Pressure transducers (or pressure sensors) detect, measure and monitor changes in the fluid pressure. A pressure transducer is a necessary part of industrial safety instruments. You can also use a pressure transducer for other applications such as altitude measurement or flow measurement.

The most common technologies on which pressure transducers function are mechanical deflection, strain gauge, piezo-resistive, piezo-electric, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), vibrating elements and variable capacitance.

Depending on the type of measurement, pressure transducers come in different categories such as an absolute pressure transducer, a gauge pressure transducer, a vacuum pressure transducer, a differential pressure transducer and a sealed pressure transducer.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a pressure transducer are:

1. Required pressure measuring range
2. Fluid media in contact with the pressure transducer
3. Accuracy and sensitivity of the pressure transducer
4. Type of output: voltage, current, alarm or other
5. Type of technology adapted by the pressure transducer
6. Operating temperature

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy pressure transducers from reputable pressure transducer manufacturers

Once you identify your pressure measurement and monitoring requirements, check out different pressure transducers available in the market. Make sure you communicate about the operating conditions to the pressure transducer manufacturer. This would help the manufacturer to select an appropriate technology for your pressure transducer.

I recommend: Cooper Instruments & Systems, a reputable pressure transducer supplier, provides a range of products including differential pressure transducers and absolute pressure transducers. You can buy pressure transmitters and transducers at Ashcroft, a reputable manufacturer of temperature and pressure measurement instruments. Wasco supplies pressure transducers to various applications, such as automation and hydraulics. For automotive pressure transducers, check out the products offered by Sensata Technologies.

Buy a specialty or customized pressure transducer

If standard pressure transducers do not meet your application requirements, opt for a specialty or customized pressure transducer. For example, for extreme operating conditions such as engine testing rigs and mining equipment related applications, use high pressure transducers.

I recommend: If you need a pressure transmitter or a differential pressure transducer for a hazardous environment, check out products offered by American Sensor Technologies. You can buy a high pressure transducer or a vacuum pressure transducer at Omega, a reputable supplier of measuring instruments. Transducers Direct is another pressure transducer manufacturer that offers pressure transducers as per customers’ requirements. Pressure Profile Systems supplies pressure transducers for measuring tactile pressures. Gems Sensors & Controls offers high pressure transducers that can measure pressures up to 10,000 psi.

Buy a pressure transducer from reputable pressure transducer distributors or retailers

You can compare different pressure transducers based on their features and prices at distributors and retailers' websites.

I recommend: AutomationDirect.com is a reputable distributor of automation and industrial control products that offers pressure transducers, switches and transmitters. Component Distributors is another pressure transducer distributor that also assists you in selecting a pressure transducer as per your pressure measuring criteria such as pressure range, accuracy and sensor technology. Steven Engineering supplies pressure transducers offered by reputable pressure transducer manufacturers such as Honeywell, Schneider Electric and Newport Electronics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Register with reputable associations of transducer manufacturers to keep yourself informed about the updates in pressure transducers technology.
• •  Consult experts from calibration service providers for periodic calibration and repairs of your pressure transducers.