Pressure Switches
Pressure switches are essential components that monitor and control pressure levels in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. They can be either a mechanical or electronic device. Each type serves specific needs depending on the sorts of pressure they're tasked to handle, the process fluid, and the environment in which they're placed. Mechanical pressure switches usually control straightforward pressure applications. If your equipment isn't trying to do something very complicated with its pressure control, mechanical pressure switches should have you covered. Conversely, if you do have a complicated application, these switches likely have some manner of digital output that communicates what they're doing.
Pressure switches are available in many forms, low-pressure switches for more sensitive systems and the high-pressure switches for tougher applications. And then there are the adjustable pressure switches, which let you set the pressure threshold to whatever fits your particular application. If those applications happen to be in hazardous or explosive environments, then you would use an explosion-proof switch. Other pressure switches include: electronic pressure switches, mechanical pressure switches, differential pressure switches, hydraulic pressure switches, diaphragm pressure switches, oil pressure switches, air pressure switches and gas pressure switches.
More Information about Pressure Switches
Durability and dependability define oil pressure and industrial pressure switches. These devices are built to perform in tough environments, where high temperature and corrosive substances test their mettle. Yet how do they manage to avert malfunctions and fulfill the mission of reliable and robust pressure control? Usually, it’s with the incorporation of a pressure sensing component or element that detects the vital sign of fluid pressure and activates the switch when the set point is reached. Switches of this kind are selected based on a number of criteria, the kind of operational and environmental parameters that would do in any lesser device. These must handle air, oil, or hydraulic pressure if they’re to maintain system integrity, safeguard against damage and disasters, and confer effective pressure control in a variety of applications.
FAQs
Should pressure switch selection criteria include whether it will be used in negative pressure systems or positive pressure systems?
Yes, pressure switch selection criteria should include whether it will be used in negative pressure systems or positive pressure systems, as the type of system dictates the required pressure sensing range and switch configuration.
Analog and Digital Control Signals: The Basics
Digital Signals
Digital signals are represented in either a true or false. There is no gray area with digital signals. An example of this might be a light switch. A light switch is either on or off. Another example of this might be a motor that is running or not running. Digital signals can be generated with both AC and DC circuits with varying voltages, currents and resistance. Some practical examples of using digital signals in an industrial environment might be if a pump is running or not running or a whether a valve is open or closed.
Analog Signals
Analog signals convey information in the form of a range. A light switch might be on or off as a digital signal, but a dimmer switch would be an analog signal. It can be on or off, but it can also be somewhere in between. A practical example of using analog signals in an industrial environment would be if there is a need to measure the level of a tank; whether it's full, empty or somewhere in between. Analog signals can take many different forms with some of the more common being a 4 to 20 milliamp signal or a 0 to 5 or 0 to 10 volt signal.
Communication
Communication in a device can either be sent or received. Whether that data is sent or received depends on the type of information. Is there a need to monitor the status of something? If so, an input needs to be received about that information. Is there a need to control something? If so, an output needs to be sent about what needs to occur. Receiving inputs and setting outputs are both things that can be accomplished by using both digital and analog signal types. Therefore, the signals are referred to as analog outputs (AO), analog inputs (AI), digital inputs (DI) or digital outputs (DO).