Pirani gauge pressure

The Pirani gauge is a robust thermal conductivity gauge used for the measurement of the
pressures in vacuum systems.

Working Principle and Construction of Pirani

gauge

Pirani gauge consist of two tungsten filaments, a power source and a volt
meter or ammeter.One of the filaments is placed to gauge tube and is
exposed to the environment where the pressure is measured.The other
filament is placed in sealed reference tube filled with gas constant pressure.
The filaments are heated up by passing current through them. As the gas
molecules interact with the filament heat is carried away. The higher the
pressure the more interaction with gas molecules and more heat is taken
from the filament. The electrical resistance of the filament depends on the
filaments temperature. Therefor the filaments electrical resistance depends
on the pressure in the chamber.
The electrical resistance is measured by following the ohms law.It can be
done

in

two

ways.

Either keep the current constant and measure voltage or keep voltage
constant

and

measure

the

current.

V=I/R - Ohms Law

Application of Pirani Gauge

Low Vacuum Pressure measurement
Ultra high vacuum pressures
The rough to medium vacuum

Advantages of Pirani Gauges

Pirani gauge is often preferred over thermocouple gauge because
it is 10 times faster and wider range of pressure can be
measured.

Inexpensive Rugged
Response to pressure change is good.
Pressure and resistance relation is linear for the range of

use.
Reading can be taken remotely.

Disadvantages of Pirani Gauge

Frequent Calibration is required

Electric power is must for operation