Differential pressure sensors can double as gauge pressure sensors. Here we will explain how a DP sensor is used to measure gauge pressure.
- Gauge pressure measures pressure relative to the atmosphere.
- Differential pressure sensors measure the difference between two pressures.
- A differential pressure sensor can be used as a gauge pressure sensor by leaving one side open to the atmosphere.
Featured differential pressure sensor products
DPT100 Modbus RTU RS485 Differential Pressure Sensor - The DPT 100 is a high-accuracy differential pressure transmitter designed for fast test processes in leakage and flow measurement applications where rapid response time and high sampling rates are essential
Rangeable DP Sensors - Rangeable differential pressure (DP) sensors provide a high degree of flexibility in measurement applications by allowing users to adjust the output signal.
Gauge pressure is the measurement of pressure relative to the surrounding atmospheric pressure. This is normally achieved by using a sensor which has the reverse side of the sensing diaphragm open to atmosphere via a reference tube or port.
A differential pressure sensor is designed for pressure to be applied to both sides, so the mechanical design and fittings are similar on both sides of the diaphragm.
Even though the reverse side connection of a dp sensor is designed to withstand a range of pressures, and protected against liquids in many cases, it is perfectly okay, despite its underuse, to leave the process connection open and vented to atmosphere.
When pressure is now applied to the forward side connection of the dp sensor, it will be measured relative to atmospheric pressure, operating in exactly the same way as a gauge reference pressure sensor.
Featured differential pressure sensor products
Heating appliance chimney draft and barometric pressure testing using differential and absolute sensors - Very low, bi-directional chimney draft pressure and barometric pressure sensor for testing preformance of wood stoves in a research environment.
Engine test cell fuel filter 2.5 bar differential pressure sensor with ATEX approval - Sensor to measure differential pressure across fuel filters in an engine test cell on diesel and kerosene.
Here are the steps involved in measuring gauge pressure using a differential pressure sensor:
- Make sure that the reverse or negative side of the sensor is left open to the atmosphere.
- Connect the forward or positive side of the differential pressure sensor to the system to be measured.
- The pressure that you apply will be measured relative to atmospheric pressure.
- The sensor will output a value that corresponds to the gauge pressure.
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Related Technical Terms
- Dry/Dry
- Gauge Reference Pressure
- Negative Gauge Pressure
- Reference Pressure
- SG – Sealed Gauge
- Static Line Pressure
- Vented Cable
- Vented Gauge
- Wet/Dry
- Wet/Wet
Related Online Tools
- DP Flow Transmitter Output Calculator
- High and Low Side Pressure to Differential Pressure Calculator
- Gauge + Barometric to Absolute Pressure Calculator
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