How to Rebuild a Pressure Gauge
Pressure gauges are instruments that measure the difference in pressure within a system and atmospheric pressure. They are used widely in industrial processes to monitor the pressures of gases and liquids within compressors, process lines, vacuum equipment and storage tanks. Domestic applications include monitoring water pressure in mains supply, water tanks and swimming pool filters. Such domestic pressure gauges mostly use an analog and pointer display and can be easily rebuilt when damaged or rusty. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Cloths
- Span wrench
- Ring removal tool
- Screwdriver
- Replacement screws
- Pointer
- Front ring
- Viewing lens
- Deadweight pressure gauge calibrator
Instructions
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1
Switch off the power supply to the water pump. Open a faucet to drain the tank.
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2
Use the wrench to unscrew the brass fitting of the gauge to the water system. Remove the gauge from its setting. Clean out any dirt, dust or debris around the piping.
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3
Remove the mounting ring from around the exterior of the dial with the ring removal tool. Remove the viewing lens from the mounting ring. Unscrew the indicator needle from the movement mechanism. Remove the dial from the movement mechanism with the span wrench.
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4
Discard any damaged internal or external gauge components. Clean all the undamaged components including the connection screws. Replace any damaged pieces with new pieces. Reassemble the gauge, connecting the pointers, screws, dials, mounting ring and viewing lens.
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5
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the deadweight calibrator to recalibrate the rebuilt pressure gauge. If this is impractical, enlist the help of a specialist or take the gauge to a garage or local hardware supplier for calibration.
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6
Reconnect the gauge to the water system and use the wrench to tighten the brass fitting at its base. Turn on the faucet to refill the water system. Turn on the power for the water pumping system to resume.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid using force to unscrew the gauge from the water system; this could rupture water pipes.
Make sure that any chemical seals around the gauge remain in place. Do not dismantle any sealed system whether it is vacuum-filled or glycerine-filled. Return the gauge to the manufacturer instead. It must be repaired as a whole unit.
References
Resources
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