Pressure Indicating Sensor Film

Typical measurement systems average or provide a point measurement. So how can you quickly observe the pressure distribution across an entire surface in applications such as the interface pressure of gaskets, clamps, heat sealing elements, composite layups, LCD panels, and heat sinks?  One answer is Fuji Prescale, a Mylar tactile pressure indicating sensor film. Simply placing the 4 to 8-mil thick film between two surfaces and then applying the normal or other desired measurement criteria (max, min, overstress, etc.) pressure produces a permanent color change directly proportionate to the pressure. Since the color change is permanent, it can be archived for future reference. A range of pressure sensitive films are available from 7.2 to 43,200 psi.

For more information about Fuji Prescale sensor film from Sensor Products Inc., click here.

Pressure Sensors Handle Liquid Media

Applications for silicon-based pressure sensors in low cost plastic packages are usually limited to air and dry gases without adding some form of additional media isolation. For Honeywell’s TruStability Pressure Sensors, an option now allows connecting one port of the sensor to condensing humidity or non-corrosive liquid media, such as de-ionized water. This simplifies the use of the HSC (High Accuracy Silicon Ceramic) Series and the SSC (Standard Accuracy Silicon Ceramic) Series in this family.

Both the HSC and SSC Series are temperature compensated, calibrated, and provide an amplified signal. The HSC Series has a ±1% total error band specification across a 0°C to 50°C [32°F to 122°F] temperature range. The SSC Series provides a ±2% total error band specification across a wider -20°C to 85°C [-4°F to 185°F] temperature range.

For more information about Honeywell’s TruStability Pressure Sensors, click here.

Measure Industrial Differential Line Pressures up to 2,000 PSI

It’s amazing how much information a sensor’s package conveys regarding its application. American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) AST5400 screams industrial, high pressure. In fact, the wet / wet differential pressure sensor can measure line pressures up to 2,000 PSI. With microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology as the sensing mechanism, the package uses Krystal Bond Technology to avoid silicone oil, O-rings or welds. 

To measure differential pressure across a filter, monitor level in a sealed or vented tank, or calculate flow across an orifice plate, the sensor has turndown ratio of 15 to 1 and can be used in place of two gauge pressure sensors.

For more information the AST5400, click here.

High Temperature Pressure Sensor Targets Gas Turbine Monitoring

Most pressure sensors are offered in plastic packages and operate in a maximum ambient temperature of 125°C or less. Monitoring the pressure of a gas turbine requires a totally different approach. IMI Sensors Series 176 pressure sensors use  a stainless steel housing and piezoelectric sensing technology to tolerate the extreme heat environment (+986°F, +530°C) generated by  gas turbines. As a result, the units can be mounted directly to the combustor. The sensors have sensitivities to 17 pC/psi (2.5 pC/kPa) and ranges from 20 psi (140 kPa) dynamic to 400 psi (2760 kPa) static.

For more information on the IMI Sensors Series 176 pressure sensor click here.

Embedded Pressure Sensor Addresses Variable Air Volume (VAV) in Wireless System

Here is an interesting application of pressure sensors in a wireless environment. CAN2GO’s Variable Air Volume (VAV) building automation controller has an on-board pressure sensor and is capable of bidirectional communication with EnOcean and wired end-devices. EnOcean is rapidly becoming the defacto standard for wireless building automation.

The controller features an embedded EnOcean transceiver and EnOcean-to-BACnet gateway, allowing total wireless control of energy harvesting end-devices within an end-to-end BACnet system. Extending the reach of centralized building automation systems, the VAV controller is a fully-programmable device.  The pressure sensor is used as a delta-P flow sensor. It has a measurement range of -500 to 500 Pa (-2 to +2 inch H₂O) and an accuracy of 3% m.v.  The CAN2GO controller can act either as a stand-alone product or be integrated into a larger BACnet system.

For more information on the CAN2GO VAV building automation controller click here.

How Pressure Sensors Can Help Your Golf Swing

Sensosolutions SensoGlove embeds four tiny pressure sensors into a golf glove to analyze the pressure that the golfer is exerting during his/her swing. Contrary to natural instinct, an excessively tight grip does not usually provide the expected results. To achieve the right amount of pressure, a target pressure level from 1-to-18 can be set and a 1.2-inch LED display on the glove displays the actual pressure and warns if it is exceeded. Audio and visual feedback is provided 80 times per second. The sensors are located to show the user which fingers are gripping too tightly, so the grip can be adjusted accordingly.

For more information about the technology (or ordering) Sensosolutions SensoGlove, click here.

Endevco Absolute Pressure Transducer Addresses High-Sensitivity Applications

Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco model 8530B is a high-sensitivity absolute pressure transducer in a compact 3.86-mm face diameter package.  The active four-arm strain gage bridge in silicon design is offered in ranges of 200, 500 and 1000 psia with 300 mV full scale output and high resonant frequencies of 750 kHz (200 psia). In addition, 1000 kHz versions are available in 500 and 1000 psia.

The pressure sensors have a 10-32 UNF-2A mounting thread and integral cable. An optional metric M5X0.8 mounting thread is available on special order.  Target applications include hydraulic and pneumatic pressure measurements, automotive airbag testing and transmission testing applications.

For more information on Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco model 8530B 1000 series, click here.

Pressure Sensor Measures Blood Pressure From Inside Arteries

Vacuum panels are particularly good for insulating buildings – as long as the vacuum does not leak. A tiny pressure sensor constantly checks the condition of the vacuum and indicates whether the insulation effect is still present.

Mrs Miller is happy. Since she moved to the new apartment building she has not had any nasty surprises on her heating bills. This is because the building is insulated with a new material which exhibits particularly low thermal conductivity and therefore high energy efficiency. Vacuum insulation panels consist of a tightly sealed shell and porous core material made of silicic acid. This serves to support the vacuum in the insulation panel. Because a vacuum is a very good thermal insulator, the insulation value of the vacuum panels is five to ten times higher than that of conventional panels, for instance those made of polystyrene.

The panels are sensitive, however. Over the years the airtight film loses its insulating effect and the vacuum leaks. Experts put the increase in gas pressure at 1 millibar per year. Another problem is that because the film is very thin it can be damaged during transport. Before being installed the panels therefore have to be checked to see whether the vacuum and insulating effect are still present. So that the condition of the panels can be determined at any time, research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS in Duisburg have developed a tiny pressure sensor. »The pressure sensor is placed in a recess inside the panel. On the board next to the microchip there is a transponder with a coil which transmits the measured data through the film without any hard wire connection. A reader on the outer wall of the panel receives the measured data and supplies the transponder with energy using a second coil,« explains Dr. Hoc Khiem Trieu, head of department at the IMS. »The sensor consumes very little energy and is extremely small, measuring only around 20 square millimeters. A further special feature of the tiny sensor is that it draws its energy from the reader’s radio signal even through thin metal layers. It is therefore also suitable for measuring the vacuum in refrigerators, where low thermal conductivity is likewise essential.«

The sensor is used in the medical field, for instance to measure blood or eye pressure. It has now been developed further for the construction sector. »The sensor is presently at the prototype stage. The aim is to put it into series production in one to two years’ time,« states Trieu. The IMS will be showcasing the sensor at Euro ID, the trade fair for automatic identification, in Cologne from May 4 to 6 (Stand A12).

www.fraunhofer.de

AST Updates CE Approval For Its Pressure Sensor

American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has updated and expanded its CE approval for its pressure sensor, transducer, transmitter and switch product families. AST products with the CE logo conform to EMC Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility.

Tested by the independent laboratory, TUV Rheinland in Newton, CT, each product was evaluated for performance against radiated emissions, electrostatic discharge (ESD), radiated immunity, electrical fast transient (EFT), surge immunity, conducted immunity, and power frequency magnetic field immunity.

Products were tested and approved to the following standards:

EN61326-1:2006	EN61326-2-3:2006	EN61000-6-1:2007	EN61000-6-3:2007	EN55011:2007+A2:2007 & FCC Part 15 , ICES-003	EN55011:2007+A2:2007 & FCC Part 15 (Radiated Emissions)
EN61000-4-2:1995 + A1:1999 +A2:2001	EN61000-4-3:2006	EN61000-4-4:2004	EN61000-4-5:2005	EN6100-4-6:2007	EN61000-4-8:1993 + A1:2001

Products approved to the new standards include:

AST2000, AST20HA, AST4000, AST4200, AST4300, AST43LP, AST4310, AST4400, AST44LP, AST4410, AST4500, AST4510, AST4520, AST4600, AST46HA, AST4700, AST4710, AST47LP, AST47HP, AST47SM, AST4900, Model1000 and Model5000.

www.astsensors.com

Ultra-Thin Absolute Pressure Sensor

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Meggitt Sensing Systems announces the debut of Endevco® model 8515C, a miniature, high-sensitivity piezoresistive pressure transducer, designed for surface air flow and other aerodynamic measurements requiring high output in a small, lightweight package.

The ultra-low profile design of Endevco® model 8515C has an overall thickness of 0.030 inch (0.76mm) and diameter of 0.250 inch (6.3mm). Units are available in ranges of 15 and 50 psia, with 200 mV full scale output, and frequency responses of 180 kHz and 320 kHz, respectively. The transducers offer stable performance over an temperature operating range of -65 to +250°F (-54 to +121°C), with combined non-linearity, non-repeatability and pressure hysteresis error of less than 0.50% FSO. In addition, model 8515C is designed to survive 10,000 g shock and 10,000 g acceleration, with minimum 5X burst pressure, making it the best performing pressure transducer of its kind in the industry.

Model 8515C is supplied with an integral cable, and is typically surface mounted onto curved surfaces, for minimal effect on laminar air or hot gas flow. A flush mounted fit may also be achieved by recessing both transducer and lead wires into the mounting surface, while using a supplied protective screen to prevent particular impingement. For airflow smoothing requirements within flight test applications, an optional rubber fairing is available. Modified versions of model 8515C are also available for wider temperature compensation. All units are shipped in special electrostatic discharge (ESD) packaging, for added protection during product shipment and handling.

Because of its uniquely high overload capability, high frequency response, very low base strain sensitivity and excellent temperature performance, model 8515C is ideally suited for small-scale wind tunnel testing models, helicopter or turbine blade surface pressure measurements, as well as aerodynamic surface measurements required during flight test. For detailed specifications, drawings or additional information about Endevco® model 8515C or other products, visit www.endevco.com.

Meggitt Sensing Systems
www.meggitt.com

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