Pressure Difference measurement using Pressure Sensors / Transducers

In summary: There are a few different types of pressure transmitters, and some come with different interface options. Ultimately, it'll be up to you to decide what's best for your application.In summary, you might want to consider a pressure transmitter with an interface that allows you to resolve high frequencies, something like a Kulite or an Endevco transducer.
  • #1
MajSid
2
0
Dear All,

I am not sure if this is the right place or not for this post so i apologise in advance if not.

I am trying to find some pressure sensors / transducers to measure the pressure difference (with respect to static pressure) at points on a circular cylinder model installed inside a Wind Tunnel. This is the classic Flow over Cylinder experiment, but for the project I am working on, I am supposed to use pressure sensors / transducers to measure the pressure difference and display it in LabVIEW software.

The installed model (cylinder) has ten tapping points to which tubes are connected, and there is an additional tube that gives the static head inside the wind tunnel.

In LabVIEW, I want to display the ten pressure difference values (all with respect to static pressure).

I hope someone could help me out with some suggestions.

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
You didn't ask a question. What are you hoping we can help you with?
 
  • #3
Apologies. Here's the question:

What I really want to know is what pressure sensor / transducer (make / manufacturer) I should be using for this task.

Pardon me for my ignorance, but I've never worked with pressure sensors / transducers before.

I am hoping to measure the pressure difference by connecting the tubes to the pressure sensor / transducer, and to display the pressure difference values in LabVIEW.

Any help / pointers would be highly appreciated.
 
  • #4
You might start with National's introduction

http://www.ni.com/white-paper/3639/en/

there are at least a zillion transducers to choose from

here's a hobby site's smorgasboard
http://www.jameco.com/1/3/differential-pressure-sensor
probably the same ones as this industrial outfit offers
http://www.omega.com/pptst/px170.html
and their smorgasboard is
http://www.omega.com/toc_asp/subsectionSC.asp?subsection=B02&book=Pressure



Ashcroft is an old name in industrial & commercial equipment
http://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure_transducers_transmitters/low/

here's what we used in the nuclear plant
http://www.instrumart.com/assets/Rosemount_2051_datasheet.pdf [Broken]

pick your price range first, your differential pressure range second, then your preferred method of interface .

Be aware flow is a "noisy" process due to turbulence. Rosemount makes differential pressure transmitters for flow measurement as well as for level measurement which is a quieter process.
Your Labview i would think allows you to tailor signal smoothing as needed.
 
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  • #5
jim hardy said:
Be aware flow is a "noisy" process due to turbulence. Rosemount makes differential pressure transmitters for flow measurement as well as for level measurement which is a quieter process.
Your Labview i would think allows you to tailor signal smoothing as needed.

I second pretty much everything you already said. This part here is likely a non-issue, though. Most likely the transfer function associated with any sort of tubing attached to his pressure ports is going to attenuate any high-frequency pressure fluctuations and read back nearly the mean. If the actual desire is to resolve the higher frequencies, moving to something like a Kulite or an Endevco transducer may be necessary.
 
  • #6
Hey there, think I may have found something helpful here at this blog:

https://www.telematic.com/Blog/post/2014/07/16/Characteristics-Of-Pressure-Transmitters-Pressure-Sensors-And-Pressure-Transducers

Some of the info in here should answer some of your questions.
 

1. What is a pressure sensor/transducer and how does it work?

A pressure sensor/transducer is a device that measures the pressure of a fluid or gas and converts it into an electrical signal. It typically consists of a sensing element, such as a diaphragm or piezoelectric material, and an electronic circuit that amplifies and converts the signal. When pressure is applied to the sensing element, it undergoes a physical change which is translated into an electrical output.

2. What are the different types of pressure sensors/transducers?

There are several types of pressure sensors/transducers, including piezoresistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, and strain gauge. Each type has its own unique mechanism for measuring pressure and is suitable for different applications. For example, piezoresistive sensors are commonly used in industrial and automotive applications, while piezoelectric sensors are more suitable for high-frequency and dynamic measurements.

3. How do pressure sensors/transducers measure pressure difference?

Pressure sensors/transducers can measure pressure difference by comparing the pressure at two different points. This can be achieved by using two sensors/transducers, one at each point, and subtracting the readings from each other. Alternatively, some sensors/transducers have multiple ports that can be connected to different points to measure pressure difference directly.

4. What factors should be considered when selecting a pressure sensor/transducer for pressure difference measurement?

When selecting a pressure sensor/transducer for pressure difference measurement, factors such as the type of fluid or gas being measured, the pressure range, accuracy, and frequency response should be considered. It is important to choose a sensor/transducer that is suitable for the specific application and can provide accurate and reliable measurements.

5. How can the accuracy of pressure difference measurements be improved?

The accuracy of pressure difference measurements can be improved by calibrating the sensor/transducer regularly, ensuring proper installation and sealing, and using appropriate signal conditioning and data acquisition equipment. It is also important to consider the effects of temperature, vibration, and other environmental factors that may affect the accuracy of the measurements.

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