The Dickson PW4 and PW8 provide a continuous paper record of pressure at the measurement point for equipment monitoring, testing, troubleshooting and permanent visual documentation.
Dickson PW Series pressure chart recorders continuously trace pressure against time on a circular paper chart. The completed chart provides an immediate visual history at the equipment, making it easy to identify operating cycles, pressure loss, regulator behaviour and abnormal events without downloading electronic data.
PW4 provides a compact 4-inch chart format, while PW8 uses a larger 8-inch chart for easier reading and greater visual resolution. Both are battery operated and designed for stem or wall mounting.
| Selection point | PW4 | PW8 |
|---|---|---|
| Chart diameter | 4 inches / 101 mm | 8 inches / 203 mm |
| Main advantage | Compact size for crowded equipment and temporary work | Larger chart for easier reading and better visual detail |
| Pressure ranges | Current options include 0–100, 0–200, 0–300 and 0–500 PSI | Current options include 0–100, 0–200, 0–300 and 0–1000 PSI |
| Chart rotation | Switchable 24-hour or 7-day recording | 24-hour or 7-day period according to the selected model |
| Response time | Approximately 1 second | Approximately 1 to 5 seconds |
| Dimensions | Approximately 6.25 × 6 × 2.9 inches | Approximately 10.3 × 9.5 × 3.6 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 1.8 lb | Approximately 2.9 lb |
| Best fit | Compact installations and straightforward routine trending | Applications where chart readability and trend detail are priorities |
| Model | Pressure range | Chart operation | Recommended starting point |
|---|---|---|---|
| PW470 | 0 to 100 PSI | 24-hour or 7-day switchable | Lower-pressure water, air and equipment monitoring |
| PW474 | 0 to 200 PSI | 24-hour or 7-day switchable | General industrial systems requiring more than 100 PSI |
| PW476 | 0 to 300 PSI | 24-hour or 7-day switchable | Compressed-air and medium-pressure equipment |
| PW479 | 0 to 500 PSI | 24-hour or 7-day switchable | Higher-pressure hydraulic or process applications |
Confirm the exact currently orderable model code and compatible chart reference when requesting a quotation. Dickson product revisions may change the code used for a particular range or chart mechanism.
| Pressure range | 7-day model | 24-hour model | Selection note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 100 PSI | PW860 | PW861 | Choose when all expected pressure remains within 100 PSI |
| 0 to 200 PSI | PW864 | PW865 | Suitable for systems requiring additional headroom above 100 PSI |
| 0 to 300 PSI | PW866 | PW867 | Common choice for medium-pressure industrial systems |
| 0 to 1000 PSI | Not listed as a standard 7-day model | PW875 | For high-pressure applications requiring a 24-hour chart |
Match the chart to the recorder: chart diameter, pressure scale and recording period must all match the selected PW model. A chart with the wrong range or time base produces a misleading record even if the mechanism is operating normally.
The stated accuracy is ±2% of full scale, so selecting a wider range increases the absolute pressure uncertainty.
| Full-scale range | ±2% of full scale | Selection implication |
|---|---|---|
| 100 PSI | ±2 PSI | Best useful resolution when the process safely remains below 100 PSI |
| 200 PSI | ±4 PSI | Provides more headroom with a larger absolute uncertainty |
| 300 PSI | ±6 PSI | Select only when the process requires the 300 PSI range |
| 500 PSI | ±10 PSI | Available in the compact PW4 family |
| 1000 PSI | ±20 PSI | High-range PW8 option for applications approaching 1000 PSI |
Select the lowest range that safely covers normal operation, startup, shutdown, regulator failure and expected pressure surges. Never expose the recorder beyond its permitted pressure limit.
| Specification | PW4 and PW8 |
|---|---|
| Measurement channels | One pressure channel |
| Pressure accuracy | ±2% of full scale |
| Chart periods | 24 hours or 7 days |
| Process fitting | 1/4-inch NPT thread with 5/8-inch hex |
| Enclosure | NEMA 4X weather- and water-resistant case with window |
| Ingress protection | IP66 |
| Operating temperature | Approximately −30 to +50 °C |
| Operating humidity | 0 to 95 %RH, non-condensing |
| Power supply | One user-replaceable AA battery |
| Typical battery life | Approximately one year under normal conditions |
| Mounting | Stem mounting or wall mounting using the keyhole provision |
| Included items | AA battery, red pen and quick-start guide |
| Chart paper | Sold separately and selected according to size, pressure range and recording period |
| Calibration options | Available; confirm required points and certificate type |
| Recording period | Recommended when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | Daily tests, commissioning, shift analysis and faster pressure cycles | Time markings are easier to read, but the chart must be replaced daily |
| 7 days | Weekly equipment trending and unattended routine monitoring | Longer coverage with less time detail for short-duration events |
Choose the period according to the shortest event that must be visible. A 7-day chart may show that pressure changed but provide less precise event timing than a 24-hour chart.
| Application | What the chart can reveal | Installation priority |
|---|---|---|
| Compressed-air systems | Compressor cycles, pressure loss and demand-related fluctuations | Protect the recorder from condensate, oil and pressure spikes |
| Water and pump systems | Pump cycling, pressure decay and intermittent supply problems | Consider water hammer and use suitable pressure accessories |
| Hydraulic equipment | Operating-pressure patterns during equipment cycles | Verify medium compatibility and maximum transient pressure |
| Regulator performance | Pressure stability and changes under varying demand | Install at the correct upstream or downstream measurement point |
| Pressure testing | Time-based record of the applied test pressure | Confirm that range, accuracy and chart resolution meet the test procedure |
| Maintenance troubleshooting | Intermittent changes that may be missed during manual observation | Synchronise the chart time with maintenance and equipment records |
| Selection point | Dickson PW4/PW8 | Dickson PR125/PR325/PR525 |
|---|---|---|
| Record format | Physical circular chart with a continuous pen trace | Electronic time-stamped readings |
| Pressure accuracy | ±2% of full scale | ±1% of full scale |
| Review method | Read the chart immediately without a computer | Download and analyse data using compatible software |
| Event detail | Depends on chart size, pressure scale and rotation period | Selectable sampling interval down to 1 second |
| Consumables | Compatible chart paper, pen and battery | Battery and any required data-transfer media |
| Best fit | Simple visual records and established paper-chart procedures | Detailed electronic analysis, export and reusable data files |
| Product information | Current PW4 and PW8 products | Explore Dickson PR Pressure Data Loggers |
Use chart paper made for the recorder's chart diameter, pressure range and rotation period. Charts are single-use records and should not be reused. Keep sufficient compatible charts, pens and AA batteries available for the monitoring schedule.
Seacom Process Instruments supplies and supports Dickson PW4 and PW8 pressure chart recorders, compatible charts, pens and accessories for industrial pressure monitoring in Malaysia and international markets.
Our team can help select the chart size, pressure range, recording period, calibration option and suitable consumables. We can also review replacement requirements from an existing recorder's full model number and chart reference.
Selecting a pressure chart recorder? Send us the process medium, normal and maximum pressure, possible pressure spikes, process temperature, connection size, preferred chart size, 24-hour or 7-day period and calibration requirements.
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