Stainless steel pressure transducers are indispensable tools in various industries, providing accurate, reliable, and stable measurements in demanding environments.

We’ll also provide a comparison with other pressure sensor materials and showcase some popular stainless steel pressure sensor models.

RFQ
Stainless Steel Pressure Transducers

Stainless steel pressure transducers are designed to measure pressure by converting the applied force into an electrical signal. These devices typically utilize piezoresistive, capacitive, or piezoelectric sensing elements, which are housed in a stainless steel casing. The stainless steel construction provides numerous advantages, including corrosion resistance, durability, and temperature tolerance.

Popular Stainless Steel Pressure Transducers

Flush diaphragm pressure sensor
SI-703 Flush diaphragm pressure sensor
SI-702 High Pressure Sensor
High Frequency Dynamic Pressure Sensor
High Frequency Dynamic Pressure Sensor
SI-706 Combined Pressure and Temperature Sensor-Dual function
SI-512H High Temperature Pressure Sensor

Advantages of Stainless Steel Pressure Transducers

Some key benefits of stainless steel pressure transducers include:

  • Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in harsh environments and with corrosive fluids.
  • Durability: The rugged construction of stainless steel pressure sensors ensures long-lasting performance, even in demanding conditions.
  • High-temperature tolerance: Stainless steel can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use in heat-intensive applications.
  • Low maintenance: Stainless steel pressure sensors require minimal maintenance, contributing to reduced downtime and lower overall costs.

5 Main Groups of Stainless Steel and Their Applications in Pressure Transducers

Stainless steel is a versatile material commonly used in the manufacturing of pressure transducers due to its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. There are five main groups of stainless steel, each with distinct characteristics and applications in the field of pressure transducers. In this section, we’ll explore these five groups, their properties, and their roles in pressure transducer manufacturing.

Ferritic stainless steel is ferromagnetic and cannot be hardened by heat treatment due to its low carbon content. One example is type 430, a low-cost stainless steel with limited properties compared to other types. It offers less corrosion resistance, lower strength, poorer weldability, and toughness. Type 430 is used in lower-cost pressure transducer assemblies and in the construction of electromechanical components, such as sensing diaphragms.

Similar to ferritic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel has a higher carbon proportion, allowing it to be strengthened by heat treatment. However, this type is not commonly used in pressure transducer manufacturing.

Austenitic stainless steel is the most common group, offering good all-around performance with workability and weldability. This group cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but the addition of nickel increases toughness. Some popular austenitic stainless steels include:

  • Type 303: Easily machinable due to the inclusion of sulfur, but with lower corrosion resistance and toughness compared to other austenitic steels. Used for making fittings and manifolds.
  • Type 304: Offers higher corrosion resistance than type 303 and has excellent forming and welding characteristics. Commonly used for components exposed to pressure media and formed parts such as electronic housings.
  • Type 316: More corrosion-resistant than type 304 due to the addition of molybdenum. Its increased resistance to crevice corrosion and pitting, along with good weldability, make it popular for marine applications. Used in the manufacture of thin diaphragms for sensing elements and other pressure-side components.
  • Type 316L: A low-carbon variant of type 316 that improves the corrosion resistance of welds.
  • Type 316Ti: Similar properties to 316L, with weld decay prevented by the inclusion of titanium rather than lowering the carbon content.

Duplex stainless steel is a mixture of ferritic and austenitic types, resulting in a stronger steel with high weldable and forming properties. Its most significant benefit is its enhanced protection from corrosion cracking. Duplex materials are typically used in special applications, such as offshore oil production, where high levels of pressure are measured with highly corrosive media.

This type of stainless steel is heat-treated via the precipitation hardening process, enhancing its strength considerably over normal martensitic types. An example is type 17-4PH, which has high strength and toughness, with similar corrosion protection to type 304. This steel can be used in the manufacture of sensing diaphragms and pressure containment components, particularly in high-pressure applications, but offers limited corrosion protection.

In conclusion, understanding the five main groups of stainless steel and their applications in pressure transducers can help you make informed decisions when selecting the right material for your specific needs. Partnering with an experienced manufacturer and supplier, Sino-Inst, ensures you receive a high-quality stainless steel pressure transducer tailored to your application requirements.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Stainless Steel Pressure Transducer

When choosing a stainless steel pressure transducer, consider the following factors:

  • Pressure range: Ensure the transducer’s pressure range is compatible with the maximum pressure in your application.
  • Accuracy: Select a transducer with an accuracy level that meets your specific requirements.
  • Temperature range: Consider the temperature range of your application and choose a transducer that can withstand those conditions.
  • Output signal: Determine the type of output signal your system requires (e.g., 4-20mA, 0-10V, etc.) and select a transducer accordingly.
  • Media compatibility: Ensure the transducer’s wetted materials are compatible with the media being measured (e.g., liquids, gases, etc.).
  • Process connection: Choose a transducer with a process connection that matches your system’s requirements.

FAQ

A pressure sensor converts pressure into an analog electrical signal (e.g., voltage or current), while a pressure transducer converts pressure into a digital electrical signal (e.g., 4-20mA or 0-10V output). Pressure transducers generally offer better accuracy, resolution, and reliability compared to pressure sensors.

Pressure transducers can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic. The choice of material depends on the application, media compatibility, and environmental conditions.

The most common type of pressure transducer is the piezoresistive transducer, which measures pressure by monitoring the resistance changes in a strain-sensitive material (e.g., silicon, metal, or ceramic) when pressure is applied.

The three main types of electrical pressure transducers are:

Piezoresistive transducers: These transducers measure pressure by monitoring resistance changes in a strain-sensitive material when pressure is applied.

Capacitive transducers: These transducers measure pressure by detecting changes in capacitance between two plates as pressure is applied.

Piezoelectric transducers: These transducers measure pressure by generating an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress caused by pressure.

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Choosing the right stainless steel pressure transducer for your application is crucial for ensuring accurate measurements, improved efficiency, and reliability. By considering factors such as pressure range, accuracy, temperature range, output signal, media compatibility, and process connection, you can select the perfect transducer for your specific needs.

As an experienced manufacturer and supplier, Sino-Inst offers a wide range of high-quality stainless steel pressure transducers designed to meet the diverse requirements of various industries. Our team of experts is available to assist you with product selection, technical support, and customization to ensure you find the right solution for your application.

Contact us today to learn more about our stainless steel pressure transducers and how we can help you improve your process efficiency and reliability.

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