In the depths of Western Sydney’s rapidly expanding tunnel network, pressure control isn’t just a matter of efficiency—it’s a matter of safety, precision, and structural integrity. When grout is being pumped into confined subterranean zones at high pressure, every PSI counts.
That’s why a major contractor turned to Fox Global for two high-accuracy WIKA pressure gauges with diaphragm seals, specifically engineered for high-pressure grout applications.
This delivery—small in number but critical in function—represents what Fox Global stands for: technical excellence, application-specific solutions, and real-time responsiveness.
Let’s take a closer look at the instruments, the application, and why choosing the right pressure gauge is absolutely essential in grouting operations within tunnelling.
1. The Job: Grouting in Tunnelling—Precision is Everything
Grout pumping plays a key role in tunnel construction for:
- Stabilising ground
- Filling voids or annular gaps
- Sealing joints or penetrations
- Supporting precast tunnel segments
- Pressure-balancing behind TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines)
Grout must be pumped under pressure, often through long lines and into small voids or annular spaces. The pressures involved can vary widely—too little pressure, and voids are left unfilled; too much, and you risk fracturing surrounding ground or damaging tunnel linings.
Hence, precision monitoring of pressure in real time is non-negotiable.
This client needed pressure instruments that could:
- Withstand abrasive and aggressive materials
- Offer precise readings under dynamic flow
- Maintain integrity in damp, confined tunnel conditions
- Be easily inspected, verified, and traceable
Fox Global provided a solution designed for exactly that.
2. The Equipment: WIKA Pressure Gauge with Diaphragm Seal
The chosen solution: 2 x WIKA 232.50.063 pressure gauges with model 990.36 diaphragm seals—lower mount, stainless steel, direct assembly, serialised and QR-coded for traceability.
✅ Technical Specifications
- Model: 232.50.063
- Dial Size: 63 mm
- Pressure Range: 0–10 bar
- Accuracy Class: 1.6 (per EN837-1)
- Pointer: Adjustable
- Measuring System: 316 Stainless Steel
- Window: Shatterproof polycarbonate
- Ingress Protection: IP65
- Mount: Lower mount
- Gauge Standard: International / EN (European)
- Stop-pin at Zero: Yes
- Serialised with QR Code: Yes
- WIKA Tag Number: Optional per client
🛠 Diaphragm Seal Assembly
- Seal Type: Flush diaphragm, threaded connection
- Model: 990.36
- Connection: G 1” Male
- Nominal Pressure Rating: PN 400
- Material: 316L Stainless Steel (1.4404 / 1.4435)
- System Fill Fluid: KN2 Silicone Oil
- Process Temp. Range: -10°C to +60°C
- Ambient Temp. Range: +10°C to +40°C
- Assembly Type: Direct mount, high-side
These gauges were custom-assembled, pressure-tested, and verified before shipping, ensuring the contractor could immediately install them with full confidence in their performance.
3. Why Diaphragm Seals for Grout Pumping?
Pressure gauges are only as good as their ability to withstand the medium they’re monitoring. In grout applications, the media is often:
- Thick, particulate-laden, and abrasive
- Viscous and chemically active
- Capable of clogging bourdon tubes or damaging internal gauge elements
💡 The Solution: Diaphragm-Sealed Gauges
A diaphragm seal isolates the pressure gauge from the process fluid. It transmits pressure via a thin diaphragm and internal fill fluid (in this case, KN2 silicone oil) to the measuring element inside the gauge.
This provides:
- Full protection from clogging and corrosion
- Longer instrument life
- Stable, accurate readings over time
- Flush face for easy cleaning
- Zero fluid contact with the internal gauge
It’s ideal for grout, slurry, cementitious mixtures, and suspended solids—the very materials that cause traditional pressure gauges to fail.
4. The Delivery: From Order to Tunnel in Record Time
When the client contacted Fox Global, they needed:
- 2 pressure gauges with diaphragm seals
- WIKA instrumentation (trusted global brand)
- Fully assembled, tested, and labelled
- Documentation and traceability
- Expedited delivery to Western Sydney site
We acted fast:
- Stock On Hand
We carry a range of WIKA instruments and accessories—including the 232.50.063 and diaphragm seals—in our warehouse. - Custom Assembly
Gauges were mounted to the seals using direct high-side assembly. Filled with KN2 silicone oil. Calibrated. Inspected. - Serialisation & QR Coding
Each gauge was labelled with unique serials, QR codes, and tag numbers as per ISO and client traceability standards. - Dispatch Within Hours
Shipped same-day to meet site setup schedule.
The result? Gauges arrived ready for immediate installation, with zero delays to critical grout pumping operations.
5. Why WIKA Instruments?
As one of the world’s most trusted names in pressure and temperature instrumentation, WIKA stands for precision, longevity, and repeatability.
Fox Global proudly supplies WIKA instruments for projects across:
- Civil construction
- Tunnelling and mining
- Process and chemical industries
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Utilities and infrastructure
With traceable calibration, ISO certification, and field-proven designs, WIKA pressure gauges give engineers and operators the confidence they need when working in demanding conditions.
6. Why Fox Global?
We’re not just a supplier — we’re a project partner, proudly family-owned, and 100% Australian operated.
🇦🇺 What Sets Us Apart:
- ✅ Stocked locally — we carry high-grade pressure gauges, diaphragm seals, and fluid control equipment
- ✅ Custom assembly in-house — gauges, valves, hoses, and more built to spec
- ✅ Responsive team — real people you can call, text, or email
- ✅ Same-day turnaround — urgent jobs are our specialty
- ✅ Nationwide delivery — metro and regional coverage
- ✅ Genuine WIKA products — never substituted or unverified
From one-off deliveries like this to large-scale tunnel and civil infrastructure supply programs, we tailor our support to suit your scope, budget, and timelines.
7. More Than Just Gauges: Complete Fluid Control Solutions
Fox Global supplies:
- Pressure and temperature gauges (WIKA, Ashcroft, and others)
- Diaphragm seals, isolators, and accessories
- Layflat and reinforced hoses
- Valves: butterfly, gate, check, ball
- Camlocks, clamps, fittings, flanges
- Filters, pumps, meters, and isolators
We serve:
- Tunnelling and rail contractors
- Pumping and dewatering operators
- Hire companies
- Civil and mining contractors
- Utilities and water authorities
Looking for a fluid handling supplier who can act fast and deliver quality every time? Let’s talk.
8. Contact Us
Need pressure gauges for grout, slurry, or chemical service? We’ll get it sorted.
📞 Call: 1300 852 795
📧 Email: sales@foxglobal.com.au
🌐 Visit: www.foxglobal.com.au
9. Summary: Tiny Instruments, Massive Responsibility
In tunnelling, grout pumping is not just about moving fluid—it’s about precision, pressure integrity, and real-time control. These two WIKA diaphragm pressure gauges may be small in footprint, but they are central to the safety and success of a major infrastructure project in Western Sydney.
That’s what we do at Fox Global. Whether it’s a 100-metre hose kit or a pair of 63 mm gauges, every item matters.
We deliver:
- Products you can trust
- People you can talk to
- Performance you can count on
When your pressure is rising—Fox Global is ready.
