Common Problems with Pressure Transmitters

Pressure transmitters are components widely used throughout the industry, in a wide variety of applications. Precisely due to its high rate of applications, it is

extremely important to understand its operation and act in the prevention of failures.

Let's take a look at the main problems that cause a pressure transmitter to fail.

Overpressure and pressure spikes

Any device used in an environment above the recommended pressure range is subject to stress and may have a reduced service life. Pressure spikes are also

common in some applications. Valves need to be operated when operating hydraulic equipment, such as earth engines or tippers, and this can produce

pressure spikes that can damage pressure transmitters.

Temperature

Pressure transmitters are designed to operate within specified temperature ranges. Long-term use above or below specifications is likely to lead to early failures.

The repeated expansion and contraction involved in the temperature cycle degrades the joints and even the transmitter housing, leading to separation and

creating leakage paths. Any experienced process engineer or industrial vehicle mechanic can testify to the importance of using pressure transmitters designed

to be able to handle extreme temperatures.

Water

Everyone knows how to prevent water from entering an electronic device, but accidental contact with water is almost inevitable in many applications. The basic

rule is that all electronic pressure transmitters must be completely sealed.

Electrical interference

Although electrical interference can be a problem for electronics, due to the proliferation of sources of electrical interference, most electronic devices today are

well protected. But when this shield degrades, electromagnetic or radio frequency interference can cause problems with the pressure transmitter, such as

instability or imprecision of the signal.

Chemical Damage

Whether from caustic process media or sprayed fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural machinery, pressure transmitters are almost inevitably exposed to

corrosive chemicals that can ultimately shorten the life of the device. The simple solution to this problem is to ensure that your pressure sensors are constructed

from materials compatible with the chemicals to which they can be exposed.