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The Bourdon manometer, invented in 1849, is widely used for measuring pressure in liquids and gases. It consists of a tube that straightens as pressure rises, with an oval cross section and a pointing device for accurate measurement. Bourdon gauges are accurate to within 0.1% and used in various settings, but can be damaged by physical force or exposure to extreme conditions. Protective accessories are available.
The Bourdon manometer, patented by French engineer Eugene Bourdon in 1849, remains one of the most widely used manometers for measuring pressure in liquids and gases of many different types. This is because these indicators are simple to use, safe and inexpensive, as well as extremely accurate. Bourdon tubes can be used to measure both high pressure and vacuum and are important components of devices used to measure various types of pressure, including gauge, absolute and differential pressure.
Basically, a Bourdon gauge consists of a tube wound into a spiral or helix, or C-shape, so that as the pressure rises, the tube straightens. The pipe will have an oval cross section and usually one end will be connected to the pressure source. The pipe pressure gauge is usually connected to a pointing device or dial so that the slight movements of the pipe as it straightens under pressure can be easily seen and measured accurately in pounds per square inch (psi) or some other system of measurement. Tube spring pressure gauges are available for the many different situations in which someone would need to measure pressure, but they all follow the same basic pattern.
Such a meter can be accurate to within 0.1% for precision measurements. For situations where such a degree of accuracy is not needed, cheaper but less accurate devices are also available. Bourdon gauges are used to measure pressure in simple devices, such as home barometers, as well as in specialized devices used in industrial, mechanical, and medical settings. The wide range of uses for them and how they can be incorporated into a wide variety of devices contributes greatly to both their usefulness and popularity.
While generally rugged in construction, a Bourdon gauge can be damaged by physical force or by exposing the device to conditions for which the particular gauge is not rated, such as extreme temperatures or corrosive liquids. The pressure gauge should return to zero when the pressure is removed; if not, the gauge is probably damaged and will need to be replaced. Accessories are available that can be used to cushion or protect a gauge from a variety of conditions that could damage it. Burst protection, a safety enclosure, and weather and corrosion resistant enclosures should always be used so that in the event of a device failure, no material will escape from the enclosure.
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