Setra Blog

Absolute pressure is measured relative to a full vacuum (0 PSIA = 14.7 PSIV).  The electrical output of an absolute pressure transducer is 0 VDC at 0 PSIA and full scale output (typically 5 VDC) at full scale pressure (in PSIA).  PSIA (pounds per square inch absolute) is a unit of pressure measured relative to a full vacuum.  A vacuum can refer to any pressure between 0 PSIA and 14.7 PSIA.

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

When selecting an industrial pressure transducer for monitoring high temperature liquids or gases be sure to check the operating temperature range of the transducer, in order to select the correct pressure transducer for these applications.

There are 5 things you should know when selecting intrinsically safe pressure transducers there are a number of things to look for.

1. Be assured that the pressure transducer has been significantly modified for intrinsically safe applications — the printed circuit board has been simplified to use low voltage and current, capacitors and inductors have been minimized, etc. Intrinsically safe

One factor that should be considered when selecting an industrial pressure transducer for monitoring high temperature liquids or gases is the operating temperature range of the transducer. This specification is included under environmental data on most manufacturers' data sheets. 

Any design engineer must seriously consider the manufacturing environment when looking to select a pressure transducer for inclusion within a refrigeration chiller, pump, engine test equipment, or other machinery. The life of a pressure transducer is proportional to the system design and assembly process. 

Which method provides better accuracy?  Non-linearity as the End Point Method is the relationship of the calibration curve to a specified straight line through its endpoints (i.e. Zero and Full Scale). Best Fit Straight Line (BFSL) method is the relationship of the calibration curve to a calculated straight line that minimizes the error but does not pass through the end points. BFSL method effectively cuts the end point value in half.

Using temperature stand-offs can replace expensive high temperature pressure sensors.

When selecting a pressure transducer for monitoring high temperature liquids or gases, be sure to note the operating temperature range of the transducer. This specification is included under environmental data on most manufacturers’ data sheets. The temperature compensated range specification of a transducer is the error introduced as temperature increases or decreases from 70°F. This thermal error affects both the span and zero setting of the transducers analog output and is generally listed as a percent of full scale per degree (% FS/°F). The static accuracy (accuracy at 70°F) of the pressure transducer plus the thermal error introduced by a high temperature pressure source is the total possible error for a specific high temperature pressure measurement

Apprenticeship Programs: The Solution For More Skilled Workers

A shortage in skilled labor is a serious issue in United States'

manufacturing industry.  Why? There's a misconception of what kind of training someone needs to have in order to enter professions within this industry.  Many begin to build their skills through trade school before becoming a manufacturing professional.  These students don't always get the proper hands-on training that can truly prepare them for the complex world of manufacturing  Yet with these schools, there's still the perception that traditional degrees have more long-term value than vocation training.

Thin Film Technology Strain Gauge

Thin film pressure transducers are made by vapor deposition or sputtering of insulation and strain gauge elements directly on a polished pressure sensing diaphragm or beam. The desired strain gauge pattern is deposited either by masking the non-conductive areas or by etching away unwanted conductive material. Laser trimming is used to calibrate the resistive elements.