What is a Digital Manometer?
A manometer is an instrument that is used for measuring pressure in meteorological settings as well as operations of compressor systems. There are two main types of manometers; analog and digital.
Digital manometers are devices that are capable of measuring pressure and its variations across two points that are a part of the same system these are known as differential pressure. Differential pressure is of great importance to weather forecasters, among others.
The digital manometer is also used at homes to monitor propane-driven appliances such as barbeque grills, maintain and detect faults in air conditioning systems and detect gas leaks very quickly.
Digital manometers offer a hoard of advantages over their traditional counterparts unlike analog manometers, digital manometers are handheld devices that can be used to gauge pressure anywhere and don’t mandate leveled surfaces to accurately monitor pressure.
Digital manometers can be easily interfaced with computers, enabling one to record all observations easily and hence have taken the online marketplace by storm.
Types of Manometers
Manometers are devices used to measure fluid pressure, and there are several types of manometers, each designed for specific applications.
- Traditional manometer: Also known as an analogue manometer, these determine pressure by using displacement of a fluid such as water or mercury in an open-ended U-shaped tube. One end is connected to a gas line, for instance, and when pressure is applied, the pressure displaces the liquid in the tube, making it rise on the other side of the U. The pressure is determined by a reading on the manometer’s scale.
- Digital manometer: A digital manometer is a device used to measure and display the pressure of gases or liquids in a digital format. Instead of using a fluid, a digital manometer uses a pressure transducer to detect pressure levels which it converts into an electronic signal that then appears on the device’s digital display.
How does a digital manometer work?
A manometer is a measuring instrument that measures the pressure of a fluid or gas in a confined space, for example in a boiler. A manometer indicates the pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure. But how does a manometer work exactly?
Unlike traditional manometers, digital manometers do not rely on a hydrostatic balance of fluids (water/mercury) in order to detect pressure.
Rather, they come with a component known as a pressure transducer that converts the level of pressure observed into an electric signal/value; the value can then be recorded as the amount of pressure present.
There are usually three types of electrical variables used by pressure transducers: resistive, capacitive, and inductive.
how to use a digital manometer?
Here are a few ways to measure air pressure accurately with the help of a digital manometer:
#1. Installation of New Batteries.
Installing new batteries, prior to making pressure readings with the help of a digital manometer, is always good practice if you are looking at getting true readings.
Sometimes, even new digital manometers with seemingly new batteries give incorrect readings because their batteries are not up to the mark.
#2. Mandatory Zero Adjustments.
The restore toggle or the zero toggle brings back the display to null, enabling you to keep all potential errors and discrepancies at bay.
#3. Measurement of Static Pressure.
Static pressure can be measured with the use of a digital manometer; a positive pressure implies pressure more than that of atmosphere and a negative pressure affirms that the pressure is below atmospheric pressure.
When the measurement of static pressure is required in situations where the flow is relatively uniform and stable, insertion tubes may be brought to use.
#4. Use of Backlight Feature.
At times, pressure readings are required in environments that are either poorly lit or completely dark.
To be able to view the readings in such conditions, some digital manometers are equipped with the backlight feature; this feature lights the screen up for two minutes before automatically turning off to conserve battery.
In order to use the backlight feature, the digital manometer must be first turned off. Post that, its power button should be held down continuously for a couple of seconds, for the backlight to turn on.
#5. Use of Memory Feature.
A lot of times, the user of the digital manometer may feel the need to record multiple pressure readings for either review later or to observe a specific pattern.
As an answer to this problem, some digital manometers are built with a memory that can store multiple pressure recordings.
There are indicators on the screens of the digital manometers that display the number of saved pressure readings. The readings are saved by entering the memory mode of the manometers.
Why choose a digital manometer over a traditional one?
While digital manometers cost more upfront to purchase because they are more sophisticated and use microprocessors, manual manometers require periodic recalibration and are less reliable and less accurate. The digital option:
- is portable, lightweight and easy to use
- is easier to read in challenging environments
- can be customised according to the application for which it’s being used
- is more durable and can perform well even in extreme temperatures
- can cope with heavy mechanical vibration
- doesn’t need to be used on a level surface to produce an accurate reading
- can be linked to a programmable logic controller or computer
- is capable of correcting deviations from standard conditions when used in conjunction with software
- can be used even by inexperienced apprentices
- does not rely on highly poisonous mercury for its operation
- saves time and therefore, money.
What is a digital manometer used for?
In plumbing and gas applications, a digital manometer is useful in gas leak detection. If the manometer indicates a drop in pressure on the gas line, there is a leak. It’s also used to test ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Digital manometers are increasingly used by plumbers and gas fitters to calibrate and commission gas appliances.
What are the advantages of a digital manometer over a traditional manometer?
Digital manometers have a lot of advantages compared to their traditional counterparts, particularly their ease of use and for that reason, they have taken the marketplace by storm. Some advantages of using digital manometers include:
- Digital manometers can be used to measure pressure anywhere.
- They don’t rely on non-metric fluids, which means they do not require leveled surfaces to provide accurate readings.
- They can easily be linked to computers and programmable logic controllers (PLC).
- They are lightweight and portable.
- Their displays and values are easy to read.
- They are capable of correcting deviations from standard conditions with the help of software programming.
How accurate are digital manometers?
It should go without saying that accuracy is an important consideration in the plumbing and gas fitting industry.
Digital manometers shine over their analogue counterparts in this respect because they can be used anywhere, in challenging environments and don’t require a level surface.
The digital display is easy to read and the user can select from 11 different units of measure: inH2O, Psi, Mbar, kPa, inHg, mmHg, Ozin2, ftH2O, cmH2O, Kgcm2, bar.