Proof pressure and burst pressure are critical specifications for pressure sensors and other pressure-related devices, but they serve different purposes.
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?
Proof Pressure (Ovepressure)
Proof pressure—also known as overpressure or “over-range capacity”—is the maximum pressure that may be applied to a device without changing its performance within the specifications. Typically after the sensor is exposed to an overpressure under the proof pressure limit, the device will return to its original state and operate normally. Often proof pressure is specified as a multiple of the upper limit of the devices ordered range. For example, an overpressure of 2X for a 0-100 PSI device would mean the sensor can recover from an overpressure up to 200 PSI. If the pressure is exceeded, the sensor will not fully recover, and will result in a positive zero shift.
Burst Pressure
Burst pressure is the maximum pressure that 
may be applied to the positive pressure port without physically damaging the internal sensing component. Burst pressure can also be defined as the maximum pressure the device is able to withstand before failure. Typically after exposure to a pressure above burst pressure, the sensor is no longer usable and would need to be replaced. In applications where the media poses on safety risk, selecting a sensor that can withstand high pressure is a critical design decision that may be overlooked.
Common Applications:
- High Pulsation Environments
- Automated Value
- Fire Trucks
- Pumps
- Hydrogen
- Oil
- Gas
CLICK HERE to learn the considerations for selecting a pressure transducer.
