# Pressure balances

> Pressure balances (often also referred to as mechanical dead-weight testers or primary standards) are the most accurate reference instruments for pressure. Their functional principle is based on the physical principle of pressure = force/area. Mass pieces placed on the top of a piston-cylinder system are the source of a precisely defined force. By producing a certain (counter) pressure inside the pressure balance an equilibrium is achieved: the mass pieces, including the free-running piston of the piston-cylinder system, are floating, which will lead to a very accurate pressure at the test port.

- Catalog code: pressure_balances
- Category: Calibration technology › Pressure balances
- Product page: https://avigan.com.ua/wika/en/products/pressure_balances
- Price: on request
- Supplier: AVIGAN (TOV VIKA Prylad), official WIKA partner in Ukraine

## Overview

Pressure balances (mechanical dead-weight testers or primary standards) are the most accurate reference instruments for pressure. Discover the WIKA portfolio.

## What is a dead weight tester?

- A dead weight tester, also known as a pressure balance, or piston gauge, is a measuring instrument that can be used to determine pressure extremely accurately. As pressure = force/area (p=F/A), a deadweight tester operates on the principle of generating force using physical weights on top of a finely machined piston cylinder system. Pressure balances are used as reference devices for testing, calibrating or adjusting mechanical or electronic measuring instruments. WIKA dead weight testers have a measuring accuracy of 0.05 % up to 0.005 % with measuring ranges from -1 to 6,000 bar. A distinction is made between hydraulic dead weight testers, such as the model CPB5800 and pneumatic dead weight testers, like the model CPB3500 .

## How does a hydraulic dead weight tester work?

- Hydraulic dead weight testers or pressure balances use mineral oil or sebacate oil as the pressure transmission medium.

## How does a pneumatic dead weight tester work?

- Pneumatic dead weight testers work on the basis of clean, dry, non-corrosive gases, such as air or nitrogen.

## How often does a dead weight tester need to be calibrated?

- Generally, it is recommended that dead weight testers be calibrated every five years. For more information on mobile calibration service at WIKA, visit the Calibration and Service Center section of our website.