Absolute and Gauge Pressure Transmitters - Overview and Working Principle

Over the years, pressure transmitters are utilized to measure liquid levels of open or pressurized tanks in industrial processes. With rapid digitalization, these transmitters now comprise advanced technology and improved additional features. This advancement guarantees high performance in measurements, process optimization, and operational safety. Initially, pressure transmitters were equipped with capacitance and piezo-resistive technologies. Nowadays, they come with microprocessor-based technologies, thus named smart pressure transmitters. There are different types of pressure transmitters in use today. Absolute pressure transmitter and gauge pressure transmitter are two popular choices. Would you like to know more about them? This post discusses both pressure transmitters in detail. So, stay tuned.

Working Principle and Other Details about Absolute Pressure Transmitters

Often called as absolute pressure sensor, they provide pressure measurement to a reference of zero pressure, which is as close as possible to a vacuum. They use 0°K as a reference point. Thus, there is no comparison in terms of pressure changes.

As discussed earlier, the pressure is measured relative to a complete vacuum with absolute pressure sensors. This mean, the measurements are not influenced by atmospheric pressure such as air or altitude pressure variations. As they are not in contact with the external system, the release node does not exist in the system. The side of absolute pressure transmitters which is not exposed to pressure media is completely sealed. Absolute pressure transmitters are found in applications demanding the monitoring of industrial performance-driven vacuum pumps. For instance, in the food industry, vacuum packing is used to prevent oxygen from degrading perishable foods, thus extending the product’s flavor as well as shelf life.

What Are Gauge Pressure Transmitters and How Do They Work?

For most applications, the vacuum or exact pressure being generated is not important criteria. Instead, you just need to understand what’s the difference between the vacuum and atmospheric pressure. This is where gauge pressure transmitters are used. Often called gauge pressure sensor, they provide pressure measurement relative to the local atmospheric pressure. These sensors have ports to sample the ambient pressure in real-time. A pipe is attached to the port, and a vent is open to the atmosphere. The pipe connects to the system where the actual measurement is to be made.

Gauge pressure can be measured using a variety of techniques. Many of them use a membrane fitted with an electrical component like a resistor, and its value varies when flexed. Today, the microelectromechanical system, often called MEMS, is used. In this, tiny and lightweight structures are fixed into silicon that can vibrate or flex. As the base is silicon, the electronic circuit can be integrated with the MEMS system. The small electrical path ensures low noise as well as high measurement accuracy, while the MEMS system element can result in a sensor that is completely isolated from temperature changes.

If you are someone who is looking for an absolute and gauge pressure transmitter for your industrial application, then make sure you employ a reliable, industry-leading supplier. The Transmitter Shop (TTS) is one industry leader specialized in offering accurately designed and performance-driven pressure sensors from top brands such as Emerson.