Pressure sensors in transport applications

Pressure sensors play a crucial role in various transport applications, providing essential measurements and feedback for decision-making, control systems, and advanced functionalities. This ensures optimal performance and enhanced safety and allows for continuous condition monitoring.

Common applications of pressure sensors

Examples include:

1. Engine and exhaust systems: to monitor parameters such as intake manifold pressure and exhaust gas pressure, providing valuable data for engine control units to optimise fuel injection and emission control systems.
2. Brake systems: modern braking systems use pressure sensors to monitor hydraulic pressure in the brake lines, helping to prevent wheel lock-up and enhancing vehicle stability and control.
3. Aerodynamics: wind tunnel testing and aerodynamic studies use pressure sensors to help engineers understand flow patterns, optimise efficiency and reduce drag.
4. Hydraulic and pneumatic systems: heavy machinery and commercial vehicles such as trains commonly use pressure sensors to monitor fluid or gas pressure, enabling precise control of actuator movements, system performance monitoring, and fault detection.

Choosing the right pressure sensor

When specifying pressure sensors for a transport application, it is important to consider the following key parameters and requirements:

1. Pressure range  - the minimum and maximum pressure range the sensor needs to measure accurately.
2. Pressure type – for example, this could be absolute, gauge, or differential.
3. Accuracy and precision – this is typically defined as a percentage of the full-scale pressure range and can range from a few percentage points to fractions of a percentage point.
4. Output signal and electrical interface: common outputs include analog voltage, digital or frequency-based signals, while electrical interface requirements include voltage supply and compatibility with the system in place.
5. Environmental conditions: factors to consider include temperature range, vibration, humidity, and exposure to hazardous substances.
6. Response time: how quickly the sensor can provide an accurate measurement after a pressure change occurs.

Pressure sensors from Variohm Eurosensor

We offer a comprehensive range of pressure sensors, transducers, and switches, including those for hazardous area applications. This includes the EPT3100, a high-quality all-stainless steel pressure transducer intended for use in the measurement of gases and liquids compatible with stainless steel, and the compact EPS01 pressure switch which is well suited to a wide range of HVAC and machine building or pneumatic applications.  New to our range is the EPT9200, a highly compact pressure transmitter utilising innovative two-chip technology known as P2P (Piezoresistive to Piezoresistive). This cutting-edge design guarantees robust functionality, exceptional stability, and resistance to vibrations and shocks.

In addition, across Variohm Group, we design, manufacture, and supply other sensors that are used in transport applications to measure, monitor and control different aspects such as temperature, position, force, and load. To consult with our technical sales team who can provide guidance and recommendations on the most suitable sensor for your application, please contact us.