As for the difference between a pressure transmitter and a pressure sensor pressure switch, this article will introduce it from the definition, function, working principle, uses, and so on.
Definition
Pressure Transmitter: a sensor device used to measure pressure in a liquid or gas. It converts pressure into standard electrical signal output, such as 4-20mA, 0-5V, or 0-10V, for further processing and analysis by monitoring systems, control systems, or data acquisition systems. Pressure transmitters are widely used in various industrial and commercial scenarios, such as manufacturing, chemical plants, oil and gas industries, and HVAC systems, to ensure stable, safe, and efficient system operation.
Pressure Sensor: a device used to detect and measure pressure in a liquid or gas. It converts pressure into an electrical signal output, usually using resistors, capacitors, or piezoelectric elements. Pressure sensors are commonly used in the automotive industry, medical equipment, home appliances, and industrial automation to measure and monitor pressure changes in systems to ensure normal operation and safe operation of equipment.
Pressure Switch: a device used to monitor the pressure in a liquid or gas and trigger a switch when a preset value is reached. It is commonly used in automatic control systems, such as hydraulic systems, air compressors, water pumps, and automotive braking systems. The triggering action of the pressure switch can be used to start or stop equipment, sound alarms, or perform other automatic control functions, thereby achieving system safety protection and energy-saving control.
Function
Pressure Transmitter:
Measuring pressure: The main function is to accurately measure the pressure in liquid or gas and convert it into the corresponding electrical signal.
Convert signal: Convert the measured pressure into standard electrical signal output, such as analog signals (such as 4-20mA, 0-5V, 0-10V) or digital signals (such as Modbus, HART).
Data processing: Some pressure transmitters have data processing functions that can process, store, and transmit measurement data.
Communication interface: Can communicate with monitoring systems, PLC (programmable logic controller), DCS (distributed control system), and other equipment to achieve remote monitoring and control.
Pressure Sensor:
Detecting pressure: used to detect pressure changes in the medium, usually converting the pressure into electrical signal output.
Convert signal: Convert pressure changes into electrical signals, such as piezoresistive, capacitive, or voltage signals, for display, recording, or control.
Feedback control: It can be integrated with the control system to implement feedback control, which is used to maintain pressure stability in the system or trigger alarms.
Pressure Switch
Control action: triggering a switch action when the medium pressure reaches a preset threshold, usually used to open or close a circuit to achieve automatic control or protection functions.
Safety protection: used to monitor the medium pressure. Once the pressure exceeds the safe range, the switch action can be triggered to prevent equipment damage or accidents.
Energy-saving control: The equipment can be started or stopped when the pressure reaches a certain range to achieve energy-saving and system optimization.
Working principle
Pressure Transmitter
A pressure transmitter measures the pressure in the medium through a sensing element, which is usually an elastically deformed component, such as a diaphragm or a spring. When medium pressure acts on the sensing element, it causes small changes in its shape. This change is converted into an electrical signal, usually via strain gauges or capacitors. The electrical signal is converted into a standard electrical signal output through the processing circuit, such as a 4-20mA analog signal or digital signal. Such an output can be connected to a monitoring system or control system to enable accurate measurement and monitoring of pressure.
Pressure Sensor
Pressure sensors detect pressure changes in the medium through sensing elements. The choice of sensing element depends on the pressure measurement range and working environment. Common sensing elements include piezoresistive, capacitive, or piezoelectric elements. When the medium pressure acts on the sensing element, it will cause changes in its resistance, capacitance, or voltage. This change is converted into an electrical signal output, usually an analog signal. The output signal can be connected to a monitor, recorder, or controller for real-time monitoring or control of pressure changes in the system.
Pressure Switch
The pressure switch detects the pressure in the medium through the pressure-sensing element and triggers the switch action when the pressure reaches the preset value. The sensing element is usually a spring or diaphragm. When the medium pressure acts on the sensing element, it will cause its deformation. When the pressure reaches a preset value, the deformation of the sensing element causes the switch to open or close the circuit. This switching action can be used to start or stop equipment, trigger alarms, or perform other automatic control functions to achieve automatic control and protection of pressure.
Use
Pressure Transmitter
In industrial production, pressure transmitters are often used to monitor pressure changes in pipelines, containers or equipment. For example, in chemical plants, pressure transmitters can be used to monitor pressure changes during chemical reactions to ensure the safety and stability of the production process. In addition, in HVAC systems, pressure transmitters can be used to monitor the pressure of the coolant to achieve automatic control and regulation of the system.
Pressure Sensor
Pressure sensors can be used in various fields such as automobile manufacturing, medical equipment, home appliances, etc. In the automotive industry, pressure sensors are commonly used to monitor engine oil pressure, tire pressure, etc. to ensure vehicle safety and performance. In medical equipment, pressure sensors can be used to monitor physiological parameters such as respiration and blood pressure of patients for diagnosis and treatment.
Pressure Switch
Pressure switches are widely used in various automatic control systems. For example, in a water pump system, a pressure switch can monitor the water pressure in the pipeline. When the water pressure is lower than a preset value, the switch is triggered and the water pump is started to maintain stable water pressure. In air compressors, pressure switches can be used to monitor the outlet pressure of the compressor to ensure that operation is stopped when the pressure reaches a safe range and to prevent equipment overload or damage. Therefore, although all three devices are involved in pressure measurement and monitoring, their working principles, uses and functions are different and suitable for different application scenarios.
