Pressure sensors are used to calculate the pressure of different gases and liquids. Pressure can be defined as the force needed to prevent fluid from expanding. A pressure sensor is effective to generate an alert due to the pressure imposed.
There are different types of pressure sensors used to measure the variables. They are broadly classified into the pressure ranges they measure and the temperature ranges they operate on. Some common types of pressure sensor are listed below.
Absolute pressure sensor
Absolute pressure sensors are used to calculate pressure in relation to absolute vacuum pressure. Atmospheric pressure at sea level in relation to vacuum is 101.325 kPa.
Vacuum pressure sensor
Vacuum pressure sensor is used to measure pressure less than atmospheric pressure at a certain location. This may sometimes cause confusion in the industry as some people may consider a vacuum sensor as one which is related to either absolute vacuum or atmospheric pressure.
Gauge pressure sensor
A gauge pressure sensor is versatile in use as it can be easily standardised to calculate pressure with reference to a known atmospheric pressure at a specific location. An example of a gauge pressure sensor is a tire pressure gauge.
Sealed pressure sensor
A sealed pressure sensor is similar to a gauge pressure sensor, except that it is calibrated beforehand by the manufacturers. This is done to measure pressure in relation to sea level pressure.
Differential pressure sensor
Differential pressure sensors are used to measure the level or flow in pressurised vessels. They also calculate the difference in two or more pressures set as inputs in the sensing unit, e.g., a measuring drop in pressure in an oil filter.
