Are you familiar with this type of pressure sensor?

I cannot remember when is the last time where I calibrated this type of pressure instrument that is why  I am excited to present it with you.

I was amazed the first time I saw it because it is so small but has the capability to sense and measure pressure.

We also have a hard time locating it because of its small size and the way it is being installed, but luckily, we found it deep inside the testing machine.

I rarely see this type of pressure sensor and maybe it is a good thing to share it with you in case you are not familiar with it.

I will share in this post the setup and procedure on how we perform the calibration including a simple verification using the manufacturer specs as a tolerance.

Visit my other post to learn more about calibration and verification.

What is a pressure sensor?

A pressure sensor which is also known as pressure transducer is a device that is powered electronically where it senses pressure to be converted to an electrical signal.

This conversion to an electrical signal allows it to be used and monitored by programmable controllers and other similar electronic devices.

A pressure sensor of this type ( Make – Model: SMC – PSE 548-R04) is used in a special way. It is a leak tester installed in a machine that is used to test a car battery housing. It detects the leak through a  pressure variation over time.

This is a pneumatic pressure sensor, it means that it is using air as the fluid. And therefore, during calibration, we will also use a pneumatic pump to generate pressure.

How to calibrate a pressure sensor?

Most pressure sensors or transducers can be calibrated by taking its electrical signal as the output, usually, a voltage or a current then calculates its equivalent pressure values.

But in this setup, the machine has already displayed it in pressure units so this is already a direct comparison.

Read more below for the calibration setup and procedure

What to use to calibrate pressure sensors?

In this setup, we will be using a Fluke 754 with a Fluke 700P05 pressure module as the reference standard.

We will use a pneumatic hand pump with a pressure module connected to a process calibrator to simulate pressure.

Pressure Sensor Calibration Setup

Pressure sensor calibration setup- showing the input ports for supplying pressure

1. This is an SMC PSE 548-R04 type pressure sensor, so the input port is using only a quick connect tube.

2. Connect in the port as shown above the output of the pneumatic pump.

3. If you have the exact connector, just directly plug it in the port. You are now ready to supply the necessary pressure.

Pressure Sensor Calibration procedure.

1. Once it is properly set up and has stabilized, pump the necessary pressure.

2. Supply an increasing pressure. Simulate at least 5 setpoints covering the entire range.

3. Then apply pressure in decreasing order once the maximum pressure is reached.

4.  Record in your Measurement Data Sheet. Perform 2 trials

How to Perform Pressure Sensor Verification?

We will be using the manufacturer specs as a basis for tolerance to determine a pass or fail results.

• The pressure sensor has an accuracy of 2% of FS
  • Fulls Scale reading is = 1 Mpa

tolerance limit = 0.02 x 1 = +/- .02 Mpa

• Therefore, reading should be within +/- 0.02 Mpa

Conclusion

I have presented here, for me, is a rarely seen pressure sensor where I believe others also are not familiar with it. I also discussed a simple calibration and verification procedure using a pneumatic pump with a pressure module.

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Best Regards,

Edwin