Piezo vacuum gauge by Teledyne Hastings offers analog, digital output

Teledyne Hastings' HVG-2020A vacuum gauge

Teledyne Hastings measurement devices are available through Durham Instruments – including the unique HVG-2020A piezo vacuum gauge. This is a media-isolated, gas-composition-independent, piezo-resistive unit that gives users accurate pressure measurement throughout the rough vacuum region. Easy to install, the device has an optional display that gives users several different views or modes of operation. Its flexibility enables both analog and digital output that operators can integrate into process control easily.

“Pressure versus Time” mode

Relevant applications for this versatile device include rough vacuum monitoring, semiconductors, laser systems, chemical research, air sampling, central vacuum monitoring, oil reprocessing, and medical research. Durham Instruments deems the HVG-2020A suitable for use in such industries as aerospace, automation, food processing, education, packaging, power generation, alternative energy, and transportation.

What makes this piezo vacuum gauge different from thermal-based vacuum gauges is that it measures system pressure directly, rather than inferring pressure by measuring the thermal conductivity of the gas – so readings do not depend on the type of gas used. So the operator never needs to use a conversion factor. The HVG-2020A’s reading for nitrogen, for instance, will be the same as that for helium or carbon dioxide at a given pressure.

The gauge also has a “Pressure versus Time” mode that allows monitoring of the pumpdown (or vent) of the vacuum system. Users can identify problems early and save time; they can also view rate-of-rise to catch the presence of a chamber leak. The “Bar Graph” mode allows operators to view the numeric value of the system pressure and the rate of change. Other key benefits include high accuracy, low cost, contamination tolerance, ease of use, and gas-composition independence.

A flexible instrument, the HVG-2020A piezo vacuum gauge is a perfect substitute for more expensive capacitance manometers, due to the broad range of analog output signals from which to choose. The digital output can include RS232 and RS485, through a small jack on top of the device, and a USB connection is available on many models, making connection and operation easier. Also available is free Windows data-acquisition software for data logging.

To learn more, contact Durham Instruments.

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