Pressure scan valves come in two flavors: portable (think: briefcase-sized) and benchtop (rack-mounted). Choosing between them isn’t about preference—it’s about where and how you test. Here’s when to pick each.

Portable valves are perfect for:

· Field tests: Their battery power (8–12 hours) and rugged cases (IP54 rating) work for offshore oil rigs, construction sites, or remote pipeline checks.

· Small-scale labs: They take up <0.5 sq ft—ideal for crowded university workbenches.

· Quick spot checks: Most boot up in <2 minutes, faster than benchtop models (5+ minutes).

Tradeoff: They max out at 16 channels. If you need more, you’ll have to sync multiple units (which adds complexity).

Benchtop valves excel at:

· High-channel setups (32–128 channels) for large-scale tests (e.g., mapping pressure across an entire wind tunnel).

· Continuous operation: They run on AC power, no need to recharge mid-test.

· Integration with other lab gear: Rack-mounted designs fit neatly with data loggers, scanners, and control systems.

They’re more accurate (±0.02% FS vs. ±0.05% for portables) and easier to calibrate—critical for ISO 17025-compliant labs.

The hybrid solution:
For labs that need both (e.g., a manufacturer doing in-house benchtop tests and occasional field audits), buy one benchtop (for precision) and rent portables when needed. It’s cheaper than owning both.

Pro tip: Portable valves often skimp on cooling—avoid using them in direct sunlight (overheats) or cold storage (battery life drops by 50% below 10°C).

What’s your primary testing environment? Tell us, and we’ll recommend a valve type.