Pressure Transducer Working and Its Applications

A transducer is an electrical device used to change one form of energy signal to another form of energy signal. These devices are frequently used in measurement, control systems, and automation, wherever electrical signals are changed from one form to other physical quantities like force, energy, light, torque, position, motion, etc. The procedure of changing from one form of energy to others is called transduction. A sensor acts as a transducer by using one form of energy & changes to another form of energy. For example, a snore sensor uses the snoring vibrations to generate an electrical signal. This article discusses an overview of the pressure transducer, types of transducers, and applications.

What is a Pressure Transducer?

A pressure transducer or pressure transmitter is used to change the applied pressure to an electrical signal which is measurable. Even though there are different types of pressure transducers available in the market, but one of the most frequently used is the strain-gage transducer.

This conversion process can be done with the strain gage’s physical deformation that is connected into the pressure transducer’s diaphragm & wired in the design of a Wheatstone bridge. Once the pressure is applied to this transducer, then it generates the diaphragm deflection. The strain will generate the change of an electrical resistance which is proportional to the force.

This kind of transducer includes two essential parts like an elastic material and an electrical device. Here electrical material deforms once it exposed under pressure & electrical device identifies the deformation.

The formation of elastic material can be done in various sizes & shapes based on the sensing principle. The elastic material can be used to form a thin elastic membrane which is known as a diaphragm. The electrical device which is united by the diaphragm to make a pressure transducer depends on the operation principle of a capacitive, inductive or resistive.

Types of Pressure Transducers

The classification of pressure transducers can be done based on the design. These are available in different sizes as well as shapes; however, the technology within the transducer can also vary. There are four types of pressure-transducers which include the following.

• Strain Gauge
• Capacitance
• Potentiometric
• Resonant Wire

Electrical Outputs of Pressure Transducer

There are three kinds of electrical outputs used for this type of transducer like mV (mill volts), V (volts) & mA (current). The issues can be avoided by selecting the electrical output for a particular application as well as the wiring of the transducer for the type of electrical output. For each type of electrical output, the following wiring instructions and suitable applications are discussed.

mV (mill volts)

Generally, a transducer with an mV electrical output can be used in laboratory applications. These are inexpensive, tiny in size, and need an RPS (regulated power supply). The level of the mV signal is very low, and it is restricted to small distances like 200 feet. It is extremely flat to wander away electrical intrusion from another close to electrical signals

V (volts)

Generally, transducer with an enlarged o/p voltage is used in light industry as well as computer interface systems, wherever a high-level DC signal is necessary. Because of this fixed signal conditioning, these are expensive & large size when we compare with mV electrical o/p transducers. The voltage signals which are enlarged can travel up to intermediate distances which are much superior in their resistance to wander away electrical interference compare with the mV signal.

Current

A transducer can generate mV, output current otherwise enlarged voltage. But a transmitter can generate only the current output. Again Because of this fixed signal conditioning, the transmitters are larger, expensive compare with the mV o/p transducers. Not like to the mV & output voltage transducers, an electrical signal is resistant to wander away electrical interference. An electrical signal can also transmit up to long distances.

Problems Caused while Installing Transducer

These transducers are accuracy measurement of electrical devices. The installation of these devices can be done correctly to make sure the best performance as well as long life. Every device has two different connections like electrical & mechanical. To avoid issues, wiring of the devices and mechanical connection should be arranged properly.

The process connection of each transducer should be protected in a place closely. Most of the transducers available with threads like BSP otherwise NPT on the fitting of pipe. It is significant to confirm that this arrangement is correctly mates by pressure port.

Pressure Transducer Calibration Issues

If this transducer is properly set up & adjusted upon fixing, it shouldn’t need recurrent recalibration. It is suggested that the transducer calibration can be verified based on once a year.

But, if you are experiencing extreme drift within calibration locations, then it is an indication that we have selected a faulty transducer. For example, if you face a problem at a place with intrusion from an electromagnetic field otherwise noise produced by heavy equipment, then we require a transmitter with fixed signal conditioning.

Protection of Transducer

The pressure transducer can be damaged due to some unexpected pressure spikes. These can be occurred due to water hammer otherwise pressure impulses moving throughout the system. So this transducer can be protected from damage by installing a snubber in the system. However, snubbers perform slow measurement reaction time.

Pressure Transducer Applications

• These transducers are applicable in any liquid power application which requires a precise & high-resolution measurement of force.
• These transducers are used where a measurement of force is required with incorporated digital display.
• These transducers are applicable within closed-loop applications like compensation of electronic pressure, which will calculate force upstream & downstream of a relative metering tap to precisely calculate pressure fall.
• These transducers are used in closed-loop pumps for controlling.
• These transducers are used like an electronically changeable pressure switch.

Thus this is all about pressure transducers which are durable as well as rugged. These are designed to use in industries. There are several problems occurred due to improper fitting. While troubleshooting this transducer problem, the device must be arranged in the correct place. If the transducer stops working while using, calculate the emitted ampere otherwise raw voltage at no pressure from the transducer and also measure full capacity at the pressure. If the signal is not changed, then we can decide that the device is not reacting to pressure. In some cases, the problems of the transducer can be determined by repairing, recalibration otherwise this transducer may be changed. Here is a question for you, what are the pressure transducer advantages & disadvantages?