{"id":17928,"date":"2024-06-19T15:51:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T20:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/\/?p=17928"},"modified":"2024-06-19T15:51:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-19T20:51:00","slug":"how-to-select-pressure-sensor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/knowhow\/how-to-select-pressure-sensor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Select a Pressure Sensor: Factors to Consider"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pressure sensors come in many different types and seemingly endless configurations. To select the right pressure transducer or pressure transmitter, users should consider where and how it will be used, the application\u2019s demands on the instrument, and whether certain features are necessary.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some customers want the least expensive pressure sensors that will get the job done. Others prefer ones with the most features \u2013 all the bells and whistles that the market has to offer. The reality is that there is no overall best pressure sensor. There is only the smartest choice for a particular application<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pressure Sensor<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When customers ask me to help them decide which pressure sensor to get and how to configure it, I start by \u201cinterviewing\u201d them. My role is to prevent them from spending extra money for unnecessary features and functions. On the other hand, underspending on pressure sensors, or choosing the wrong type, could risk the safety and efficiency of the entire process or facility.<\/p>\n

These are some of the things I ask customers about before giving them my recommendation:<\/p>\n\n

A-10 pressure transmitter<\/p><\/div>\n \n

1. What is the application?<\/h3>\n

This is the most important question, and the more details a customer can give me, the better. I want to fully understand the application in order to figure out the specific demands on the instrument.<\/p>\n

2. What is the media?<\/h3>\n

This question is related to details about the application, as special media require special versions of pressure sensors. For example, when working with food and beverages<\/a>, sensors should have a higher cleanliness level, specific process connections, and food-compatible transmission fluid \u2013 or no transmission fluid at all<\/a>. If a customers were building a new plant, I might recommend the DMSU22SA in-line process transmitter<\/a>, while the S-20 superior pressure transmitter<\/a> is a good retrofit solution.<\/p>\n\n

MG-1 pressure sensor for medical gases<\/p><\/div>\n \n

For viscous fluids or liquids that contain solids, the S-11 flush pressure transmitter<\/a> is optimally designed for media that would clog the pressure channel of conventional process connections.<\/p>\n

Pressure sensors also come in different oil- and grease-free versions for oxygen or hydrogen service. For example, the MG-1 pressure sensor<\/a> was designed specifically for the storage and distribution of oxygen and other medical gases, as only materials that are suitable for oxygen applications are used. And due to the risk of permeation and embrittlement, hydrogen<\/a> applications require that sensors\u2019 wetted parts be made of special materials like 316L stainless steel and Elgiloy\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

3. What is the operational environment?<\/h3>\n

I want to know what temperatures \u2013 both ambient temperatures and process temperatures \u2013 the pressure transducer or transmitter will be exposed to. This is because temperature has a large effect on pressure sensor accuracy<\/a>. It is also important to know if the sensor will experience pressure spikes\/pulsation, what process connection is desired, along with any necessary sealing materials.<\/p>\n