Written by HVAC Professionals for HVAC Professionals

Dwyer 490W Hydronic Differential Pressure Manometer

During the last decade, one of the most significant balancing instrument advancements is the incorporation of wireless communication technologies and smart phones into measuring instruments. Hydronic pressure differential manometers are no different.

The Dwyer Company introduced its first award-winning wireless hydronic manometer in 2017. Since then it has been further developed to the newest version available now.

When using a conventional hydronic manometer for balancing, first zero and install the instrument. Then purge it of air, Then measure the pressure drop. Next you reference the measured pressure drop to a flow chart, slide rule, or a flow wheel. Do this to determine the flow in GPM at that given pressure differential measurement.

So, this is how hydronic balancing was performed for decades.

With the introduction of wireless technologies and smart phone apps, the process of balancing has reduced the time to balance. This directly relates to project profit margins by lowering the cost to balance. Such savings have been realized in all realms of balancing, not just hydronic projects.

One of the most significant advantages to this approach is you get to choose the specific model and type of valve or circuit setter and the flow in GPM will be instantly displayed on the smart phone. There is no longer a need to reference a flow chart to complete most projects.

After the 490W’s initial award-winning release in 2017, Dwyer continued to update the instrument and various kits every year. They also updated the hydronic application software.

The integration of the software to the instrument is not just for the water side of balancing. The other instruments on this platform have huge benefits on the air side as well.

Learn more abut Dwyer’s 490W Hydronic Pressure Manometer at ncilink.com/Dwyer490W.

— by Jeff Sturgeon, NCI Instructor