Modern machines and systems are very sensitive. They require high-end devices for their monitoring and pressure checks. One of those modern devices is a piezoresistive pressure transducer. Its role is to monitor the pressure of gases or liquids inside the system. This article discusses 6 industrial applications of piezoresistive pressure transducers.
What are Piezoresistive Pressure Transducers?
Let’s first understand the basics of pressure transducers before discussing their applications.
A piezoresistive pressure transducer is a device that measures the pressure of liquids and gases within a system. It consists of a chip that changes its electrical resistance when facing pressure. This machine detects changes in pressure and calculates the corresponding pressure readings. This chip is made of piezoresistive material.
Remember, piezoresistive materials change their electrical resistance when they undergo pressure. The piezoresistive pressure transducer features a chip integrated into the system. This chip is made of piezoresistive materials, such as silicon, polysilicon, or ceramic. This chip is exposed to pressure. When the pressure is applied, this chip bends and changes its position.
This bending is the result of the pressure to which it is exposed. As a result, the chip’s electrical resistance changes. The change in electrical resistance of the chip is measured, which helps us determine the pressure inside the system. Remember, if the change in resistance is high, it indicates that the pressure inside the system is also higher, and vice versa.
Quick Highlight: Notably, changes in electrical resistance are observed in digital signals. Therefore, the piezoresistive pressure transducer provides us with a digital pressure reading. This makes this device very popular and valuable. Moreover, you’ll get the exact pressure reading of liquid or gas present inside the system.
Top 5 Industrial Applications of Piezoresistive Pressure Transducers
The primary role of these pressure transducers is to measure the pressure inside any system. These devices have widespread applications in various industries. In the section below, we’ll peek at some of their industrial applications.
1- Process Control
Oil refineries, chemical plants, and other factories use pipes for transporting oil and gases. Those pipes can sustain a specific pressure inside them. If pressure crosses its limit, it can leak, resulting in catastrophic accidents.
Therefore, piezoresistive pressure transducers are used in these pipelines to monitor pressure. If the pressure becomes too high, this device triggers an alarm. Thus, the operator adjusts the pressure to ensure the smooth operation of pipelines. Some modern pressure transducers even automatically change their pressure readings.
2- Hydraulic Systems
The hydraulic system uses hydraulic fluid to create pressure. The pressure created by the hydraulic fluid is necessary for machinery operations. For example, excavators, tractors, car lifters, and aircraft systems work using hydraulic systems. The correct pressure inside the hydraulic system is crucial.
If the pressure is too high, it would damage the whole system. However, too low pressure won’t let the machinery work. The piezoresistive pressure transducer is used in hydraulic systems. This device helps monitor real-time pressure inside the hydraulic systems. The operator then increases or decreases the hydraulic pressure to ensure the safe operation of machines.
3- Gas Monitoring
There are many gas storage systems where the correct pressure is key for safe storage. Those gases can include oxygen, nitrogen, and natural gases, among others. If the pressure becomes too high, the storage system can explode. This will result in the loss of the lives of workers at the gas storage site.
Moreover, high pressure can also result in leakage in gas pipelines. These storage systems are also equipped with pressure transducers. They help monitor the gas pressure and maintain it within safe limits. Remember, the gas storage is very sensitive. Therefore, they utilize modern pressure transducers that not only monitor but also adjust the pressure.
4- Water Treatment
Municipal water facilities have large filters for purifying the water. The water passes through filters, pumps, and pipes, becoming safe to drink. Remember, if the pressure of water is too high, it won’t be filtered completely. As a result, it will have some impurities even after passing through the filtration process.
These water facilities also feature piezoresistive pressure transducers. These devices help monitor water pressure. If the water pressure becomes too high, it can lead to impure water even after the water has undergone treatment. Similarly, wastewater treatment systems also utilize pressure transducers to ensure optimal performance.
5- Food Processing
The food processing units also need these piezoresistive pressure transducers. Remember, food processing means converting raw food into ready-to-use food. This process is carried out using dedicated food processing machines. For example, the filling of liquid into the bottles is done through pipelines and pumps at controlled pressure.
If the pressure is too low, the bottles will not be completely filled. Similarly, too high pressure can result in overflowing bottles. All food processing machines and pipelines are equipped with pressure transducers. The operator can thus monitor the pressure and adjust it as needed. If there is no pressure monitoring system, food processing can be significantly affected.
6- Injection Molding Machines
Injection molding machines come with piezoresistive pressure transducers to control the pressure. Remember, the molten material is poured into the mold to create parts in the desired shape. This molten material then solidifies and adopts the shape of the mold. If the pressure is too high, the molten material won’t fill in the mold correctly.
As a result, we won’t get the desired product from this process. Remember, injection molding is not just limited to specific materials. Instead, you can use rubber, plastic, or any other material to make desired shapes. However, pressure control and monitoring are essential, regardless of the material used.
Conclusion
In the past, there was no specialized system for checking the exact pressure of water, oil, or gases inside systems. So, operators had to rely on guesswork. However, Piezoresistive pressure transducers have changed how modern machines work and operate.
These devices monitor the pressure and help us maintain the correct pressure. Remember, maintaining pressure is paramount in many industrial machines. If the pressure increases beyond the limit, the machines can malfunction or get damaged. In this article, I have explained the basics of pressure transducers and their industrial applications.