These are a type of sensor which utilises a measurement technology that comprises of a ceramic diaphragm and thick film strain gauges to measure pressure.
The ceramic diaphragm is a thin, flexible material that is sensitive to changes in pressure. The thick film strain gauges are resistive elements that are printed onto the ceramic diaphragm to form a Wheatstone bridge circuit. When pressure is applied to the diaphragm, it deflects, which causes the strain gauges to change resistance. This change in resistance causes a voltage drop across the bridge which is proportional to the applied pressure.
Ceramics do not react with most chemicals, making them a great choice for chemical processing applications.
It is an excellent electrical insulator which provides a base substrate for printing conductive materials to provide electrical function such as a strain gauge Wheatstone bridge circuit.
It is a very hard material, with an extremely high resistance to abrasion. It’s made from tightly packed and bonded crystalline material, and provides superb protection from media which contain abrasive particles such as slurries and liquids which contain sediment.
Products
DMK457 Marine Approved Pressure Transmitter - Marine approved pressure transmitter with 4-20mA current loop output for shipbuilding with optional CuNiFe housing for sea-water compatibility
IMP Industrial Pressure Sensor - The IMP industrial pressure sensor, has a piezo‐resisitive ceramic pressure sensor giving it excellent media compatibility
DMK 331 Ceramic Diaphragm Industrial Pressure Transmitter
IMP Low Cost Pressure Sensor
Chemical Resistant Pressure Sensor Elements for Electronic Devices & Embedded Product Design & Development
SSPT Subsea Wet-Mateable Electrical Connector Pressure Sensor
Advantages
- Cost-Effective: The simple design and manufacturing process of ceramic sensors make them more affordable than other pressure sensor technologies.
- Chemical and Abrasion Resistance: Their robust nature makes them ideal for challenging environments.
- Compact & Hygienic: The lack of oil-filled seals or complex internal components makes them compact and easy to clean.
- Non-Metallic: Suitable for applications where metallic components are undesirable.
Disadvantages
- Lower Accuracy: Compared to some other pressure sensor types, ceramic sensors may offer slightly lower accuracy.
- Lower Signal-to-Noise Ratio: This can be a consideration in applications requiring very high precision or sensitivity.
- Limited Pressure Ranges: Ceramic sensors are typically not suited for extremely high or extremely low pressure ranges.
- Vulnerability to Surface Damage: While resistant to abrasion, the diaphragm’s surface can be damaged by sharp impacts.
- Elastomer Seals: The use of elastomer seals (instead of welded components) can be a limitation in certain high-temperature applications.
Applications
The unique properties of ceramic diaphragm thick film strain gauge pressure sensors make them well-suited for a variety of industrial applications:
- Caustic Chemical Processes & Storage: Their chemical resistance makes them ideal for measuring pressure in harsh chemical environments.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Design: Their compact size and affordability make them a popular choice for integration into various equipment and machinery.
- Industrial Printers: The corrosion resistance of ceramic sensors is advantageous in the demanding environment of industrial printers where there are hazardous and aggressive chemicals present.
- Water and Wastewater Treatment: Ceramic sensors’ resilience is useful in monitoring pressure in water and wastewater systems.
- Food and Beverage Processing: The hygienic design of ceramic sensors makes them suitable for applications involving food and beverages.
Checklist for ceramic thick film pressure sensor requirements
Define your ceramic thick film pressure sensor requirements using this checklist:
- Pressure range?
- Overpressure?
- Output signal?
- Dynamic response?
- Accuracy?
- Electrical connection?
- Process connection?
- Size dimensions?
- Process media type?
- Media temperature range?
- Environment temperature range?
- Environment shock and vibration?
- Shock pressures?