ELASTIC PRESSURE TRANSDUCER

WASEEM ZIA

(2007-CHEM-15)

Synopsis:
 Types  Pressure Sensors Summary  Functional Uses  Merits & Demerits  References

Types:
 Bellows  Bourdon tube  Diaphragm

Bellows
The bellows is a one-piece, collapsible, seamless metallic unit that has deep folds formed from very thin-walled tubing.

Bourdon tube
The bourdon tube pressure instrument is one of the oldest pressure sensing instruments in use today. The bourdon tube (refer to Figure 3) consists of a thin-walled tube that is flattened diametrically on contrary sides to produce a crosssectional area elliptical in form, having two long flat sides and two short round sides.

Bourdon tubes are generally are of three types; 1. C-type 2. Helical type 3. Spiral type

Diaphragm
Diaphragm elements are made of circular metal discs or flexible elements such as rubber, plastic or leather.

Pressure Sensors Summary

In a bellows-type sensor:

 System pressure is applied to the internal volume

of a bellows and mechanical linkage assembly.  As pressure changes, the bellows and linkage assembly move to cause an electrical signal to be produced or to cause a gauge pointer to move.

Contd
In a bourdon tube-type sensor:  System pressure is applied to the inside of a

slightly flattened arc formd tube. As pressure increases, the tube tends to restore to its original round cross-section. This change in cross-section causes the tube to straighten.  Since the tube is permanently fastened at one end, the tip of the tube traces a curve that is the result of the change in angular position with respect to the center. The tip movement can then be used to position a pointer or to develop an electrical signal.

Contd .
In Diaphragm pressure sensor:  They are used to measure gauge pressures over very low ranges.  They may be made up of Metallic diaphragms gauge (brass or bronze) Slack diaphragms gauge (Rubber).

Functional Uses:
 Pressure sensors perform the following basic functions:
 Indication  Alarm  Control

 If a pressure sensor becomes inoperative:

 A spare sensor element may be used (if installed).  A local mechanical pressure gauge can be used (if

available).  A precision pressure gauge may be installed in the system.

Contd .
 Environmental concerns:
 Atmospheric pressure  Ambient temperature  Humidity

Merits & Demerits

Merits of Flexible Pressure transducer
 Flexible Pressure transducer cost is low.  Flexible Pressure transducer has easy structure  Flexible Pressure transducers have been time tested in application.  Flexible Pressure transducer allows high accuracy, spatially in relation to cost.

Contd .
Demerits of Flexible Pressure transducer
 Flexible Pressure transducer has a low spring pitch.  Flexible Pressure transducer is inclined to shock and throb.  Flexible Pressure transducer is inclined to hysteresis.

References
 http://controls.engin.umich.edu/wiki/index.php/Pressu reSensors retrieved at 11/10/2010  Kirk, Franklin W. and Rimboi, Nicholas R., Instrumentation, Third Edition, American Technical Publishers, ISBN 0-8269-3422-6.
 Wightman, E.J., Instrumentation in Process Control, CRC

Press, Cleveland, Ohio.  Rhodes, T.J. and Carroll, G.C., Industrial Instruments for Measurement and Control, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company.  Process Measurement Fundamentals, Volume I, General Physics Corporation, ISBN 0-87683-001-7, 1981

 http://vpmt.com/transducer.htm retrieved at 11/10/2010

THANKS