Differential Pressure Indicators (AI-DP1)
A digital readout where the Magnehelic® dial used to be. A 4 digit LED indicator with a built-in sensor, high and low alarms, selectable units, and the outputs your BMS expects, in a 30 mm slim body made for cleanroom modular walls.
A digital replacement for the analog Magnehelic® gauge
The AI-DP1 differential pressure indicators are digital readout differential pressure gauges for laminar air flow cabinets, cleanrooms, biosafety cabinets, AHUs, and other controlled environments. They are a modern replacement for traditional analog Magnehelic® gauges, with a clear 4 digit LED display and extra functions such as alarms, unit conversion, an analog output, and Modbus communication.
The indicator has a built-in sensor and a buzzer alarm with an acknowledgement facility for process violation alerts. The digital reading makes monitoring more precise in critical environments, and the interface is simple enough to use without specialist training.
Measure, display, alarm, report
An integrated high speed differential pressure sensor measures the difference between the pressure on its two sensing ports and shows the result on the 4 digit red LED display. You choose the unit, mm.W.C. or Pascals, with a front key, so no manual conversion is needed. High and low alarm limits are set for your process. When the pressure reaches an alarm condition, the buzzer sounds, and the operator acknowledges it once the condition has been noted. The same reading is available as a 4 to 20 mA analog signal and over RS485 Modbus, so a BMS, SCADA system, or PLC can collect it for centralized monitoring.
Quiet once it has been seen
The indicator has built-in high and low buzzer alarms for process limits. When pressure reaches an alarm condition, the buzzer sounds. The acknowledgement facility lets the operator confirm the alert and silence the buzzer once the condition has been noted, so the alarm does not keep sounding while the cause is being checked.
The same reading in both units, selected with the front key.
Built for controlled environments
4 Digit LED Display
A clear, easy to read output with 0.5 inch characters, so the current pressure is easy to assess at a glance
Built-In Sensor
An integrated high speed differential pressure sensor gives a compact, reliable instrument with consistent performance
Buzzer Alarm with Acknowledgement Facility
Alerts users to a process violation, and the acknowledgement facility allows a quick, controlled response
Unit Conversion at the Press of a Key
Switch between mm.W.C. and Pascals from the front panel
Offset Provision for Audit Requirements
Lets you apply and document an offset when audit requirements call for it
Analog 4 to 20 mA Output
Connects to existing monitoring and automation systems
RS485 Modbus Communication
Integrates with BMS, SCADA, and PLC systems for facility wide monitoring
30 mm Depth
A slim profile for cleanroom modular wall fitment, which keeps the wall tidy and easy to clean
Where the AI-DP1 is used
Cleanrooms and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Areas
Monitors the pressure between a cleanroom and its corridor or adjacent areas, which is the pressure relationship that holds the classified space's contamination control in place
Pressure Cascades Between Spaces
Sits at the boundaries between cleanrooms, corridors, and airlocks, where maintaining a specified pressure difference is important
Laminar Airflow Cabinets
Confirms the pressure condition that supports unidirectional airflow protecting the work zone
Biosafety Cabinets
Tracks the pressure relationship that supports containment for biological and hazardous work
HEPA and Air Filter Monitoring
Installed across a filter to show its pressure drop, so a rise in differential pressure indicates filter loading and tells maintenance when an inspection is due
Air Handling Units (AHUs)
Monitors pressure across filters and system stages to support HVAC performance and maintenance
Laboratories and Other Controlled Environments
Provides a continuous differential pressure reading wherever a defined pressure relationship has to be kept
Pressure cascades and filter monitoring
Two uses account for most installations.
Pressure Cascades
The indicator sits at the boundary between controlled areas and shows the differential continuously. When the pressure moves outside its limits, the buzzer tells staff to check for open doors, fan faults, or HVAC imbalance.
Filter Pressure Drop
Connected across a filter, the indicator shows the pressure drop rising as the filter loads. A steady rise is normal, and a jump can point to a blockage or a leak, so the filter can be inspected before airflow is affected.
Offset Provision and Audit Readiness
The offset provision lets you apply a correction to the displayed value and document it. This supports applications where adjusting or documenting a measurement offset is needed for audit requirements.
Integration
The 4 to 20 mA analog output connects to compatible monitoring, automation, PLC, SCADA, or BMS systems. RS485 Modbus communication integrates the indicator with Building Management Systems, SCADA systems, and PLCs, so pressure data from many points can be collected and watched in one place.
Slim body for modular walls
The indicator is 30 mm deep and designed for cleanroom modular wall fitment. The compact profile keeps the wall panel neat and easy to clean.
Verify on your schedule
Periodic verification and calibration should follow your facility's quality procedures and the accuracy your application needs. The offset provision records any correction you apply.
Analog Magnehelic® gauge or AI-DP1
The AI-DP1 does the same job as an analog Magnehelic® gauge, which is showing differential pressure at a point in the room. It adds functions an analog dial cannot offer.
| Analog Magnehelic® gauge | AI-DP1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Needle on a dial | 4 digit LED digital value |
| Alarm | None | High and low buzzer alarm with acknowledgement |
| Units | Fixed by the dial | mm.W.C. or Pascals from the front key |
| Outputs | None | 4 to 20 mA and RS485 Modbus |
| Remote monitoring | Not possible | BMS, SCADA, and PLC integration |
| Audit offset | Not available | Offset provision |
| Power | None required | Needs a power supply |
If a plain local reading with no power supply is all you need, an analog gauge still does the job. If you want the pressure to alarm and reach your BMS, the AI-DP1 gives you that in a slim, cleanroom ready body.
Choosing between display and enclosure variants
Ace Instruments offers this pressure measurement in several display and enclosure formats. They all measure differential pressure, alarm on violations, and pass data to your systems, so the choice is about what you want to see on the wall.
| Variant | Display | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| AI-DP1 (this model) | 4 digit LED, 0.5 inch | A compact numeric reading |
| AI-DP1-1 and AI-DDPG | 4 digit LED | A numeric reading in a slightly different enclosure |
| Differential Pressure Indicator (LCD) | Backlit graphic LCD | A clear display with engineering units |
| AI-DP1-1-TFT | 3 inch TFT | A visual alarm in the monitor enclosure |
| DDPG TFT | 3 inch multicolour TFT | A visual alarm in the standard Magnehelic® cutout |
None of these is a functional upgrade over the others. Confirm output options for the specific model you choose.
Technical specifications
-25.0 to +25.0 mm.W.C.
-50.0 to +50.0 mm.W.C.
0.0 to +100.0 mm.W.C.
-100 to +100 Pa
-250 to +250 Pa
Any other range factory set to customer specification
Supports classified and GMP regulated facilities
The AI-DP1 supports the pressure monitoring expectations of classified and GMP regulated facilities. It does not replace your qualification protocol.
Continuous Pressure Evidence
A continuous digital reading with a buzzer alarm supports the ongoing monitoring that ISO 14644 expects between formal requalification tests.
GMP Pressure Cascades
Pressure cascades between classified areas are a documented requirement under EU GMP Annex 1 and related guidelines. The 4 to 20 mA or RS485 Modbus output sends the pressure data to your BMS or SCADA system, which can time stamp and store it for batch files and inspections.
Audit Documentation
The offset provision lets you apply and document a correction when audits require it.
Quality System
Ace Instruments manufactures the AI-DP1 under an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.
The acceptable pressure range is defined by your own product, process, or classification requirement, and the indicator measures and alarms against whatever range your validation protocol sets.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the AI-DP1 Differential Pressure Indicator?
The AI-DP1 is a digital differential pressure indicator designed to continuously measure and display the pressure difference between two points. It is intended for applications such as cleanrooms, laminar airflow cabinets, biosafety cabinets, and AHU systems.
2. Why is the AI-DP1 useful for cleanroom pressure monitoring?
Cleanrooms depend on controlled pressure differences to help maintain the desired airflow direction between spaces. The AI-DP1 provides a continuous digital reading and can alert operators when the pressure moves outside the configured limits.
3. How does the AI-DP1 measure differential pressure?
The instrument uses an integrated high speed differential pressure sensor to measure the difference between the pressure connected to its two sensing ports. The measured value is then shown on the built-in digital display.
4. Can the AI-DP1 replace a traditional analog Magnehelic® gauge?
Yes. The AI-DP1 is designed as a digital alternative to traditional analog differential pressure gauges. It provides a clear digital reading along with additional functions such as alarms, unit conversion, an analog output, and Modbus communication.
5. What type of display does the AI-DP1 use?
The AI-DP1 has an integrated 4 digit red LED 7 segment display with 0.5 inch character height. This provides a clear local indication of the measured differential pressure.
6. Can the pressure reading be displayed in different units?
Yes. The AI-DP1 allows the user to select between Pascals and millimetres of water column (mm.W.C.) using the front panel key. This eliminates the need for manual conversion when different units are required.
7. Does the AI-DP1 have a pressure alarm?
Yes. The instrument includes built-in high and low buzzer alarms for configured process limits. This allows operators to receive an audible indication when the differential pressure reaches an alarm condition.
8. Can the AI-DP1 be used to monitor cleanroom pressure cascades?
Yes. It can be used at pressure monitoring points between cleanrooms, corridors, airlocks, or other controlled spaces where maintaining a specified pressure difference is important.
9. Can the AI-DP1 be used for HEPA or air filter monitoring?
Yes. The indicator can be installed across a filter to monitor differential pressure. An increase in pressure drop can indicate filter loading and provide an indication that inspection or maintenance may be required.
10. Can the AI-DP1 be connected to a BMS or SCADA system?
Yes. The AI-DP1 supports RS485 Modbus communication for integration with Building Management Systems, SCADA systems, and PLCs. This allows pressure information to be collected and monitored centrally.
11. Does the AI-DP1 provide a 4 to 20 mA output?
Yes. An analog 4 to 20 mA output is provided for integration with compatible monitoring, automation, PLC, SCADA, or BMS systems.
12. Is the AI-DP1 suitable for cleanroom modular wall installation?
Yes. The instrument has a 30 mm depth and is designed for cleanroom modular wall fitment. Its compact profile helps maintain a neat installation on cleanroom wall panels.
13. What pressure ranges are available with the AI-DP1?
The listed ranges include -10 to +10 mm.W.C., -25 to +25 mm.W.C., -50 to +50 mm.W.C., 0 to +100 mm.W.C., -100 to +100 Pa, and -250 to +250 Pa. Other pressure ranges can be factory set according to customer requirements.
14. Can the AI-DP1 be used for both positive and negative pressure applications?
Yes. Depending on the selected pressure range and installation arrangement, the indicator can be used for positive, negative, or bidirectional differential pressure monitoring. The appropriate range should be selected according to the application requirements.
15. What applications are suitable for the AI-DP1?
The AI-DP1 is suitable for cleanrooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing areas, laminar airflow cabinets, biosafety cabinets, AHUs, laboratories, and other controlled environments where differential pressure needs to be monitored.
16. Does the AI-DP1 provide an offset function?
Yes. The AI-DP1 includes an offset provision intended to support applications where adjustment or documentation of measurement offset is required for audit related requirements.
17. What are the main benefits of using the AI-DP1?
The main benefits include a clear digital LED display, an integrated pressure sensor, high and low pressure alarms, selectable pressure units, a 4 to 20 mA output, RS485 Modbus communication, an offset provision, and a compact 30 mm design for cleanroom modular wall installation.
18. How do I select the right AI-DP1 configuration?
Selection should be based on the normal differential pressure, required measuring range, pressure direction, display unit, alarm requirements, and whether integration with a BMS, SCADA, or PLC is required. For cleanroom applications, the selected range should provide sufficient resolution around the facility's normal operating pressure.
Need help choosing?
Tell us your pressure range, unit, and BMS integration needs and our application engineers will configure the right AI-DP1 for you.
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