An oil manometer with continuous electrical readout.

The development of an oil manometer with a precise continuous electrical readout of the oil height is described. The principle of measurement is by a hot thin wire partly immersed in the oil. The accuracy of the electrical reading is better than ?0?1 mm of oil, the resolution is better than 0?03 mm of oil and the pressure range can be from 1 mm of oil (about 0?06 torr) up to the practical limit of building oil manometers, about 1000 mm of oil (about 60 torr). It is possible to use the transducer electrode directly as a Pirani gauge with a pressure range from 10?4 to 1 torr. The use of the manometer in a pressure stabilizing system is described.