Air Pressure Sensors
Air pressure sensors measure the force of air as exerted on the device and then convert the information into a readable display. Transducers are similar; they are designed to convert one form of energy into another, while sensors are explicitly intended to measure and provide a reading of the measurement. Sensors are often composed of transducers, so the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. They are frequently encased in stainless steel and found in nozzles or connectors, although separate electronic instruments are common as well.
Quick links to Air Pressure Sensors Information
Importance of Air Pressure Sensors
Air pressure sensors are important because an incorrect pressure can cause injury to nearby personnel or damage surrounding materials and equipment. If a mechanic is unsure how much pressure is in a tire, for example, he could overfill it and cause it to burst, or he could under-fill it and cause excessive wear to the car.
Applications of Air Pressure Sensors
Air pressure sensors are used to monitor the pneumatic air pressure in:
These sensors are also useful for determining the air pressure of a given room because air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Hospitals monitor air pressure to minimize the risk of spreading infection and disease.
Air pressure sensors are sometimes combined with other useful devices such as pressure regulators and calibrators. Pressure regulators control the amount of pressure running through a system and can be altered to increase or reduce the pressure based on the reading the sensor provides. Calibrators are used to determine if the sensor is making accurate readings. These instruments receive input from the system and compare that with the reading on the sensor to make sure that everything is functioning correctly and accurately. It is a safety hazard if air pressure is unregulated or misread.
Design of Air Pressure Sensors
Air pressure sensors are small enough to fit in an open hand; some are the size of a fingernail.
- They rely on the use of a silicon chip, also called an integrated circuit.
- The pressure of the air bends the chip according to how much force is being exerted.
- The bend causes the charge in the integrated circuit to change, which the sensor detects and uses to determine the air pressure.
- It transmits the information to a gauge or display.
Some sensors have audible alarms to alert the operator that the pressure is either too high or too low, while other systems, such as those found in cars, have a light to inform the driver if tire pressure is incorrect.