valc91•1mo ago

My $600 pressure gauge blew a seal mid-test Friday

I was running a hydro test on a boiler drum over at the refinery in Gary last Friday. Everything looked good until I heard a pop and saw the needle on my Ashcroft gauge just drop to zero. Turns out the glycerin fill had leaked out and the brass internals were shot. Had to scramble to find a backup gauge from the shop truck before the inspector showed up. Anyone else keep a spare gauge handy or do you just trust yours to hold up?

3 comments

3 Comments

rowanhernandez1mo ago

Did you check the calibration tag before the test? I had a gauge go wonky on me once because someone swapped it with one meant for oil service instead of water.

jamief671mo ago

Did you have a chance to check if the seal was original or a replacement? Its funny how this stuff happens right when youre under the gun. Its like the universe knows when you cant afford a delay. Ive noticed this pattern with all kinds of gear, not just gauges. The one time you skip checking the spare or the backup plan is when everything falls apart.

amy_west1mo ago

Never thought about it that way til @rowanhernandez mentioned the calibration tag, now I'm definitely checking everything first.