This can be achieve in a couple of ways depending on the maximum temperature of the steam in the process.
Titan TPTa Industrial pressure transmitter with STC-25 adaptor #
By using a standard industrial pressure transmitter with good temperature compensation such as the Titan TPTa in conjunction with the STC-25 screw on temperature reducing adaptor, media temperatures of up to 200°C can be achieve.
DMP 331P pressure transmitter with Integrated cooler #
Alternatively we can use the DMP 331P which can be manufactured with an integrated temperature cooler. This has the pressure sensitive diaphragm at the front of the product and the pressure is transferred to the silicon pressure sensor via pressure transfer oil which can be either food safe grade or silicone oil, this oil travels through the integrated ‘fins’ which cool the oil before it reaches the silicon pressure sensor. This means we can achieve media temperatures up to 300°C!
Steam temperature vs. Gauge pressure chart #
Steam pressure and gauge pressure are related terms often used in the context of steam boilers, pressure vessels, and various other systems where steam is generated and utilized.
- Steam Pressure: This refers to the pressure exerted by steam in a particular system. It can be the result of heating water above its boiling point, causing it to vaporize and expand. The steam pressure is often directly related to the temperature of the steam; as the temperature increases, so does the pressure.
- Gauge Pressure: Gauge pressure is the pressure measured by most pressure gauges. It is the pressure inside a system relative to the atmospheric pressure outside the system. In simple terms, it’s the pressure above atmospheric pressure.
Correlation Between Steam Pressure and Gauge Pressure #
The correlation between steam pressure and gauge pressure is direct in that an increase in steam pressure within a confined space will correspond to an increase in gauge pressure. Here’s how they relate:
- Absolute Pressure: Absolute pressure is the total pressure exerted, including atmospheric pressure. It can be found by adding the gauge pressure to the atmospheric pressure (which is typically 101.3 kPa or 14.7 psi at sea level).
- Formula Relationship: Gauge Pressure = Absolute Steam Pressure – Atmospheric Pressure
If you have a closed system, the increase in steam pressure will be reflected directly in the gauge pressure. If you are measuring the pressure in a steam boiler, the gauge will show the pressure of the steam above atmospheric pressure.
When designing and operating systems that utilize steam, understanding the relationship between steam pressure and gauge pressure is crucial. It informs decisions about material selection, safety considerations, efficiency optimization, and control mechanisms to ensure that the system operates within the desired parameters. Monitoring gauge pressure allows engineers and technicians to infer the steam pressure and respond to changes that may indicate potential problems or inefficiencies within the system.
