Pressure gauge – what is a snubber?

A snubber (also called a check valve) protects a pressure gauge against pressure spikes and sharp fluctuations. It helps to prolong the life of a gauge when used in challenging or harsh conditions. Without a snubber, a rapid change in pressure can cause internal seals within the gauge to rupture, thus allowing the liquid media under pressure to enter the gauge.

What type of snubber should I use?

There are three different types:

1) Piston snubbers – these contain a piston which moves freely, acting as a barrier to any increase or sharp pulse of pressure. When this happens, the piston is forced against the orifice of the gauge, preventing damage from occurring.

2) Porous snubbers – these contain a semi-permeable mesh disc which creates a barrier against the force of pressure, slowing it down so the gauge is protected. Porous snubbers however can become clogged up which may affect gauge accuracy, and care must be taken to clean the mesh if the media present in the pipework makes this risk likely.

3) Adjustable snubber – these contain an adjustable needle valve which enables the operator to control the flow of pressure even during operation.

Snubbers are available in both brass and stainless steel, and are offered with a variety of connections. Contact sales@brannan.co.uk for further information.