Sometimes, the moment may arise when you need to measure the difference in pressure between two points. That is when you need a device that can accurately read what that difference is. That device is known as a differential pressure sensor.

What Is A Differential Pressure Sensor?

When you need to measure the difference in pressure between two points, you need a differential pressure sensor. This type of sensor is designed to give you a comparative measurement. With numerous applications, these sensors can be found in many different applications.

The sensor is designed to measure the difference between two applied pressures. For example, you have pressure point A that has 100psi. Then there is pressure point B with 60psi. Therefore, the difference in pressure between the two is 40psi, which is what your differential pressure sensor will detect.

It would be best if you had this sensor as an instrument that measures the pressure of gases or liquids. Pressure is the force necessary that stops fluid from expanding, and it is commonly expressed as force per unit area. A pressure sensor is often used as a transducer, producing a signal as a function of the applied pressure.

These differential pressure sensors are handy tools. The pressure sensors are utilized in nearly hundreds of everyday applications. They are very useful for controlling and monitoring fluid/gas flow; altitude can be measured indirectly using pressure sensors, water level, and speed. Other names for pressure sensors include pressure transducers, pressure transmitters, pressure senders, pressure indicators, piezometers, and manometers.

In both household and industrial settings, differential pressure measurement is widely used. Measures that include flow, level, density, viscosity, and even temperature are frequently based on them. However, level and flow are the most prevalent out of all categories. This means that differential pressure sensors are a necessity because of the pivotal role that they play.

How The Pressure Sensor Works

As the name implies, the sensor will measure the pressure difference. Usually, the sensors work by measuring two different pressures applied to opposite ends of a single diaphragm. What determines the pressure difference is the deflection of the diaphragm. The deflection could be either positive or negative in its resting state.

Analog pressure sensors are divided into two groups. The first group is the force collector type. These electronic pressure sensors typically work by employing a force collector (such as a diaphragm, piston, bourdon tube, or bellows). This force collector will be the one that is responsible for detecting any strain (or deflection) that is caused by the applied force over a certain region (pressure).

The second group is used to detect parameters (such as density) used by these electronic pressure sensors to infer the pressure of a gas or liquid.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Types Of Pressure Sensors

Differential pressure sensors come in several options. These options include some of the following:

· MEMS

· Optical

· Resistive

· Capacitive

· Piezoelectric

Where Can I Find The Pressure Sensors?

You will usually find your differential pressure sensors in several locations. These locations could include any of the following:

· Contents Of A Tank - Divers or submarines will be the ones who rely on tanks the most when they need to submerge themselves underwater. If you want to detect the contents of a tank, you need to rely on a pressure sensor. The sensors are used to measure the level or depth of a submerged person or submarine and measure the contents of a tank. One example of what it would measure is the water tower level.

· The Venturi Tube - You will find these sensors located between two segments of a venturi tube that have different apertures. The sensors are used to detect flow sensing, which means they will be used together with the venturi effect. This helps the sensors better measure the flow. If there is any pressure difference between these two segments directly proportional to the flow rate in the venture tube, the pressure sensor will detect it and give you a reading.

· Detecting A System Leak - If you need to detect a drop in the pressure of your system that might indicate a potential leak, that is when you will need your differential pressure sensor. The pressure sensor detects the leak by measuring the change in pressure over time.

Is A Pressure Sensor Different From An Absolute Or Gauge Pressure Sensor?

Yes, there is a difference between an absolute, gauge, and differential pressure sensor. All three sensors are meant to perform a different function that sets them apart. Let's take a closer look at the distinguishing factors:

· An Absolute Pressure Sensor - This type of sensor is meant to measure the relative difference to a reference of zero pressure. The reference pressure is the pressure that is as close as it can get to a vacuum in your system. Pressure readings will be measured in Kelvin. The coldest possible temperature in Kelvin is 0°K. Therefore, this will be your reference point.

· A Gauge Pressure Sensor - Unlike the absolute or the differential pressure sensor, the gauge pressure is measured using gauge pressure sensors about the local atmospheric pressure. It would be the same as using a voltmeter to measure a DC voltage. The voltage at the red probe is either positive or negative about the black probe's connection point, which is how the gauge sensor works.

Pressure sensors differ greatly in technology, design, performance, applicability, and cost. It is best to always buy from a supplier that you can trust when putting quality first. If you need an OEM Cummins differential pressure sensor, visit DFP Parts Direct to view their selection of genuine OEM Cummins pressure sensors.