DuraChoice Pressure Gauges & Thermometers

How Do You Select a DuraChoice Gauge?

Select a pressure gauge or thermometer by matching five specifications: measurement range, dial size, connection size, mounting position, and part material. Use a liquid-filled pressure gauge on equipment exposed to vibration or pulsation. Use a dry utility gauge for economical general-purpose monitoring. Add a thermowell when the thermometer stem needs protection from corrosion or process exposure.

💧 Oil-Filled Pressure Gauges

Choose these gauges for pumps, compressors, hydraulic equipment, and systems exposed to vibration or pressure pulsation.

1½", 2", 2½", and 4" dials
⅛", ¼", and ½" NPT fittings
0–15 through 0–15,000 PSI
Vacuum and compound ranges available
Stainless steel + brass or all stainless steel
Lower or center-back mount
PSI/bar dual scale
Polycarbonate window

Why use glycerin?
The liquid dampens pointer movement caused by vibration and helps lubricate the internal mechanism.

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⚙️ Dry Utility Pressure Gauges

A cost-effective option for stable applications where heavy vibration and rapid pressure cycling are not present.

1½", 2", and 2½" dials
⅛" and ¼" NPT fittings
0–15 through 0–6,000 PSI
Vacuum and compound ranges available
Lower or center-back mount
Painted-steel case with brass fitting
PSI/bar dual scale
Glass window

Best value:
Use for general utility pressure checks where liquid damping is not required.

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🌡️ Industrial Thermometers

Measure process temperature with fixed or adjustable stems and dual Fahrenheit/Celsius scales.

3" and 5" dials
2½", 4", 6", and 9" stems
0–250°F or 50–500°F ranges
Fixed or adjustable stem
Stainless-steel construction
Fahrenheit/Celsius dual scale
Field calibration adjustment
Glass window on fixed-stem models

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🛡️ Thermowells

Protect thermometer stems from process media and corrosion while transferring heat to the sensing stem.

2½", 4", 6", and 9" lengths
½" NPT female instrument thread
½" or ¾" NPT male process thread
304 stainless steel options
316 stainless steel options
Heavy-duty 316 stainless options
Allows easier thermometer removal

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Oil-Filled vs. Dry Pressure Gauges

Choose Oil-Filled When:

Equipment produces continuous vibration
Pressure changes cause pointer flutter
The application requires up to 15,000 PSI
A polycarbonate window is preferred
Stainless-steel construction is required

Choose Dry Utility When:

Pressure remains relatively stable
The gauge is used for general monitoring
The required range is 6,000 PSI or less
A painted-steel case is acceptable
Purchase cost is a primary consideration

5-Step Selection Guide

Confirm these specifications before adding a DuraChoice instrument to your system.

1️⃣

Select the Range

Choose a pressure/vacuum range or temperature scale that covers the expected operating value.

2️⃣

Choose Dial Size

Use a larger dial when the reading must be visible from farther away or when greater scale detail is needed.

3️⃣

Match the Connection

Verify the NPT thread size and confirm whether the connection needs to be lower or center-back mounted.

4️⃣

Check Materials

Match brass, 304 stainless, or 316 stainless components to the process media and surrounding environment.

5️⃣

Confirm Conditions

Account for vibration, pulsation, corrosion, visibility, installation clearance, or stem depth (thermometers).

How a Thermowell Protects a Thermometer

The thermometer stem fits inside the thermowell instead of contacting the process media directly.

🌡️

Thermometer Measures the transferred temperature

⬇️

½" NPT Female Thread Connects the thermometer to the thermowell

🛡️

Thermowell Separates the stem from process media

🔩

Process Connection ½" or ¾" NPT male thread

✅ Ordering Checklist

Measurement range confirmed

Pressure/vacuum range or temperature scale selected

Dial diameter confirmed

NPT thread size verified

Lower or center-back mount selected

Case and fitting materials checked

Stem length and style confirmed (thermometers)

Thermowell requirement reviewed (thermometers)

⚠️ Important Sizing Notes

Dial size refers to the white scale area and does not include the outer housing.

Number size and scale spacing vary with dial diameter.

Confirm available mounting clearance before selecting a 4" or 5" dial.

Match the thermowell length to the thermometer stem length.

Verify process compatibility before selecting brass, 304 stainless, or 316 stainless components.

DuraChoice Gauge and Thermometer FAQs

What does a liquid-filled pressure gauge do?

The glycerin filling dampens pointer movement caused by vibration and pressure pulsation while helping lubricate the internal movement.

What pressure ranges are available?

Oil-filled models cover ranges from 0–15 PSI through 0–15,000 PSI. Dry utility models cover ranges from 0–15 PSI through 0–6,000 PSI.

Do DuraChoice gauges show bar readings?

Yes. DuraChoice pressure gauges feature dual scales that display pressure in both PSI and bar.

Why install a thermowell?

A thermowell protects the thermometer stem from process exposure and corrosion while allowing heat to transfer to the sensing stem.

What thermometer stem lengths are available?

DuraChoice thermometers and thermowells are available in 2½", 4", 6", and 9" lengths.

What is the difference between fixed and adjustable stems?

A fixed stem maintains one viewing position. An adjustable stem lets the dial angle be repositioned for easier viewing after installation.

Choose the Right DuraChoice Pressure Gauge or Thermometer

📊 Available Measurement Ranges