Setra Blog

What is Water Hammer?

Water hammer is shock wave produced by the sudden stoppage or reduction of a fluid flow. This can cause sudden rises in pressure and damage instrumentation. In tank level measurement applications, high pressures can be generated by the sudden closure of a valve on an outlet line. Although it might seem to be a consistent flow, the water inside pipes tumbles as it moves through.

Calibration is important regardless of what type of pressure you are monitoring.

Calibration is especially significant for low pressure requirements in critical applications such as vivariums, pharmaceutical manufacturing, cleanrooms and hospital isolation rooms. Other applications for low pressure include medical instrumentation, environmental pollution control, boiler combustion efficiency, air flow and research and development test stands.  

Barometric altimeters calculate and display altitude by measuring the local barometric pressure and converting that measurement into altitude. This conversion is done using the Standard Atmosphere Table, an international standard representing the barometric pressure at various altitudes on a so-called "standard day" which assumes a consistent non-linear relationship between altitude and pressure.

Transducers are used across many applications to provide accurate, real-time data of how a system is working. Calibration is critical to maintaining a pressure transducer’s accuracy and it is not a one-time process. All pressure transducers used in critical applications should be regularly calibrated to maintain high performance. If a transducer drifts out of its specified pressure range, it can lead to false pressure readings causing decreased equipment performance and possible safety concerns. Calibration allows the user to be completely confident that their transducers are correctly performing and measuring the required pressure range accurately.

After clarifying the different types of pressure measurements and the difference between absolute and gauge, it is time to expand and discuss the two types of gauge pressure; vented gauge and sealed gauge reference pressure.

1. Pressure

The first and most important consideration is pressure. A number of questions must be answered to ensure the correct transducer is selected. What is the pressure range that the transducer will measure? What is the maximum pressure the transducer will encounter? What is the potential for over pressure in the system?

Pressure transducers today are more rugged and reliable than ever. Made of stainless steel construction, they provide abundant overpressure protection, improved total error band, and offer negligible orientation and vibration effects. They are ideal for long-term use even in harsh environments of extreme temperature, humidity, and vibration.

The accuracy of differential pressure transducers has greatly improved to provide better solutions for demanding applications. This article discusses why accuracy is an important consideration when selecting a pressure transducer for low-differential, critical pressure applications.

Below are terms that are associated with use of transducers and electrical equipment in areas which are defined as hazardous by national rating agencies.

Newly Added Restricted Products Under RoHS2 Affects Manufacturing

In 2013, RoHS2 was created by the European Union legislation, nearly a decade after the original RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) was implemented.  RoHS2 is merely an evolution of RoHS1 that provides greater clarity on the legal scope of products that should adhere to the hazardous material guidelines. The combination of