The offshore oil industry uses pressure transducers for a number of different applications. They are used for drilling controls, measurement and the control of process variables and drilling down-hole tools.
The uses of pressure transducers are elaborated in the following points:
Down-hole tools
Different kinds of pressure transducers are used in down-hole tools to keep a check on hydraulic pressure and also pipeline oil pressure. A pressure transducer with a high functional temperature is due to the extreme environment. Some models provide ranges up to 1,000 bar and operating temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius.
Wellheads
Wellhead assemblies make use of different technologies to measure wellhead pressure. Pressure transducers are used in perilous environments. Due to this, the device should be internally safe and should have an explosion–free design. Pressure transducers used in hazardous environments should also be robust and weather-proof.
Hydraulic manifolds
Offshore oil production makes use of sub sea hydraulic packs for various control functions. Pressure transducers used for such purposes should be of a small design and capable of working with extreme case pressure. 10 pressure transducers may be required by sub sea hydraulic packs. The pressure transducer can have the outside housing removed with only the PCB exposed to the outside environment to decrease the profile.
Core analysis
Process of core analysis involves an oil sample to be gushed at high pressure via a segment of rock core. The pressure sensor should provide precise measurements in such applications.
