How to Install Pressure Gauge on Hydraulic Press

Pressure gauges are an invaluable asset when troubleshooting fluid power structures; their narrow range enables accurate readings that will reveal leaks or sudden pressure changes quickly and reliably.

Manometer-style pressure gauges feature a small U-shaped tube which, when pressurized, straightens out and moves a needle indicator - these types of gauges are often found in industrial settings.

Drilling a Hole in the Side of the Bottle Jack

Installing a pressure gauge onto your bottle jack is relatively straightforward and provides you with valuable information about exactly how much force the jack is exerting, helping prevent accidents by permitting slow lowering.

Step one of installing a pressure gauge onto a bottle jack involves drilling a hole. A 3/16" drill bit should do just fine for this task; to do it safely and successfully you should first remove its cap before unscrewing its screw-post for accessing this step.

This screw-post threads into a threaded hole on the front of your mobile base. However, be careful not to unscrew it all the way - this holds your bottle jack in place and features an arrow that points downwards when being used; this ensures that hydraulic fluid reaches your piston in an effective way.

Threading the T-Fitting

Gauges must be placed in an ideal orientation to properly display and provide personnel safety. Some gauges feature a peg design with the front of the Bourdon tube pushed back slightly away from its face to aid with orientation and reading safety; WIKA XSEL process gauges feature this safety pattern built-in.

Assuring your pressure gauge has appropriate threads (tapered threads) is of utmost importance, which is why I recommend using a clamp socket or union nut to attach it to your tank tee and enable easy orienting when tightening down its screw.

Before installing a pressure gauge, close the valve between your water pressure tank and building supply piping to prevent any of its contents draining back down through it during installation. Furthermore, drain most or all of its pressure from your tank itself for best results.

Screwing in the Pressure Gauge

Pressure gauges are integral components of efficient fluid power system operation and safety, helping troubleshoot issues that arise such as loss of calibration or malfunctioning pointer. But for their full effectiveness to take place, installation must also take into consideration.

Gauges come with various features and styles to meet the needs of every application. A differential pressure gauge is one such device, consisting of two chambers separated by an element that moves back and forth when pressure changes occur, tugging at either a rotary pointer or digital display to indicate this change in pressure.

Gauges typically feature a glass or tempered window for viewing its needle and dial, as well as being filled with either glycerin or silicone oil for temperature compensation and expansion purposes. They may also come equipped with reducers that match input/output connections sizes.

Orienting the Gauge

Before using a pressure gauge, it must first be adjusted correctly. Some models come equipped with an adjustable screw on either needle or dial face which can be accessed by taking off its cover; be mindful when making changes as too much force could damage its needle and require replacement.

Most popular pressure gauges feature liquid-filled sensors, making them less sensitive to vibrations and pulsations within a system and accommodating temperature changes more accurately for greater accuracy of readings.

Some gauges include a blow-out back feature to further improve their performance, diverting any potential Bourdon tube eruption into the back of their case and protecting those reading them from any danger. To maximize this safety feature, be sure that behind your gauge is unobstructed by debris and dirt; and for added convenience use clamp sockets or union nuts when connecting it - this allows an installer to easily adjust its direction with sufficient torque applied.