Industrial plants, chemical processors, and water treatment systems all rely on accurate pressure measurements to protect people and equipment. Yet corrosive chemicals can quickly destroy ordinary pressure gauges, leaving operators blind to dangerous conditions. Icon Process Controls developed the OBS Pressure Gauge + Guard to solve this problem. This integrated design ensures reliable pressure monitoring even in the harshest environments.
The Problem: Corrosive Chemicals Destroy Gauges
Standard pressure gauges often fail when exposed to aggressive chemicals. These standard gauges lack the durability required to withstand such harsh environments, resulting in frequent failures. Liquids attack wetted metals, seals, and glass, causing leaks, inaccurate readings, and frequent replacements. Unprotected gauges can seize, fog, or rupture, creating safety hazards and downtime.
In chemical processing, one failed gauge can shut down an entire line. In wastewater or plating, corrosive vapors shorten gauge life dramatically. Operators end up replacing instruments again and again, increasing maintenance costs.
We Understand the Struggle
Plant managers and maintenance teams know the frustration of unreliable gauges. Each time a gauge fails, staff must isolate the line, drain chemical solution, and install a replacement. This wastes chemicals, delays production, and puts workers at risk.
Distributors and OEMs face the same issue. Customers call back repeatedly asking why gauges won’t last, damaging trust. Everyone in the supply chain pays the price when pressure monitoring isn’t dependable.
The Answer: OBS Pressure Gauge + Guard
Icon Process Controls created the OBS Series Pressure Gauge + Guard to eliminate these problems. The OBS pairs a corrosion-resistant pressure gauge with an integral gauge guard (also known as a diaphragm seal or diaphragm seals), which are designed to protect instruments such as pressure gauges and pressure transmitters from harsh process media.
The diaphragm guard isolates the gauge from the process liquid using a chemically compatible barrier. Diaphragm seals prevent direct contact between the gauge and the process media, ensuring measurement accuracy and extending equipment life. Only the flexible diaphragm and seal material contact the process fluid, with the flexible diaphragm transmitting pressures accurately while protecting the internal gauge mechanism.
Key Design Benefits:
- ±1.5% Accuracy: Reliable readings across corrosive applications.
- All-Plastic Wetted Surfaces: PVC, PP, PVDF, or PTFE ensure chemical compatibility.
- Gauge Guard Integration: No need to buy a separate diaphragm seal.
- Liquid-Filled Gauge: Dampens vibration for stable readings.
- Compact Footprint: Easy to install even in tight manifolds or skids.
Gauges with gauge guards protect sensitive pressure gauges from aggressive chemicals or solids in the process media.
The OBS Series is the industry’s only integral molded one-piece plastic pressure gauge and gauge guard. Gauge guards are utilized to protect the pressure gauge from any corrosive media in the process system via an isolator. The OBS Series Chemical Pressure Gauges are truly unique and industry leading when it comes to pressure measurement in corrosive environments.
OBS Pressure Gauges are a one-piece design and come factory pre-filled, resulting in an industry leading accuracy of 1.5%. Eliminating the need for filling saves the user time and the difficulty of having to fill a pressure gauge isolator. The 3 movable red, yellow and green range tabs are designed to act as a visual pressure alert for bag or filter change-outs.
The OBS Series plastic pressure gauge is available in PVC, PP & PVDF, all equipped with a Teflon® Diaphragm, making the entire unit completely corrosion resistant and the perfect pressure gauge for chemical applications. Engineering the entire body in a plastic housing rather than just the gauge guard allows users to be confident that the complete unit will stand up in even the most corrosive environments.
Explore all Pressure Gauges with Isolators
OBS | OBS-2VU | OBS-BAG | OBS-A | OBS-B
The OBS Series Pressure Gauges with isolators are designed for a wide range of industrial applications, making them suitable for demanding environments such as bioethanol production, fertilizer manufacturing, and wastewater treatment.
Safer, Longer-Lasting Monitoring
Switching to the OBS saves time, money, and frustration. Instead of replacing gauges monthly, operators can rely on years of service. The integral design reduces leak paths, simplifies installation, and minimizes spare parts inventory.
For OEM skid builders, the OBS improves system reliability and reputation. For distributors, it eliminates repeat complaints and strengthens customer confidence. Plants gain safer operations, lower maintenance costs, and fewer unplanned shutdowns.
The OBS is trusted by professionals across multiple industries for its reliability and performance.
The OBS Pressure Gauge + Guard is ideal for:
- Chemical Processing Plants – acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents
- Water & Wastewater Treatment – sodium hypochlorite, caustics, polymers
- Plating & Surface Finishing – chromic acid, nickel solutions
- Aquatics & Pools – chlorination, disinfection systems
- OEM Skids & Systems – chemical dosing, blending, treatment packages
Pressure monitoring in corrosive environments doesn’t have to be a constant headache. The OBS Pressure Gauge + Guard combines protection and performance in one compact package. By preventing chemical damage, it keeps your systems safe, efficient, and reliable.
With Icon Process Controls’ corrosion-resistant solutions, distributors, OEMs, and end users can finally monitor pressure without compromise.