'Bourdon Original' by Baumer: A historical innovation

While the wheel of innovation turns faster and faster in the process industry, a more than 160-year-old technology is still used for pressure measurement today. The 'Bourdon tube' developed by Eugène Bourdon in 1849 and named after him is still the most common method for mechanical pressure measurement in the gas and oil industry today. After the takeover of the Bourdon-Haenni company in 2005 and its integration, the Baumer Group is the owner of the only 'Bourdon Original' label today.

Baumer Bourdon Haenni is now the competence center for mechanical measuring instruments within the Baumer Group. The principle of the Bourdon tube merges with the Baumer innovation know-how to create latest generation mechanical pressure gauges. For many years, Baumer has reliably been providing them to  the petrochemical industry, power stations, water treatment plants, aviation and marine applications, and the food industry.

These Bourdon-tube pressure gauges are easy to handle and maintain. In addition, they are capable of  a wide pressure range and offer a high level of accuracy (up to 0.1% of the end value). Since they do not require an external power source, they are not prone to voltage fluctuations or power outages.

Baumer continues to rely on this proven Bourdon principle for its mechanical pressure gauges. At its production site in Vendome (France) however, the traditional principle is updated by implementing -the latest quality methods which offer decisive benefits in demanding oil and gas applications.

Bourdon tubes are manufactured from long stainless steel tubes in a bending machine. The Bourdon tubes are given their typical C shape and a flattened cross section. The tubes are welded to the connection piece of the measuring device at one end and to the tube end piece at the other end. The welded measuring systems are checked for leaks and undergo an overpressure cycle to eliminate tensions in the material. Then they are welded to the pressure gauge housing in an automated laser welding plant.

After assembly of the pointer mechanism,the pressure gauge is adjusted and checked upon compliance with  measuring range and accuracy class. This is done in a patented, semi-automatic process which virtually eliminates adjustment errors. The pressure gauge is completely assembled, sealed, and packed for shipment. On request, every pressure gauge comes with a calibration certificate issued by a computer-based system with optical scanning of the pointer position. The certificates are archived and can be allocated to the measuring device at any time.

At Baumer, this completely documented and traceable process is called BTrace, which stands for 'Baumer Traceability System'. It describes a unique method in order fulfilment. Combined with lean philosophy, it provides the customer with measurable added value in cost efficiency, reliability, and traceability. BTrace comprises several elements:

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