Pressure Gauge, Transducer, or Switch Configurations for High Temperatures Using Cooling Towers

Standard specifications of pressure instruments, whether its a pressure gauge, pressure transducer, or pressure switch, are typically limited to the high temperatures they can see without experiencing faults in accuracy or potential failures.  For example on a pressure gauge, the more common high temperature ratings are between 160F to 200F.  And on pressure transducers, the ratings can be much lower due to the electronics.

However, pressure still needs to be read on higher temperature applications.  So, what can you do as an easy solution and is relatively inexpensive?

There a various types of solutions out there, but one that is economical in price, simple to install, and can be mounted in any direction is the use of a cooling tower.  The advantages of a cooling tower are:

• Shorter in length than using straight pipe as an extension.  Due to the Cooling Tower’s design, it allows for the heat to dissipate over a shorter length than a straight pipe would.  This is great for space saving as well as stability of the instrument.
• No pre-filling of water like you would have to do with a siphon.  The cooling tower is just plug and play.  Screw it into the process, put the instrument on the other end, and you’re good to go.
• It can be mounted to a diaphragm seal for added protection. For applications using thicker medias that solidify at cooler temperatures or for high temperature corrosive applications, the use of a diaphragm seal is necessary.  A cooling tower can act as a temperature barrier between the seal and the instrument allowing for accurate readings and eliminating clogs or corrosion of the instrument.
• Economical in price.  With the features, durability, and accuracy a cooling tower can provide, it is certainly a great price conscious option.

The photo provided above is an example we did at Kodiak using a cooling tower and mounting it to a diaphragm seal.

Here’s a link to the specification sheet of a cooling tower to show the temperature ratings, sizing, and limitations.