Pressure transducers are widely used in numerous OEM applications and process controls. The introduction of microprocessors has also increased the usage and functionality of sensors over the past few years. When looking for pressure transducers, you must ensure that you choose the right one that best suits your application needs.
Considerations while selecting pressure transducers
Below are some important features to look for when choosing pressure transducers.
Accuracy - Pressure instrumentation is available in a wide range of accuracies. Most high accuracy devices offer enhanced performance with changing temperature over time.
Isolation – For high-temperatures, viscous and corrosive media, a pressure transducer should be isolated from the medium that is being measured. Usually, a metal or ceramic diaphragm filled with fluid is incorporated within the pressure transducer. This isolates it from the measuring medium.
Temperature effects - The change in temperature creates a great effect on the environmental performance of pressure transducers. Most sensor manufacturers also offer temperature compensation specifications for defining the thermal effects over a particular range. Performance displayed as a co-efficient or error band is guaranteed over that particular temperature range.
Pressure range - This is an important factor to consider when looking for pressure transducers. Commonly available pressure transducer measurement ranges from vacuum to extremely high pressures. For accurate measurement of vacuum either gauge or absolute or differential pressure is taken as a reference. Ideally, the operating pressure of the application should always be 50-90% of the preferred range.
Output – The available pressure transducer outputs include industry-standard voltage, milli-volt or current signals. Pressure transducer devices with communication capacities and digital outputs are also available to purchase.
