What are pressure gauge snubbers?
A pressure snubber is a device used to suppress excessive pressure or rapid movement in mechanical systems. The pressure snubber are designed to dampen the effect of pressure pulses and spikes to ensure longer life and readability of pressure gauges in difficult applications. It is offered in a selection of porous, piston or regulating designs;
These units can handle a wide range of media, from air and other gases, to water, steam, gasoline and oils.
The pressure snubber works at nightfall pressure fluctuations. The shock absorbers do not alter the pressure of the process but reduce the pulsation in the line, which improves the stability of the reading of the meter, while prolonging the effective life of the meter.
When one is interested in the measurement of rapid and transient pressures (for example, to initiate safety locks at increasing pressures), dampers should not be used, as they delay the response of the safety system.
Types of Pressure gauge snubbers:
Porous disk snubber:
At the low cost end of the damping spectrum is the type of porous disk (also known as the “filter type”). The fixed disc creates a semipermeable barrier between the incoming pressure and the manometer hole. The pressure is with that disk and has its force distributed through the metal mesh, decreasing it so that it does not damage the meter. The pressure increases gradually, so that the meter does not jump a gear or explode a bourdon tube.
Piston type snubber:
A piston-type damper has a slightly more advanced design that is often self-cleaning. Often designed in two pieces, the piston inside the shock absorber moves freely, acting as a barrier to the rapid increase in pressure. When the pressure increases too quickly, the piston is forced against the hole that leads to the manometer, stopping the flow for milliseconds.
The diameter of the piston and its free space inside the snubber determine the speed of “damping” that occurs.
Adjustable snubber:
Adjustable snubber takes that fine adjustment to another level. Many use a combination of a control ball to block surges and a kind of throttle valve to soften the flow of material in the meter. The control of the ball acts much like the piston-type damper, since it is a passive element until a rapid change of pressure puts it into action.
Even adjustable snubber absorbers without ball control can be effective to soften a large number of pulsations, thanks to the integrated throttle valve, which will only allow liquid to enter at one time. If necessary, a normal needle valve could be replaced.
Many adjustable snubber also have the benefit of a tight seal, allowing the operator to remove the meter for repair or removal.