosion resistant and safe to use in sanitary environments while being tolerant of high temperatures and pressures, making them ideal for handling steam and cleaning processes. This solution measures pressure accuracy across manufacturing, focused on cleanliness, contamination prevention, and easy maintenance in industries where good sanitation is crucial. 

Diaphragm Gauges and Seals 

Diaphragm gauges use diaphragm seals that are a thin, elastic membrane that deflects in response to pressure changes. Its flexible diaphragm is used as the sensing element to measure pressure, checking whether it might be too viscous, corrosive, or clogging for traditional gauges. 

Diaphragm gauges are sensitive to low pressure, providing extremely accurate readings across low pressure ranges, typically using fluid-filled systems that isolate the measuring mechanism from the substance being measured. Diaphragm gauges are favoured for their ability to measure pressure in glue-like, sludgy, or particle-laden fluids that would clog standard pressure gauges. Like a hygienic gauge, a diaphragm gauge is specialised for specific industry needs, namely those working with difficult media, where accuracy and equipment protection are of prime importance. 

Low Pressure Capsule Gauges 

Low pressure capsule gauges are pressure gauges designed to measure gas at low pressures or vacuums. The key component in this type of gauge is the capsule, made of two thin, corrugated metal diaphragms sealed together. The capsule expands or

contracts when pressure is applied, which then provides an accurate pressure reading. 

Our low pressure capsule gauges are typically made from an enamelled case with an acrylic window; however, stainless steel, glycerine filled, or large diameter capsule gauges can be manufactured on request for suitable industries. As the capsule is isolated from the rest of the gauge, it ensures long-term durability providing stable readings for clean, non-corrosive gases. 

Magnehelic Gauges 

Similarly to low pressure capsule gauges, a magnehelic gauge is used to measure low pressure air and non-corrosive gases. However, it instead measures differential pressure. The magnehelic gauge measures the difference in pressure between two points and shows the pressure reading on a dial. A flexible diaphragm resides in the gauge, when pressure on one side of the diaphragm is greater than the other, it displaces the pointer on the dial to give the pressure difference reading. 

The dial pointer is motioned by the diaphragm through a magnetic mechanism. This improves both durability and accuracy as the diaphragm and pointer have no direct mechanical contact. These gauges are most commonly used in HVAC systems, cleanrooms, and air handling systems to closely monitor air pressure, filtration efficiency, or airflow. 

Differential Pressure Gauges 

Magnehelic gauges aren’t the only differential pressure gauges on the market. Where this type of gauge works commonly with air pressure, mechanical differential gauges exist across a range of industrial uses, typically using a diaphragm, bellows, or Bourdon tube mechanism. Digital differential gauges are also available, using electronic sensors to measure and display the pressure difference. They can come with additional features such as data logging and alarms. 

Differential pressure gauges measure the difference in pressure between two points in a system, comparing the pressure at two separate locations and showing the difference as a measurement reading. This is a critical tool in many industrial, HVAC, and filtration systems. The benefits of a differential pressure gauge are in its ability to act as a constant monitor for pressure differences, detecting any issues and optimising system performance. 

Analogue Test Gauges 

Analogue test gauges are used to test and calibrate other pressure gauges or pressure systems. They’re highly accurate and manually operated, used across a diverse range of industrial, laboratory, or field applications where precision is cardinal. The pressure readings are displayed on a traditional analogue dial with a needle pointer. 

Analogue test gauges are durable and able to operate in a variety of environments from

industrial plants to field operations. Unlike digital gauges, they don’t require a power source. This improves their popularity in remote locations where electricity is limited or where it’s unavailable. Analogue test gauges do have some limitations, unlike digital gauges, they lack advanced features like data logging, digital alarms, or remote monitoring. They can also be susceptible to human error due to the manual interpretation of the dial’s needle position. 

How to Choose the Right Pressure Gauge 

It’s crucial to choose the right pressure gauge, ensuring you receive accurate measurements and optimal performance. By exploring our collection of pressure gauges, you’ll need to recognise your pressure range requirements, media, temperature range, accuracy requirements, and environmental conditions that will have an effect on the pressure gauge. 

Each of the above pressure gauge summaries factors in a variety of elements that make each gauge suitable for a given environment, measurement type, and industry. Our extensive range is guaranteed to provide a solution for your pressure measurement needs. Discover our best in class pressure gauges here, and with the new-found guidance of this article, find a choice that's right for you. 

Not only do we supply pressure gauges, we also offer calibration certificates to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the gauge measurements. This is an optional add-on available through your online ordering process. Regular calibration and the maintenance of certificates are crucial for operational safety and integrity.