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Ready to ShipThere are several kinds of pressure transducers, each with unique characteristics and pressure ranges. These can measure pressure very accurately and are used in various industries. The main types include:
Strain gauge transducers
These are the most common types in use today. A strain gauge can be found on the pressure-sensitive diaphragm. As the pressure changes, the diaphragm deforms, and the strain gauge will stretch or compress depending on the direction of the deformation.
This results in a change in electrical resistance, which is converted to a voltage signal that represents the pressure.
Capacitive transducers
A pressure transducer of this type consists of two plates with one acting as a diaphragm. The diaphragm plate is beneath the pressure. The space between the plates is known as the capacitor, and the pressure causes the diaphragm to change the distance between the plates, changing the capacitance.
This change is then converted into a pressure signal.
Piezoresistive transducers
These transducers use a silicone semiconductor element. This element senses pressure by measuring the pressure-induced change in resistance. This is suitable for monitoring liquid and gas pressures.
Thermal conductivity transducers
These pressure transducers use thermal gradients to identify gas pressure. They do this by measuring how quickly gas escapes from a small opening. This is commonly used to measure low pressures in gas.
Optical pressure transducer
These pressure transducers rely on pressure-induced changes in the light's path to measure pressure. They achieve this by passing light through a waveguide whose refractive index changes with pressure. This makes them excellent for environments where the electronic transducers could be affected by harsh conditions.
These transducers measure the pressure in different liquids and gases and convert that force into an electrical signal. Some common places these devices are used include:
Oil and gas industry
The G1/4 pressure transducer is used widely in the oil and gas industry. They measure pressure at various stages, including upstream extraction, midstream transportation, and downstream refining.
This transducer's accuracy and reliability help ensure safety, optimize production, and monitor the pressure in reservoirs, pipelines, and storage tanks.
Aerospace
These pressure transducers deal with extreme conditions in flight, so they are designed to sustain high temperatures and intense pressures. They monitor pressures in fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and environmental control systems in flights.
Therefore, they help maintain safety and performance in critical applications.
Automotive industry
In the automotive industry, transducers measure and monitor fuel pressure, oil pressure, and in the engine. These measurements help to optimize the performance of the car, reduce emissions, and ensure that the car runs within safe operating limits.
Pharmaceutical and food industries
Since precise control of pressure is crucial during production in the pharmaceutical and food industries, transducers are applied to monitor pressures in fermentation vessels, packaging processes, and in utility gases.
This ensures the consistency of products, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
Hydraulic systems
These pressure transducers monitor hydraulic fluid in heavy machinery and vehicles. They convert that pressure into an electrical signal used to protect the system from overloading.
They help ensure optimal performance and system reliability by detecting changes in pressure to inform necessary adjustments.
The following are the common features and specifications of these pressure transducers:
Measuring range
There is usually a variant of these transducers designed to handle different pressure ranges, such as vacuum or high pressure. Common ranges are between 0 - 1000 bar. The measuring range must be specified for the intended application to prevent transducer failure or inaccurate readings.
Output signal
The transducer's output signals include analog voltages (0-10V, 0-5V, and 1-5V) or currents (4-20 mA), which are the standard for industrial applications. Some transducers may have digital outputs like RS-485 or CAN bus for smart monitoring systems.
Thermal coefficient
When there is a change in temperature, the thermal coefficient helps estimate how much the output signal will change. The thermal coefficient is measured in the units of pressure per degrees Celsius, for example, TC = 0.1 mV/°C. A greater thermal coefficient can be found in pressure transducers in very dynamic environments where temperature changes a lot. Transducer stability is affected by this coefficient.
Pressure reference
There are gauge, absolute, and differential reference pressures in transducers. Gauge pressure transducers measure the pressure difference between the surrounding atmosphere and the measured medium. They don't register vacuum or absolute pressure. They are best suited to monitor system pressure in pipes and vessels.
Materials
Most automotive pressure transducer housings are steel or aluminum to enhance durability and avoid corrosion. Other internal components are mostly made from silicone or rare metals like platinum and are temperature resistant.
Sensors
For example, a ceramic capacitor sensor uses a ceramic diaphragm to measure pressure. When pressure is applied to this diaphragm, it bends. One side of the ceramic is covered with a metal layer to form a capacitor. When it bends, the distance between the plates changes and so does the capacitor's ability.
Installation and use
These pressure transducers have an easy setup. This is because most have a G1/4 connection. The electrical connections are also straightforward due to the several output options. It is crucial to use the transducer within the specified pressure range and in conditions suited to the materials used for maximum accuracy and durability.
When choosing a pressure transducer, the following factors should also be considered apart from the applications:
Working medium
Different pressure transducers are designed to measure the pressure of liquids, gases, and steam. This is important because each medium has unique chemical and physical properties. These determine which transducer is suitable for the job.
For example, strain gauge transducers work best with stable liquids. On the other hand, piezoresistive transducers are ideal for dynamic gases. There are also thermal conductivity transducers more suited for low-pressure gases.
Accuracy requirements
How accurately the user needs to measure pressure may also affect the choice of transducer. A2-5% accuracy is acceptable in general industrial work, while jobs in the pharmaceutical field need transducers with an accuracy of ±0.1% or better.
Therefore, users should consider their accuracy needs when selecting a transducer to ensure accurate and effective pressure monitoring.
Temperature
Consider the operational temperature range for pressure transducers, as they are designed to handle different temperature ranges. While general-purpose transducers work in moderate temperatures of -20 °C to 80 °C, high-temperature variants can endure up to 200 °C.
Pressure range
Since pressure transducer types are designed for various pressure ranges, this is one of the most important factors to consider. Differential pressure transducers measure small pressure differences and work best in low-pressure conditions.
On the other hand, compound and absolute pressure transducers can measure high-pressure levels.
Environmental conditions
The environmental conditions where the transducer is used determine how the device is built. For example, corrosive chemicals may damage internal parts that are not made of the right material.
This is why there are transducers with cases made of steel or titanium to protect them from harsh environments. In addition, some high-g1/4-gauge pressure transducer variants can endure extreme temperatures up to 200 °C.
Yes, a differential pressure transducer measures the difference between two pressure points. One is the vacuum pressure, and the other is the atmospheric pressure. The transducer measures the pressure in a vacuum system.
Overpressure can be avoided by using a pressure relief valve in a system where there is a possibility of exceeding the rated pressure range of the transducer. The valve opens when the pressure reaches a certain level, letting the excess fluid or gas escape.
Diaphragms in pressure transducers are usually constructed of thin elastic metal or polymer. It is the part that senses pressure. When there is pressure, the diaphragm will deform or bend and translate that pressure into a mechanical signal.
Steel, titanium, and ceramics are common materials for pressure transducer diaphragms in a G1/4 pressure transducer. These materials have high tensile strength that enables them to sustain the bending force applied by the pressure without warping or breaking.
