Systems for monitoring the pressure in tyres have been around since the mid 1980s in Europe. These systems are now commonly available in luxury car models.

How does a tyre pressure sensor work?

Pressure sensors used in tyres are normally powered by batteries. These pressure sensors are direct sensors as they are integrated within the tyre and the wheel. They transmit data using radio frequency to the cluster of instruments in the vehicle. The system is fine as long as the tyres on the vehicle are within a particular range of pressure. A warning indicator or a light for low pressure in the tyre will be triggered when any of the tyres gains or loses a certain amount of air pressure.

In some vehicle models there is an information centre which displays an individual tyre’s level of pressure. The pressure sensors are generally integrated within the valve stems and at times are strapped using steel bands to the rim.

When there is a flat or a low tyre situation, the warning light on the dashboard will stay illuminated until the tyre is inflated, replaced or repaired. Some pressure sensor systems may also need to be ‘reset’ after the incident.

Many people find the functioning of a pressure sensor to be very complex. Contrary to the popular belief, pressure sensors do not carry out any calculation on the initial force; it rather acts on the applied force and measures the linear magnitude which calculates the deformation. Without these sensors, the triggering of an alarm, monitoring and controlling the mechanics of a piece of equipment is not possible.

The structure of a pressure sensor

These sensors are made in small cylindrical containers that resemble metallic diaphragms. The interior of this cylinder is filled and sealed with a fluid. The major advantage of using a fluid in this cylindrical system is that it avoids corrosion and also acts as a medium of pressure measuring substance.

Common uses of pressure sensors

Pressure sensors can be use to monitor the tyre pressure in a car and detect oil pressure in different machines. Preventing machines from being over worked is another use of a pressure sensor.

They can be used for monitoring absolute pressure by using a vacuum which calculates the final deformation, which can be achieved by applying a certain degree of pressure.

Pressure sensors are devices that are used to monitor the pressure load on heavy duty machinery in factories. With the help of pressure sensors, the operator can make sure the pressure always stays within stipulated limits.

Pressure sensors play an important role in preventing damage to the expensive equipment used in factories. The introduction of wireless pressure sensors has further allowed companies to keep a track on the performance of their machines. Given below are some of the uses of pressure sensors.

Wireless pressure sensors

Factories have started using wireless pressure sensors to avoid the problem of wire routing. Tyre pressure, transducer miniaturisation, multi-point sensing and enhanced signal to noise ratio are some of the other common reasons to use wireless pressure sensors.

Keller pressure sensors

Keller pressure sensors use Piezo Resistance to function. The pressure applied on the device is directly proportional to the resistance so a reading is obtained. Various industries use Keller pressure sensors in their machines and other equipment.

Other industrial uses of wireless pressure sensors

Wireless pressure sensors are very common in many industries. The petroleum industry, waste water industry and chemical manufacturing industry are some of the industries that rely heavily on the wireless pressure system.

Wireless pressure systems have become an integral part of every major industrial business.

Do you run a manufacturing plant? Do you use equipment that operates at high pressures and at high temperatures for operational reasons? If your answer is yes then you must be aware of the latest pressure gauging devices that have been introduced to the market.

Pressure sensors are one of the most popular devices which are used in both industrial as well as commercial applications.

Due to wide range of needs and applications, various kinds of pressure sensors are manufactured these days. So, if you want to buy a specific pressure sensor for your application you can consider various types, such as – vacuum pressure sensors, gauge pressure sensors, absolute pressure sensors, sealed pressure sensors and differential pressure sensors.

Differential pressure sensors

This kind of sensor is specifically manufactured to check the pressure between two setpoints. The main role of these sensors is to produce an electrical signal in response to pressure changes. Today, you will see that pressure sensors are commonly used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace and medical.

Absolute pressure sensors

These pressure checking devices are designed to gauge the pressure level which is relative to vacuum pressure. The main aim of these devices or sensors is to convert the pressure into electrical signal and use this signal as part of a process control application. They are mostly used in industrial plants.