Again and again, we are asked the question about the difference between a complete pressure measurement and a gauge pressure measurement. To answer this question it can help to look at the definition of gauge pressure and absolute pressure. The difference between your two measurements is then explained relatively simply and therefore also the choice of the correct measurement.
Definition of absolute pressure
Absolute pressure is a pressure that is in accordance with the zero pressure in the empty, air-free space of the universe. This reference pressure is the ideal or absolute vacuum. It is denoted with the subscript ?abs?: Pabs.
Ingredients 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 as follows: Pe = Pabs ? Pamb.
Absolute vs gauge pressure measurement
The difference between your two measurements is relatively easily clarified: in a gauge pressure measurement, it is usually the difference from the existing ambient pressure that is measured. However, this pressure changes with the weather and the height above sea level. An absolute pressure measurement measures the difference from the perfect or absolute vacuum. This is the reason this measurement is independent of environmental influences such as for example weather or altitude. Which measurement is now the right one?
In practice, the two measurements can be differentiated the following: in many instances, the measuring task would be to determine the gauge pressure. This is exactly why this kind 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 gauge the absolute pressure, the next additional errors must be expected:
+/- 30 mbar caused by changes in weather
up to 200 mbar when changing the positioning (e.g. from sea level to 2,000 m)
According to the measuring range, these errors can be substantial (e.g. in pneumatics at a measuring range 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 contact us ? we?ll be glad to work with you.