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Vacuum Gauge Comprehensive Guide: Principles, Usage, Troubleshooting, and Brands

I. Overview of Vacuum Gauge

A vacuum gauge, also known as a vacuum meter or vacuum gauge tube, is an instrument specifically designed to measure gas pressure or vacuum degree. It indirectly reflects the level of vacuum by measuring the pressure generated by gas molecule movement in a confined space. In scientific research and industrial production, vacuum gauges are widely used to precisely control vacuum environments, ensuring the stability and accuracy of experiments or production processes.

II. Principles of Vacuum Gauge

The working principle of a vacuum gauge is based on the physical effects of gas molecules under different pressures. According to different measurement principles, vacuum gauges can be mainly divided into three categories: those utilizing mechanical properties, gas dynamic effects, and charged particle effects.

1. Utilizing Mechanical Properties

  • Bourdon Gauge: Utilizes the expansion of a thin copper tube under gas pressure, driving a lever and gear rotation to indicate different scales, thereby reading the pressure value.
  • Diaphragm Capacitance Gauge: The metal diaphragm deforms under different pressures, leading to changes in capacitance between it and the electrodes. The pressure value is inferred by measuring the change in capacitance.

2. Utilizing Gas Dynamic Effects

  • Pirani Gauge: Utilizes the relationship between resistance and temperature, inferring pressure by measuring the temperature change of a heated wire under different pressures.
  • Thermocouple Gauge: Similar to the Pirani Gauge but directly measures the temperature change of the heated wire instead of resistance change.

3. Utilizing Charged Particle Effects

  • Hot Cathode Ionization Gauge: Emits electrons from a hot cathode to ionize gas molecules in the vacuum, collecting the generated ion current to infer pressure.
  • Cold Cathode Ionization Gauge: Utilizes magnetically controlled discharge to ionize gas molecules, collecting ion current for pressure measurement.

III. Usage Methods of Vacuum Gauge

  1. Select the Appropriate Vacuum Gauge: Choose the suitable model and range of the vacuum gauge based on measurement needs.
  2. Calibrate the Vacuum Gauge: Calibrate before use to ensure the accuracy of measurement results.
  3. Connect the Vacuum Gauge: Connect the vacuum gauge to the device or container being measured, ensuring good sealant at the connection point.
  4. Start Measurement: Turn on the device or container being measured, wait for it to reach a stable state, and then turn on the vacuum gauge for measurement.
  5. Read Data: After stabilization, read the data displayed on the vacuum gauge, paying attention to data stability and accuracy.
  6. End Measurement: After measurement, turn off the vacuum gauge and the device or container being measured, and properly store the vacuum gauge.

IV. Faults and Repair Methods of Vacuum Gauge

1. Unable to Start

  • Check the power supply: Confirm whether the vacuum gauge is properly plugged in and the plug is secure.
  • Check the fuse: Inspect whether the fuse is burned out and replace it if necessary.
  • Check the switch: Confirm the correct position and settings of the switch.

2. Inaccurate Readings

  • Check the connection port: Confirm whether the connection port is loose or tightly connected.
  • Check the range setting: Confirm whether the range setting is correct to avoid exceeding the measurement range.
  • Check the sensor: A damaged sensor may lead to inaccurate readings and needs replacement.

3. Readings Too High or Too Low

  • Check gas flow: Abnormal gas flow may affect readings, so check whether the gas flow is normal.
  • Check vacuum tube quality: Poor quality of the vacuum tube may also lead to inaccurate readings and needs replacement.

4. Air Leakage

  • Check sealant: Confirm the sealant of the vacuum gauge and vacuum tube, and perform sealing treatment if necessary.
  • Detect hidden leaks: Use methods such as gas infusion to detect and repair hidden leak points.

Preventive Measures

  • Regular inspection: Periodically maintain and inspect the vacuum gauge to ensure its normal operation.
  • Keep clean: Maintain the cleanliness of the vacuum gauge to avoid interfering with measurement results.
  • Safe operation: Pay attention to operational safety to avoid equipment damage or accidents caused by improper operation.

V. Summary

As an important tool for measuring vacuum degree or pressure, vacuum gauges play a crucial role in scientific research and industrial production. Understanding their working principles, mastering correct usage methods, and handling common faults are essential for ensuring the accuracy of measurement results and the stable operation of equipment. Meanwhile, regular maintenance and inspection of vacuum gauges are also key to ensuring their long-term stable performance.

VI. Brands and Models of Vacuum Gauges Repaired by Longi Electromechanical

  1. Inficon
    • Sky CDG025D: Capacitance Diaphragm Gauge
    • Sky CDG100D: Capacitance Diaphragm Gauge
    • Sky CDG200D: Capacitance Diaphragm Gauge
    • Skyview: Combination Pirani and Cold Cathode Gauge
  2. Edwards
    • nEXT Series: nEXT730D, nEXT930D
    • Active Pirani Series: APG100, APG200
    • Active Inverted Magnetron Series: AIM-X, AIM-S
  3. Pfeiffer Vacuum
    • ActiveLine Series: TPR 280, TPR 270
    • DigiLine Series: DPG 102, DPG 109
    • Compact Series: PCR 260, PCR 270
  4. MKS Instruments
    • Granville-Phillips Series: 370 Stabil-Ion, 375 Convectron, 390 Micro-Ion
    • Baratron Series: 627D, 629A
    • PDR Series: PDR2000
  5. Leybold
    • Thermovac Series: TTR 91, TTR 101
    • Ceravac Series: CTR 100, CTR 101
    • Ionivac Series: ITR 90, ITR 91
  6. Agilent Technologies
    • ConvecTorr: Convectron Gauge
    • UHV Ionization Gauge: Ultrahigh Vacuum Gauge
    • FRG-700: Full Range Gauge
  7. Teledyne Hastings
    • DV-6: Thermocouple Vacuum Gauge
    • HPM-2002: Digital Vacuum Gauge
    • HVG-2020B: Digital Vacuum Gauge
  8. Brooks Instrument
    • 5866: Capacitance Manometer
    • 5850: Mass Flow Controller
    • 5863: Digital Pressure Gauge
  9. Kurt J. Lesker
    • 945 Series: Inverted Magnetron Gauge
    • 350 Series: Pirani Gauge
    • 354 Series: Ionization Gauge
  10. ULVAC
    • G-Tran Series: G-Tran ST1, G-Tran PT1
    • SW-1 Series: SW-1
    • M-100 Series: M-100
  11. InstruTech
    • B-RAX 3000: Vacuum Gauge Controller
    • CDG-500: Capacitance Diaphragm Gauge
    • IGC100: Cold Cathode Gauge
  12. Thyracont
    • Smartline Series: VSR, VSP
    • Digitalline Series: VD8, VD12
    • Analogline Series: VMA, VPA
  13. Agilent
    • XGS-600: Gauge Controller
    • FRG-720: Full Range Gauge
    • UHV-24: Ultra High Vacuum Gauge
  14. Sens4
    • VQM-83: Vacuum Quality Monitor
    • VSM-32: Vacuum Sensor Module
  15. Dycor (AMETEK)
    • Dycor Quadlink: Residual Gas Analyzer
    • Dycor 1000: Vacuum Gauge

Longi Electromechanical Company has nearly 30 years of experience in repairing vacuum gauges and can quickly repair various instruments. Additionally, they recycle and sell various vacuum gauges. Welcome to consult.