Pressure transducers come in all shapes and sizes, and some are simply tougher than others. For example, our PT-400 is built for harsher applications than our PT-L1, and therefore costs a little more. So to avoid making the mistake of either spending too much on something you don’t need, or spending too little on something that doesn’t work, be sure to select the right sensor for the right job.
So when is it appropriate to use heavy duty pressure transducers vs. their light duty counterparts? Below is a basic list of factors to look for in your application that will help you make this decision:
The higher the pressure range, the more durable the sensor you will need. Typically, once you’re experiencing pressure spikes exceeding 5,000 PSI you will be better off using heavy duty pressure transducers. If you never see much more than a few hundred PSI then you should be just fine using a more standard model.
Quite often, pressure transducers will be used on large equipment that produce a lot of vibration. A good example of this would be on an oil rig or other equipment in the oilfield. In environments such as these it would be unwise to rely on a standard sensor. Heavy duty pressure transducers, like our PT-400, are built with thicker housings and were designed from the beginning to take a beating.
Many of our pressure transducers are used outside, exposed to the elements. And in many cases they are exposed to extremely cold temperatures. While a standard pressure sensor may be able to operate in these conditions it may fail to provide you with an accurate reading. Whereas a heavy duty sensor like our PT-400 is available with an extended compensated temperature range. This way you will still get an accurate reading when the temperature outside is 30 below (°F) or more.
Finally, if you are working in a flammable environment, you will want to make sure you are using heavy duty pressure transducers. Our PT-400 was engineered to be intrinsically safe and it has the certifications to prove it. Using a sensor without these certifications is risky and may lead to disastrous consequences.
If you have questions on what pressure transducers to use in your applications, please give us a call or send us an email, and our Measurement Experts will be happy to help.
