Find IP68 submersible pressure transducers with voltage outputs (0-5V/0-10V) for continuous underwater level and pressure measurement in tanks, boreholes, and rivers. Vented gauge and absolute options available.
IP68 submersible pressure transducers with voltage output signals offer a specialized solution for measuring liquid level or pressure in applications requiring continuous underwater deployment. Designed with robust sealing to withstand permanent immersion, these sensors utilize durable, integrated cables for both signal transmission and mechanical suspension. Available in vented gauge configurations for barometric pressure compensation in level measurement, or absolute pressure versions for total pressure sensing, they provide reliable voltage outputs (e.g., 0-5V, 0-10V) suitable for interfacing with various control and monitoring systems in environmental and industrial settings like boreholes, tanks, and open water monitoring.
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Find out more about IP68 Submersible Protected Voltage Output Signal Pressure Transducers to determine which product options and capabilities will best meet your application requirements.
IP68-rated pressure transducers with voltage output signals are specifically engineered for reliable, continuous operation while fully submerged in water or other compatible liquids. This product type combines robust environmental sealing with a common analogue signal interface, catering to applications requiring precise pressure or level measurements in underwater environments. The IP68 designation confirms a high degree of protection against water ingress, crucial for instruments intended for permanent installation below the liquid surface, ensuring the integrity of internal electronics and sensor elements over extended periods.
The defining feature of these transducers is their robust sealing, particularly at the cable entry point and transducer housing, designed to withstand hydrostatic pressure at specified depths. Unlike standard industrial pressure transducers, the electrical interface is meticulously protected against moisture intrusion, vital for maintaining signal fidelity and preventing premature failure in applications like borehole water level monitoring, river gauging stations, or submerged equipment monitoring. Material selection, often involving 316L stainless steel or titanium for the body and chemically resistant polymers for seals and diaphragms, is critical for compatibility with the measured media and long-term immersion.
These instruments provide a proportional voltage output, such as 0-5Vdc or 0-10Vdc, which interfaces readily with various data acquisition systems, PLCs, or remote telemetry units (RTUs). While 4-20mA signals are common for long-distance transmission, voltage outputs can be advantageous in systems standardized on voltage inputs, potentially simplifying integration or offering lower power consumption in battery-operated logging systems. Careful consideration of cable length and potential voltage drop is necessary during system design when using voltage signals over significant distances.
A unique aspect of submersible transducer design is the specialized cable, which serves not only for electrical signal transmission but also as the primary means of mechanical support. These cables are constructed with durable, waterproof outer jackets, typically Polyurethane (PUR) or FEP, offering resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and the constant pressure of submersion. The cable’s construction allows the transducer to be suspended directly into the measurement location, such as a storage tank or monitoring well, eliminating the need for complex mounting brackets.
For accurate liquid level (hydrostatic head) measurements, vented gauge reference transducers are commonly employed. These incorporate a micro-bore vent tube running the length of the support cable, terminating at the surface. This venting allows the sensing diaphragm’s rear side to reference atmospheric pressure, automatically compensating for barometric pressure fluctuations and ensuring the output signal solely reflects the liquid column height. Protecting the cable’s atmospheric termination point with a hydrophobic filter or suitable enclosure is essential to prevent moisture or contaminant ingress into the vent tube.
Alternatively, non-vented or absolute pressure reference versions are available. These transducers measure the total pressure exerted by both the liquid column and the atmospheric pressure acting on the liquid surface. Absolute pressure transducers are suitable for applications where the cable does not surface, where total pressure is the parameter of interest (e.g., sealed systems), or in very deep submersions where managing a vent tube becomes impractical. Barometric pressure compensation, if required for level derivation from an absolute sensor, must be performed externally using a separate barometric pressure sensor.
Common deployment scenarios include monitoring water levels in boreholes for groundwater resource management, tracking river, lake, or reservoir levels for flood warning systems and water supply monitoring, and gauging contents in large open storage tanks containing water, wastewater, or certain fuels and chemicals (material compatibility permitting). They are also used to measure pressures within submerged pipelines or underwater equipment housings.
In applications involving flowing or turbulent liquids, such as rivers, tidal zones, or pumped wells, deploying the submersible transducer within a stilling well or perforated guide tube is highly recommended. This practice shields the sensor from direct flow impingement, which can cause dynamic pressure variations leading to inaccurate readings, and protects it from potential impacts by debris. A stilling well ensures the transducer measures the static head more accurately, reflecting the true liquid level.