{"id":1052,"date":"2015-02-11T18:56:59","date_gmt":"2015-02-11T23:56:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/\/?p=1052"},"modified":"2023-08-29T04:26:38","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T09:26:38","slug":"pressure-gauges-withstand-cold-weather-oil-patch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/products\/pressure-products\/pressure-gauges-withstand-cold-weather-oil-patch\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Your Pressure Gauges Withstand Cold Weather in the Oil Patch?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last winter, the demand for oil and natural gas soared as frigid temperatures penetrated well into the Southeastern U.S. With weather experts predicting the same for this year, drilling operations need to run as productively as possible to keep up. However, a good portion of the nation\u2019s natural gas supply is now coming from regions known for colder climates, such as North Dakota and Ohio.<\/p>\n

Operating in such conditions introduces a new set of challenges for oil and gas extraction and production. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to equipment and instrumentation, including even small components such as pressure gauges, to ensure productivity despite environmental conditions.<\/p>\n

Gauges for Cold Weather<\/h2>\n

Low temperatures can compromise the materials used in gauges and lead to inaccurate readings. Even worse, extreme cold can cause gauges to wear out more quickly<\/a>, leading to frequent replacement. The solution? Install gauges designed to withstand extremely low temperatures. Manufacturers\u2019 data sheets often list temperature and pressure ranges for the gauges and proper operating conditions. If you follow the guidelines, you reduce or eliminate the chance that your gauges will fail. Look for gauges designed with alloys, such as stainless steel<\/a>, which provide resistance to extreme cold. In addition, gauges filled with silicone oil or other comparable liquids are recommended because they have low viscosities even at -40 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>\n

The Benefits of Liquid-Filled Gauges<\/h2>\n

In many applications, liquid-filled gauges<\/a> are preferred over dry gauges because the fill dampens the effects of vibration, making the gauge easier to read and less prone failure. Dry gauges are also subject to condensation in cold temperatures, creating another opportunity for the gauge to malfunction. In a liquid-filled gauge, the chamber is sealed to prevent condensation. Therefore, a gauge with silicone fill is an optimal choice for extremely cold settings.<\/p>\n

Gauges for the Oil Patch<\/h2>\n

With pressure ranges up to 15,000 psi, WIKA gauges are widely used in the upstream process applications. \u00a0In warmer regions such as Texas, WIKA\u2019s brass gauges with glycerin fill are the go-to. And in the oil patches where the winters are harsh, WIKA\u2019s stainless steel gauges with silicon fill are most durable. Below is a list of some of the mostly commonly used oil patch gauges along with links to product data sheets.<\/p>\n