Setra Blog

If pressure transducers are exposed to a manufacturing environment that exceeds the suppliers specified limits, sensor issues will occur. during storage or assembly. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design engineer should take note of the following six conditions while designing a system to be manufactured and shipped to an end-user.

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. Barometric pressure is used in absolute pressure datums to ensure repeatable measurement

A common concern surrounding tank level measurement is selecting the right type of sensor technology. Selecting the proper sensor technology will ultimately be determined by the conditions within the tank. The first thing you need to determine is if your vented tank is above ground or buried in-ground. An above ground tank will typically have a process connection external near the bottom of the tank, providing easy access to the sensor. A tank that sits in-ground will typically have an access hatch, where you can install your tank level sensor. Hydrostatic (gauge), capacitance, resistive and ultrasonic sensors are most commonly used for more critical tank level applications. Although they all measure liquid level, they work in different ways.

Using temperature stand-offs can replace expensive high temperature pressure sensors.

When selecting a pressure transducer for monitoring high temperature liquids or gases, be sure to note the operating temperature range of the transducer. This specification is included under environmental data on most manufacturers’ data sheets. The temperature compensated range specification of a transducer is the error introduced as temperature increases or decreases from 70°F. This thermal error affects both the span and zero setting of the transducers analog output and is generally listed as a percent of full scale per degree (% FS/°F). The static accuracy (accuracy at 70°F) of the pressure transducer plus the thermal error introduced by a high temperature pressure source is the total possible error for a specific high temperature pressure measurement

The MicroCal™ automated pressure calibrator is used as a stand-alone calibration standard for differential and gauge pressure sensors found in critical environments. Setra partnered with NASA to develop the industry’s quickest and most stable pressure control for low range applications. The Micro-Cal™ combines precise pressure control with high accuracy modular pressure references providing the quickest and most accurate calibration solution available on the market today.  The MicroCal™ is an easy-to-use solution that significantly improves labor productivity and efficiency when compared to the leading competitors, providing immediate ROI.

Apprenticeship Programs: The Solution For More Skilled Workers

A shortage in skilled labor is a serious issue in United States'

manufacturing industry.  Why? There's a misconception of what kind of training someone needs to have in order to enter professions within this industry.  Many begin to build their skills through trade school before becoming a manufacturing professional.  These students don't always get the proper hands-on training that can truly prepare them for the complex world of manufacturing  Yet with these schools, there's still the perception that traditional degrees have more long-term value than vocation training.

 Pressure Transducers in Test & Measurement:

Particle Test & Analysis

Pressure transducers are commonly used in particle test and analysis applications. Learn how sensors are used within three different scenarios of particle test and analysis.

Porosimeters/Permeameters

These products are utilized for grain volume measurements, direct pore volume measurements, and grain density determination. 

Thin Film Technology Strain Gauge

Thin film pressure transducers are made by vapor deposition or sputtering of insulation and strain gauge elements directly on a polished pressure sensing diaphragm or beam. The desired strain gauge pattern is deposited either by masking the non-conductive areas or by etching away unwanted conductive material. Laser trimming is used to calibrate the resistive elements.

Many of the following technical specifications appear on datasheets for pressure transducers and similar devices. Here we review their technical definitions and relationships.

Root Sum Squares (RSS): accuracy of a pressure transducer is calculated by taking the square root of non-linearity + hysteresis + non-repeatability.

Pounds per square inch (PSI) is a common unit of pressure used in many different pressure measuring applications. It’s typically used for non-SI industrial and technical purposes such as tire pressure, fuel storage & distribution, waste water management, and test & measurement activities, among many others.