Pressure measurement with pressure measuring devices is a fundamental component in numerous industrial applications. It enables the monitoring and control of various processes in real time and therefore makes a significant contribution to safety, efficiency and quality assurance.
In many industries, the precise recording of pressure values is essential in order to operate systems optimally and detect potential problems at an early stage. The range of pressure measurement devices used is diverse and extends from simple mechanical solutions to highly developed electronic and digital systems that meet the specific requirements of different areas of application.
Pressure measurement in the industrial sector
Pressure measurement plays a crucial role in almost all branches of industry. Whether in complex production plants, in the development and manufacture of vehicles or in the sensitive production of foodstuffs and medicines – the precise recording and monitoring of pressure conditions is essential. DDM Sensors offers a wide range of pressure sensors that have been specially designed to meet the diverse requirements of industrial applications. The product range includes solutions for different pressure ranges, environmental conditions and applications and aims to provide users with precise and reliable measurement values for their specific applications.
Automotive and mechanical engineering
In automotive and mechanical engineering, pressure measurement is of crucial importance for the functionality and safety of numerous systems. In automotive development, pressure sensors are used to monitor brake pressure, a safety-critical system, and to measure oil pressure in the engine in order to prevent engine damage caused by insufficient lubrication.
They are also used for coolant pressure monitoring to prevent the engine from overheating and for fuel pressure monitoring to ensure efficient combustion. In mechanical engineering, pressure measurements are used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems to control movements and forces. They also play an important role in process monitoring, for example for level measurement in tanks or flow measurement in pipelines, as well as in safety monitoring to detect pressure deviations that may indicate potential hazards or failures.
DDM Sensors offers a wide range of pressure sensors specifically designed for these demanding applications, including models such as the
- Pressure sensor PV10 for confined installation spaces,
- the versatile pressure sensor PV15 and pressure sensor PV22
- the PX25H pressure transmitter designed for test bench applications, and the
- Differential pressure sensor PV2722 for monitoring pressure differences.
These sensors are characterized by their robustness, precision and adaptability, making them ideal for use in the automotive and mechanical engineering industries.
Process industry
Pressure measurement is also an indispensable tool in the process industry to ensure safe and efficient operation. In the chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, for example, pressure sensors are used for continuous pressure monitoring in reactors and pipelines in order to precisely control production processes and detect leaks or dangerous overpressures at an early stage. Pressure measurement also plays a key role in safety monitoring, as continuous pressure data enables dangerous conditions to be detected at an early stage and accidents to be avoided. Precise pressure data is also essential for process control and optimization, which helps to increase efficiency. Constant pressure ratios contribute to quality assurance in production processes, and accurate pressure measurements allow energy consumption to be optimized and therefore increase energy efficiency.
DDM Sensors offers a range of suitable pressure sensors for the specific requirements of the process industry, including the
- miniaturized pressure sensor PV10,
- the flexible pressure sensor PV15,
- the robust PX25L pressure transmitter with 4 to 20 mA output signal
- and the PV22 pressure sensor with its high precision and long-term stability.
These sensors are characterized by their reliability and adaptability to the often demanding conditions in the process industry.
Food and beverage industry
In the food and beverage industry, precise pressure measurement is essential to guarantee the quality and safety of products and ensure efficient production processes. Pressure sensors are used in various applications, including sterilization and pasteurization. Here, it is crucial that the pressure within the chambers is maintained at the required level to effectively kill microorganisms and ensure the shelf life of the products. Pressure sensors also play an important role in filling and packaging processes by monitoring the pressure to ensure that packages are tightly sealed to maintain product quality. Pressure measurements are also used in cooling and freezing processes to ensure the proper operation of the equipment and to achieve the desired temperatures to extend product shelf life.
DDM Sensors offers specialized pressure sensor solutions designed to meet the specific requirements of this industry. DDM Sensors’ pressure sensors are characterized by high precision, reliability and adaptability to the specific requirements of the process industry, which includes the food and beverage industry. Models such as the
- Pressure sensor PV10,
- the PV15 pressure sensor and
- the pressure sensor
can be used for various pressure measurement tasks in the food and beverage industry due to their properties.rschiedene Druckmessaufgaben in der Lebensmittel- und Getränkeindustrie eingesetzt werden.
Types of pressure gauges
A wide range of different pressure measurement devices are available for the diverse applications of pressure measurement in industry. These can basically be divided into mechanical, electronic and digital devices, with each category having specific operating principles and areas of application. The choice of a suitable pressure measuring device depends on various factors, such as the pressure range to be measured, the ambient conditions, the accuracy requirements and the desired form of signal output.
Mechanical pressure gauges :
Mechanical pressure gauges measure the pressure of a medium through the mechanical deformation of a sensitive element such as a diaphragm, a Bourdon tube or a pressure bellows. This deformation is then converted into a measurable physical quantity such as a displacement, a force or a voltage. For example, the Bourdon tube uses a curved, elastic metal tube that deforms when the pressure changes and moves a pointer. Diaphragm sensors use a thin membrane that is deflected by pressure and thus generates a mechanical displacement. Pressure bellows expand or compress depending on the change in pressure to mechanically indicate the value.
Mechanical pressure sensors are robust and durable as they function independently of electrical energy and are less sensitive to electromagnetic interference. They are often used in industrial plants, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and in medical technology. However, it should be noted that mechanical pressure measuring devices are rarely used in industry nowadays.
Electronic pressure gauges :
Electronic pressure gauges detect the pressure of gases or liquids using electronic sensors and convert this into an electrical signal.
The main components include
- a pressure sensor that detects the pressure and converts it into an electrical signal (e.g. piezoresistive, capacitive or piezoelectric sensors),
- a signal processing unit for amplifying, filtering or digitizing the signal, a display system for displaying the measured value and
- Interfaces for transferring the measurement data.
A common functional principle is based on piezoresistive pressure sensors and strain gages. Electronic pressure measuring devices offer high measuring accuracy and long-term stability and often have additional functions such as temperature compensation. They are widely used in industry (process control, hydraulic systems), medicine (blood pressure monitors, ventilators), the automotive industry (tire pressure monitoring, fuel injection systems) and environmental technology (water treatment, weather stations). DDM Sensors offers various electronic pressure sensors, including piezoresistive pressure sensors such as those used in the PV2722H differential pressure sensor and the PX25H pressure transmitter.
Digital pressure gauges :
Digital pressure sensors are measuring devices that measure pressure and convert the measurement result into a digital signal. In contrast to analog pressure sensors, which provide continuous voltage signals, digital pressure sensors output discrete values, often via digital interfaces such as I²C, SPI or UART.
Digital pressure sensors are characterized by higher measuring accuracy due to digital signal processing, lower noise sensitivity and often a compact design with integrated temperature compensation and calibration. They enable direct communication with microcontrollers and industrial protocols.
Areas of application include medical technology (blood pressure monitors, ventilators), the automotive industry (tire pressure monitoring, engine control), industry & automation (pressure monitoring in hydraulic and pneumatic systems) and environmental technology (weather stations, altitude measurement in drones).
The difference to electronic pressure measuring devices is that digital devices already digitize the measuring signal in the sensor or a nearby processing unit, whereas electronic devices output an analogue signal that can then be digitized externally.Get information on specific applications now
Challenges in pressure measurement
There are various challenges in pressure measurement that can affect the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results. These include the need for calibration and long-term stability of sensors. Pressure sensors are subject to deviations due to ageing, mechanical stress or material fatigue, which is why regular calibration is necessary to avoid inaccurate measured values. Over long periods of use, drift effects can occur that lead to measurement errors, especially in harsh environments with high pressures or aggressive media.
Another important aspect is the influence of ambient temperatures and media. Pressure sensors are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, as mechanical components can expand and semiconductor components can change their electrical properties. Aggressive or contaminated media can damage the sensor surface or change the diaphragm properties. To counteract these influences, modern sensors use temperature compensation techniques and robust protective coatings.
DDM Sensors offers pressure sensors that meet these challenges with high-quality materials and sophisticated compensation processes. For example, the PV10 pressure sensor has a wide compensated temperature range from -40°C to +180°C, and the PV2722H differential pressure sensor is designed for the temperature range from -20°C to 80°C and achieves very good long-term stability. The PX25H pressure transmitter also offers reliable operation in the temperature range from -20°C to +80°C.
Customized pressure gauges
We are aware that standard solutions for pressure measurement do not always meet all requirements. For this reason, we at DDM Sensors develop customized pressure measurement devices that are guaranteed to be compatible with your application and achieve the best results. This means that pressure sensors and transmitters can be developed and manufactured that are precisely tailored to the customer’s specific needs and applications. From modifications to existing products to the development of completely new sensor solutions, DDM Sensors will work closely with your team to realize optimal solutions for your pressure measurement tasks.
Get information on specific applications
Do you have specific requirements for your pressure measurement? Find out now how DDM Sensors can support you with precise and reliable solutions for your individual applications in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors, the process industry, the food and beverage industry and other industries.