Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Way In Which Pressure Sensors Basically Work

By Adriana Noton


As the most used systems for pressure measurement, the pressure sensors are good for gases and liquids. The devices can be seen in action when the fluid reaches the containing limit and pushes on the elements of force detection from the equipment. This is the moment when an electrical signal is created and sent to an interpreter. This is the functioning principle on which every sensor is based.

Besides the direct indicator of how much force is released from the fluid, other additional things can be indicated. For example, the fluid level or how fast it is flowing etc. Depending of the type of detection, the devices can be categorized as static or dynamic.

During the steam age the first devices were made and they became very popular. Since then, the technology has evolved a lot, and they have adapted. Their popularity is still the same in our times. They can be split in three categories depending on how they work: variable capacitance, strain gage and piezoelectric.

The forms and design types of thesepressure sensor devices can be very different. The classification is made depending on cost or performance, the measurement range or the temperature at which they are used. The dynamic sensors can indicate when the speed and pressure are modifying. They are known as high performance devices and they are usually piezoelectric.

Strain gage devices are constructed from 2 parts: the diaphragm and the strain gauge. When the force created by the fluid increases, the diaphragm detects the modification and it sends a signal to the strain gauge. Now the strain gauge will resist the force. Then the resistance force generated will be measured by a Data Acquisition System or DAQ.

The variable capacitance modules have two metallic elements. The first element is a metal plate and the second is a metal diaphragm. The distance from the plate to the diaphragm determines the detection of any physical force. Like the accelerometer, devices of this construction are very stable; the only disadvantage is the resistance to high temperatures. It is also more difficult to assemble this type.

The piezoelectric devices are built from quartz crystals and they use the natural electric characteristics of these materials. When they are under physical stress, these crystals generate an electric shock. They require amplification of the signal. They are less resistant to physical shocks and high vibrations than the other devices.

The signal obtained from the sensors is usually small and it can be measured in mV (a thousand parts is one Volt). The range of Volts that is outputted from the device is related to the amount of physical force which generates the current. For instance, zero Volts mean zero force. In this point no electrical signal is sent to the interpreter. The maximum range limit can be, for instance 5V, case in which a pressure of 5 Bars is generated.

The popularity of pressure sensors is very high in these times. Their use has extended in various domains like, for instance in the food industry. No matter of what type they are, their main use is for measuring the forces created by various fluids and their speed, their level in containers etc.




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