Water pressure sensors

When measuring pressure in water applications, an off-the-shelf pressure sensor typically will not do as different operating conditions and variable PH levels will cause standard pressure sensors to fail. American Sensor Technologies packages its pressure sensor for use in water applications within residential, commercial, municipal and irrigation pumps. Used to measure water booster pressurization in pipelines and tanks and serve as part of monitoring and control systems, American Sensor Technologies (AST) water pressure sensors maintain the operating efficiency of water pumps while minimizing service calls.

As pressure sensors used in pumps can come in contact with water of varying pH levels, AST packages its water pressure sensors using Krystal Bond Technology and a one-piece, thick diaphragm design that keeps hazardous materials from penetrating the sensor diaphragm. Units can be constructed in a choice of wetted materials such as 17-4PH & 316L stainless steels and nickel alloys such as Inconel and Titanium to handle all types of water.

Since the opening and closing of valves in a system can cause a pressure transient within a water pump above the measurement range in a shock-wave, an internal, stainless steel restrictor plug is installed on these water pressure sensors to reduce the inside diameter hole so that when the pressure spike hits the face of the plug (also called the snubber), it feeds through the hole at a slower pace. The plug also dampens the spike to continue sensor operation.

As stray voltages and leakage currents commonly transmitted through pipes can cause electrical failures of pressure sensors, so a sensing element is incorporated that withstands 500VDC isolation so that its water pressure sensors can work in extreme electrical conditions.

The water pressure sensors can be packaged with high level voltage, current and frequency outputs. A 4-20mA output signal is recommended for transmission lengths greater than 15 feet in environments with electrical noise. Sensors are available with a variety of process connections (NPT, SAE and BSP threads), various electrical connections (cable, DIN, Eurofast and Deutsch) and in sealed gauge pressure ranges to protect electronics from water conditions.