One-piece pressure sensor stands the heat

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 24, 2002

Sequoia is to offer a new generation of compact, high level output, 0-5V DC pressure transducers, with built-in electronics and an operating temperature up to 120C.

Sequoia is to offer a new generation of compact, high level output, 0-5V DC pressure transducers, with built-in electronics and an operating temperature up to 120C, eliminating the need for separate transducer and amplifier units.

The announcement follows the signing of an exclusive European agreement between Sequoia Technology Sensors Division and Seattle-based Paine Electronics, a world leader in the design and manufacture of high performance, exceptionally reliable pressure transducers and transmitters.

The all-in-one design of the new Paine Electronics transducers helps reduce installation costs, increases reliability, and costs less than comparable two-piece units.

The hermetically sealed transducer is approximately 16mm in diameter by 50mm long, including electrical connector.

It is built of stainless steel to withstand environmental extremes while delivering accurate readings.

It is available in pressure ranges from 0-250 to 10,000lb/in2 in absolute or sealed pressure.

Custom configurations are also available.

Under the new agreement with Sequoia, the Paine Electronics range of highly accurate, state-of-the-art pressure transducers will be supported in Europe by Sequoia Technology Sensors Division.

Paine Electronics sensors support some of the most demanding applications in the world, including satellites, oil well data logging and oceanographic equipment.

Paine Electronics uses innovative technology to enhance the performance and reliability of its transducers in demanding applications.

The low pressure transducers are designed with a strain gauge bonded to a diaphragm, eliminating mechanical parts, reducing acceleration effects and providing long-term stability, reliability and accuracy.

For more demanding applications, the high pressure transducers feature a proprietary strain wire-wound sensing-tube design.

This design eliminates acceleration sensitivity, requires virtually no calibration and can withstand high temperature conditions (up to 220C).

All high level output transducers contain custom circuits designed by Paine Electronics, using both thick film hybrid and surface mount technologies.

Various outputs include: mV/V, 0-5V, 4-20 mA and custom outputs.

To withstand extreme environments, Paine transducers are built with special alloys to ensure longevity and reliability.

For example, Inconel 718 alloy provides excellent stability and is extensively used in the miniature downhole pressure transducer where H2S and other harsh fluids exist in well-logging environments.

Titanium is used in the oceanographic transducers due to its compatibility with seawater.

The titanium sensing elements enable these transducers to provide extremely accurate measurements with virtually no hysteresis.

For applications where adverse weather, intense vibration or electromagnetic interference might occur, hermetically sealed stainless steel casings protect the internal instrumentation.

These and other design features can be incorporated in bespoke sensors, designed to meet the individual application.