A datacenter facility required a highly reliable method for monitoring very low differential air pressures to maintain the effectiveness of its hot/cold aisle containment system and prevent contaminant ingress. The solution needed to measure a bi-directional range of -50 to +50 Pascals and include a local display for instant verification by technicians. The DPS series pressure transmitter was selected for its specialised low-pressure measurement capabilities and robust design suitable for critical 24/7 operations.
- Customer Application: Datacenter room pressurization & aisle containment
- Product Solution: DPS series differential pressure transmitter
- Key Requirements: -50 to +50 Pa range, local display, relay alarms
- Distinctive Feature: Wear-free inductive sensing technology for long-term stability
Maintaining precise environmental conditions within a datacenter is critical for ensuring equipment reliability and optimising energy efficiency. A key parameter in managing these environments is the control of air pressure differentials between different zones. A facility manager for a datacenter required a robust solution for monitoring the pressure difference between their server halls and adjacent spaces. The primary application was to ensure correct pressurisation for both contamination control and the effective management of their hot and cold aisle containment strategy, which is fundamental to efficient thermal management. The specific requirement was for a sensor capable of measuring a very low, bi-directional pressure range of -50 to +50 Pascals. A crucial part of the specification was the need for an integrated digital display to allow technicians to get an immediate visual reading of the room’s pressure status without needing to consult the central building management system (BMS).
The proposed solution was the DPS series differential pressure transmitter. This instrument was ideally suited for the application, not only because it could be configured for the exact -50 to +50 Pa measurement range, but also due to its underlying technology and optional features. The sensor operates on a wear-free inductive measurement principle , a significant advantage in a 24/7 operational environment like a datacenter, as it ensures excellent long-term stability and requires almost no maintenance. This sturdy mechanical construction guarantees high reproducibility, which is essential for maintaining the narrow pressure windows required for effective aisle containment. For such low-pressure ranges, even minor sensor drift can be significant, so the optional automatic zeroing function is a vital feature for ensuring sustained accuracy over time.
To meet the customer’s specific needs, the DPS transmitter was specified with the optional integrated 3.5-digit LCD, providing the necessary at-a-glance verification for staff on the ground. Furthermore, the unit was equipped with two user-configurable relay switch contacts. These contacts can be linked to the datacenter’s control system to trigger alarms or activate control hardware if the pressure differential moves outside the pre-defined limits, providing an active layer of protection for the critical infrastructure. The sensor’s standard 4-20 mA analogue output signal allowed for simple and interference-free integration into the facility’s main BMS for centralised monitoring and data logging. The instrument’s IP54-rated ABS housing and simple barbed process connections for flexible tubing ensure it is both well-protected from dust and easy to install within the datacenter’s existing HVAC infrastructure.
DPS Low Range Differential Pressure Transmitter
- Pressure Range: -50 to +50 Pa
- Output Signal & Supply Type: 4-20mA 2 wire, 19-32Vdc supply
- Output Options: Linear signal
- Accuracy (linearity only): 1% full scale
- Electrical Connection: M12 x 1.5 cable glands with 5 internal screw terminals
- Process Connection: 6.6mm dia x 11mm barbed connections
- Media Compatibility: Non aggressive gases compatible with Ni, Al, CuBe, PU, silicon rubber
- Optional Extras: Integrated LCD display, 3 1/2 digit
- Optional Extras: 2 x relay switches, user configurable