Selecting a pressure transducer for industrial applications; things to consider

Pressure Transducers are often used in industrial applications; we have a whole range of products which could suit applications in this field. But which one do you choose for the job?

There are many factors which should be taken into consideration when selecting the right pressure sensor; we have selected the top 5 things to evaluate to help you find the best product for your needs.

Pressure Range

This is the most important factor to consider because if a pressure transducer is operating in the wrong range, it will not function correctly for your application. Choosing too high a range would mean only using a small part of the output, too low a range could leave the sensor susceptible to pressure spikes. 50 to 75% of the range is common. The operating pressure range is usually given in bar or mbar, we can also calibrate to a psi scale.

All of the information required about pressure ranges, whether gauge, absolute or differential can be found on the individual product data sheets of our pressure transducers. Alternatively, you can call us to discuss your application and we will help you determine the right sensor for you.

Accuracy

The level of accuracy you require will once again depend on your application. This will depend on the individual sensor.

The accuracy of our pressure transducers can be found on the product data-sheet. If your application requires very high accuracy it’s best to choose a pressure sensor which offers ±0.1% accuracy.

Temperature

The operating temperature range is another consideration to take into account when selecting a pressure sensor. Some pressure transducers are able to withstand high surrounding temperatures without their performance being affected whereas others may not be so durable in this area.

Finding out the operating temperatures of the pressure transducers and comparing this with the expected temperatures of your given environment is an important process before purchasing your sensor.

Material

The external factors within the application will have an effect on what material you need to select for your pressure transducer. It is important to find a material strong enough to withstand the environment it is operating in. For example; can the material be exposed to elements such as seawater; tap water; nitrogen; compressed air or oxygen without corroding?

Most of our pressure transducers are constructed of stainless steel as this is strong and rugged making the sensors well-suited to applications in demanding environments.

Environment

The environment of the application must be examined closely before a pressure transducer is selected. Some working factors could have an effect on how the sensor operates. How much shock and vibration will the pressure sensor be exposed to? Is the space restricted in the environment? If so a smaller pressure transducer may be the best option.

All of the specifications to help you select your pressure sensor can be found on the individual product datasheets which are available for download by visiting the pressure sensor section of our website.