Mod3 SensorsAndTransducers-1

Pressure Transducers and Manometers
A pressure transducer is a device that converts pressure into an analog electrical signal.
Measuring Pressure
Pressure is measured in three forms.
• Absolute pressure is a pressure that is relative to the zero pressure in a vacuum.
• Gage pressure is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.
• Differential pressure is the difference in pressure at two different points of the system.
Types of Pressure Transducers
Resistance Type Transducer
Transducer whose resistance varies with pressure applied is called resistance type pressure
transducers.
Eg: Strain Gauges.
Inductance Type Transducer
Pressure can also be measured using transducers like LVDT.
Capacitance Type Transducer
Transducers whose capacitance value changes with applied pressure is called capacitance
transducers. Capacitance transducers are used for measuring very low pressures.
Piezoelectric Transducers
Transducers use piezoelectric sensing elements for measuring pressure is called piezoelectric
transducers.
Manometer
There are many devices for measuring pressure. A manometer is an instrument that uses a column
of liquid to measure pressure. The measuring is done by balancing the fluid in a column against
another column of fluid of known specific gravity. Manometers are used for measuring low
pressure, especially in hydraulic laboratories.
Manometers can be classified as
• Simple manometer
• U tube manometer
• Well type manometer
• Inclined manometer
• Barometer
U Tube Manometer
A manometer in which the manometric fluid is filled in a U-shaped tube is called a U-tube
manometer. Water and mercury are commonly used manometric fluids.
An unknown pressure P1 is applied in one of the legs of the tube. It causes a movement of the
manometric fluid in the tube to the other leg which is kept open. The movement of the fluid is
stopped when the height is sufficient to balance the pressure exerted by the column of liquid.
if P2 is the atmospheric pressure then h is a direct measurement of P1 and is given by,
Then,
Where ρ is the density of manometric fluid and g is the acceleration due to gravity. That is, the
pressure applied can be measured by knowing the height of the column of the liquid and density
of the liquid.
Well Type Manometer
A well-type manometer has a well of large cross-sectional area connected to a glass tube.
Normally, mercury is used as the manometric fluid.
The unknown pressure P is applied to the well. This applied pressure causes the liquid level in the
well to fall and the liquid in the tube to rise. A small change in the height of the well causes a large
change in the liquid level of the tube. The difference in height can be measured using a scale that
is calibrated in terms of pressure.
Level Transducer
A level transducer is a device that produces an electric signal with respect to a liquid level. Level
transducers are classified based on following measurement methods
• Direct and indirect level measurements.
• Continuous and discrete level measurements.
In direct method of measurement, the liquid level is converted directly to electrical signal. This can
be done with the help of some indicators. In indirect method, liquid level is first converted to
displacement and this displacement is then converted to electrical signal.
Continuous Level Transducer
Continuous level transducers measure the exact position of liquid level. It can monitor the entire
system. Different types of continuous level transducers are
• Ultrasonic level transducers
• Float element type-level transducers
• Capacitive level transducers
• Pressure type-level transducers
• Inductive level transducers
• Resistive level transducers etc.
Float Element Type Level Transducers
A float element type liquid level transducer is the most common simple method to measure liquid
levels.
As the liquid level rises in the tank, the float rises. It causes to move the wiper over the potential
divider. The output terminals of the potential divider are connected to a voltmeter. The output
voltage is increased as the float rises. That is the voltage will be proportional to the liquid level.
Advantages
• Simple in construction.
• Easy to operate.
• Works at large temperature range.
Disadvantages
• Not suitable in moderate pressure.
• Design of float should be selected properly.
Ultrasonic Level Transducers
The ultrasonic level transducers work by the time-of-flight principle. It is a method used for
measuring the distance between a sensor and an object.
The ultrasonic transmitter emits an ultrasonic pulse beam towards the liquid. This pulse is
reflected back to the ultrasonic receiver by the liquid surface. The time difference between the
transmission and reception is measured and is calibrated to distance.
It can be used for both continuous and discrete level measurements.
Advantages
• Reliable.
• There are no moving parts.
• Can be used in high humidity.
• Material density or conductivity is not affected.
Disadvantages
• Dust particle may create distortion.
• Vibration or high noise will affect result.
Manometer Type Level Transducers
Pressure Type Level Transducers
Capacitive Level Transducers

Capacitive transducers can also be used to measure liquid levels.
Measurement of non-conductive material
The two concentric cylinders act as electrodes and the non-conducting liquid act as the dielectric
medium.
Non contacting Measurement
One plate is kept fixed as other plate moves with the liquid level.
Point (Discrete) Level Transducer
Discrete level transducers are used to detect a single discrete liquid height. It is normally used for
detecting overflow or below the required level conditions.

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Pressure Transducers and Manometers

Pressure Type Level Transducers

Capacitive Level Transducers

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