Use and Benefits of Pressure Recording Gages

Abstract

Recording gages for keeping a permanent record of steam and water pressures and vacuum have been used by water works for many years. In 1891 Mr. Charles A. Hague, in his introduction of his valuable paper entitled Value of Pressure Records in Connection with Water said that we should know what is going on inside of steam and water pipes, just the same as we have found out what is going on inside the steam cylinder by the use of the indicator. In his paper Mr. Hague quotes Mr. Edwin Darling in his 1889 report of the Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Water Works, as follows: No well conducted water works can afford to be without recording gauges, and, when properly located, they will, in my opinion, pay for themselves within one year (Proceedings Am. W. W. A. Philadelphia, 1891, p. 77). These extracts go to show that the value and usefulness of recording gages were fully recognized, more than twenty years ago. We certainly do need to know what is going on inside of the steam and water pipes under our charge, and at all times. A look at the nonrecording gage shows us the pressure at that time, but is no proof or indication of what it was a minute before. The recording gage does give this information; it tells what the pressure was at any time, day or night, and on any date. It is a constant watchman, just as a water meter is a constant inspector. It keeps a complete and indisputable record of pressure at all times.