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Views: 73 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-05-07 Origin: Site
A pressure transmitter is an electronic device used to measure and transmit pressure signals, widely applied in fields such as industrial automation, petroleum and chemical processing, and machinery manufacturing. In industrial production, precise measurement and control of pressure are critical, making the stability and accuracy of pressure transmitters essential. This article will delve into the working principles of pressure transmitters and explore their components, functions, and applications.
Also known as a pressure transducer, this type of sensor is typically composed of a pressure sensitive surface area made of steel, silicon, or other materials depending upon the analyte's composition. Behind these surfaces are electronic components capable of converting the applied force of the sample upon the pressure sensor into an electrical signal.
Pressure is generally measured as a quantity of force per unit of surface area, and is expressed as the value required to stop a liquid, gas, or vapor from expanding. Various derived units are used to quantify pressure, including:
As a proportion of / relation to a pascal (Pa), or a single newton per square meter (1 N/m2);
A value of pounds per square inch (psi).
Pressure sensitive environments such as the gas, petrochemical, laboratory, and pharmaceutical industries often require pressure transmitters to monitor the applied force of liquids and gasses as a value of either Pa or psi. This necessitates the precise integration of pressure transmitters into rapid electrical conversion equipment, to ensure results are accurate and delivered in real-time.
More often however, industrial professionals rely on comprehensive gauge systems with incorporated pressure transmitters to maintain optimal pressure levels for gas, oils, and high temperature liquids.
Pressure Transmitters are routinely used in a wide range of industrial sectors. Offshore drilling and oil exploration commonly utilize pressure sensors to measure differential values between the interior and exterior of pressure sensitive equipment. Distinct parameters must be maintained to ensure drilling and acquisition processes are carried out to an ethical and efficient standard. This is also true of on-shore petrochemical, gas, and chemical facilities.
Numerous industries use pressure-sensitive transportation and storage devices to maintain optimal product conditions, which must be accurately monitored to ensure safe delivery and eventual application. Laboratories also use pressure sensors to measure the relative pressure of vacuum chambers to the atmosphere, supporting a limitless range of emerging studies.
Industrial Process Control: Monitoring and controlling pressure in pipelines, tanks, and reactors.
Water and Wastewater Treatment: Pressure measurement in pumps and filtration systems.
Oil & Gas Industry: Wellhead pressure monitoring, pipeline flow control.
HVAC Systems: Monitoring air pressure in ventilation systems.
Aerospace: Measuring cabin pressure and fuel pressure.
Pharmaceutical & Food Industry: Ensuring process stability in CIP/SIP systems.
ARTang is a leading developer of measurement instrumentation for industrial and research applications, with an established range of pressure sensors suitable to everyday and cutting-edge applications. With All-Welded technologies, automatic on-board configuration, and enhanced plug and play graphical interfaces, measuring pressure can be a safe and seamless process.
Gauge Pressure Transmitter: Measures pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.
Absolute Pressure Transmitter: Measures pressure relative to a perfect vacuum.
Differential Pressure Transmitter: Measures the difference between two pressure points.
Multivariable Pressure Transmitter: Measures multiple parameters, such as pressure and temperature, in one device.
If you would like any more information about our Pressure Transmitters, please contact us.
Based on the type of pressure to be measured
The main types of pressure are gauge pressure, absolute pressure, and differential pressure.
Gauge pressure refers to pressure measured relative to atmospheric pressure, whether lower or higher than atmospheric pressure.
Absolute pressure is measured relative to a perfect vacuum (absolute zero pressure).
Differential pressure refers to the difference between two pressure values.
2. Based on the pressure range to be measured
In general, the actual measured pressure should be within 80% of the selected measurement range.
Typically, the maximum range of the pressure transmitter should be 1.5 times the maximum system pressure.
In applications such as water pressure and process control, pressure spikes or continuous pulses may occur. These spikes can reach 5 to 10 times the maximum system pressure, potentially damaging the transmitter.
3. Accuracy
Required accuracy is typically expressed as a percentage of full scale (e.g., ±0.5% FS). Higher accuracy models are more expensive, so choose based on the criticality of the measurement to your process.
4. Process Connection
The mechanical interface (e.g., threaded, flanged) must match the existing connection point in your system. Common standards include NPT (National Pipe Thread) and G (metric) threads.
5. Environmental Conditions
Consider the ambient temperature, humidity, and the potential for exposure to water, dust, or hazardous atmospheres. This determines the required Ingress Protection (IP) rating or NEMA enclosure rating and may necessitate intrinsically safe (IS) or explosion-proof certifications (e.g., ATEX, IECEx).
6. Based on the Measured Medium
Depending on the medium being measured, categories include dry gases, gas liquids, highly corrosive liquids, viscous liquids, high-temperature gas liquids, etc. Selecting the appropriate transmitter based on the specific medium helps extend its service life.
7. Based on the System’s Maximum Overload
The system’s maximum overload should be lower than the transmitter’s overload protection limit. Otherwise, the transmitter’s lifespan may be reduced, or it could be damaged. Typically, the safe overload pressure for a pressure transmitter is twice its full-scale range.
8. Based on Power Supply and Output Signal
Pressure transmitters are typically powered by a DC power source and offer a variety of output signal options. These include 4–20 mA DC, 0–5 V DC, 1–5 V DC, and 0–10 mA DC. Additionally, digital outputs such as RS-232 or RS-485 may be available.
9. Media Compatibility
The wetted parts of the transmitter (especially the diaphragm and seal materials) must be chemically compatible with the process medium to avoid corrosion or failure. Common materials include 316 stainless steel, Hastelloy, and ceramic.
10. Temperature Considerations
Account for both the process temperature (the temperature of the medium being measured) and the ambient temperature (where the transmitter is installed). High process temperatures may require a remote seal or cooling element to protect the transmitter's electronics.
Pressure transmitters are the backbone of modern process instrumentation. Their ability to convert mechanical pressure into actionable electrical signals drives efficiency, safety, and reliability across diverse industries. Understanding the working principle of pressure transmitters empowers professionals to make informed decisions, safeguard processes, and unlock new avenues of productivity.
About ARTang
ARTang is a global leader in measurement instrumentation, services and solutions for industrial process engineering that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. We provide process solutions for flow, level, pressure, analytics and digital communications, optimizing processes in terms of economic efficiency, safety & environmental impact.