Pressure sensors are critical instruments that control and monitor gases and liquids across thousands of industrial operations every day. Accurate and stable pressure measurements are required to maintain efficient, reliable and safe operations, so it is essential to specify and install the correct pressure sensors for your process.
As a specialist pressure sensors supplier, we work with major manufacturers such as Wika Instruments, Gems Sensors & Controls and Setra. Our offerings include digital pressure sensors, electronic pressure sensors, small pressure sensors, industrial pressure transducers and many more — all available for different fluids, environments and measurement applications.
Browse our extensive catalogue or speak with our expert UK-based technical team for tailored advice on specifying the right pressure-sensing solutions for your specific process and plant conditions.
Pressure sensors, or pressure transducers, are instruments that convert the measured mechanical pressure of a gas or liquid into an electrical output signal for control and monitoring purposes.
The electronic pressure sensor components generate an electrical signal when force is applied to the pressure-sensitive elements. The signals are generally analogue or digital; although other types such as visual and optical are also used.
For force collector type technologies, a strain gauge such as a diaphragm is used to measure the strain (or deflection) that results from an applied force over an area — pressure. The electrical resistance measured from the gauge then changes in proportion to the pressure-induced strain. This is the principle behind resistance pressure sensors.
A piezoresistive pressure sensor operates on a similar principle, where the piezoresistive effect causes a change in electrical resistance when mechanical stress is applied. The diagram illustrates how the piezoresistive element, typically a silicon diaphragm with integrated resistors, deforms under applied pressure, resulting in a measurable change in resistance.
With capacitive technology, a capacitor plate is used as the diaphragm, which displaces under pressure-induced strain, changing the output capacitance. This is the basis for capacitive differential pressure transducers and capacitance type pressure transmitters.
4-20mA, 0-5 V and 0-10 VDC are often used in analogue pressure transmitters and are common output options for most types of pressure sensing technologies.
Strain gauge and capacitive technologies are just some of the many types used in pressure sensors. Learn more about how different pressure-sensing technologies work here.
Pressure sensors are used extensively across industry to make processes smarter, safer and more efficient to operate. Suitable for different industries, media and applications, these sensors can include air pressure sensors, gas pressure sensors, liquid pressure sensors, low pressure sensors and high-temperature pressure sensors.
Below are some examples of common pressure sensor applications:
The type of pressure sensor technology you choose can differ depending on the type of pressure measurement you need to monitor. These measurements are:
Pressure sensors or pressure transducers can make use of different measurements to quickly and accurately infer other process variables such as level, flowrate and velocity.
The type of pressure sensor used depends heavily on the application as well as the type of pressure being measured. Some of the common technologies include:
As one of the leading suppliers of high-performance pressure sensors in the UK, we carry a wide selection of pressure transducers with a range of sensing technologies including capacitance, CVD, sputtered thin film and MMS types.
Having the correct pressure sensor specification is essential to enable accurate and reliable monitoring and control of your processes. Careful consideration of your system requirements can help ensure you select the right, fit-for-purpose sensor. Aspects to consider can include:
Our knowledgeable technical support team are experts in working across different industries and experienced in specifying pressure sensors to suit different system, operating and measurement requirements. Even for the most demanding and performance-critical systems, our specialists can work flexibly with you to specify the most optimal solution to suit your technical and delivery needs.
Accurate and meaningful pressure measurements are critical to safe, reliable and efficient operations, so it is important to specify and install the right pressure sensor for your process. As a specialist supplier in the UK, we have a wide variety of high-performance pressure sensors in stock and available for different fluids, environments and measurement applications. Speak with our experts or explore our extensive portfolio to discover high-accuracy pressure-sensing solutions that you can trust with any measurement challenge.
Pressure sensors and pressure switches are both devices used to measure and respond to pressure changes. However, they serve different purposes and provide different types of outputs.
A pressure sensor is a device that continuously measures the pressure of a gas or liquid and outputs a signal proportional to the measured pressure. The output signal can be analogue or digital, depending on the sensor type. Pressure sensors are used in applications that require constant monitoring and data acquisition.
A pressure switch, on the other hand, is an electric device that is triggered when the pressure reaches a certain set point or level. Pressure switches have two states: open or closed. When the pressure reaches the set point, the switch changes its state, either closing or opening the electrical circuit. A pressure switch is usually used for safety and control purposes such as in an automatic shut-off system.
Although the terms "pressure transmitter" and "pressure transducer" are often used interchangeably, there are technical differences.
The main difference is their output signal. A pressure transducer converts the measured force into a voltage output directly proportional to the applied pressure.
A pressure transmitter is a more comprehensive device that includes the transducer and additional signal conditioning electronics. The transmitter takes the transducer's output signal and conditions it to a standardised format, such as 4-20mA, or a digital protocol like HART or Fieldbus for an easier interface with control systems and data monitoring equipment.
There is no universal "best" pressure sensor. The right model will depend on your specific application requirements. Key factors to consider when specifying pressure sensors include the medium being measured, the operating environment, the desired output signal and the required pressure range and accuracy.
Some of our most-popular pressure sensor models include the Gems 3100/3200 series for general applications, Setra 239 differential pressure sensor for high accuracy test & measurement environments and Wika IS-3 series for ATEX/IS requirements.
Pressure sensors can be either analogue or digital. Analogue sensors provide a continuous output signal proportional to the measured pressure. Digital sensors, on the other hand, convert the pressure reading into a digital format (e.g. I2C, SPI or CAN bus) to interface with microcontrollers and other digital systems.
In general, digital pressure sensors offer better accuracy and resolution compared to their analogue counterparts. Digital sensors are less susceptible to noise and interference, provide a direct digital output, and often include built-in compensation and calibration features. However, analogue sensors can be more cost-effective and suitable for applications with less stringent accuracy requirements.
Check out our blog for more information on digital pressure sensors.
While the answer to this question is subjective, purchasing pressure sensors online is generally an efficient method, provided you are aware of what you are purchasing and know the product reasonably well. With over 35 years of experience in this field, we at Boiswood have encountered many cases where customers have purchased the wrong pressure sensors for their application, requesting Boiswood to guide them through the process and ensure they get the correct sensing solution.
We offer a wide range of high-quality pressure sensors suitable for various applications and industries. Our extensive catalogue provides detailed product information for each of our pressure sensors, making it easier for you to make an informed decision. However, we are always keen to discuss your requirements in person, over the phone, via video call, or through our live chat function. If you need any help specifying the right sensor for your application, please reach out to our friendly, expert team.
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