Water pressure gauge

[Glenn Brooks]

Looking to purchase a water pressure gauge to monitor a cross head water pump (1/2 “ bore). Any idea what pressure range I should be looking for? Iam thinking water pressure in the high pressure side has to exceed 150 psi to achieve injection... so maybe a gauge that will monitor 0 to 200 or 250 psi??

Thanks
Glenn

[NP317]

I would select the same pressure range as used for the main boiler pressure, assuming you don't have anything in the water delivery line choking the flow.
That's the pressure the pump is overcoming to inject water into the boiler.
RussN

[jkimberln]

I agree but be sure the highest value can stand the pulsating unless your cross head pump has an air chamber or something to even out the pulses. The best range for a gauge should be about 50% higher than the boiler running pressure just as the steam pressure gauge should be. Gauges work best at about 2/3rds full scale.

[Asteamhead]

Agree,
To smooth the pulsations of the piston pump and not to fatige the gauge, I recommend a choke (or long small dia water pipe) to the gauge
All the best
Asteamhead

[10 Wheeler Rob]

I pipe my bypass line back to the tender and position it where the discharge can be seen thru a port when the bypass is open. Puting your finger against the line shows if its pumping pressue as well. Not a gage, but works well for me on 3 locomotives.

Rob