What is a Digital Manometer?

Learn about digital manometers and why you should switch from a traditional one to detect gas leaks in ventilation and air-con systems.

Types of Manometers

Manometers are devices used to measure fluid pressure, and there are several types of manometers, each designed for specific applications.

• Traditional manometer: Also known as an analogue manometer, these determine pressure by using displacement of a fluid such as water or mercury in an open-ended U-shaped tube. One end is connected to a gas line, for instance, and when pressure is applied, the pressure displaces the liquid in the tube, making it rise on the other side of the U. The pressure is determined by a reading on the manometer’s scale.
• Digital manometer: A digital manometer is a device used to measure and display the pressure of gases or liquids in a digital format. Instead of using a fluid, a digital manometer uses a pressure transducer to detect pressure levels which it converts into an electronic signal that then appears on the device’s digital display.

Why choose a digital manometer over a traditional one?

While digital manometers cost more upfront to purchase because they are more sophisticated and use microprocessors, manual manometers require periodic recalibration and are less reliable and less accurate. The digital option:

• is portable, lightweight and easy to use
• is easier to read in challenging environments
• can be customised according to the application for which it’s being used
• is more durable and can perform well even in extreme temperatures
• can cope with heavy mechanical vibration
• doesn’t need to be used on a level surface to produce an accurate reading
• can be linked to a programmable logic controller or computer
• is capable of correcting deviations from standard conditions when used in conjunction with software
• can be used even by inexperienced apprentices
• does not rely on highly poisonous mercury for its operation
• saves time and therefore, money.

What is a digital manometer used for?

In plumbing and gas applications, a digital manometer is useful in gas leak detection. If the manometer indicates a drop in pressure on the gas line, there is a leak. It’s also used to test ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Digital manometers are increasingly used by plumbers and gas fitters to calibrate and commission gas appliances.

How accurate are digital manometers?

It should go without saying that accuracy is an important consideration in the plumbing and gas fitting industry. Digital manometers shine over their analogue counterparts in this respect because they can be used anywhere, in challenging environments and don’t require a level surface.

The digital display is easy to read and the user can select from 11 different units of measure: inH2O, Psi, Mbar, kPa, inHg, mmHg, Ozin2, ftH2O, cmH2O, Kgcm2, bar.

Bromic’s digital manometer is the tool you need for your plumbing/gas fitting business

Bromic’s HT-1891 Digital Manometer is accurate to ± 0.3% FSO (25°C). It’s a light yet robust handheld device that’s infinitely portable and ready to go at a flick of the ‘on’ button. It has a record function to retain data and boasts a large dual LCD screen with a backlight. Running off a simple 9V battery, the HT-1891 even has a low battery indicator.

8688951 Bromic Digital Manometer

5 helpful tips for using your Bromic Digital Manometer

1. Keep new batteries on hand – The HT-1891 is equipped with a low battery indicator, so you’ll always know when it’s time to replace. Keep a couple of extra 9V batteries handy so that your manometer is always ready to go
2. Utilise the backlight when needed – You can choose to use or not use the backlight according to the circumstances. In low light, the backlight is incredibly helpful, however, it uses more battery power so the manometer can be used without it on if preferred.
3. Utilise Record Mode to store measurements – The Bromic HT-1891 allows you to record multiple pressure readings so you can refer to them later on or check for any patterns in pressure.
4. Remember to reset to zero – Reset the display to zero to eliminate any chances of errors and discrepancies in your results.
5. Use your Bromic HT-1891 to measure static pressure – At times, flow may be fairly uniform and stable, and you may wish to measure static pressure. In this case, the insertion tubes can be used to do so.

And for those who would like to get maximum use out of their digital manometer, it can also be used at home to monitor a propane-powered appliance like a barbecue.

Trust Bromic for your plumbing and gas-fitting tools

Bromic is a trusted name in plumbing and gas fitting, with more than 40 years of history behind us. Our products are specifically engineered for professional applications and the Bromic HT-1891 Digital Manometer is built to handle demanding worksites.

To add the HT-1891 Digital Manometer to your toolbox, get in touch today.