Critical to industrial processes, instrumentation needs to provide accurate readings of temperature, pressure, and flow parameters. In layman’s terms, the gauge is an instrument that displays the value of any of these physical characteristics. Often, gauges are used to display values in real time, making them crucial to the day-to-day operations of a plant.
Before investing in gauges for specific applications, though, having an understanding of the differences between digital and analog gauge models is important.
What are analog gauges?
Used in industrial applications since the Industrial Revolution, analog (dial) gauges have been around since the days of locomotives and steam processes. Gauges protected workers from high pressure instruments that posed safety hazards.
Benefits of analog gauges
Despite the advent of digital gauges, in some scenarios, it’s ideal to use analog gauges for industrial processes. Here are some of their benefits.
Measuring dynamic presure changes
Analog gauges are perfect for situations where you need to observe changes in dynamic pressure. This is because the dial and needle configuration of the analog gauge make it easier for the eye to follow it. Analog gauges allow you to take readings from a distance at-a-glance without having to interpret the digital display.
Spike situations
Analog gauges help operators get an average reading during spikes. This is a noticeable advantage in comparison with their digital counterparts, which require the user to calculate the average themselves.
Affordable
In the long run, analog gauges turn out to be more reliable and affordable than digital equipment. This is because they face the risk of their battery going dead, or the instrument overheating.
What are digital gauges?
Digital gauges use a transducer that converts pressure and temperature variations into proportional electric signals. A microprocessor then converts these signals into a numeric value which is later digitally displayed.
Benefits of digital gauges
Becoming more and more popular in industrial applications, we’ve compiled a list of the significant benefits of digital gauges.
Durability
Owing to a digital gauge’s solid-state design, they’re increasingly utilized in high vibration applications. As opposed to an analog gauge’s needle that is prone to fluctuate in such situations, digital gauges are ideal for providing an accurate reading.
Calibration
Without losing calibration, digital gauges withstand vibration and shock situations. This also makes these instruments adaptable for a large variety of industrial applications.
Repairability
Digital gauges can easily be repaired at affordable costs because their engineering units are readily available. They are also user-friendly as they allow operators to set battery times and offer an ease of digitally calibrating the gauge.
Ensure a safe work environment with premium-quality gauges
We offer a large variety of electronic gauges equipped with advanced options like alarms that help control high pressure pumps. Contact Instruments is a leading manufacturer of electronic and hydraulic drilling instrumentations in Leduc, Alberta. Our products include a diverse range of equipment, including electronic pressure gauges, standpipe pressure gauges, weight indicator systems and pressure sensors. Contact us for more information.