A pressure transducer, also referred to as a pressure sensor, measures the pressure of a medium and converts it into an electrical, analog or digital signal.
The basic structure of a pressure transmitter consists of a sensor element, a signal processing unit and an output display. The sensor is the part that comes into direct contact with the medium whose pressure is being measured.
Several basic types of pressure transmitters are used today. The differences between them are due to the fact that they are adapted to different applications, among others, for measuring small or large pressures.
The basic types of pressure transmitters are:
Depending on the application, we also distinguish between:
Consider factors such as:
The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a pressure transmitter is the range of pressure to be measured. For example, if you are measuring low-pressure gases, you will need a transmitter that can measure pressures as low as 100 bar. On the other hand, if you are measuring high-pressure liquids, you will need a transducer that can measure pressures in the thousands of bar range.
Precision electromechanical sensors are most commonly used for low pressures, while piezoresistive sensors are used for high pressures. The range of pressure to be measured also determines the process connection - for high pressures, threaded connections of adequate strength are used.
The accuracy of the pressure transmitter is another important factor to consider. Industrial processes often require precise measurements, and a pressure transmitter with poor accuracy can result in inaccurate data and erroneous decisions.
Accuracy, also known as nonlinearity, defines the maximum allowable measurement error over the entire measured pressure range. For example, a transmitter with an accuracy of ±0.5% FS means that the maximum error is 0.5% of the full output scale.
Industrial processes use various types of media, including gases and liquids. Therefore, it is important to select a pressure transmitter that is compatible with the medium being measured. Some media can be corrosive or aggressive, which can cause damage to the transmitter if it is not matched to the application.
Stainless steel transducers are most commonly used because of their corrosion resistance.
Industrial processes often take place in harsh environments with extreme temperatures, humidity and pressure. It is important to choose a pressure transmitter that can withstand the environmental conditions of your application.
If you know that the device will be exposed to extreme conditions, such as high temperature of the medium, choose a pressure sensor with a robust design and in a sealed housing. In addition, remember that explosion-proof pressure transmitters, such as the JUMO dTRANS p20, are required in hazardous areas.
Pressure transmitters can be mounted on process pipelines or on a switchboard, either of which can affect measurement accuracy. Pipeline mounting is preferred for high accuracy applications, while panel mounting has the advantage of easy access and visibility of the device. It is important to choose a mounting option that suits the application requirements.
Signal output is another important consideration when selecting a pressure transmitter, as it determines the type of control system that can be used with it. Transmitters with an analog output are still widely used in industrial applications, but are increasingly giving way to digital transmitters such as the xyx, which can be integrated into control systems.
The process connection is particularly important for pressure transmitters used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Hygienic connections are usually recommended for such applications, as their design prevents accumulation of measured medium and deposits and facilitates cleaning. An example of such a hygienic pressure transmitter is the JUMO TAROS S46 H.
Pressure transmitters play a key role in a variety of industries, and choosing the right one is essential to ensure accurate and reliable performance in your application. When selecting a pressure transmitter, consider key factors such as pressure range, accuracy, media compatibility, environmental conditions, mounting options and signal output. Only by addressing these criteria can you select the best pressure transmitter for your industrial application and ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
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