Again and again, we have been asked the question concerning the difference between a complete pressure measurement and a gauge pressure measurement. To answer this question it helps to look at this is of gauge pressure and absolute pressure. The difference between the two measurements is then explained relatively simply and therefore also the choice of the appropriate measurement.
Definition of absolute pressure
Absolute pressure is a pressure that is relative to the zero pressure in the empty, air-free space of the universe. Sunny may be the ideal or absolute vacuum. It really is denoted with the subscript ?abs?: Pabs.
Definition of gauge pressure
The gauge pressure is defined as the difference between an absolute pressure (Pabs) and the prevailing atmospheric pressure (Pamb). It is denoted with the subscript ?e?: Pe and is calculated the following: Pe = Pabs ? Pamb.
Absolute vs gauge pressure measurement
The difference between your two measurements is relatively easily clarified: in a gauge pressure measurement, it will always be the difference from the existing ambient pressure that’s measured. However, this pressure changes with the weather and the height above sea level. A complete pressure measurement measures the difference from the ideal or absolute vacuum. This is why this measurement is independent of environmental influences such as weather or altitude. Which measurement is now the right one?
In practice, both measurements can be differentiated the following: in many instances, the measuring task is to determine the gauge pressure. Because of this , this type of sensor is hottest. However, in case a gauge pressure sensor can be used in an application in which the actual measuring task is to measure the absolute pressure, the next additional errors must be expected:
+/- 30 mbar due to changes in weather
up to 200 mbar when changing the location (e.g. from sea level to 2,000 m)
Depending on the measuring range, these errors can be substantial (e.g. in pneumatics at a measuring selection of 1 bar) or negligible (in hydraulics at 400 bar).
Note
When you are uncertain whether your measuring task needs a complete pressure or gauge pressure measurement, simply e mail us ? we?ll be glad to assist you.