Bourdonröhren

Bourdonröhren, often translated as Bourdon tubes, are a type of mechanical pressure gauge. They were invented by Eugène Bourdon in 1849. The fundamental principle of a Bourdon tube is its C-shaped, oval-shaped, or helical tube that is sealed at one end. When pressure is applied to the interior of the tube, the oval cross-section tends to become more circular. This change in shape causes the sealed end of the tube to move. This movement is then amplified and transmitted through a linkage system to a pointer on a calibrated dial, indicating the applied pressure.

Bourdon tubes are widely used in various industries due to their relatively simple design, robustness, and cost-effectiveness. They are employed to measure a broad range of pressures, from vacuum to very high pressures. The material of the Bourdon tube can vary depending on the application, with common choices including brass, stainless steel, and bronze. Different designs of Bourdon tubes exist, such as the C-type, helical, and spiral tubes, each offering different sensitivities and ranges. The C-type is the most common and is suitable for moderate pressure ranges. Helical and spiral tubes are used for lower pressure ranges and where greater sensitivity is required, as they provide a longer travel of the free end for a given pressure change. Bourdon tube gauges are essential components in many industrial processes, scientific instruments, and everyday devices like tire pressure gauges.