Differential Pressure (DP)

What is the difference between a differential pressure gauge and a standard pressure gauge? 
A standard pressure gauge measures pressure at a single point in a system. A differential pressure gauge measures the pressure at two separate points and displays the difference between those pressures on a single dial.

Because differential pressure gauges measure pressure drop directly, they are commonly used to monitor filters, strainers, heat exchangers, pumps, hydraulic systems, and flow processes. A differential pressure gauge can indicate small pressure differences even when operating under high line pressure conditions.

Differential pressure is typically displayed in PSID (pounds per square inch differential), bar, kPa, or other engineering units depending on the application. Monitoring differential pressure helps operators identify clogged filters, flow restrictions, leaks, and other system performance issues before equipment failures occur.

Why is measuring differential pressure better than using two pressure gauges?  
A differential pressure gauge provides a direct reading of pressure drop across a filter, strainer, heat exchanger, valve, or other process component. Unlike using two separate pressure gauges and manually calculating the difference, a differential pressure gauge continuously displays the pressure differential on a single dial in real-time.

For example, if pressure before a filter is 115 PSI and pressure after the filter is 100 PSI, the differential pressure gauge displays a 15 PSID pressure drop. As the filter becomes clogged, the differential pressure increases, providing a clear indication of when maintenance is required.

Using a differential pressure gauge simplifies monitoring, reduces operator error, and allows maintenance personnel to identify restrictions, blockages, leaks, and equipment performance issues before they lead to downtime. Many of our gauges feature warning indicators to alert users when the pressure difference has increased to a level that action should be taken, simplifying the process and reducing the likelihood of errors.

What is the lead time for standard and custom gauges? 
Many of Orange Research’s standard differential pressure and flow gauges are available for shipment with some of the shortest lead times in the industry. View our selection guide for a look at some of our top products. Lead times for custom gauges vary based on the specific design and application requirements.

Do you offer technical support before purchasing a differential pressure monitor? 
Yes. Orange Research provides pre-sale technical support to help customers select the correct differential pressure gauge, differential pressure switch, differential pressure transmitter, or flow monitoring solution for their application. Our team can review pressure ranges, process media, temperature requirements, mounting constraints, electrical requirements, certifications, and system configurations to provide guidance for the most appropriate solution.

Can Orange Research replace or match an existing differential pressure gauge? 
Yes. Orange Research frequently provides replacement solutions for obsolete, discontinued, or legacy differential pressure gauges, including many Barton-style differential pressure instruments. Customers can provide a model number, specification sheet, drawing, or photograph of an existing gauge and our team will recommend an appropriate replacement.

Where does Orange Research manufacture its differential pressure products? 
Orange Research designs and manufactures differential pressure gauges, differential pressure switches, differential pressure transmitters, flow gauges, and cryogenic level monitoring products in Milford, Connecticut. The company has manufactured industrial pressure and flow instrumentation in the United States for more than 60 years.

Do you have minimum order quantities for differential pressure sensor gauges, switches, and transmitters? 
No, Orange Research differential pressure products are designed for industrial and commercial applications. While bulk discounts can apply, we regularly ship orders of one gauge.

What certifications or quality standards do Orange Research DP gauge products meet? 
Certifications and ratings vary by model. Depending on the product selected, Orange Research offers solutions that meet requirements such as NEMA 4X, IP65, CSA Class I Division 2, and other application-specific standards. Contact our team to discuss certification requirements for your application.

What dial sizes do you offer for differential pressure gauges? 
Orange Research differential pressure gauges are available with dial sizes ranging from 2.5 inches to 6 inches (65.5 mm to 152.4 mm) depending on the model selected. Standard options include 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch, 4.5-inch, and 6-inch (65.5 mm, 88.9 mm, 114.3 mm and 152.4 mm) dial faces, with custom scales, dial markings, and electronic output options also available.

What media can Orange Research differential pressure gauges monitor? 
Orange Research differential pressure gauges are commonly used with water, hydraulic oil, lubricating oil, compressed air, natural gas, inert gases, process gases, and many other compatible liquids and gases. Media compatibility depends on the gauge model, wetted materials, operating temperature, and pressure requirements. Our technical team can review your application and help you determine the appropriate differential pressure gauge, switch, or transmitter for your process.

Why do engineers, system managers, operators, and OEMs choose Orange Research differential pressure gauges?
Engineers, system managers, operators, and OEMs choose Orange Research differential pressure gauges because of our proven reliability, responsive support, and ability to provide both standard and custom solutions. For more than 60 years, Orange Research has designed and manufactured differential pressure gauges, switches, transmitters, and flow monitoring products in the USA.

Our gauges are built for demanding industrial applications and feature a rugged magnetic movement design that isolates the gauge mechanism from the pressure chamber. Customers also value our fast lead times, knowledgeable technical support, competitive pricing, and ability to develop custom solutions for unique application requirements.