Impress Sensors

The easy guide to pressure transmitters

January 28th, 2011

Pressure transmitters are used to monitor processes in industrial/ manufacturing plants, marine research and production control etc. The device contributes to the positivity of the entire process, generating the desired results and maintaining benchmark levels of safety.

Here we have discussed the applications and general features of pressure transmitters.

Measurements of pressure

Pressure transmitters enable us to achieve two specialised objectives; monitoring applied pressure in the production process to achieve a desired result and continuous real time measurement of the pressurised environment. Both these tasks are crucial as the wrong pressure will manufacture the wrong products. For example, in a plastic moulding factory a certain amount of monitored and controlled pressure is needed to make plastic products, which would otherwise be deformed, if the pressure applied was inappropriate.

Pressure control

Pressure transmitters are used to keep machinery pressure in check. If any pressure exceeds the safety levels then the trip switch will tip and an alarm will be raised. All machinery will then be stopped in the right time to avoid catastrophic damages. They are indispensable for ensuring industrial safety.

Maintenance of expensive equipment

Liquid pressure is measured by pressure transmitters for ensuring the maintenance of expensive equipment. In vehicles, a certain level of oil pressure needs to be maintained at all times for its smooth operation. Spring operation diaphragms, which are connected to the resistors, monitor engine pressure. This device also maintains a balance between oil pressure and voltage. If this pressure dips or exceeds, the indicator for oil starts flashing.

Pressure transmitters keep machinery running without any problems and provide the much needed warning when pressure is above or below the safety levels.

Monitor pressure levels with the help of pressure transmitters

January 20th, 2011

A pressure transmitter is an electrical component that is used to maintain, observe and monitor pressure levels in heavy industrial machinery and equipment.

In heavy industry, pressure indicators and transmitters are used to monitor the level of pressure during a machine process.

Manufacturing

In some cases pressure transmitters are used in machines that are used for manufacturing products. With the help of these pressure transmitters a manufacturing process can be designed and work only because a certain degree of pressure has been reached or not exceeded.

Functional requirements

Mechanical components like engines need pressure transmitting mechanics as a part of their functional requirements. This might include having a certain amount of pressure maintained by using oil to mobilise an engine.

Hence, pressure transmitters are an important component when it comes to monitoring, observing, maintaining and providing warnings related to high pressure levels.

Pressure transmitters help to keeping a check on the function and performance of a given mechanical system. Without these transmitters, the pressure in a control system would be unknown which could have devastating consequences to the machine to which they are fitted.

Pressure transmitters – Understanding some of their different aspects

January 12th, 2011

Pressure transmitters are one of the most useful devices used in manufacturing facilities these days. They are known for their ability to monitor the pressure of different industrial control processes and hence maintain permissible levels of safety. Mentioned below are some of the important aspects pertaining to pressure transmitters.

Used in different industrial plants

The uses of pressure transmitters are not restricted to solely industrial manufacturing plants. These devices are also used in marine research for monitoring pressure.

Monitoring the amount of pressure

This is the main purpose for which pressure transmitters are used. This particular device monitors the overall amount of pressure applied in a manufacturing process and ensures that the pressure applied stays within acceptable limits. Application of more pressure than required can sometimes hamper the production process. Similarly, low levels of pressure can stop a process form working correctly. The end result is a malfunctioning process that causes production problems for the company. The real time measurement of the pressurised activity is essential for the success of the process.

Prevent accidents

Pressure transmitters also play an important role in preventing untoward accidents and hence ensuring the safety of the workers. Many accidents take place due to uncontrolled excessive build up of pressure. Build-up of pressure above acceptable limits can result in damage to the machine or in the worst cases injury to a worker. However, such an accident is prevented if a pressure transmitter is used as it can stop the machine or sound an alarm if the pressure increases beyond its setpoint limits.

Pressure transmitters – Understanding their different aspects

January 10th, 2011

Pressure transmitters are one of the most useful devices used in manufacturing facilities these days. Given below are some of the most important aspects pertaining to pressure transmitters.

Many uses in industrial plants

The uses of pressure transmitters are not restricted to solely industrial plants and manufacturing plants. These devices are also used in marine research and aerospace applications for monitoring pressure levels.

Monitoring the amount of pressure

This is the main thing pressure transmitters actually do. A pressure transmitter monitors the overall amount of pressure applied at the manufacturing process and uses this pressure to control a PLC driven system. Real time measurement of pressurised systems is essential for the success of the control process.

Prevents accidents

Pressure transmitters also play an important role in preventing untoward accidents thus ensuring the safety of workers. Many accidents take place due to the excessive application of pressure. Build-up of pressure above acceptable limits can result in a major accident. However, such accidents can be prevented as the pressure transmitter will alert the system about the increase in pressure and shut down the process controlled application.

How to differentiate between pressure transducers and transmitters

December 20th, 2010

Pressure transducers and transmitters are widely used in manufacturing plants. However, several users fail to understand the difference between these two devices.

Pressure transducers

The definition of a pressure transducer has undergone a tremendous change over the years. A pressure transducer can now be described as a device that is employed to convert pressure into an electrical signal. Pressure transducers are available in many different types. Some of the different types of pressure transducers are mentioned below.

• Thick film transducers
• Thin film transducers
• Semi conductor strain gauge transducers

All the above mentioned transducers are used to provide an electrical signal. Usually, these transducers provide a millivolt output signal which changes with any variation in pressure.

Pressure transmitters

A pressure transmitter is basically a pressure transducer with additional electronics to provide a 4 to 20 mA output signal. A 4 to 20mA current loop output is the standard unit for the transmission of pressure transducer signals.

In the past pressure transmitters were only used in huge processing plants. The sensors back then were heavy and rather expensive. However, several manufacturing plants now employ the 4-20mA output signal pressure transmitters in their process control applications. Their compact size now means they are used widely. However, the compact size has added to the confusion between a pressure transmitter and a transducer.

Differentiating between pressure transmitters and pressure transducers

November 23rd, 2010

Pressure transducers and transmitters are widely used in most modern day manufacturing plants. However, some users fail to understand the difference between the two devices, thereby resulting in confusion that could ultimately damage your machinery. Differentiating between the two devices can prove to be difficult but is still considered to be extremely important.

Pressure transmitters

A number of different types of amplified signals have been produced over the past few years. However, the basic unit of measurement, 2 wire 4-20mA current loop output, is the standard unit for the transmission of a pressure transducer signal. These signals are produced over larger distances. This particular unit is widely used across the globe. Therefore, pressure transmitters can basically be called pressure transducers with additional electronics to provide an output signal ranging from 4mA to 20mA.

Previously, pressure transmitters were only used in huge processing plants. The sensors back then were heavy and rather expensive. However, many manufacturing plants now employ the 4-20mA output signal pressure transmitter. The compact size along with the affordable rates has compelled workers to opt for these transmitters.

Pressure transducers

The definition of pressure transducers has undergone a major change over the years. A pressure transducer can be described as a device that is employed to convert pressure into an electric signal. Pressure transducers are available in many different types. Mentioned below are some of the common types of pressure transducers.

• Thick film transducers
• Thin film transducers
• Semi conductor strain gauge transducers

All the above mentioned transducers are used to provide an electrical signal. Usually, these transducers provide a millivolt output signal. This signal changes with any variation in pressure.

You can also understand the difference effectively by reading the signal output provided in the data sheet.

The importance of using pressure transmitters in borehole level measurement

November 20th, 2010

It is a known fact that boreholes are one of the best resources for water. Submersible pumps are used to pump water from the bottom of the borehole to the surface. However, for pumps to work properly, it is important that they maintain a level of water above them. This prevents them from running dry, a problem that can destroy the pump in a relatively short amount of time.

Use pressure transmitters to measure borehole levels

Submersible pressure transmitters can be used in this kind of an application to keep pumps working efficiently.

How do pressure transmitters work in boreholes?

Once these devices are lowered into boreholes, they give out signals via the electrical cable to the surface. This can then be converted to a level signal and can be used to activate a relay. This will then turn the pump off if the level in the borehole increases or even if the level is too low. Both these can prevent the pump from being damaged and ensure proper flow of water.

Pressure transmitters can be used for a variety of other purposes besides these. Most of these include monitoring and controlling operations of machines in industrial facilities. This keeps working environments safe for employees. There are many different kinds of pressure transmitters available in the market. It is important to consider the needs and requirements of your business prior to choosing one.

Understanding the different aspects of pressure transmitters

November 11th, 2010

Pressure transmitters are one of the most useful devices used in manufacturing facilities these days. They are known for their ability of maintaining permissible levels of safety. Given below are some of the important aspects pertaining to pressure transmitters.

Not just for industrial use

The uses of pressure transmitters are not restricted solely to industrial plants and manufacturing plants. These devices are used for a variety of scenarios, such as marine research for monitoring the activity of pressure in water.


Monitoring the amount of pressure

This is the first activity for which pressure transmitters are used. This particular device monitors the overall amount of pressure applied to the manufacturing process. It ensures that the pressure applied stays within the acceptable limits. Application of more pressure than required can hamper the overall process. Similarly, the application of less pressure can bring an end to the process. The end result is a malfunctioning product that has no buyers in the market. A real-time measurement of the pressurised activity is essential for the success of the process.

Prevents accidents

Pressure transmitters also play an important role in preventing untoward accidents and ensuring the safety of the workers. Many accidents take place due to the excessive application of pressure. A build-up of pressure above acceptable limits can result in a major accident. However, such an accident is prevented as the pressure transmitter alerts the operator about the increase in pressure.

Pressure transmitters – The extreme conditions under which they are used

November 5th, 2010

Pressure transmitters, pressure transducers and pressure switches are some of the types of technological equipment used in factories. The introduction of various digital electronics and continuous development of sensor technologies have resulted in a specification overlap in the capabilities of different pressure transmitters.

Pressure transmitters are used so abundantly that they are available for almost all kinds of devices. Mentioned below are some of the extreme conditions under which pressure transmitters can be used.

Used in construction: Pressure transmitters are attached to hydraulic systems and engines. It is necessary for these transmitters to be sturdy and versatile so that they are capable of functioning under tough environmental conditions. They are usually exposed to high levels of vibration, shock, moisture and dust. Due to this, the sealing system and connectors on the pressure transmitters have to be excellent.

Water booster systems: Pressure transmitters used in this scenario are subjected to thrashing and cavitations. This happens because these devices are placed in a water line under great pressure. Pressure transmitters are also exposed to these conditions if they are mounted after valves. It is therefore prudent to install pressure transmitters that are robust.

Apart from the above mentioned applications, pressure transmitters are also used in power plants and refrigeration systems. Use a device that meets the specifications of the machinery on which you intend to use it.

Pressure transmitters – The extreme conditions under which they are used

October 22nd, 2010

Pressure transmitters, pressure transducers and pressure switches are electrical devices used in industrial applications. The introduction of new digital electronics and the continuous development of sensor technology has resulted in a specific overlap in the capabilities of different pressure transmitters.

Pressure transmitters are used so abundantly that they are available for almost all kinds of devices. Mentioned below are some of the extreme conditions under which pressure transmitters can be used.

Use in construction:
Pressure transmitters are used in hydraulic systems and engines. These transmitters have to be sturdy and versatile so that they are capable of functioning under tough environmental conditions. They are usually exposed to high levels of vibration, shock, moisture and dust. Due to this, the sealing and connectors on the pressure transmitters should be of good quality.

Water booster systems: Pressure transmitters used in this scenario are subjected to intense wear and tear. This happens because these devices are placed in a water line. Pressure transmitters can also be exposed to these conditions if they are mounted next to valves. It is therefore prudent to install pressure transmitters that are robust and offer durability.

Apart from the above mentioned applications, pressure transmitters are also used in power plants and refrigeration systems. Use a device that meets the specifications of the machinery.


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