Wet/Wet Differential Pressure Sensors for Liquid Media on Both Ports

Wet/Wet differential pressure transducers and transmitters which are compatible with liquids on both positive and negative side process connections.

Wet/wet differential pressure sensors are specialized instruments engineered to reliably measure pressure differences when liquid media is present on both the high and low-pressure ports. Their design incorporates robust materials and sealing techniques to protect the sensing element from corrosive effects and media ingress on both sides, making them ideal for a wide array of applications including liquid flow measurement, level monitoring in sealed tanks, and hydraulic system analysis where dual-sided liquid exposure is a critical operational consideration.

Find out more about Wet / Wet Differential Pressure Sensors to determine which product options and capabilities will best meet your application requirements.

Wet/wet differential pressure sensors are specifically engineered to accommodate liquid media on both their positive (high-pressure) and negative (low-pressure) ports. This capability is crucial in applications where both sides of the pressure sensing element will be exposed to liquids, whether intentionally as part of the measurement process or incidentally due to factors like condensation or system design. The internal construction of these sensors is robust, designed to prevent media ingress and subsequent damage or inaccurate readings that could occur if a sensor designed for dry or gas media only was mistakenly used.

The term “wet/wet” signifies that the materials and sealing methods used for the wetted parts, those components in direct contact with the process media, are selected for their compatibility with a range of liquids. This often involves the use of corrosion-resistant metals such as stainless steel (e.g., 316L), Hastelloy, Monel, or other specialized alloys, particularly for the sensing diaphragms and the pressure port assemblies. The internal cavities and the sensitive transducing element are meticulously protected to ensure that exposure to liquids on either pressure connection does not compromise the sensor’s integrity or operational lifespan.

One of the primary design considerations for wet/wet differential pressure transducers and transmitters is the complete isolation of the sensing element from the process media on both sides. This is often achieved through the use of dual isolated diaphragms, where the process pressure is transferred via an internal fill fluid to the sensing element itself. This construction ensures that corrosive, viscous, or particulate-laden liquids do not directly interact with delicate sensor components, thereby preventing damage and maintaining measurement accuracy over time. The selection of appropriate fill fluids is also critical, chosen for their stability across the operating temperature range and compatibility with the diaphragm materials.

These sensors are indispensable in numerous industrial and research settings. For instance, they are commonly employed for flow measurement by monitoring the pressure drop across an orifice plate, venturi tube, or flow nozzle in liquid pipelines. Another significant application is liquid level measurement in pressurized or sealed tanks, where the differential pressure between the bottom of the tank and the headspace is proportional to the liquid level. Wet/wet DP sensors are also vital for monitoring filter performance by measuring the pressure difference across a filter element, indicating when the filter is becoming clogged and requires maintenance or replacement. In hydraulic systems, they can monitor pressure differentials across components such as pumps or valves, providing critical data for system control and diagnostics. The ability to handle liquids on the negative side is particularly beneficial where process lines can experience backflow or where condensation is a persistent issue, ensuring reliable operation where standard DP sensors might fail.