Model W138A05/-0023

ICP® Pressure Sensor

Installation and Operating Manual

For assistance with the operation of this product,

contact PCB Piezotronics, Inc.

Toll-free: 800-828-8840
24-hour SensorLine: 716-684-0001
Fax: 716-684-0987
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.pcb.com
 Warranty, Service, Repair, and
Return Policies and Instructions

The information contained in this document supersedes all similar information that
may be found elsewhere in this manual.

Total Customer Satisfaction – PCB Calibration – Routine calibration of

Piezotronics guarantees Total Customer sensors and associated instrumentation
Satisfaction. If, at any time, for any is recommended as this helps build
reason, you are not completely satisfied confidence in measurement accuracy
with any PCB product, PCB will repair, and acquired data. Equipment
replace, or exchange it at no charge. calibration cycles are typically
You may also choose to have your established by the users own quality
purchase price refunded in lieu of the regimen. When in doubt about a
repair, replacement, or exchange of the calibration cycle, a good “rule of thumb”
product. is to recalibrate on an annual basis. It is
also good practice to recalibrate after
Service – Due to the sophisticated exposure to any severe temperature
nature of the sensors and associated extreme, shock, load, or other
instrumentation provided by PCB environmental influence, or prior to any
Piezotronics, user servicing or repair is critical test.
not recommended and, if attempted,
may void the factory warranty. Routine PCB Piezotronics maintains an ISO-
maintenance, such as the cleaning of 9001 certified metrology laboratory and
electrical connectors, housings, and offers calibration services, which are
mounting surfaces with solutions and accredited by A2LA to ISO/IEC 17025,
techniques that will not harm the with full traceability to SI through
physical material of construction, is N.I.S.T. In addition to the normally
acceptable. Caution should be observed supplied calibration, special testing is
to insure that liquids are not permitted to also available, such as: sensitivity at
migrate into devices that are not elevated or cryogenic temperatures,
hermetically sealed. Such devices phase response, extended high or low
should only be wiped with a dampened frequency response, extended range,
cloth and never submerged or have leak testing, hydrostatic pressure
liquids poured upon them. testing, and others. For information on
standard recalibration services or
Repair – In the event that equipment special testing, contact your local PCB
becomes damaged or ceases to Piezotronics distributor, sales
operate, arrangements should be made representative, or factory customer
to return the equipment to PCB service representative.
Piezotronics for repair. User servicing or
repair is not recommended and, if Returning Equipment – Following
attempted, may void the factory these procedures will insure that your
warranty. returned materials are handled in the
most expedient manner. Before
returning any equipment to PCB PCB for a complete statement of our
Piezotronics, contact your local warranty. Expendable items, such as
distributor, sales representative, or batteries and mounting hardware, are
factory customer service representative not covered by warranty. Mechanical
to obtain a Return Warranty, Service, damage to equipment due to improper
Repair, and Return Policies and use is not covered by warranty.
Instructions Materials Authorization Electronic circuitry failure caused by the
(RMA) Number. This RMA number introduction of unregulated or improper
should be clearly marked on the outside excitation power or electrostatic
of all package(s) and on the packing discharge is not covered by warranty.
list(s) accompanying the shipment. A
detailed account of the nature of the Contact Information – International
problem(s) being experienced with the customers should direct all inquiries to
equipment should also be included their local distributor or sales office. A
inside the package(s) containing any complete list of distributors and offices
returned materials. can be found at www.pcb.com.
Customers within the United States may
A Purchase Order, included with the contact their local sales representative
returned materials, will expedite the or a factory customer service
turn-around of serviced equipment. It is representative. A complete list of sales
recommended to include authorization representatives can be found at
on the Purchase Order for PCB to www.pcb.com. Toll-free telephone
proceed with any repairs, as long as numbers for a factory customer service
they do not exceed 50% of the representative, in the division
replacement cost of the returned responsible for this product, can be
item(s). PCB will provide a price found on the title page at the front of this
quotation or replacement manual. Our ship to address and
recommendation for any item whose general contact numbers are:
repair costs would exceed 50% of
replacement cost, or any item that is not PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
economically feasible to repair. For 3425 Walden Ave.
routine calibration services, the Depew, NY14043 USA
Purchase Order should include Toll-free: (800) 828-8840
authorization to proceed and return at 24-hour SensorLineSM: (716) 684-0001
current pricing, which can be obtained Website: www.pcb.com
from a factory customer service E-mail: [email protected]
representative.

Warranty – All equipment and repair

services provided by PCB Piezotronics,
Inc. are covered by a limited warranty
against defective material and
workmanship for a period of one year
from date of original purchase. Contact
 PCB工业监视和测量设备 - 中国RoHS2公布表
PCB Industrial Monitoring and Measuring Equipment - China RoHS 2 Disclosure Table
有害物质
汞 镉
部件名称 铅 (Pb) (Hg) (Cd) 六价铬 (Cr(VI)) 多溴联苯 (PBB) 多溴二苯醚 (PBDE)
住房 O O O O O O
PCB板 X O O O O O
电气连接器 O O O O O O
压电晶体 X O O O O O
环氧 O O O O O O
铁氟龙 O O O O O O
电子 O O O O O O
厚膜基板 O O X O O O
电线 O O O O O O
电缆 X O O O O O
塑料 O O O O O O
焊接 X O O O O O
铜合金/黄铜 X O O O O O
本表格依据 SJ/T 11364 的规定编制。
O： 表示该有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含量均在 GB/T 26572 规定的限量要求以下。
X： 表示该有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的含量超出 GB/T 26572 规定的限量要求。
铅是欧洲RoHS指令2011/65/ EU附件三和附件四目前由于允许的豁免。

CHINA RoHS COMPLIANCE

Component Name Hazardous Substances
Lead Mercury Cadmium Chromium VI Polybrominated Polybrominated
(Pb) (Hg) (Cd) Compounds Biphenyls Diphenyl
(Cr(VI)) (PBB) Ethers (PBDE)
Housing O O O O O O
PCB Board X O O O O O
Electrical O O O O O O
Connectors
Piezoelectric X O O O O O
Crystals
Epoxy O O O O O O
Teflon O O O O O O
Electronics O O O O O O
Thick Film O O X O O O
Substrate
Wires O O O O O O
Cables X O O O O O
Plastic O O O O O O
Solder X O O O O O
Copper Alloy/Brass X O O O O O
This table is prepared in accordance with the provisions of SJ/T 11364.
O: Indicates that said hazardous substance contained in all of the homogeneous materials for this part is below the limit
requirement of GB/T 26572.
X: Indicates that said hazardous substance contained in at least one of the homogeneous materials for this part is above
the limit requirement of GB/T 26572.
Lead is present due to allowed exemption in Annex III or Annex IV of the European RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.

DOCUMENT NUMBER: 21354

DOCUMENT REVISION: C
ECN: 45605
 OPERATION MANUAL FOR 1
Series 138

Series 138 Standard Length, with Lead Wire Hole for Attaching Weights

Series 138 Short Length, One-Piece Molded Closed-End Tube

1.0 INTRODUCTION Series 138 are used by the military for underwater
explosive testing, commercial use in gasoline tanks
PCB Series 138 are voltage mode tourmaline sensors and transformer shock wave applications. The
designed for operation underwater or in liquids sensors are ideal for monitoring dynamic pressures
compatible with tygon and nylon. (See specification because they exhibit near non-resonant response.
sheet in the back of the manual for range and
sensitivity). The charge generated by deflection of the
piezoelectric element when subjected to shock waves
Series 138 feature built-in ICP® amplifiers which creates a voltage on the input capacitance at the gate
convert the high-impedance voltage from the crystals of the amplifier. The amplifier, in conjunction with
into a low-impedance output voltage of less than 100 the source element, transforms this input into a low-
ohms. Power to operate the IC amplifier and the impedance signal of equal amplitude. The DC bias
output signal are conducted over a single conductor that exists on the signal lead is blocked from the
coaxial cable with a shield serving as signal return. output by a coupling capacitor in the PCB signal
Special low-noise cables are not required. conditioners.

Drawing Number: 21102

Revision: NR
 OPERATION MANUAL FOR 2
Series 138

Some models of the Series 138 feature a tygon tube PCB Model 070A03 adaptor can be used to adapt the
closed at one end with conical-shaped delrin plug. 10-32 micro jack on the 138 to a BNC jack. A
The plug features a small hole for attachment of a heavier coaxial cable (eg. RG-58/U) can now be used
weight. Other models feature a one-piece molded in place of the micro cable. Because of the large
closed tube. mass of the 070A03 compared to the 10-32 jack, this
connection should be sealed and protected from
2.0 INSTALLATION, CABLE shock and turbulence. Putting a two to three inch
ATTACHMENT, AND SEALING diameter of duct seal, wrapped with a waterproof
tape, will seal the connection and provide shock
THE CABLE/CONNECTOR protection at the cable/connector/ amplifier assembly.
ASSEMBLY
PCB Model 070A09 Solder Connector Adaptor can
Various methods are used to mount the 138 sensors also be used to attach a short length (~two to three
for use in liquids. Care should be taken to prevent inches) of ribbon cable to a 138. The ribbon cable
conductive liquids from entering the cable or can then be soldered to an extension cable. The
connector assemblies, where they could cause ribbon cable and both solder connections should be
corrosion, short circuiting or degradation of sealed with a suitable waterproofing material.
insulation resistance. Various types of sealing materials such as
polyethylene and flexane have been shown to be
For low-pressure (<500psi) dynamic measurements, a effective for sealing cables, connectors, etc.
standard low-noise coaxial cable with an extruded
teflon jacket and a 10-32 connector can be used. 2.1 MOUNTING OR SUSPENDING
Heat shrink tubing, RTV silicon rubber or sometimes
silicone grease can make an adequate seal in an
THE SENSOR
environment with low static pressure.
After the cable/connector assembly is sealed, the
For high static pressures due to deep submersion or sensor can be suspended in the liquid where the
use in a pressure vessel, alternate methods of sealing measurement is to take place. For low dynamic
the cable/connector may be required. A method of pressure measurements (less than 500 psi), models
waterproofing the cable/connector assembly of a 138 featuring a small hole in the conical end piece of the
which also provides protection to the cable is to put a tube allow attachment of a light weight (~two lb.) to
flexible tube (plastic, tygon, etc.) around the cable suspend the sensor in a vertical position.
and cable/connector assembly. Tie the tube at the
metal housing with monofilament or fine steel wire. The line should be of light material (monofilament,
The opposite end of the tube must be above the level 15 lb. test) to enable it to break easily. This way, the
of the liquid or sealed around the cable to prevent sensor does not pull apart in the turbulence caused by
liquid from entering the protective tubing. Filling the the collapse of gas bubbles resulting from a shock
protective tube with a non-conducting liquid such as wave.
Dow Coming silicone oil can be done to prevent the
tube from collapsing. This will also equalize pressure For higher pressure dynamic measurements, alternate
inside and outside the tubing, helping to prevent a methods of suspending the sensor should be used to
conductive liquid (such as water) from entering. minimize damage from turbulence. Taping or
attaching (with cable ties) the sensor amplifier
In some blast applications, when using a standard 10- housing to a braided steel wire is a method that is
32 micro cable/connector, the high shock can flex the suited for use in higher dynamic pressure
cable/connector joint enough to move the center pin measurements.
of the 10-32 cable connector. This can cause noise
on the output signal. Protecting the connection from
shock may be required.

Drawing Number: 21102

Revision: NR
 OPERATION MANUAL FOR 3
Series 138

The steel wire can have a weight attached to it to If indicator is in green section of indicator panel, the
submerge the entire assembly. Tape or attach the IC amplifier is producing proper bias (+8 to 14
coaxial cable loosely to the steel wire at ~one foot VDC), cable connections are normal and the system
intervals. Attach a monofilament line (~50 lb. test) to is ready to operate.
the end of a steel wire braid, and let it hang down past
the end of the sensor. If the needle moves to the red area of the fault
monitor meter, output is zero and a short is indicated.
Attach a three to five lb. weight to the end of the Short could be located in amplifier, cable connectors,
monofilament and tape the sensor to the or power unit.
monofilament.
If the pointer moves into the yellow area of the fault
Another method of mounting the sensor is to tape the monitor meter, an open circuit is indicated with full
sensor to the surface of a structure. (The pressure power supply voltage. An open circuit could be the
measured when mounted to the surface of a structure result of a faulty amplifier, an open cable or open
will be twice the free field pressure since the pressure connectors.
wave reflected off the surface adds to the pressure
wave initially striking the sensor.) Allow the sensor to stabilize for about one minute. A
signal drift may occur when cable is connected to the
For applications in which the 138 is immersed only a readout instrument.
few feet into a liquid, and the blast may be in very
close proximity to the sensor, a steel pipe can be This drift occurs during charging of the coupling
placed around the cable and sensor so that only the capacitor in the power unit. The signal will stabilize
tourmaline sensing element is exposed to the blast. in several minutes.
Since the static pressure is not high, a standard micro 4.0 CALIBRATION
cable with 10-32 coax connector can be used with
heat shrink tubing to seal the cable/connector. Series 138 are calibrated dynamically using a drop
weight tester. For best accuracy, use the calibration
3.0 OPERATION certificate supplied. Factory recalibration is available
for a nominal charge.
It is necessary only to supply the sensor with a 2 to 20
mA constant current at +20 to +30 VDC through a 5.0 POLARITY
current-regulating diode or equivalent circuit. See
Guide G-0001B for powering and signal utilization This sensor series produces a positive-going output
information pertaining to all ICP® instrumentation. voltage for increasing pressure input. See the
specification sheet for polarity of the sensor.
Most PCB signal conditioners have an adjustable
current feature allowing a choice of input currents 6.0 LOW-FREQUENCY RESPONSE
from 2 to 20 mA.
The low-frequency response of an ICP® system is
In general, for best resolution, choose the lower determined by:
current ranges, and for driving long cables (to several
thousand feet) use the higher current, up to 20 mA l.) The discharge time constant of the sensors.
maximum. Line-impedance matching may be
necessary to produce flat-frequency response over 2.) If AC-coupled at the power unit, the
long (hundreds or thousands of feet) cables. coupling time constant.
Switch power on and observe reading of bias Consult Section 7 in General Guide G-0001B for a
monitoring voltmeter on front panel of the signal detailed explanation of low-frequency characteristics
conditioner. of ICP® instruments.

Drawing Number: 21102

Revision: NR
 OPERATION MANUAL FOR 4
Series 138

7.0 MAINTENANCE
Observe the following precautions when using the
sensor:

l.) Keep connections clean and dry.

2.) Do not exceed specified maximum range.
3.) Do not subject sensor to temperatures
exceeding 100 °F.
4.) Do not apply voltage to sensor without
current-limiting diodes or other current protection.
5.) Do not apply more than 20 mA of current to
the sensor.

®ICP is a registered trademark of PCB Piezotronics,

Inc.

Drawing Number: 21102

Revision: NR
 Model Number Revision: J
138A05 ICP® PRESSURE SENSOR ECN #: 44771

Performance ENGLISH SI OPTIONAL VERSIONS

Measurement Range(for ±5V output) 5000 psi 34,475 kPa
Optional versions have identical specifications and accessories as listed for the standard model
Useful Overrange(for ± 10V output) 10,000 psi 68,950 kPa [1] except where noted below. More than one option may be used.
Sensitivity(± 15 %) 1.0 mV/psi 0.15 mV/kPa
Maximum Pressure 50,000 psi 344,750 kPa
N - Negative Output Polarity
Resolution 0.1 psi 0.7 kPa [2]
Resonant Frequency ≥ 1000 kHz ≥ 1000 kHz
Rise Time(Reflected) ≤ 1.5 µ sec ≤ 1.5 µ sec W - Water Resistant Cable
Low Frequency Response(-5 %) 2.5 Hz 2.5 Hz
Non-Linearity ≤ 2.0 % FS ≤ 2.0 % FS [3]
Environmental
Temperature Range(Operating) 0 to +100 °F -17.8 to +37.8 °C
Maximum Shock 20,000 g pk 196,140 m/s² pk NOTES:
Electrical [1]For +10 volt output, minimum 24 VDC supply voltage required. Negative 10 volt output may be
Output Polarity(Positive Pressure) Positive Positive limited by output bias.
Discharge Time Constant(at room temp) ≥ 0.2 sec ≥ 0.2 sec [2]Typical.
Excitation Voltage 20 to 30 VDC 20 to 30 VDC [3]Zero-based, least-squares, straight line method.
Constant Current Excitation 2 to 20 mA 2 to 20 mA [4]See PCB Declaration of Conformance PS023 for details.
Output Impedance ≤ 100 Ohm ≤ 100 Ohm
Output Bias Voltage 8 to 14 VDC 8 to 14 VDC
Physical
Sensing Element Tourmaline Tourmaline
Housing Material Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Electrical Connector 10-32 Coaxial Jack 10-32 Coaxial Jack
Weight 0.75 oz 21.0 gm Entered: LK Engineer: RPF Sales: RWM Approved: BAM Spec Number:

Date: 11/2/2015 Date: 11/2/2015 Date: 11/2/2015 Date: 11/2/2015 138-1050-80

[4]
Phone: 716-684-0001
All specifications are at room temperature unless otherwise specified.
In the interest of constant product improvement, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice. Fax: 716-684-0987
®
ICP is a registered trademark of PCB Group, Inc. 3425 Walden Avenue, Depew, NY 14043 E-Mail: [email protected]