Wine Bottle Headspace Pressure

 

PROBLEM

The headspace pressure inside wine bottles needs to be tested for quality control purposes. A reliable gauge with good accuracy and readability is required. Since it is possible for the bottle to be under vacuum or pressure, a compound gauge is required. Compound gauges are designed to allow the user to read either. Using a pressure gauge for vacuum or vice versa will likely provide false readings and possibly destroy your gauge.

SOLUTIONS

Regular use

For regular usage in testing wine bottle headspace pressure, a Cecomp DPG1000B±15PSIG-5 is recommended.

View it here

The –14.7 psi to 15.0 psig range will cover normal headspace pressure ranges of approximately –3 psi (vacuum) to 3 psi pressure, with zero being ideal. A hollow needle is fitted to the gauge by the winery for testing purposes.

Sparkling wines, Champagnes 

If sparkling wines (at approximately 45 psig) or Champagnes (at 80 to 90 psi) are being tested, a DPG1000B30INHG100PSIG-5 can be specified.

View it here

This model will cover all normal vacuum/pressure ranges.

Download the gauges' datasheet to see all available options. 

Besides choosing a compound range, you may add a backlight, top port, and either an aluminum or NEMA 4X plastic housing.

Call us at 800-942-0315 if you need help solving your vinyard's pressure problems, we are always happy to help you brainstorm even if you don't think you need a gauge.

Matt Joseph, automotive restoration expert, wrote....

Matt Joseph, a veteran restorer and a noted author of hundreds of articles and books, is using our DPG1000B gauge on his Soda Blasting machine.

"When I need the highest order of digital accuracy for measuring air pressure, I rely on my Cecomp digital pressure gauge. Analog measurement may be fine for a "quick glance" check of non-critical applications, but when precision is an issue, great digital gauges easily justify their cost."

Matt owns MATTCO, a small automotive restoration and consulting firm in Prairie du Sac, WI. MATTCO specializes in parts and component cleaning, reconstruction, and finishing. A professional Lincoln restorer, precision soda blasting has recently been added to MATTCO's capabilities. Contact: 608-544-9994.

Some of his most noted bools include:
Media Blasting & Metal Preparation:  A complete Guide (CarTech, Inc.),
Collector Car Restoration Bible: Practical Techniques for Professional Results (K-P/EPBM),
Automotive Sheet Metal Forming & Fabrication (CarTech, Inc.)
Automotive Bodywork and Rust Repair (CarTech, Inc.)

Matt Joseph With His Soda Blaster

Larry Dixon on the Cecomp TestPLUS Digital Pressure Gauge

Under the low pressure conditions that half your dragster tires are running, even a tenth of a pound (or 0.1 PSI) can make a huge difference.
Analog gauges just aren't accurate enough to give you reliable pressure readings within 0.1 PSI.
Read more about analog vs. digital gauges here.

In our latest You Tube video, 3-time National Hot Rod Association NHRA champion Larry Dixon gives some tire tips to dragsters who want to improve their game.

Many thanks to Larry Dixon for making this video!

Cecomp F22B Battery-Powered Digital Pressure Gauge

Welcome to the first in our series of Technical Training Videos for both Absolute Process Instruments signal conditioning equipment and pressure gauges, as well as tips and tricks for other lines we may sell!



In this video, you will learn how to configure an F22B Battery-Powered Digital Pressure Gauge. Learn how to set the memory, turn auto-shutoff on or off, change engineering units, and more. As always, if you get stuck our friendly and knowledgeable customer service trio is available to help you M-F 8am-5pm CST, 800-942-0315.



Stay tuned for additional videos!

Comparing Splitter Models

As always, check out www-api-usa.com to find out more about us and our signal conditioners and pressure gauges (we think we're pretty cool), or call us at 800-942-0315 for application assistance.

Most process signals and sensors are connected directly to a controller or monitoring device input. In some applications, however, it is desirable to split the process or sensor signal into two independent signals. 


When you are choosing a splitter, you must know which input and output types you require for your process.  

Helpful guidelines to follow:

• Our line includes most sensors or process signal input types. Specify what signal input type. We offer:
  • DC Voltage or Current
  • RTDs
  • Strain Gages (Load Cells)
  • AC Voltage or Current
  • Frequency
  • Potentiometer
  • Thermocouples (very rare in the industrial marketplace)
• Outputs can be configured independently for a wide variety of voltage or current ranges, not just 4-20mA. Most customers are clear on their output type, but our engineers can also assist you in choosing the correct one.

What is unique about the API signal splitter line, and what sets it apart from many others, is that the input is not limited to a current input (i.e. 4-20 mDC). 

When you are ordering, make sure you are very specific about the input type you require. We will guide you through this process. You may see a "Universal Splitter!" advertised, when the product actually offers the (exceptionally common but not exactly universal) 4-20 mA DC input.

APD 4930 - IsoSplitter® - DC->DC Signal Isolator-Splitter

Our newest IsoSplitter® is in a slim 22.5mm DIN housing, featuring factory-ranged output and field-rangeable input. The perfect and economical choice for the engineer, manager, or tech who knows exactly what he or she needs. 

·     Most economical splitter option
·     Remote output test
·     Wire for sink or source input
·     Optional sinking output
·     Independent output zero/span controls
·      LoopTracker® output LEDs
·      *Universal power
·      Full isolation: input-outputs, output-output and power-to-input as well as power-to-outputs.

APD 4393 - IsoSplitter® - DC->DC Signal Isolator-Splitter

Our standard IsoSplitter® comes in a 45mm DIN housing and has a number of on-board troubleshooting and configuration features and benefits, ideal for the engineer or tech who wants to have options in the field.

·     UL-approved
·     Adjustable local and remote output test
·     I/O Sink/source versatility
·     Independent output zero/span controls
·     Reverse acting output option
·     Input and output LEDs
·      *Universal power
·     Full isolation: input-outputs, output-output and power-to-input as well as power-to-outputs.

 

Additional Splitter models

APD 1393** - One RTD Input to Two DC Outputs

APD 3393** - One Potentiometer Input to Two DC Outputs

APD 5393** - One Strain Gauge Input to Two DC Outputs

APD 6393** - One AC Input to Two DC Outputs

APD 7393** - One Frequency Input to Two DC Outputs

Z170REG-1 (17.5mm) - Multiple Input Types to Two DC Outputs (call factory)

TCS726 - T/C Input to Two T/C Outputs -OR- One T/C Output and One DC Output (call factory)

 *Universal power 85-265 VAC, 60-300 VDC; D-option 9-30 VAC/VDC

**UL-approved

And remember, we are a "custom engineering house that happens to have a product catalog." If you need something you do not see, please give us a call (847-918-3510) and let our experienced engineering team help you solve your problem.

Analog vs. Digital Pressure Gauges: An Important Distinction

As always, check out www.cecomp.com to find out more about us and our gauges (we're pretty cool), or call us at 800-942-0315 for application assistance.

Ok, so let's face it. Digital pressure gauges are just more expensive than analog gauges. 

Before and After!

So why the heck would I need a digital gauge when my analog (dial) gauge is working just fine? 


The short answer is:

1. An analog may not be working fine at all and you may never know it.
2. A rugged, durable digital gauge - with a warranty - will pay for itself in a very short period of time.
 

The long answer is...

Accuracy  - Digital pressure gauges are far more accurate than analog gauges.

• Analog gauges-The rule of thumb with analog pressure gauges is that when the operating pressure of the system is normal, the needle should be pointing straight up or in the “twelve o’clock” position. So since the accuracy of most dial pressure gauges is best in the middle third of a gauge, you have to always select a gauge with a range that is about twice your normal operating pressure.

• Digital gauges – The rule of thumb with digital pressure gauges is that you match the maximum pressure that you are measuring to the pressure of the gauge. Standard accuracy for Cecomp digital pressure gauges is 0.25% of the full scale of the gauge but most ranges are available at 0.1% accuracy so you will automatically have better accuracy since the range is only what you are measuring NOT twice the normal operating pressure.

Readability

• Analog gauges are often misread due to a parallax issue (the phenomenon whereby a gauge dial appears to the user to be in one position from one angle and another position from another angle).
• Digital gauges have a digital readout so there are no parallax problems and no counting hashes when taking a reading

Repairability

• Should a digital gauge be physically damaged (i.e. punctured display or faceplate/keypad) the calibration is typically not affected and they can be repaired at a nominal cost

Durability

• Due to the solid state design, digital pressure gauges can be used in high vibration applications. The display will hold steady while an analog gauge needle may bounce around and make it difficult to take an accurate reading.

Units of Measurement

• Analog gauge units of measurement, also called engineering units, are not changeable in the field. The dial face would have to be reprinted and replaced to change engineering units. Cecomp digital pressure gauges allow the user to change engineering units, set the battery on/off time, and digitally calibrate the gauge.

Calibration

• Digital gauges will withstand considerable shock, vibration, and abuse without losing calibration. Analog gauges are most often “out of calibration” after the first time they are dropped or banged around.
• Digital pressure gauges are so much more accurate than analog that our customers often use our gauges as test gauges for analogs. The rule of thumb for checking instruments is a 4:1 ratio. Since analog gauges are most often 2% (or worse) accuracies, a 0.25% digital gauge is more than accurate enough for this purpose.

Costs 

• Analog gauges are less expensive initially; however, analog gauges fail often and are unreliable when subjected to shock and normal abuse. It is often necessary to buy several gauges per year. Digital gauges, if properly maintained, will last several years. 

 
Digital pressure gauges, due to superior accuracy, are often used as “gauge standards” to test analog gauges to determine their accuracy and if they are operating properly. If running a whole plant on digital is impossible, having digital TEST GAUGES on hand for can significantly improve an entire system or plant's accuracy.

Pressure Under the Wings

Ok, full disclosure: I happen to be flying next week, so this post might be a little biased.

When us marketing folks go to work, we look at pictures of other people, diagrams and flow charts, and, if we're lucky, maybe of the gear that we sell. I happen to look at pictures of pressure gauges a lot.

Knowing that I'm flying, I gotta admit it's a relief to say I know our gentleman engineer, Terry, who designs our pressure gauges. I can't wait for the day I look out of the plane window and see our flat-sided gauge and bright orange rubber boot checking the tire, strut or brake pressures on a neighboring aircraft. Besides it being a matter of company pride, I know the people who build and calibrate our gauges and I know I'd be safe relying on their work.

I realized the other day that not everyone knows the difference between a high-quality pressure gauge and a regular $50 analog gauge, so I thought I'd share some of our internal gearhead knowledge with you!

DPG2000B Digital Pressure Gauge

To the left is a picture of one of our gauges. This one happens to be a DPG2000B, the one that a certain major airline manufacturer located in Washington state recommends on their drawings that maintenance techs use.

Toasted Marshmallow Gauge

To the right is a picture of what we call our toasted marshmallow gauge. Believe it or not, it's the same gauge as the DPG2000B above, only this one kind of got blown out of the back of a jet engine after it was accidentally left inside.

Aaaand it stayed perfectly calibrated. For all you non-techies out there, that means that it was accurate before it was super-heated, and it was just as accurate afterwards. More on cal stuff later, I promise I'm not just bragging.