Pneumatic pressure gauges – find manufacturers and suppliers

Pneumatic pressure measuring instruments measure and monitor pressure in compressed-air systems, pneumatic control systems and machinery.

They display the available operating, supply or outlet pressure directly at the respective measuring point.
Pneumatic pressure measuring instruments are used on compressors, pressure regulators, air preparation units, valves, compressed-air receivers and pneumatic actuators, among other applications.
Depending on the design, they operate mechanically or electronically and are available for different pressure ranges, connections and mounting positions.
The following overview describes typical designs, applications and important selection criteria for pneumatic pressure measuring instruments.

Types of pneumatic pressure measuring instruments

Mechanical pneumatic pressure gauges

Mechanical pneumatic pressure gauges usually measure pressure by means of a Bourdon tube and indicate the measured value with a pointer on a scale.
They require no electrical power supply and enable simple pressure monitoring directly at the system.
Compact versions can be integrated into pressure regulators, air preparation units and pneumatic assemblies.

Digital pneumatic pressure measuring instruments

Digital pneumatic pressure measuring instruments display the pressure as a numerical value on a screen.
They often allow more precise reading and may offer additional functions such as unit switching, zero adjustment or minimum and maximum value storage.
Depending on the design, they are powered by batteries or an external power supply.

Panel-mounted pressure gauges

Panel-mounted pressure gauges are integrated directly into control panels, operator panels or pneumatic components.
They often have small housing diameters and rear or radial connections.
The mounting dimensions and connection position must match the intended installation location.

Pneumatic differential pressure measuring instruments

Differential pressure measuring instruments detect the pressure difference between two measuring points in a compressed-air system.
They can, for example, indicate the pressure loss across filters, dryers or other air preparation components.
An increasing differential pressure may indicate contamination or restricted air flow.

Pneumatic compound pressure gauges

Compound pressure gauges measure both positive pressure and vacuum.
They are used in pneumatic systems in which both pressure and vacuum conditions may occur.
Typical applications include vacuum generators, suction grippers, handling systems and combined pressure-vacuum circuits.

Applications of pneumatic pressure measuring instruments

Pressure regulators and air preparation units

Pneumatic pressure measuring instruments indicate the set outlet pressure of pressure regulators and filter regulators.
This allows the working pressure to be adjusted to the requirements of the downstream components.
A clearly readable display facilitates adjustment, monitoring and troubleshooting.

Compressors and compressed-air receivers

On compressors and compressed-air receivers, pressure measuring instruments monitor the generated and stored air pressure.
Deviating values may indicate leaks, insufficient compressor performance or incorrect control settings.
The measuring range must safely cover the maximum possible system pressure.

Pneumatic machinery and systems

In machinery, pneumatic pressure measuring instruments indicate the supply pressure of individual control circuits, actuators and tools.
They support commissioning and enable rapid monitoring of the operating condition.
Insufficient pressure can impair the force, speed and function of pneumatic components.

Filtration and compressed-air preparation

Differential pressure measuring instruments can monitor the pressure loss across compressed-air filters and air preparation components.
An increasing pressure loss often indicates growing contamination.
This allows maintenance and filter replacement intervals to be determined according to actual requirements.

Vacuum and handling technology

In vacuum systems, suitable measuring instruments monitor the vacuum at suction grippers, ejectors and vacuum lines.
Sufficient vacuum is required for the safe gripping and transport of workpieces.
The measuring range must be designed for the expected vacuum values.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

Portable or temporarily connected pressure measuring instruments assist in locating pressure losses and malfunctions.
Measurements at different points enable supply and working pressures to be compared.
Suitable test connections facilitate connection to the compressed-air system.

Advantages of pneumatic pressure measuring instruments

• Direct indication of pressure in pneumatic systems
• Simple monitoring of pressure regulators and air preparation units
• Mechanical and digital versions available
• Compact models available for installation in machinery
• Measurement of positive pressure, vacuum and differential pressure possible
• Support during commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting
• Early detection of pressure losses and filter contamination
• Different connections and measuring ranges available

Limitations of pneumatic pressure measuring instruments

• Excessive pressure can permanently damage the measuring element.
• Pressure pulsations and vibrations can impair the indication.
• Moisture, oil and contaminants in the compressed air can damage unsuitable instruments.
• An excessively large measuring range makes small pressure changes more difficult to detect.
• Small scales can be difficult to read from a greater distance.
• Digital instruments require a power supply.
• Leaking connections can cause measurement errors and pressure losses.
• Damaged instruments must not continue to be used.

Important selection criteria for pneumatic pressure measuring instruments

Measuring range

The measuring range must match the usual operating pressure of the compressed-air system.
The normal working pressure should lie within an easily readable section of the scale.
Possible pressure peaks and sufficient overload reserves must be taken into account.

Type of pressure

Depending on the application, positive pressure, vacuum or differential pressure is measured.
Vacuum gauges or compound pressure gauges are required for vacuum applications.
Filter monitoring requires instruments with two pressure connections.

Compressed-air quality

The pressure measuring instrument must be suitable for the available compressed-air quality.
Moisture, oil mist and solid particles can place stress on the measuring mechanism and connection.
For demanding conditions, resistant materials or additional filters are required.

Accuracy and readability

For simple operational monitoring, standard measuring accuracy is often sufficient.
Testing and adjustment work may require greater accuracy and finer scale graduation.
Dial size, contrast and mounting position influence readability.

Connection type

Threads, hose connections and connection positions must match the pneumatic component.
Radial connections are usually located on the underside, while rear connections are located on the back of the housing.
Adapters and seals must be suitable for the operating pressure.

Housing size and mounting type

Compact instruments are suitable for pressure regulators, air preparation units and small machinery.
Larger displays are easier to read from a greater distance.
Control panels require suitable panel-mount housings and fastening elements.

Overpressure resistance

Switching operations, incorrect operation or malfunctions can cause brief pressure peaks.
The instrument should therefore have sufficient overpressure resistance.
Strong pressure surges may require restrictors or damping elements.

Vibrations and pulsations

Compressors and fast-switching valves can generate pressure fluctuations and vibrations.
Liquid-filled pressure gauges or suitable damping elements stabilise the indication and protect the measuring mechanism.
The selected damping must not delay necessary pressure changes excessively.

Environmental conditions

Temperature, humidity, dust and mechanical loads influence the selection.
Protected housings and corrosion-resistant materials are advantageous in humid or harsh environments.
The permissible operating and ambient temperatures must be observed.

Maintenance and inspection

The display, housing, connection and leak-tightness should be checked regularly.
A permanently shifted zero point may indicate overloading or damage.
In quality-relevant applications, regular comparison measurements or calibrations may be required.

Summary

Pneumatic pressure measuring instruments measure and monitor pressure in compressed-air systems, pneumatic control systems and machinery.
Typical designs include mechanical pressure gauges, digital pressure measuring instruments, panel-mounted pressure gauges, differential pressure measuring instruments and compound pressure gauges.
They are used on pressure regulators, air preparation units, compressors, filters, machinery and vacuum systems.
Important selection criteria include measuring range, type of pressure, compressed-air quality, accuracy, connection, housing size and overpressure resistance.
A suitable pneumatic pressure measuring instrument enables reliable operational monitoring and supports adjustment, maintenance and troubleshooting in pneumatic systems.

Pneumatic pressure measuring instruments are available from various manufacturers and suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of pneumatic pressure measuring instruments from around the world can be found on Exportpages.