A common concern when selecting a pressure transducer is the performance in various temperature conditions. Temperature is an important specification with a direct effect on the accuracy of the transducer. Significant errors in pressure readings or complete failure is possible if operators install the transducer in an environment outside specification ranges. It’s important to consider different temperature specifications and know how to interpret them to make the best pressure transducer selection.
For example, we’ll consider the specification for the CS10 Industrial Pressure Transducer throughout this post. You can learn more about the CS10 here: https://psctexas.com/product/cs10-industrial-pressure-transducer-45000-psi/.
The operating temperature specification refers to the minimum and maximum temperature that the transducer’s body, or housing, can tolerate. For example, the operating temperature of the CS10 Industrial Pressure Transducer is -40 to +85˚C. Temperature limitations of the electronics and other components within the body of the transducer dictate the operating temperature specification.
These media temperature specifications refer to the minimum and maximum temperature that transducers’ process connections and diaphragms can tolerate. Media is the liquid or gas that the transducer measures. This specification typically has a wider range than the operating temperature. This is because there is more material separating the temperature from the sensitive electronics in the sensors body.
The compensated temperature specification refers to the temperature range that transducers have been conditioned to during manufacturing. This conditioning allows the transducer to control, or compensate, the amount of temperature error to a specific amount when within this range. For example, the CS10 Industrial Pressure Transducer has a compensated temperature of 0 to +55°C. The internal electronics of the CS10 can control the amount of error as long as the temperature stays within this range. The amount of allowable error within this range is known as TC Zero and TC Span.
Storage temperature specification refers to the minimum and maximum temperature that transmitters can tolerate when not in operation. The temperature range is typically wider than the operating temperature. This is because the circuitry of the sensor is not in use and temporary errors are not noticable. For example, the storage temperature of the CS10 Industrial Pressure Transducer is -40 to +125˚C. Operators should take care to ensure storage temperatures do not exceed this range as damage to the sensor can still occur.
Temperature Coefficient (TC) is the maximum error allowed when operating within the transducers compensated temperature range. TC Zero refers to the effect of temperature on the zero signal. Furthermore, TC Span refers to the effect of temperature on the full-scale output of the transducer. Using room temperature as a reference point, the temperature error of the zero signal increases within the specific TC as you move further away from room temperature. This specification is typically a percentage of FS. For example, with a compensated temperature of 0 to +55˚C on a CS10 transducer, the TC Zero and TC Span are ≤ ±1% of FS (≤ ±2% of FS for pressures 2 PSI & below).
We offer the CS10 industrial pressure transducer, from Core Sensors, for demanding industrial applications. The CS10 uses MEMS silicon strain gages with a stainless steel or nickel alloy sensing element. The ASIC electronics offer analog voltage or 4-20 mA loop power output signals. Various process connections are available in 17-4PH, 316L, or nickel alloy including Hastelloy C276 and Inconel 718. Electrical connections include cable or various integral connectors. Semi-custom and custom designs are available.
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