Pressure Transducer Basics

We have been supplying Pressure Transducers into a range of industries for many years. This blog post will discuss the basics of pressure transducers.

Pressure Transducer Basic Working Principle

A pressure transducer is a type of pressure sensor which gives accurate measurement on real-time pressure. This can be either absolute, gauge, differential or vacuum pressure.

All pressure transducers have a port, this is a tubular hole in which the pressure can enter. The pressure applied can either be air pressure or liquid pressure for underwater applications. The pressure source is connected to the port for the pressure to be applied.

Most pressure transducers use internal strain gauges to measure the pressure applied. The strain gauges are bonded to the internal diaphragm inside the transducer, as pressure enters the port and is deflected off the diaphragm, the alteration in shape is measured by the strain gauges through an alteration in voltage. This measurement can be directly related to the pressure which has been applied. 

Some more advanced pressure transducers use piezoelectric sensors in place of strain gauges, they tend to have a larger working range and are suitable for different applications.  

All our pressure transducers measure pressure in Bar, other types available can measure pressure in Pascal (Pa) or PSI which is force (pound) per square inch. All these measurements use the basic pressure principle for taking measurement which is force divided by area.

Pressure Transducer Uses

Pressure Transducers are so versatile, they are used throughout many industries. Some of these industries are:

• HVAC
• Motorsport and Commercial Vehicles
• Medical Applications
• Safety-Critical Applications
• Agricultural Applications
• Hydraulic applications

Types of Pressure Transducer

Pressure transducers are available in different types which makes them suitable for different applications and industries. Each has different features to suit their environments.

Intrinsically Safe Pressure Transducers – Either ATEX/IECEx and UL/CSA approved or SIL 2 rated. Suitable for use in environments where there is a risk of explosion.

Explosion-Proof Pressure Transducers – Designed to contain an explosion should one occur.

Liquid Level Meters – Pressure transducers for underwater applications. Designed to measure the amount of liquid within a tank.

Miniature Pressure Transducers – Less than 5cm long and lightweight. Constructed of stainless-steel offering long life and high performance.

Industrial Pressure Transducers – All our pressure transducers are suitable for industrial applications. They offer high accuracy and different connection options.

Oxygen Clean Pressure Transducers – Within the medical sector there is a high demand for pressure transducers which are clean from impurities and can be used on oxygen systems, this requires the special handling and cleaning of the sensors wetted parts. This process ensures they are clean and most sterile, as any impurities introduced into the oxygen system risk causing an explosion or fire damage.

Combined Pressure and Temperature Transducer – These transducers have a built-in temperature probe enabling one device to take measurements of both variables saving valuable space.

Pressure Transducers from Variohm 

We have a wide range of different pressure transducers available to view on our website. This is made up of a combination of our own products (EPTs) and products from our trusted partners.

Eurosensor Pressure Transducers (EPT) – our range of pressure transducers; measurements up to 5,000bar available. This range includes the combined pressure and temperature pressure transducers (EPTTE or EPTT) and our own liquid level meter (EPT-LM).

The EPT range also includes specialist pressure transducers, these include:

The EPT31LE is designed for applications where low power consumption is required. This includes a remote battery powered wireless transmitting systems.

The SMO3100 has been designed for applications which require Safety Integrated Level or Performance Level requirements. This pressure transducer offers ECU and other safety-controlled application compliance with DIN EN ISO 13849-1 and IEC 61508, as well as several other recognised safety accreditations.

The EPT31CN; in this pressure transducer, the integrated CAN Controller meets the CAN-Protocol CANopen (CiA 404) and J1939 (SAE-J1939

The EPT31H2 holds EC79 approval making it suitable for the measurement of pressure in Hydrogen.

To find out more about the pressure transducers we can offer, look at the products on our website. For more information or to discuss an application requirement, please contact us.