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Inst Tools > Blog > Pressure Measurement > Comparison of Pressure Instruments – Industrial Instrumentation

Comparison of Pressure Instruments – Industrial Instrumentation

Learn the comparison of features, principles, and advantages of commonly used types of pressure instruments in industrial instrumentation.

Last updated: October 25, 2023 4:48 pm
Editorial Staff
Pressure Measurement
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The pressure instruments or pressure transducers come in a variety of forms, each with specific applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Comparison of Pressure Instruments

Comparison of Pressure Instruments - Industrial Instrumentation

The below table shows the comparison of various types of pressure instruments, covering their operating principles, advantages, and disadvantages.

S.No.Instrument TypeOperating TheoryAdvantagesDisadvantages
1Bourdon TubeFlexing of a C-shaped or helical tube when pressure is appliedSimple, reliable, low costLimited accuracy, not suitable for low-pressure measurement
2DiaphragmFlexing of a membrane due to pressure differentialGood for low pressures, corrosion-resistantLimited high-pressure capacity, may require frequent calibration
3BellowsExpansion and contraction of a cylindrical chamberSensitive to low pressures, simple constructionSusceptible to mechanical wear, limited high-pressure capability
4ManometerLiquid column height change due to pressure differentialSimple, low cost, high accuracyLimited to low pressures, influenced by temperature and gravity
5Piezoelectric SensorGenerates voltage proportional to applied pressureFast response, good for dynamic pressuresLimited to dynamic measurements, sensitive to temperature
6Strain GaugeChange in electrical resistance due to mechanical strainHigh accuracy, good for static and dynamic pressuresRequires complex electronics, sensitive to temperature
7Capacitive SensorChange in capacitance due to diaphragm deflectionSuitable for wide pressure range, high accuracySusceptible to temperature drift, complex electronics required
8Optical Pressure SensorLight intensity or wavelength changes with pressureHigh sensitivity, immune to electrical noiseExpensive, not suitable for all industrial applications

The below table shows the comparison of features, accuracy, range, cost, maintenance, and installation of commonly used types of pressure meters.

ParameterBourdon TubeBellowsDiaphragmPiezoelectricCapacitiveStrain GaugeOpticalIonization
Principle of OperationMechanicalMechanicalMechanicalPiezoelectric effectCapacitanceElectrical resistanceLight wavelengthIonized gas
Pressure RangeLow to HighLow to ModerateLow to ModerateModerate to HighLow to HighLow to HighLow to HighVery High
AccuracyModerateModerateHighHighHighHighVery HighVery High
Response TimeModerateSlowModerateFastFastFastFastFast
Temperature SensitivityModerateHighHighModerateModerateModerateLowLow
CostLowLowModerateHighModerateModerateHighVery High
MaintenanceModerateHighModerateLowLowLowLowHigh
Fluid CompatibilityBroadLimitedBroadLimitedBroadBroadBroadLimited
DurabilityHighModerateHighModerateHighHighHighModerate
Electrical RequirementsNoneNoneNoneRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
Ease of InstallationEasyModerateModerateModerateModerateModerateModerateDifficult
Safety AspectsGenerally SafeLimitedGenerally SafeLimitedGenerally SafeGenerally SafeSafeLimited

Explanation of terms:

  • Principle of Operation: The fundamental physical or mechanical principle used to measure pressure.
  • Pressure Range: The range of pressure values that the meter is capable of measuring.
  • Accuracy: The precision of the measurements.
  • Response Time: The speed at which the meter responds to pressure changes.
  • Temperature Sensitivity: How sensitive the meter is to changes in temperature.
  • Cost: Relative cost to purchase and install the meter.
  • Maintenance: The extent of maintenance required to keep the meter in optimal operating condition.
  • Fluid Compatibility: Types of fluids (liquids or gases) for which the meter is suitable.
  • Durability: The meter’s ability to withstand wear and tear over time.
  • Electrical Requirements: Whether or not the meter requires electrical power for operation.
  • Ease of Installation: How easy it is to install the meter.
  • Safety Aspects: How suitable the meter is for use in hazardous or extreme conditions.

This table aims to provide a basic comparison to help you understand the distinct types of pressure instruments available. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered based on the specific requirements of your application.

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