How does the Bourbon air gauge operates
The operation of the Bourbon tube is pretty simple with one end of the coiled or C-shaped metal tube sealed and the other connected to the process fluid allowing it to flow into the tube. With every increase in pressure, an elastic distortion of the tube results in unwinding while the resulting displacement of the closed end is translated through a series of gears to an angular displacement of the air gauges needle indicator. The position of the needle indicator is proportional to the pressure applied at the gauge’s connector. The Bourbon tube air gauge has the option of being filled with transparent liquid which is typically glycerin. This is intended to protect the internal mechanisms against damages from severe vibrations and to ensure that ambient corrosives and condensation are kept out. Glycerin also damps the movement of the indicator making the gauge less susceptible to small transient pressure fluctuations.
Applications of the Bourbon tube pressure gauge
The Bourbon tube air gauge is a common device in the operations of various industries because of its high grade measuring capability, simplicity of operation, ruggedness and flexibility and cost effectiveness. The Bourbon air gauge does not require any external power supply making it a critical component in processing systems. When a pressure gauge is used in a processing environment, it must be reliable, accurate and easy read so that failure can be avoided. Applications of air gauges using the Bourbon tube include highly automated chemical processes particularly in refineries and petrochemical processing. The device is also popular for pneumatic and hydraulic installations for critical process monitoring. However, due to the volatility of gases, liquids, vapors and solid bodies that have to be measured, pressure gauges can also fail which makes regular inspection important.
Common reasons for the failure of air gauges
One of the major reasons for the failure of pressure gauges is due to operating conditions like vibration which is very prevalent around rotating equipment. If there are pressure spikes, overpressure and high pressure, increased wear on the movements and components is very likely and it can even cause the Bourbon tube to rupture. If there are pulsations, accurate readings can be difficult to obtain. It is also very critical to check for signs on corrosion on the device which are often manifested by discoloration or deterioration on the air case, on the pointer or in the dial. If corrosion is not immediately controlled it can result into a loss of functionality. Like every other piece of device or equipment used in critical processes, air gauges must support the reliability and safety of the system with accurate data provided by ensuring that all issues are addressed in real time.