English
The pressure sensor is also called a pressure transmitter, pressure probe or pressure transducer.
There is no notable difference between these different names. The pressure sensor is a measuring device whose principle consists of converting the force applied by the pressure of a fluid on a given surface into an electrical signal.
Air pressure, water pressure, vapor pressure, gas pressure can thus be measured.
Pressure sensors are used to :
What is the pressure measurement unit ?
The pressure p is expressed in units of force F per unit of area A. p = F / A
The International System of Units (SI) unit of pressure is the pascal, Pa.
It takes its name from Blaise Pascal born in Clermont-Ferrand where the headquarters of the factory of Fuji Electric France SAS, a French manufacturer of pressure sensors, is located.
Other units of measure for pressure are bar (bar), psi (pounds per square inch).
The pressure of the measured fluid is applied to an internal measuring element through a fitting and then a mechanical interface - measuring membrane. The electronic measuring element converts the pressure into a raw signal.
The signal from the measuring element is then filtered, amplified, temperature compensated and then formatted into an analog signal.
The analog output signal is transmitted via an electrical connector.
Pressure transmitters consist of a mechanical fitting, a metal or ceramic membrane, a capacitive or piezoresistive sensitive element, an electronic signal conditioning and amplification module, an electrical connector.
It is packaged in a plastic or metal case (aluminium case or stainless steel case).
The output signal of a pressure sensor can be analog or digital.
The analog signal is usually 4-20mA, 0-10V or 1-5V.
A digital signal can be available with different communication protocols - HART - Fieldbus - Profibus - Modbus.
These protocols transmit the measurement value and also allow for the setting up of pressure sensors.
We call them smart electronic transmitters.
The transmitter may have a local indicator to visualize the measurement.
The pressure sensor should be chosen based on the fluid to be measured and the conditions of service of the application.
It is necessary to define:
Relative pressure sensors measure pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.
Pressure sensors compare relative pressure to absolute vacuum. Absolute pressure is always positive.
The absolute pressure sensor has the advantage of freeing from changes in atmospheric pressure thanks to a reference chamber to the vacuum.
Absolute pressure can be expressed from relative pressure by adding 1,013 bar or absolute bar (bar abs.) - relative (bar) - 1,013
Multivariable pressure sensors combine differential pressure measurement, absolute pressure measurement and temperature measurement in the same sensor.
They are used in particular for the measurement of mass flow.
These pressure sensors can be immersed in a liquid and can be used to measure the level of a tank or tank.
Industrial pressure transmitters require periodic calibration to ensure accurate pressure measurement.
The calibration period is defined by the manufacturer. Zero (Zero) and full-scale sensor (Span) should be calibrated.
Calibration involves applying a reference pressure to the sensor's mechanical interface, checking the output signal and then applying a compensation.
The sensor can be calibrated using an external adjustment screw, a local digital indicator, a programming interface or programming software.
In order to perform the various manipulations, it may be necessary to have an isolated faucet or manifold on the pressure transmitter.
The pressure sensor can be fixed with a mechanical connection to the measuring organ or to the piping where the pressure is to be measured.
Special precautions should be taken depending on pressure and temperature conditions.
The sensor output signal can be connected to a display system (display, recorder or supervision) or an PLC to drive a control device.
A pressure sensor can be tested by applying a reference pressure to the process connection and by checking the signal of the measured analog output or the value displayed on the indicator.
There are different ways to set up pressure sensors.
Pressure sensors can have a local digital indicator that can be adjusted to adjust the parameters.
They can also be configured remotely with a programming interface (hand held communicator) or a configuration software via the digital signal and HART protocol.
Pressure transmitters are used in all industrial areas.
The right model should be chosen based on the application and constraints of the industrial environment.
How to calibrate a pressure transmitter?
How to set up a pressure transmitter?