Setra Blog

Pressure sensors are used across a variety of industries to provide accurate, real-time data of how a process or system is operating in a given application. But how can you tell if your data is accurate? The most common method to ensure the accuracy of sensor output is to calibrate your sensor against a higher accuracy pressure sensor (calibration standard). Now, how can you tell if your calibration standard is accurate?  This is where measurement traceability plays into the calibration process.

As we have talked about in our Importance of Measuring Humidity post, accurate humidity measurement is crucial.  Building owners must be sure to maintain and monitor humidity levels for occupants' comfort and safety. Improper humidity measurement can put a building at risk for mold and other airborne pathogens which can lead to sick building syndrome.

There are three types of mounts for humidity sensors; wall mount, duct mount or outdoor air. In order to operate correctly with a long life expectancy, it is vital that the sensor is properly mounted and placed. Proper mounting requires careful consideration to ensure the sensor meets your needs. Here is a guide on how to place three types of humidity sensors:

https://www.setra.com/products/pressure/model-asl-high-accuracy-pressure-transducerWith the growing requirements of building maintenance, HVAC systems are no longer able to meet demand operating alone. Whether it is a commercial, retail or industrial building, pressure sensors play a significant role in monitoring the building for occupants’ safety and comfort. When integrated with pressure technology, HVAC systems can operate at optimum levels as well as improve building maintenance. Three ways this can be done are:

After selecting your pressure transducer, it is now time to select a power supply. It is important to select the proper power supply to ensure all components are functioning properly and recording accurate data. 

Like we mentioned in our previous post, capacitance is used everywhere. Capacitance affects your day-to-day living without you even realizing it. It is difficult nowadays to find an application/industry that functions without, or is not impacted by, capacitance pressure transducers. When compared to other types of pressure sensors, capacitance pressure transducers have earned a reputation of high accuracy and long term stability, thus making it the primary choice for many of these applications:

When selecting an absolute, gauge or differential pressure sensor, the lines between absolute and gauge can be blurred. There are many differences between the two regarding performance and application. Therefore, it is essential to determine whether you need a gauge or absolute reference for measuring pressure. Like selecting a pressure range, it is important to select the correct pressure measurement to avoid errors in your measurement, especially when requiring a low range device.

IP Ratings are used to define levels of sealing effectiveness and degrees of protection against substances in electrical enclosures. Ratings are defined by the international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989). 

Although there are a variety of methods for leak detection, the most common is pressure decay. Other methods can be time consuming and costly, whereas pressure decay leak detection is a simple test that's sensitive to very small leaks. This method is ideal for high-volume industries that require quick accurate tests within their facility. By pressurizing the unit under test (UUT) and then removing it from the pressure source, any detection of pressure loss is a result of a leak within the UUT. Before performing a pressure decay leak detection test, make sure your system is properly setup.  After the system is setup, follow the below steps to test the UUT with a differential pressure transducer.

The consequences of an unplanned leak in an air compressor may be higher than you think.  Air leakage can occur in any part of an air system, at any given time. Many users are blindsided by this issue. Air leaks are a significant source of wasted energy, often wasting 20-30% of a compressor’s output. Did you know that unmaintained plants waste at least 20% of air production capacity? In addition to wasting energy, undetected leaks can contribute to financial and operational losses.

In the test and measurement industry, manufacturers need to test the products they build. Pressure sensors are needed in test stands to measure pressure across various mediums, including air, fuel, coolant, gas. Testing can be expensive and having a reliable sensor eliminates costly downtime.