{"id":14674,"date":"2021-08-26T13:35:34","date_gmt":"2021-08-26T18:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/\/?p=14674"},"modified":"2023-08-29T01:19:16","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T06:19:16","slug":"burst-pressure-what-it-is-and-why-wika-chooses-not-to-publish-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/products\/pressure-products\/burst-pressure-what-it-is-and-why-wika-chooses-not-to-publish-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Burst Pressure: What It Is and Why WIKA Chooses Not to Publish It"},"content":{"rendered":"

Burst pressure is a factor to consider when choosing industrial pressure gauges, but it is far from the only one or even the top criterion. Find out more about burst pressure and why WIKA USA provides this information upon request only. <\/strong><\/p>\n

When WIKA USA\u2019s product specialists are asked to select an industrial pressure gauge<\/a> for a customer\u2019s application, we consider many factors: Will there be extreme vibration or pulsation? What are the ambient and media temperatures? Is the fluid medium corrosive<\/a> or abrasive? What is the desired accuracy<\/a>? We also ask about the process\u2019s working pressures so we can recommend an industrial gauge with a high enough range to accommodate pressure fluctuations and occasional overpressure situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The datasheets for our approximately 120 pressure gauges<\/a> include a comprehensive list of specs, from nominal sizes and detailed dimensional diagrams to accuracy classes, operating temperatures, materials, ingress protection<\/a>, and much more. Yet we choose not to publish burst pressures on our website, even though some other manufacturers do and we have the data. Why is that?<\/p>\n

Pressure Spikes, Overpressure, and Burst Pressure<\/h2>\n

In a pressure gauge, the full scale value encompasses the lowest and highest pressures that the instrument measures; this is what is shown on the dial face. Generally, if the working pressure is steady, we recommend that the top pressure be at 3\/4 of the full scale value. If the pressure fluctuates, we recommend that the upper limit be at 2\/3 of the full scale value. These parameters allow the Bourdon tube gauge<\/a> to accommodate pressure spikes<\/strong> (when pressure sharply increases and then suddenly drops) and periodic overpressures<\/strong> (when the pressure remain near or at the maximum range).<\/p>\n

A gauge\u2019s burst pressure<\/strong> is the point at which the Bourdon tube no longer holds pressure and begins to deform and split. This is a serious issue, as a ruptured tube not only allows the process media to escape, but could also break the window and eject metal parts from the gauge internals. If the medium is caustic, a rupture event is an environmental and health hazard. In sanitary applications, such as in food\/beverage<\/a> and pharmaceuticals\/biotechnology<\/a>, a split tube leads to contamination<\/a>, expensive downtime, and the need to re-sterilize the tainted process.<\/p>\n

So, if burst pressure matters so much, why doesn\u2019t WIKA publish it like other gauge manufacturers do? Well, we are happy to supply that information upon request. But knowing that a number can\u2019t tell the whole story, we prefer to share our gauges\u2019 burst pressure as part of the bigger picture.<\/p>\n

Why WIKA Does Not Publish Burst Pressures for Gauges<\/h2>\n

Burst pressure is determined by a destructive test on a brand new gauge in a controlled laboratory setting. This theoretical value depends on the mechanical strength of the tube which, in turn, is a function of its material and dimensions (diameter and wall thickness). However, there are no industry standard tests to determine burst pressure.<\/strong> The burst pressure values that manufacturers publish will come from their own particular lab setups and criteria. Different testing conditions and different methods can produce different results, which makes it difficult to compare burst pressures. Also, a higher burst pressure rating does not necessarily result in a higher quality gauge. Quality is definitely not determined by the burst pressure rating.<\/p>\n

Another critical aspect is that one cannot compare conditions in the field with conditions in a lab. The moment a gauge is put in service, it is \u201ccompromised,\u201d as we say in the industry. The amount of pressure that a Bourdon tube can withstand in real-life situations depends on many variables, including:<\/p>\n