ELECTRICAL
PRESSURE
ELEMENTS
Ronicon G. Fuentes
Differential
Pressure
Refers to the difference
in pressure between two
distinct points within a
system.
ΔP=P2−P1
Differential Pressure Applications
FLOW HVAC SYSTEMS FLUID AND GAS TANK LEVEL LEAK INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULIC
MEASUREMENT (HEATING, HANDLING MEASUREMENT DETECTION PROCESS SYSTEMS
VENTILATION, SYSTEMS CONTROL
AND AIR
CONDITIONING)
Differential
Pressure Gauge
A differential pressure gauge
measures the difference in
pressure between two points in a
system and presents the
subsequent differential pressure
directly on a single gauge dial
Differential
Pressure
Sensing
Mechanism
Bellow
Bourdon Tube
Diaphram
Electrical
Pressure
Elements
Electrical
Pressure
Elements
are components that convert pressure
into an electrical signal, enabling the
monitoring and control of pressure in
various systems. These elements are
commonly used in industrial
automation, automotive systems, and
aerospace applications.
Piezoresistive
(strain gauge)
sensors
Piezoresistive means “pressure-
sensitive resistance,” or a
resistance that changes value with
applied pressure.
Electrical resistance of any
conductor is proportional to the
area (𝑅∝𝑙𝐴),
ratio of length over cross-sectional
The strain gauge stretches to a
greater length, causing its
resistance to increase.
R=ρLA
This change in resistance
causing a voltage (𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡)
imbalances the bridge circuit,
proportional to the amount of
applied pressure. Thus, the
strain gauge works to convert
an applied pressure into a
measurable voltage signal
which may be amplified and
converted into a 4-20 mA loop
current signal
Filter
Example
High sensitivity
Wide pressure range
Compact size
Advantage Low power consumption
s Good linearity
Rapid response time
Cost-effective for mass
production
Susceptible to temperature variations
Limited accuracy compared to other sensor
types
May require frequent calibration
Disadvantages
Limited durability under extreme pressure
conditions
Potential for long-term drift
Sensitive to electromagnetic interference
Limited performance in corrosive
environments
Automotive MAP Sensors: Measure the manifold
air pressure (MAP) in combustion engines to optimize
fuel injection and ignition timing for better fuel
efficiency.
CPAP Machines: Used in continuous positive airway
pressure (CPAP) machines to monitor and regulate
the pressure delivered to patients with sleep apnea.
Application
Filter Monitoring in HVAC Systems: Detects the
pressure difference across filters in air conditioning
systems to indicate when filters need replacement.
s Aircraft Cabin Pressure Control: Monitors the
differential pressure between the cabin and the
external atmosphere to ensure passenger comfort
and safety at high altitudes.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Ensures precise
oxygen delivery by measuring pressure changes in
respiratory systems.
Oil Well Monitoring: Measures differential
pressure in oil wells to track fluid levels and
detect blockages.
Wearable Fitness Devices: Embedded in
smartwatches to measure altitude changes
during activities like hiking, running, or
climbing.
Water Treatment Plants: Monitors the
Application differential pressure across membranes in
reverse osmosis systems to ensure efficient
water filtration.
s Medical Syringe Pumps: Tracks pressure in
infusion pumps to maintain consistent flow
rates for intravenous medications.
Environmental Drones: Measures altitude
changes and environmental pressures to
monitor air quality and gather atmospheric
data during flights.
IDP10 differential
pressure
transmitter
USD4,918.00
Differential
Capacitance
Sensor
These sensors have two
conductive plates separated by a
dielectric material. When pressure
is applied, the distance between
the plates changes, altering the
capacitance. This change in
capacitance is then converted into
an electrical signal.
Differential
Capacitance
Sensor
Any difference of pressure
across the cell causes the
diaphragm to flex in the
direction of least pressure.
The sensing diaphragm is a
precision-manufactured
spring element, meaning
that its displacement is a
predictable function of
applied force.
Differential
Capacitance
Sensor
Since capacitance between
conductors is inversely
proportional to the distance
separating them,
capacitance on the low-
pressure side will increase
while capacitance on the
high-pressure side will
decrease
Differential
Capacitance
Sensor
This use of isolating
diaphragms and fill fluid to
transfer motion to the
sensing diaphragm, employed
in other styles of differential
pressure sensor as well, gives
modern differential pressure
instruments excellent
resistance to overpressure
damage.
Differential
Capacitanc
e Sensor
High Sensitivity
Low Power Consumption
Advantage Good Accuracy and Stability
s
Wide Measurement Range
Non-contact
MeasurementResistant to
Environmental Factors
Susceptibility to temperature
variations
Power consumption
Complex installation
Disadvantage
Signal drift over time
s
Lower sensitivity for small pressures
Higher cost
Fuel Tank Level Measurement: In aircraft, these sensors
measure differential pressure to determine fuel levels accurately,
even under varying environmental conditions.
Flow Measurement in HVAC Systems: Measures the pressure
drop across air filters and ducts to ensure optimal airflow and
detect clogs or blockages.
Barometric Pressure Sensing: In meteorological stations,
these sensors are used to monitor atmospheric pressure changes
Application for weather forecasting.
s Medical Ventilators: Monitors differential pressure to control
and regulate the airflow delivered to patients, ensuring safe and
effective respiratory support.
Laboratory and Cleanroom Monitoring: Ensures the pressure
difference between rooms to maintain sterile or controlled
environments, preventing contamination.
Boiler and Steam Systems: Monitors differential pressure
across steam lines to optimize efficiency and prevent equipment
damage.
Altitude Measurement in Drones: Used
in drones and UAVs for precise altitude
control, helping with navigation and stability.
Automotive Exhaust System
Monitoring: Measures differential pressure
across the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
valve to optimize emissions control in
vehicles.
Application
Filter Monitoring in Pharmaceutical
s Manufacturing: Tracks pressure changes
across filters to ensure compliance with
sterile and cleanroom standards.
Hydraulic Systems in Industrial
Equipment: Monitors pressure changes to
prevent overloading and maintain the safe
operation of machinery.
Rosemount model
3051 Differential
pressure
transmitter
$ 4,332.50
Thank You
