Pressure sensors and transducers sense and respond to changes/powers applied to the device. A pressure sensor transducer, also called a pressure transmitter, is a measuring device that converts pressure into an analogue electrical signal. These electrical signals are sent to the controller or PLC for processing and recording. The conversion of the pressure into an electrical signal is obtained by the physical deformation of the strain gage connected to the membrane of the pressure transducer and wired according to the Wheatstone bridge configuration.
Popular Types
The pressure types include:
- Absolute
- Compound
- Differential
- Gauge
- Sealed Gauge
- Switch
- Vacuum, and
- Vented Gauge with different operating pressure ranges.
What Does a Pressure Transducer Measure?
Pressure sensors, transducers detect and measure pressure using a sensor capable of converting pressure into an electrical signal. Pressure transducers use strain gauges that experience stress and change the generated voltage. The pressure measurement depends on the voltage variation. There are also high-level pressure switches that use capacitive or piezoelectric sensors instead of sensors. They are chosen according to the pressure sensor's quantity, working area, and precision required.
How Does a Pressure Transducer Work?
The pressure transducer has a constant diaphragm as a pressure gauge element. Fluid pressure deflects the membrane. The pressure transducer also has a variable component. This switch converts the deviation detected by the diaphragm into an output signal. This signal increases or decreases in proportion to the change in pressure. Therefore, calibrating the device is critical to ensure that the pressure is within specification.
Pressure transducers from the automation control gear family must have a power supply to generate electrical signals. The signal is usually 4-20mA or 0-10V DC. Some machines can also use a combination of AC and DC power. The 4-20mA signal is the widely used industry standard. It uses a 2-wire configuration, and the DC voltage output uses a 3-wire configuration. 4-20mA signals can be used for a long time and have less interference than DC signals. A pressure transducer should not be confused with a pressure switch. The pressure switch is a device that makes electrical contact when pressurized fluid is first reached.
Application Areas of Pressure Sensors, Transducers
High-pressure pumps are widely used in many residential and commercial applications, such as HVAC, automobiles, automation control gear, aircraft, etc. High-pressure pumps can also be used in various controls and monitoring, such as flow, air velocity, water level, pump, or height.
