Setra Blog

Why are industry leaders using remote sensors?

Wet-to-wet differential pressure transducers have undergone several significant design and technological improvements recently. The most dramatic of which is the ability to install these units with remote sensors, rather than with traditional embedded sensing elements. A contractor can now easily install remote sensors directly into the pipes while an electrician makes electrical connections between the remote sensors and the transducer via cables or conduit. For industrial applications, contractors can order plumbing-ready cable versions with up to 30 feet of cable. When the local electrical code requires conduit, typically for projects like schools or municipal buildings, contractors can order units in the conduit version.

When selecting multi-range pressure sensors, there are certain things to be cautious of. Often a "one size fits all" pressure transducer is chosen for expected cost savings and inventory control; however this decision turns out to be a bad idea. Issues arise with inaccuracy and poor stability on low range applications where the range output adjustment is simply pushed too far.

On the heels of an economic crisis, the President of the United States signed the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009 with the goal of:

Capacitive pressure transducers have earned a reputation for consistently high accuracy and unmatched long-term stability. These sensors find broad application in areas where characteristics rate from important to vital. A few of these include:

Low Pressure Measurement
Low pressure measurements are required in various applications such as air flow, static duct and clean room pressures in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) and energy management systems. Other applications include use in medical instrumentation, environmental pollution control, boiler combustion efficiency and a wide variety of research and development requirements. While this discussion will center mainly on air flows and pressures, the same principles also apply to liquids. As there are both pressure transducers (voltage output proportional to applied pressure) and pressure transmitters (current output proportional to applied pressure,) we will refer to each as pressure sensors in this application note.

Capacitance based pressure transducers provide many benefits over other technologies. 8 features that should be considered when choosing a pressure transducer are accuracy, minimal mechanical motion, range capabilities, long term stability, high-level output, media compatibility, electromagnetic compatibility and resistant to harsh environments..

Often we hear terms used to describe pressure transducers or terms commonly used in the HVAC/R and industrial industries, but there may be some confusion as to their meaning. Here are a few commonly used terms and their definitions.

Equipment designers today can choose from an impressive array of commercially available pressure sensors. 

Sensing devices range from modern versions of the venerable manometer and Bourdon tube, through bonded strain gauges to sophisticated units using, deposited or ion-implanted piezoresistive semiconductor elements on silicon or sapphire substrates.