A pressure transducer measures the amount of exerted pressure on the sensor and sends out electrical signals. They are mainly accustomed to calibrate the pressure applied by a gas or liquid under varying conditions. They are used in the manufacturing aeronautic vehicles. They come in varieties depending on specifications and application such as measurement of pressure exerted in vacuum, gases or liquids and extreme temperature. The entered measurements are fed in a data logger. Here we have discussed specifications of the three most common types.

Pressure transducers with mili-volt output

They are the least expensive type. They are ideal for short distances and the environment with less electrical noise. A uniform power supply is essential for the most exact readings. Actual output is proportional to the power or excitation input.

Pressure transducers with volt output

They are relatively less vulnerable to electrical disturbances and do not get affected by EMI and RFI distortion. Steadiness of power supply is not a compulsory requirement.

Pressure transducers with mili-ampere output

They are also referred to as pressure transmitters. Often used for signal transmission over long distances, since it is least vulnerable to electrical noise and fluctuations in power.

Pressure transducers can be further categorised according to type of sensor and type of pressure measured. As an example, Absolute sensors sense pressures in absolute vacuum. Gauge sensors measure pressures in relativity and differential pressure sensors measure the differences between two different pressures in one system.

Are you planning to set up your own industrial plant or factory? If you want to facilitate the smooth functioning of industrial processes then pressure transducers are a must. However, for this first you should know what pressure transducers are and what they do.

Pressure Transducers – The basics explained

Pressure transducers, in simple terms, are devices which sense the pressure applied on different industrial equipment. They can accurately calibrate the pressure applied by gases or liquids. Keep in mind that they can also sense the pressure under variable conditions.

This is the precise reason why pressure transducers are used in both aeronautics and oceanographic vehicles. The conditions are extremely variable in both cases and only a pressure transducer can measure the pressure in such conditions. Different types of pressure transducers are manufactured, keeping in mind the specific industrial conditions.

For example, a distinct pressure transducer is available for sensitive industrial environments exposed to an intense range of temperatures.

If you are looking for an economical transducer, then you should opt for the strain gage type. This particular transducer works on the principle of pressure exerted which causes strain on instrument gages. The transducer then accurately measures the strain caused.

Understand that pressure transducers are also available in different types. Absolute, gauge sensors, differential pressure sensors and sealed sensors are some of the various types of pressure transducers.
Browse through the features of each pressure transducer and choose one which meets your specific needs and requirements.

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.

Pressure transducers measure pressure received by their own internal sensing system. This pressure gets converted into an electrical signal. Pressure transducers are mostly used for calibrating pressures of gases and liquids in variable physical environments. Pressure transducers measure pressures in vacuum, and at high and low temperatures.

Different types of pressure transducers

The most common type of pressure transducer is called the strain gauge. Pressure which touches the diaphragm is converted into an electrical signal. Mili-volt pressure transducers are quite cheap and easily available. You will however need a steady power supply to achieve accuracy in readings. Voltage pressure transducers can provide highly accurate readings, even without a continuous supply of power and are not even affected by electrical noise.

Voltage pressure transducers are used when lead wires need to travel over more than 35 yards. They are also referred to as pressure transmitters. Pressure transducers can be classified into absolute, differential and gauge sensors. Gauge sensors measure relative pressure and absolute pressure transducers measure pressure in a vacuum.

Many industrial applications use pressure transducers for measuring depths, checking leaks in tanks and containers, for checking internal machinery, production of pressure and measuring air pressure.

There are various types of pressure transducer. They are used for measuring the pressure exerted by liquids and gases under the influence of varying conditions. The pressure transducers have a sensing mechanism which calibrates the pressure exerted by a liquid or a gas. The sensing component of the pressure transducers converts the pressure exerted into an electric signal. The readings gathered from the pressure transducer are fed into a data log.

The most widely recognised and used pressure transducers are the strain gauges. This type of pressure transducer is the most economical. In a strain gauge when the pressure is applied on the diaphragm, strain is induced on the gauges. The pressure transducer converts this strain into an electric signal.

In pressure transducers, there can be three different types of output. The millivolt output type of pressure transducer is less expensive when compared to others. It is very useful in an environment having less electrical noise and involving short distances. For accurate readings in the millivolt output transducer, the power supply should be consistent.

The voltage output type of pressure transducers are the least susceptible when it comes to electrical noise. Unlike the millivolt transducer, voltage output does not depend upon a consistent power supply. Another type of pressure transducer is 4-20 mA output. It is also known as a pressure transmitter. This type of pressure transducer is used in the case of lead wires that cover a long distance. This type of pressure transducer is less susceptible to power fluctuations and electrical noise.

You have probably heard of the device called a transducer. These devices are basically used for detecting things such as temperature, flow and movement. These devices transmit an electrical output signal based on the input they receive. Sometimes these output signals are used for controlling data acquisition systems. Sometimes the measured amount is directly used as part of a process control application in a factory.

Pressure transducers are available in different designs and are used to measure different types of pressure.

How do pressure transducers work?

Pressure transducers monitor pressure changes and then converted them into an output signal. This particular pressure measurement can then be transferred to any remote location. The older models of pressure transducers consisted of bellows and bourdon tubes. They also made use of diaphragms along with variable resistors. However, pressure transducers have undergone a tremendous change over the years. Modern pressure transducers are made up of high-accuracy strain gauge and sensing technologies.

For what reasons are pressure transducers used?

Pressure transducers are used for various purposes. For instance, they allow operators to keep a close watch on different processes and ensure that they operate in a safe manner. They also play a major role in a multitude of manufacturing processes that would not be able to function without this component.

Different types of pressure measured

Pressure transducers are available in many different designs and types and hence can be used to measure different pressure variables. For instance, they can measure absolute pressure, differential pressure and vacuum pressure.

This is the reason why pressure transducers are used widely in different manufacturing industries.

Pressure transducers are not a new invention. Workers in the industry owe a lot to these useful devices. In simple terms, a pressure transducer measures the pressure exerted on a device and changes it into an electrical signal.

Pressure transducers are mostly used to measure the pressure exerted either by a gas or liquid. Moreover, this pressure is commonly exerted under variable conditions. Transducers are commonly used in aeronautics and in vehicles meant for oceanographic purposes.

Many different types of pressure sensors are manufactured. For example, a special type of pressure transducers is used for measuring pressure in a vacuum or when liquid is exposed to a high range of temperatures. A strain gauge is one of the most widely used pressure transducers.

This particular output can take three different forms. If you are looking for an economical model then a millivolt transducer is the best choice. However, it is suitable only when the distances are short and the industrial environment is devoid of any kind of electrical noise. Moreover, a consistent electric supply is required for precise readings.

On the other hand, voltage output pressure transducers can also be used in environments with electrical noise. These output transducers can also function without a consistent power supply. 4-20 ma output is the final type of pressure transducer output and is also known as a pressure transmitter. These pressure transducers are used when the lead wires need to cover a long distance. They are also less susceptible to electrical noise or any kind of power fluctuations.

You probably have come across a pressure transducer. A pressure transducer is generally used to convert pressure into an analogue electrical signal.

Pressure transducers are available in many different types and each model performs a distinct function.

A strain gauge is the most basic type of pressure transducer. Pressure is converted into an electrical signal by the physical movement of the gauge. These gauges are fitted in the diaphragm of the pressure transducer. It is then wired in a Wheatstone Bridge configuration. The pressure applied to the pressure transducer causes a deflection in the diaphragm.

The change in diaphragm position produces a change in electrical resistance which is proportional to the pressure implied. Pressure transducers are usually available with three different types of electrical output.

Millivolt output pressure transducers

Millivolt output pressure transducers are one of the most economical and affordable types of pressure transducers. Generally, the output of millivolt transducers is around 30mV. The output is directly proportional to the pressure transducer’s input. This input is described as excitation and any fluctuation in excitation causes the electrical output to fluctuate as well. These transducers should not be placed in an electrically noisy environment.

Voltage output pressure transducers

These transducers incorporate internal signal conditioning. Therefore, they provide a higher output compared to millivolt transducers. The general output is around 0-5Vdc or 0-10Vdc. These transducers are not susceptible to an electrically noisy environment due to the higher level of output.

A transducer is a device that converts energy into an electrical signal. Some examples of transducers include microphones, phonograph cartridges and loudspeakers.

Pressure transducers are used to measure pressure levels with the help of an integrated sensing mechanism.

How do pressure transducers work?

When pressure is exerted on the sensing mechanism of the pressure transducer, it is converted into an electrical signal. Pressure transducers are used to determine the pressure exerted by a liquid or gas under changing conditions. They find widespread use in many industrial applications.

The uses of pressure transducers

Pressure transducers can be used to measure the pressure that is exerted in relation to vacuum pressure. Other times pressure transducers need to be used include the measurement of pressure of a liquid or gas under extreme temperature.

An example of a type of pressure measurement tube is a Bourdon tube. The properties of the material that is required for these tubes or diaphragms is similar to that of restoring springs in a displacement type of pressure transducer.