Pressure transducers are used in a wide variety of systems and applications. Also known as pressure transmitters, they are responsible for converting pressure into an electric signal.
There are various types of pressure transducers on the market. The most common of these is the strain gauge transducer, however, there are also other options available. Typically, the strain gauge styles will measure the deformation or deflection of a diaphragm which results in a difference in the strain on different points. This is often done through a Wheatstone bridge configuration for high degrees of accuracy.
With the need for high levels of accuracy and precision, the use of digital pressure transducers is becoming more common in most industries. These devices will provide precise measurements, often in extremely adverse operating conditions.
Orientation and Pressure Range
With any model, including digital pressure transducers, it will be important to consider the orientation for installation. Different components will be more effective in specific orientations and installing incorrectly can decrease efficiency and accuracy.
The actual pressure range that the digital pressure transducers will be required to monitor will always be critical. Any pressure transducer has to be used within the manufacturer’s specifications for operational parameters. This includes the pressure, of course, as well as the temperate and even the specific use conditions.
Using the pressure transducer at levels above or possibly below the recommendations can lead to inaccurate results and shorter than anticipated lifecycles. It can also lead to failure of the transducer, which can have far-reaching implications in a system. When these devices fail the control and monitoring of the system can be lost, resulting in an emergency shutdown.
For some types of applications where atypical and short, irregular and infrequent spikes in pressure can occur, there is a way to use what are known as snubbers. These act as filters before the transducer, limiting the effect of sudden pressure spikes on the equipment to provide protection and save the device.