INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Bourdon Tube / Sensing Element

Bourdon tube sensing element converts fluid pressure into mechanical displacement for pressure gauges.

Component Specifications

Definition
A Bourdon tube is a curved, hollow metal tube with an elliptical cross-section that serves as the primary sensing element in mechanical pressure gauges. When internal pressure increases, the tube tends to straighten due to its elastic deformation, creating proportional mechanical displacement at the sealed tip. This displacement is mechanically amplified through linkages to drive the gauge pointer, providing visual pressure readings. The tube's geometry, material properties, and manufacturing precision determine its pressure range, accuracy, and hysteresis characteristics.
Working Principle
Operates on the elastic deformation principle: internal pressure applied to the sealed tube causes it to uncoil or straighten proportionally. The resulting tip displacement is mechanically transmitted to rotate the pointer via a sector-pinion or lever mechanism, converting pressure into angular movement.
Materials
Typically phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, stainless steel (304/316), or Monel for corrosive environments. Material selection depends on pressure range, media compatibility, and temperature conditions.
Technical Parameters
  • Hysteresis <0.5% of span
  • Repeatability ±0.1% of span
  • Accuracy Class ±0.1% to ±2.5% of full scale
  • Pressure Range 0-0.6 bar to 0-700 bar
  • Temperature Range -40°C to +120°C
  • Overpressure Safety 130% of full scale
Standards
ISO 5171, DIN 16085, ASME B40.100

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Bourdon Tube / Sensing Element.

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Fatigue failure from pressure cycling
  • Corrosion from incompatible media
  • Overpressure damage exceeding design limits
  • Mechanical linkage wear affecting accuracy
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Material fatigue from continuous pressure cycling
Failure: Crack formation leading to leakage or rupture
Mitigation: Regular calibration, pressure limiters, material selection based on cycle life
Trigger: Corrosive media attack
Failure: Wall thinning and eventual rupture
Mitigation: Compatible material selection, protective coatings, diaphragm seals
Trigger: Mechanical linkage wear
Failure: Increased hysteresis and reduced accuracy
Mitigation: Regular maintenance, lubrication, replacement of worn components

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
±0.5% to ±2.5% of full scale depending on accuracy class
Test Method
Deadweight tester calibration, comparison against reference standard, hysteresis and repeatability testing per ISO 5171

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

Not customer reviews or live demand data. These dimensions support RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation
4/5
Manufacturing capability
4/5
Inspection readiness
5/5
Supplier transparency
3/5

These scores are example evaluation dimensions, not real customer ratings, country-specific buyer feedback, or live inquiry activity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of Bourdon tube configurations?

C-shaped (most common), helical (for higher sensitivity), and spiral (for very low pressures) configurations, each offering different displacement characteristics for specific pressure ranges.

How does temperature affect Bourdon tube accuracy?

Temperature changes cause thermal expansion/contraction of tube material, affecting elasticity and zero point. Compensation methods include bi-metal strips, liquid-filled cases, or temperature-corrected materials.

What media are incompatible with standard Bourdon tubes?

Oxygen (requires degreased components), chlorine, ammonia, and other reactive chemicals may require special materials like Monel or stainless steel with appropriate passivation.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

Data Basis

CNFX manufacturer profiles, technical classification, publicly available product information, and ongoing plausibility checks.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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