1.2: Pressure
- Page ID
- 105680
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Definition of Pneumatic Pressure and Its Units of Measure
Pneumatic pressure refers to the force exerted by compressed air within a pneumatic system. It's the force that air exerts on the walls of its container, whether it's a storage tank, a hose, or a pneumatic component like a cylinder.
The units of measure for pneumatic pressure are typically:
- Pounds per Square Inch (psi): This is a common unit used to measure pressure in pneumatic systems. It represents the force exerted by one pound of force applied to an area of one square inch.
- Bar: Another commonly used unit, especially in countries that use the metric system, is the bar. One bar is approximately equal to 14.5 psi.
- Pascal (Pa): The Pascal is the SI unit of pressure. It's defined as one Newton per square meter. However, in pneumatic systems, pressure is often measured in kilopascals (kPa) or megapascals (MPa), where 1 kPa = 1000 Pa and 1 MPa = 1,000,000 Pa.
These units help engineers and technicians quantify and regulate the pressure levels within pneumatic systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Pressure Gauge
A Pressure Gauge is a device used to measure pressure at a given point.
How to Read a Pneumatic Pressure Gauge
Reading a pneumatic pressure gauge is straightforward once you understand the markings and numbers on the gauge. Here's how to do it:
- Zero Reading: When there's no pressure in the system, the needle on the gauge should rest at or close to zero. This indicates that there's no pressure being exerted on the gauge.
- Scale: The gauge typically has a scale marked in units of pressure, such as psi (pounds per square inch) or bar. Each unit on the scale represents a specific amount of pressure.
- Needle Position: As pressure builds up in the pneumatic system, the needle on the gauge will move to indicate the amount of pressure being exerted. The needle points to the pressure level on the scale corresponding to the current pressure in the system.
- Pressure Reading: To read the pressure, simply note where the needle points on the scale. This indicates the pressure level in the pneumatic system at that moment.
- Additional Markings: Some gauges may have additional markings or color-coding to indicate safe operating ranges or danger zones. Pay attention to these markings to ensure that the pressure stays within acceptable limits.
- Units Conversion: If the gauge displays pressure in a unit you're not familiar with, you may need to convert it to a unit you understand. For example, if the gauge measures pressure in bar but you're more comfortable with psi, you can use a conversion chart or calculator to convert the reading.
By following these steps and understanding the markings on the gauge, you can accurately read the pressure in a pneumatic system.
Scales Typically Found on the Gauge
Pneumatic pressure gauges typically have one scale, which is marked in units of pressure such as pounds per square inch (psi), bar, or another pressure unit. This single scale allows the user to read the pressure directly in the chosen unit without needing to switch between different scales.
However, some specialized pressure gauges may have multiple scales on the same gauge face, especially if they're designed to measure pressure in different units simultaneously or if they're used in applications where multiple units of pressure are relevant.
For most general-purpose pneumatic pressure gauges, though, you'll typically find just one scale indicating pressure in a single unit.
What Is Its Symbol?
The symbol for a conditioning device in pneumatic schematics typically looks like a diamond shape with additional markings.
Here are two basic representations of the symbol for a pneumatic quick-connect fitting:
