How to Determine the Sensor Right for You

Johannes Lorenz, EU Key Accounts Manager

07.23.2020

Which sensor is good for me?

In its seven decades of operation Dynisco has accumulated almost 100,000 different configurations. So how do I choose the right one for me? A sensor is typically defined through the following specifications:

• Pressure Range
• Process connection
• Electrical output and connection
• Capillary configuration (rigid/flexible)

Besides these points a lot more variables come into play but to start it simple let’s have a look on these four at this point.

Pressure Range

Usually, the pressure inside a plastics processing machine can be estimated well enough to determine a good pressure range for a sensor. The typical working pressure should be within 20%-80% of the sensors pressure range in order to have a good balance between accuracy and lifetime.

Process Connection

For threaded connections in plastics processing a standard has developed over time which is the ½”-20UNF thread with a conical sealing face. There might be situations where different thread sizes or a flange connection is required. There are numerous options available from Dynisco to satisfy customer needs in regard to the process connection.

Electrical output

A pressure sensor is a electro-mechanical device with converts a mechanical effect (pressure deflects a thin piece of metal) into an electrical signal through a strain gauge. The strain gauge changes its resistance by following the deflection of the metal piece. In the simplest case the signal coming from the strain gauge can be used directly to feed a read-out device to display the pressure. To accommodate industry standard equipment like process control equipment Dynisco supplies sensors with different amplified output options like 4-20mA or 0-10V.

Capillary configuration