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Pressure sensor: Find the right one for your application

Pressure sensors can prevent damage or downtime caused by wear and tear of mechanical moving parts. They have a longer lifecycle than mechanical sensors that fail due to wear and tear.

ifm's product range of industrial pressure sensors offer different measuring principles, materials, and displays. They meet the requirements of different industrial manufacturing plant operations across the U.S. 

Our product line ranges from simple water pressure switches and pressure transmitters to sophisticated sensors with multiple output signals. These robust, reliable electronic pressure sensors offer you the right solution for your pneumatic, hydraulic and sanitary applications.

Use the “Select by application” table below to narrow your search for a pressure sensor. Scroll down to read about pressure sensor basics. Or click the "Learn More" button for the underlying measuring principles and technology of each sensor group. 

Pressure sensor industrial applications

 
Industrial applications
Mobile applications
With display
Without display
Specifications

Measuring range
-14.5…8700 psi -14.5…8700 psi -14.5…145 psi -14.5…8700 psi 0...5800 psi -14.5…2320 psi* -14.5…8700 psi 0…14.5 psi -14.5…8700 psi 0…8700 psi
Hydrostatic level 100…402 inH2O 40…100 inH2O   40… 401 inH2O       100...401 inH2O    

Medium temp.
-25...80 °C -25...80 °C 0...60 °C -25...90 °C -25...80 °C -25...110 °C -40...90 °C** 0...60 °C -25...80 °C -40...125 °C

Output signal
Transmitter
Switch
IO-Link
Transmitter
Switch
Transmitter
Switch
IO-Link
Transmitter Switch Transmitter
IO-Link
Transmitter Transmitter Switch
IO-Link
Transmitter
Media

Hydraulic oil
   

Water-based
         

Compressed air
 

Gases
 

Viscous / Suspended particles
               

Price

Sensors with digital display Sensors with gauge display Pneumatic air switches and sensors with display Blind transmitters Switches with adjustment dials Flush mountable Strain gauge transmitters Submersible pressure 
transmitters
Two switching outputs For mobile applications

 

 :Ideal application : Limited to < 363 psi due to ceramic cell  : Do not use in application
*measuring range up to 5800 psi with the PL54xx 
**temperature range up to 125°C with the PT50xx

Pressure sensor sanitary applications

 
Hygienic applications
With display
Without display
Specifications

Measuring range
-14.5…363 psi -14.5…363 psi* -14.5…363 psi -14.5…363 psi* -14.5…580 psi

Hydrostatic level
40.16…100.4 inH2O 40.15…1004 inH2O   40.15…1004 inH2O  

Medium temp.
-25...125 °C -25...150 °C -25...200 °C -25...150 °C -25...125 °C**

Output signal
Transmitter
Switch
Transmitter
Switch
IO-Link
Transmitter
Switch
IO-Link
Transmitter
IO-Link
Transmitter
IO-Link
Unique product features

Selection criteria
High visibility gauge style display Flagship sensor
w/ bright LED display
High-temp applications /
Highest resistance to thermal shock
Ideal choice when a display is not necessary Best option for smaller line sizes

Price





Sanitary pressure gauges, Type PG Sensors with display, Type PI Flush transmitters, Type PM

 

 : Ideal application  : Do not use in application
*measuring range up to 1450 psi with the Pxx602
**temperature range up to 150 °C for less than an hour

Technology overview

Learn how different types of pressure sensors use electric signals and digital technology to measure pressure.

How do ceramic capacitive pressure sensors work?

The most important element of the ceramic capacitive technology is the ceramic (Al2O3) measuring cell. After assembly, the ceramic cell element resembles a plate capacitor with a reference electrode and a measuring electrode placed 0.01 mm apart.

The capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes. As a medium applies force, the distance changes by a small value and the capacitance changes proportionately. This signal is then converted into pressure by a microprocessor.

Pressure sensor diagram showing the names of components: ceramic capacitive model

Note: The body of the sensor is different for the various families, but the measuring cell assembly is the same for all.

  1. PCB microprocessor evaluates capacitance and converts into a pressure value
  2. Ceramic capacitive base
  3. Outer ceramic diaphragm
  4. Applied pressure forces plates together and changes capacitance which is proportional to pressure
Sensors using ceramic capacitive measuring principles:
  • Type PM
  • Type PN with a measuring range < 100 bar (1450 psi)
  • Type PP

 

 

How do stainless steel strain gauge pressure sensors work?

Strain gauges are attached to the stainless steel measuring cell. Pressure of the medium on the measuring cell causes deflection of the strain gauge, which creates a change in resistance. Tension (positive strain) increases resistance and compression (negative strain) decreases resistance. The change in resistance is proportional to the pressure applied.

Pressure sensor diagram showing the names of components: Stainless steel strain gauge model

Note: The body of the sensor is different for the various families, but the measuring cell assembly is the same for all.

  1. Strain gauge attaches to the stainless steel measuring cell
  2. Fluid behind diaphragm transmits pressure to the measuring cell
  3. Flexible stainless steel wall of diaphragm provides the process interrface
  4. Applied pressure changes resistance within the strain gauge proportional to the pressure
Sensors using stainless steel strain gauge measuring principles:
  • Type PN with a measuring range > 100 bar (1450 psi)
  • Type PT / PU
  • Type PV

Pressure sensor basics

Explore the fundamentals of pressure sensing including pressure, various pressure scales, and different features and technologies in today's advances models. 

What is pressure?

Pressure is defined as the amount of force exerted on a specified area. The most common unit of measure in the US is psi (pounds force per square inch). The official SI unit of measure is the Pascal (Pa or Newton per square meter). The bar is another metric unit of measure equal to 100,000 Pa. 

What is the difference between atmospheric, gauge, absolute, and vacuum scales?

Atmospheric pressure is the air pressure exerted upon the earth. It is approximately 14.7 psi at sea level and decreases as elevation increases. The gauge pressure scale uses atmospheric pressure as the zero point and extends above or below for positive or negative (vacuum) pressure. The gauge pressure scale is also known as the relative pressure scale since it is relative to atmospheric pressure.

ifm pressure sensors use the gauge pressure scale. Variants rated at 363 psi and below have a vent that allows the zero point to change as atmospheric pressure changes. This allows the sensor to remain within the accuracy specification. For variants higher than 363 psi, the change in atmospheric pressure is negligible with respect to the accuracy specification.

Absolute pressure is defined without respect to atmospheric pressure. Absolute zero is also known as the point of total vacuum. ifm does not manufacture absolute pressure sensors.

The vacuum scale ranges from the absolute zero pressure point to atmospheric pressure. It is typically expressed as negative pressure in units of inches of mercury (inHg).

How does an industrial pressure sensor from ifm differ from another pressure sensor device?

Industrial pressure sensors from ifm offer a solid state solution as opposed to other pressure detectors on the market. Mechanical pressure switches have moving parts such as pistons and springs that can stick or break. Additionally, ifm industrial pressure sensors and pressure transducers provide pressure measurement in a compact, easy-to-install housing. They can be configured in less than 5 minutes without applied system pressure.

How does IO-Link provide process data from pressure sensors?

IO-Link is the foundation of the fourth industrial revolution referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things. Almost all ifm pressure-sensing instruments have been equipped with IO-Link technology for close to a decade.

This technology allows you to increase the amount of process data available to you. You can then log that data over time for trend analysis. This technology is plug-and-work for whenever you want to harness its power.

Simply plug your sensor into ifm’s IO-Link masters and send your sensor data directly to your SCADA, MES, ERP, or CMMS systems. The analysis through the IoT port won't interfere with your existing PLC structure. 

Other features of ifm pressure sensors

  • Pressure ranges from -14.5 to 8700 psi depending on variant.
  • Various output signals including discrete ON/OFF, 4…20 mA / 0…10 V analog, and pure digital process values.
  • Common industrial and sanitary approvals such as CE, 3A, FDA, and EHEDG.
  • Free factory calibration certificates that are downloadable from the website.