Tubular Gage Glass
Use and Care
Maintenance
Examine the gage glass regularly for any signs of clouding, scratching, erosion, or corrosion. In new processes, the glass should be inspected daily until the need for replacement becomes apparent. This will help establish the routine inspection and routine replacement cycles.
Cleaning
Keep gage glass clean using non-abrasive commercial glass cleaners. Where regular cleaners do not seem to work, use diluted acids such as muriatic acid. Always observe the safety rules when handling hazardous cleaning solutions. Never use wire brushes, metal scrapers, or harsh abrasives, which could scratch the glass.
Inspection
Scratches, corrosion, chips, surface flaws, or nicks on the surface or edges weaken the gage glass. To examine for these, shine a very bright concentrated light ('Burton Lite' or powerful flashlight) at about a 45˚ angle. Anything that glistens and catches the fingernail or any star-shaped or crescent-shaped mark that glistens, is cause for replacement. Any gage glass that appears cloudy or roughened and will not respond to cleaning procedures should be replaced.
Storing
Keep gage glasses in original packaging until ready to install.
Handling
Avoid bumping, chipping, or scratching gage glass.
Do's and Don'ts
Warning: Failure to observe the following Do’s and Don’ts can result in glass breakage and an explosive release of pressurized system contents and flying glass particles.
Do’s
- DO inspect the gage glass daily, keeping maintenance records, and conduct routine replacements.
- DO install protective guards where necessary to protect personnel.
- DO protect the outside of the gage glass from sudden temperature changes, such as drafts, water spray, etc.
- DO remove all deposits from the seal areas, the glands nuts, glands (where used) and use new packing before installing a tubular gage glass.
- DO examine gage glass for damage and seals for hard deposits and tears.
- DO verify that the tubular gage glass, gland, nuts, packing, etc. are the correct size and type before installing.
- DO ensure that system is protected by safety shut-off system (e.g. safety ball, check).
Don’ts
- DO NOT work on any gage until you have carefully read these warnings and instructions.
- DO NOT reuse any tubular glass, packing, or seals.
- DO NOT use glass that is scratched, chipped, or otherwise damaged. Used glasses may contain damage and are poor safety risks.
- DO NOT exceed the glass or gage manufacturer’s recommended working pressures or maximum recommended gage glass length.
- DO NOT bump, impact, or scratch the glass.
- DO NOT tighten gland nut and packing beyond gage manufacturer’s recommendations.
- DO NOT operate gages unless gage valve sets are equipped with drain vent and safety ball check.
- DO NOT attempt to clean glass while the unit is in operation. Cleaning should be done without removing the gage glass.
- DO NOT attempt to inspect the glass, adjust tie rods, packing nuts or glands, inspect or tighten other fittings without isolating the gage from the pressure vessel and opening the drain vent.
- DO NOT weld, impact, or sandblast in the gage glass area without protecting the glass.
- DO NOT have glass-to-metal contact.
- DO NOT subject gage glass to bending or twisting stress.
- DO NOT allow the gage glass to contact the bottom of the packing gland.
