Pressure sensors are used in industrial applications to calculate the pressure of different gases and liquids. They are like transducers that convert energy into another form.
Pressure sensors
Pressure sensors are able to generate a signal by way of the pressure imposed on the optical, electrical, visual or auditory sensor. They are used in many applications and are sometimes known as transmitters or indicators. Pressure sensors measure different variables like speed, water level, gas flow and altitude.
Pressure sensors vary in type and functionality. The type of pressure sensor used mainly depends on the cost of its manufacture, the type of technology used and the purpose it serves.
Depending on pressure measurements, pressure sensors broadly fall into 5 main categories. They are elaborated upon below.
Absolute pressure sensor
An absolute pressure sensor records pressure as per perfect vacuum pressure.
Gauge pressure sensor
A gauge pressure sensor is versatile in use as it can be calibrated to adjust to the atmospheric pressure of different areas.
Differential pressure sensor
Differential pressure sensors are used to detect whether there has been an increase or decrease in two or more pressure mechanisms. It is also used to achieve a pressurised flow in large vessels.
Vacuum pressure sensor
A vacuum pressure sensor is used to calculate pressure that is lower than a given location’s atmospheric pressure.
Sealed pressure sensor
Sealed pressure sensors are used to calculate pressure at sea-level.
Uses
Pressure sensors are widely used in the aircraft and automobile industry. They also find a variety of applications in industrial environments, weather balloons, satellites, rockets and weather instrumentation.
