Pressure gauges from different manufacturers look quite similar from the outside. At first glance, even the specifications appear to be virtually identical. However, that impression is deceptive – there are, in fact, significant differences. The following post explains three features of WIKA stainless steel pressure gauges that meet essential customer requirements and deliver significant added value.
1. Helium leak test for maximum safety
Process medium escaping due to leakage at the pressure gauge
A critical manufacturing step is the leak test on the pressure gauge’s measuring system. Should even the smallest leakage remain undetected, it can release hazardous media later during operation. Not only does this result in high maintenance costs, but leakage also poses a safety risk to personnel and the environment. To minimise the likelihood of leakage, WIKA, as a standard, subjects its stainless steel pressure gauges to a demanding and high-precision helium leak test at nominal pressure. This is characterised by an industry-leading leakage rate of 10⁻⁶ mbar · l/s – which is 1,000 times stricter than common market methods and the usual standard requirements. If a pressure gauge only undergoes a conventional test, it may still have a leak that would allow hundreds of litres of gas to escape each year. In contrast, WIKA’s helium leak test at nominal pressure reduces the potential loss to a barely measurable level – a decisive safety advantage for users and processes.
2. „Swiss Movement” – Swiss precision for reliable processes
“Swiss Movement” movement are as precise and robust as the movement of a Swiss watch.
Pressure gauges are essential for monitoring operating pressure in industrial processes. Depending on the application, it is important that the measured values correspond as closely as possible to the true pressure. Accuracy depends largely on the movement, which is, so to speak, the brain of every instrument. For more than 45 years, WIKA has been manufacturing the movements for its stainless steel pressure gauges in Switzerland, a country with an excellent reputation for precision engineering. The movements, which are specially designed for WIKA pressure gauges, impress with their high load cycle stability, accuracy and durability, and bear the name “Swiss Movement”. For users, this means reliable processes, maximum safety and cost-effectiveness throughout the entire service life. Thanks to its in-house production, WIKA is also independent of external suppliers and ensures stable supply chains and cost control. Swiss movements may cost more than alternatives from low-wage countries, but customers receive high-quality instruments in return – pressure gauges that are as precise and robust as the movement of a Swiss watch.
3. WIKA product passport for easy instrument identification
A QR code on the dial leads to the WIKA product passport.
Last but not least, WIKA stainless steel pressure gauges come with a QR code on the dial ex-works. By scanning the code with their smartphone or tablet, users can directly access the WIKA product passport. It is a digital platform containing relevant product information such as serial or item number. This allows each instrument to be uniquely identified in accordance with IEC 61406. As a result, it is easier to reorder pressure gauges and integrate them into existing systems. The product passport also gives users access to technical documents such as data sheets, operating instructions as well as certificates and approvals at any time – in several languages and always up to date.
Conclusion
A helium leak test that is 1,000 times stricter than common market methods, high-precision Swiss movements and digitally available product data – these three features underline WIKA’s global leadership in the field of stainless steel pressure gauges and its consistent pursuit of outstanding quality and technological advancement.
Note
Further information on pressure gauges can be found on the WIKA website. There you will also find out more about WIKA as a company. Watch our video about the WIKA product passport to learn more about the topic. If you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
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