A pressure transducer is a device that measures pressure getting applied on its own sensing apparatus. It changes this pressure into an electrical signal. Pressure transducers are commonly used for the calibration of liquid and gas pressures exerted under inconsistent conditions. They are used to measure pressures in vacuum, high temperatures etc. The data recorder reads and stores all the information. Pressure transducers have found wide application in oceanographic and aeronautic vehicle manufacturing.

Types of pressure transducers

one of the most commonly found pressure transducers is the strain gage. The pressure applied on the diaphragm transfers strain on the device gage which gets converted into electrical signals. Pressure transducers that provide outputs in mili-volts are highly affordable and quite common. They require a steady supply of power for accuracy in readings. Pressure transducers that give outputs in volts do not get affected by electrical disturbances. A power supply does not need to be steady. They are used for lead wires covering distances of 35 yards and more. They are also known as pressure transmitters.

Pressure transducers are further categorised into differential, absolute and gage sensors. Absolute pressure transducers are made for measuring pressures in complete vacuum. Relative pressure is measured by the gage sensor and the differential sensors measure the gap in two different pressure types. Another type of sensor is the sealed sensor. It is used to measure a commonly known pressure at sea level.

Pressure transducers – Categorisation according to mechanism

Force collection pressure transducers use pistons, bellows and diaphragms. All the other types of pressure transducers such as thermal, resonant transducers etc. constitute the second basic type.

Pressure transducers are used for innumerable industrial applications; from measuring air pressures to measuring submarine depth and even check for leaks in several industrial machines.

The invention of modern pressure sensing devices has indeed proved to be a blessing in disguise for companies and multinational businesses. They can now carry out difficult tasks with ease. Moreover, they can also prevent accidents by issuing an alarm whenever the applied pressure exceeds a given limit.

This is why pressure transducers are used for several industrial as well domestic applications. Mentioned below are some of the common uses of pressure transducers.

Industrial applications

Pressure transducers are used mainly in the transportation industry. They are used along with oil pressure transducers for transmissions in vehicles. Some of the different transportation uses for which pressure transducers are used are as follows:

• Aviation industry
• Hydraulics
• Navigation

Thus, pressure transducers prevent any sort of vehicle accidents by keeping a tab on the applied pressure. They are also included in medical instruments. However, a different type of medical grade transducers is used for this particular purpose. They are also used for measuring the blood pressure and other readings.

Domestic applications

Pressure transducers are also embedded in many different domestic applications. Several domestic applications include transducers to measure the overall applied pressure. They are used for the following purposes:

• Sense washer levels
• Measure the water levels
• Identify plugged filters
• Detect vacuum cleaner bags

Pressure transducers are also available as digital pressure gauges. Similarly, weather stations measure barometric pressure with the use of electronic pressure transducers. It is thus evident that pressure transducers are used for many different applications.

The invention of modern pressure sensing devices has indeed proved to be a blessing in for industrial applications. Industrial systems can now carry out difficult tasks with ease thanks to these useful devices.

This is why pressure transducers are now used in many industrial as well as domestic applications. The following are some of the common uses of pressure transducers.

Industrial applications

Pressure transducers are mainly used in the transportation industry. Some of the different transportation uses for which pressure transducers are used are as follows:

• Aviation industry
• Hydraulics
• Navigation

Thus, by keeping a check on the applied pressure in these applications the operation of the systems used in these fields can be controlled successfully.

Pressure transducers are also included in medical instruments. However, a different type of medical grade transducer is used for this particular purpose. They are also used for measuring the blood pressure and other medical readings.

Domestic applications

Pressure transducers are also used in many different domestic applications. Several domestic applications use transducers to measure the overall applied pressure. They are used for the following purposes:

• Sense washer levels
• Measure water levels
• Identify clogged filters
• Detection of vacuum cleaner bags

Pressure transducers are also available as digital pressure gauges.

A pressure transducer is a pressure sensing device that is used for control and monitoring purposes in industrial applications. With different types of pressure transducers available for different industrial applications, you need to make sure that you get the right one for the purpose.

Right from mobile phones to computers, television sets, aeroplanes and ships, pressure transducers are used every sphere. In fact, some projects need pressure transducers so the equipment you are using is capable of sensing the pressure that is present or is being applied.

A pressure transducer is just a sensor that specifically monitors pressure. This means, pressure transducers can sense the pressure present in the environment and amount of pressure exerted by a given source. This also means that pressure transducers can emit or change a signal from the transmitter if a particular amount of pressure is reached.

Applications of pressure transducers

Pressure transducers are commonly used in aeroplanes wings. In this situation they can fluctuate and change the shape of the wing for the best ride and to retain control of the plane. Similarly, in case of pressure detection devices, pressure transducers are used to read and react to increases or decreases in gas pressure.

Outputs offered by pressure transducers

While some pressure transducers are available which focus on certain types of pressures, others respond just to surface tension. Most pressure transducers are specially designed to display an output that is linear to the applied pressure and autonomous of other system variables. The output displayed can be volts, milli-amps, milli-volts and also kilohertz.

Pressure transducers are available in many different types. These types can be used to measure many different types of pressure variables including differential and vacuum pressure. They can also measure things such as the partial pressure of gases.

Operation

Pressure transducers measure pressure levels such as water pressure in storage tanks and convert this pressure into a proportional output signal. This output signal can then be transmitted to a remote location to be used in a process control application. In the past pressure transducers made use of bellows and a wound flattened tubing. The older models also incorporated variable resistors and slidewires. However, changing times has brought about a gradual change in the design of the pressure transducers. The modern pressure transducers are designed with high-accuracy strain gauge and solid-state sensing techniques.

Why were pressure transducers developed?

Pressure transducers were developed for many purposes. These devices enabled operators to control and monitor remote pressure variables. The devices can also eliminate any sort of potentially hazardous situations where pressure levels rise too high.

These superior features of pressure transducers have contributed to their use in many industrial applications.

Pressure transducers are instruments that detect pressure and produce an electrical, mechanical or pneumatic signal related to the pressure. They are also known as electromechanical sensors. Pressure transducers usually provide an analogue electrical signal of the measured value.

Types of pressure transducers

There are many types of pressure transducers used in industry. Mentioned below is some information on the types of pressure transducers available.

Piezoresistive pressure transducers

These pressure transducers consist of pressure diaphragms fitted with fixed resistors. These resistors change the value under pressure induced strain. Piezoresistive pressure transducers produce voltage output proportional to pressure imposed and are arranged in a Wheatstone Bridge format.

Capacitive pressure transducer

These sensors consist of one plate of a capacitor that changes its measured value under pressure induced displacement. Capacitive pressure transducers are known to be accurate when recording low pressures. They are larger compared to piezoresistive pressure transducers.

Basic specifications of pressure transducers

Standard pressure transducers are made in a stainless steel construction and use a ceramic diaphragm. The accuracy in the reading varies from 1-2% for non critical applications to 0.05% in applications where accuracy is paramount.

There are many different kinds of pressure sensors available in the market. Consider the needs, requirements and budget of your company prior to opting for a pressure transducer or pressure sensor.

Today, every industry uses pressure sensing devices to ensure that there is a safe working environment for their employees. One of these such devices is the pressure transducer. If you run an industrial plant where pressure is imposed for operational purposes then these devices are a must for you.

Pressure transducers are typically designed to convert the pressure into an analogue electrical signal which ultimately displays the pressure generated or imposed. Due to different needs, various kinds of pressure transducers are available today. They vary on the basis of electrical output. Here are two popular outputs:

Voltage output pressure transducers

This kind of pressure transducer comes with integral signal conditioning that provides a very high output. As these pressure transducers have high output levels, they are not vulnerable to any kind of electrical noise. This is the reason why they can be used in harsh industrial environments.

Millivolt output pressure transducers

Pressure transducers that provide millivolt output are available at reasonable rates. Generally the output for these pressure transducers is about 30mV. Unlike voltage output pressure transducers, these devices cannot work properly in a noisy environment.

Things to consider while buying pressure transducers

If you are planning to purchase pressure transducers then you have to consider a few factors. These include the measurement design and technology used in manufacturing the device. You also have to consider your application requirements and then buy the transducer which has the specific measurement capacity suitable for the application. Lastly, you also have to look at the cost of the transducer and then buy the one that matches your budget.

The invention of modern pressure sensing devices has indeed proved to be a blessing for engineering professionals. These devices monitor the pressure in a specific application and some prevent accidents by sounding an alarm whenever the applied pressure exceeds a given limit.

This is why pressure transducers are used for several industrial as well domestic applications. The following are some of the common uses of pressure transducers.

Industrial applications

Pressure transducers are used mainly in industry. Some areas in the transportation sector where pressure transducers are used are:

• Aviation industry
• Hydraulics
• Navigation

Pressure transducers are also included in medical instruments. However, a different type of medical grade transducer is used for this particular purpose. They are also used for measuring blood pressure and taking other such readings.

Domestic applications

Pressure transducers are also used in many different domestic applications. Several domestic applications include transducers to measure the overall applied pressure in household equipment. They are used for the following purposes:

• Sense washer levels
• Measure water levels
• Identify clogged filters
• Detect vacuum cleaner bags

Pressure transducers are also available as digital pressure gauges. It is thus evident that pressure transducers are used for many different applications.