Setra Blog


Tom Lish

Recent Posts

November 03, 2016

What Are Some Industrial Uses of Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is the most plentiful element in the universe and is now becoming a viable fuel source for many applications. Due to its efficiency and low environmental impact, the interest in hydrogen being the "fuel of the future" continues to grow. The many features and benefits to hydrogen make it an ideal choice for many up-and-coming industrial applications. A few of the more common applications are:

Continue Reading →

November 02, 2016

What is Total Error Band & How do You Calculate It?

Total Error Band (TEB) is a measurement of worst case error; it is the most comprehensive and concise measurement of a sensors true accuracy over a compensated temperature range.  TEB is extremely important to know when trying to determine how well a sensor will work within a particular design system. By calculating TEB you'll be able to understand the different possibilities for error. Formulating TEB can be tricky if you don't have the right inputs readily available. 

Continue Reading →

October 27, 2016

What is the difference between Proof and Burst Pressure?

Typically there are many different pressure specifications indicated on a pressure transducer data sheet. Interestingly enough, two of the most important pressure specifications are often easily overlooked; proof and burst pressure. Selecting a pressure transducer without noticing these pressure ranges is one of the top reasons for transducer failure. Both pressure specifications are considered to act as an upper limit for the device’s operating range. So what exactly is the difference between proof and burst pressure?

Continue Reading →

October 17, 2016

4 Considerations For Low Pressure Measurements

Low pressure measurements are required in various applications such as air flow, static duct and cleanroom pressures in HVAC and energy management systems (EMS).  Other applications include use in medical instrumentation, environmental pollution control, boil combustion efficiency and a wide variety of research and development requirements.  Although the focus will center mainly on air flow and pressure, the same principles

Continue Reading →

September 19, 2016

What Can Affect A Sensor’s Accuracy?

Selecting the correct accuracy for your sensing application is only half the challenge; being able to maintain that level of accuracy over time is equally important. To clarify on what we mean by the accuracy, we define it as the maximum difference between the actual value and the sensor’s output (in terms of %FS).  Maintaining a sensor’s accuracy is difficult. Users face the issue of a sensor going out of tolerance and are unaware of the root causes. Depending on the level of accuracy required by the application, the consequences of imprecise accuracy can vary. For example, an isolation room requires a high level of accuracy to protect both the patients’ and medical professionals’ health and safety. If a room pressure monitor provided doctors and nurses with an incorrect sensor output, they can make incorrect judgments such as walking into a improperly labeled space. Based off of the inaccurate sensor output, doctors and nurses can also accidently release harmful contaminants into the rest of the hospital without a proper alarm notification.

Continue Reading →

September 05, 2016

What is Measurement Traceability?

Pressure sensors are used across a variety of industries to provide accurate, real-time data of how a process or system is operating in a given application. But how can you tell if your data is accurate? The most common method to ensure the accuracy of sensor output is to calibrate your sensor against a higher accuracy pressure sensor (calibration standard). Now, how can you tell if your calibration standard is accurate?  This is where measurement traceability plays into the calibration process.

Continue Reading →

July 18, 2016

Where are Capacitance Based Pressure Transducers Used?

Like we mentioned in our previous post, capacitance is used everywhere. Capacitance affects your day-to-day living without you even realizing it. It is difficult nowadays to find an application/industry that functions without, or is not impacted by, capacitance pressure transducers. When compared to other types of pressure sensors, capacitance pressure transducers have earned a reputation of high accuracy and long term stability, thus making it the primary choice for many of these applications:

Continue Reading →

June 27, 2016

What is the difference between an absolute sensor and a gauge sensor and when should I use each?

When selecting an absolute, gauge or differential pressure sensor, the lines between absolute and gauge can be blurred. There are many differences between the two regarding performance and application. Therefore, it is essential to determine whether you need a gauge or absolute reference for measuring pressure. Like selecting a pressure range, it is important to select the correct pressure measurement to avoid errors in your measurement, especially when requiring a low range device.

Continue Reading →

June 09, 2016

How to Conduct a Pressure Decay Leak Detection Test

Although there are a variety of methods for leak detection, the most common is pressure decay. Other methods can be time consuming and costly, whereas pressure decay leak detection is a simple test that's sensitive to very small leaks. This method is ideal for high-volume industries that require quick accurate tests within their facility. By pressurizing the unit under test (UUT) and then removing it from the pressure source, any detection of pressure loss is a result of a leak within the UUT. Before performing a pressure decay leak detection test, make sure your system is properly setup.  After the system is setup, follow the below steps to test the UUT with a differential pressure transducer.

Continue Reading →

May 02, 2016

How to Measure Capacitance?

Whether you are an engineer or a consumer, many daily applications involve capacitance. Capacitance can be measured using a capacitor, however it is not as simple as that. There are three different methods in which the capacitor measures capacitance. 

Continue Reading →