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.

Not only the direct force can be calculated, but also other parameters will be obtained indirectly. This involves the level of fluid in the container, the speed of flowing and others. Any type of information can be provided by these readers. The measurement can be static and 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 pressure sensor can be found in different shapes and designs; they can be classified after performance or price, after the range of measurement and the temperature range of use. There are some dynamic sensors that can measure rapid changes in speed or pressure, these ones have a high performance and are made of quartz.

The strain gage systems are made of two things: the strain gauge and the diaphragm. The diaphragm detects the changing in force when the level of the fluid grows. Then the strain gauge will oppose resistance for that force, and the resistance will be calculated by a DAQ module (Data Acquisition System).

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.

Being made of quartz crystals, the piezoelectric sensors use the properties which are owned by these crystals from nature. They have this feature that allows them to make an electrical charge when they detect a force increase. The signal created must be amplified with the proper circuitry. They are not as resistant as other materials to vibration exposure or to any type of shock.

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.

Nowadays pressure sensors have a very high range of use, they are commonly used in the food industry, for example. With no exceptions, they have the role of measuring the forces made by the fluids. They are also able to detect the flow and the fluid level.

Choose from a wide selection of state-of-the-art scientific technologies including the linear position sensor, calibration systems, load cells, mass flow sensor, and accelerometer. These specialized tools are very popular among the research and development industries.