WATER GAUGES & GAUGE GLASS Click here to go back to the current Tech Tip WHAT IS A WATER GAUGE? A water gauge is a device that allows the liquid in a vessel to be visually inspected. Water gauges are required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Code on steam boilers, and are also useful in many other applications, such as monitoring the amount of oil in an oil tank. WATER GAUGE DO'S AND DON'T'S DO NOT's DO NOT use glass if it contains any scratches, chips, or any other visible signs of damage. DO NOT reuse any tubular glass or glass packing. DO NOT subject gauge glass to bending or torsional stresses. DO NOT over tighten glass packing nuts. DO NOT allow glass to touch any metal parts. DO NOT exceed the recommended pressure of the gauge or gauge glass. DO NOT clean the gauge or gauge glass while pressurized or in operation. DO's DO verify proper gauge has been supplied. DO examine gauge glass and packing carefully for damage before installation. DO install protective guards and utilize automatic ball checks where necessary to help prevent injury in case of glass breakage. DO inspect the gauge glass daily, keep maintenance records, and conduct routine replacements. DO protect glass from sudden changes in temperatures such as drafts, water spray, etc. MAINTENANCE Examine the gauge glass regularly for any signs of clouding, scratching, erosion, or corrosion. The glass should be inspected daily until the need for replacement becomes apparent. This will help establish the routine inspection and routine replacement schedules. CLEANING Use commercial non-abrasive glass cleaners to keep glass clean. Use diluted acids such as Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid when regular cleaners do not seem to work. Do not use wire brushes or any other abrasive materials which could scratch the glass. INSPECTION Examine the surface of the glass for scratches, corrosion, chips, cracks, surface flaws, or nicks. To do this, aim a very bright concentrated light at an angle of about 45 degrees. A defective glass will glisten as the light strikes imperfections. Glass which appears cloudy or roughened, and will not respond to cleaning, should be replaced. HOW TO MEASURE GAUGE GLASS & RODS Measure the center to center dimension of the gauge valves, (A to B). Glass - center to center (minus) -1-1/4" Rods - glass length (plus) +7/8" Click here to go back to the current Tech Tip Back to Top

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