What is the difference between Proof and Burst Pressure?


October 27, 2016

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 pressurealso 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 bigstock-Rusty-burst-pipe-leaking-water-109170257.jpgmay 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.

 AXD_Specialty_Vehicles_General_Industrial_Fire_Engine_Pump _500x500

Common Applications:

  • High Pulsenation Environments
  • Automated Value
  • Fire Trucks
  • Pumps
  • Hydrogen
  • Oil
  • Gas

 

 

CLICK HERE to learn the considerations for selecting a pressure transducer.

Topics: General Industrial OEM, General Industrial