WIKA

Pressure balances

Highest accuracy with pressure balances from WIKA

Pressure balances (often also referred to as mechanical dead-weight testers or primary standards) are the most accurate reference instruments for pressure. Their functional principle is based on the physical principle of pressure = force/area. Mass pieces placed on the top of a piston-cylinder system are the source of a precisely defined force. By producing a certain (counter) pressure inside the pressure balance an equilibrium is achieved: the mass pieces, including the free-running piston of the piston-cylinder system, are floating, which will lead to a very accurate pressure at the test port.

What is a dead weight tester?

A dead weight tester, also known as a pressure balance, or piston gauge, is a measuring instrument that can be used to determine pressure extremely accurately. As pressure = force/area (p=F/A), a deadweight tester operates on the principle of generating force using physical weights on top of a finely machined piston cylinder system. Pressure balances are used as reference devices for testing, calibrating or adjusting mechanical or electronic measuring instruments. WIKA dead weight testers have a measuring accuracy of 0.05 % up to 0.005 % with measuring ranges from -1 to 6,000 bar. A distinction is made between hydraulic dead weight testers, such as the model CPB5800 and pneumatic dead weight testers, like the model CPB3500.

How does a hydraulic dead weight tester work?

Hydraulic dead weight testers or pressure balances use mineral oil or sebacate oil as the pressure transmission medium.

How does a pneumatic dead weight tester work?

Pneumatic dead weight testers work on the basis of clean, dry, non-corrosive gases, such as air or nitrogen.

How often does a dead weight tester need to be calibrated?

Generally, it is recommended that dead weight testers be calibrated every five years. For more information on mobile calibration service at WIKA, visit the Calibration and Service Center section of our website.

FAQ
FAQ

What is the Kn factor?

All piston-cylinder units and masses which can be mounted on DH Budenberg pressure balances are built around a nominal mass-to-pressure conversion coefficient, Kn. The nominal effective area of each piston-cylinder size is such that, under standard ...

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