If you are new to the industry and want to learn about pressure measurement instruments, it can be tough to navigate through all the available options.
The good news is that Kleev has been an expert in pressure solutions for decades.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What pressure sensors do and how they work
- Why the type of signal (output) is the main reason to choose one sensor over another
- How each sensor measures up in terms of accuracy, cost, and reliability
By the end, you will be able to talk confidently about the basics of pressure sensors and know whether a pressure transmitter or transducer is the right choice for you.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- 1 Transmitter vs Transducer: What They Do and How They Work?
- 2 Pressure Transmitters
- 3 Pressure Transducers
- 4 Comparing Pressure Ranges, Accuracy and Cost of Pressure Transmitters and Transducers
- 5 Are you looking to improve your industrial process and your plant’s overall performance?
- 6 Types of Pressure Measurements
Transmitter vs Transducer: What They Do and How They Work?
Both transmitters and transducers are commonly used to monitor or control the pressure of media like air, gas, or liquid in various industrial applications. They are designed to handle tough conditions like extreme temperatures, strong shocks, and vibrations found in these markets. The pressure sensors are widely used in industries like HVAC, Industrial Machines, Medical Health and Safety Equipments, Oil and Gas, Hydrogen Production, Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipments, Water and Wastewater etc.
The pressure sensor you choose will mainly depend on your system and whether it needs a current or voltage input.
Pressure Transmitters
Pressure Transmitters convert pressure measurements into an electrical signal, usually a 4-20 mA current. They are often used in large-scale processing applications like chemical plants, food and beverage manufacturing, and power generation and distribution facilities. You will also find them in HVAC/R systems, industrial equipment manufacturing, and health and safety products. Transmitters are ideal for sending signals over long distances.
Pressure Transducers
Pressure Transducers can have various types of outputs to translate pressure measurements into a signal, but the most common is a voltage output (0-5 V). The choice of voltage output depends on the application’s requirements.
Pressure Transducers are widely used in HVAC systems, process controls, and industrial machinery that require continuous operation.
For example, transducers are used for:
- Brake pressure monitoring in off-road vehicles and railways
- Oil and fuel pressure in off-road transportation
- Heating and cooling liquid levels in HVAC pumps and controls
- Liquid and gas levels in medical equipment
And many other applications
Generally, pressure transducers are used where shorter wiring is needed,
Comparing Pressure Ranges, Accuracy and Cost of Pressure Transmitters and Transducers
Both transmitters and transducers have pressure ranges divided into two categories:
1) Low-Pressure Sensors
2) High-Pressure Sensors
Typically, they measure pressure ranges from 0-0.01 in. H2O to 72,000 psi and have accuracies from ±0.25% to ±2.00% of span (see chart below).
Accuracy for pressure sensors is defined as a percentage of the full span, and the requirements vary by industry. The sensor you choose will depend on the accuracy needs of your application.
What to Know About Accuracy
Static Accuracy (without temperature effects):
- 1%: Low Accuracy
- 0.5%: Average
- 0.25%: Good
- Better than 0.1%: High Accuracy
Temperature Effects (from -5 to 185 °F):
- 5%: Low Accuracy
- 3%: Average
- 1.5%: Good
- Better than 1%: High Accuracy
The cost of these sensors varies based on their features. There are six main factors that influence the cost, including:
Are you looking to improve your industrial process and your plant’s overall performance?
Our experts can advise you on pressure transmitter selection.
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