How to Select Industrial Products

Have you ever felt like your head was going to explode? Like the pressure built up behind your eyes would cause them to pop out like some kind of zombie? I hope you haven't faced that kind of pressure -- but if you have, would you want to measure it with a pressure gauge?

^{I know I use a lot of baby pictures, but come-on...she's cute! Image Credit:nursesnanda.blogspot.com}

GlobalSpec allows users to search for pressure gauges, pressure sensors, and pressure switches by an assortment of specifications to ensure that you pick the one that right for your head size. (I mean system size).

Type of Pressure

The most important thing about selecting a device that measures pressure is the type of pressure you will be measuring. Sensors and gauges can measure the difference in pressure between two points (differential), the pressure relative to a perfect vacuum (absolute), or relative to atmospheric pressure (gauge sensors). There are several technologies available to measure pressure and they range from very simple (mechanical deflection devices) to very complicated (semiconductor piezoelectric).

Then you'll want to look at the specifications so you select a sensor that will work in your system. Some things to think about:

• What pressure ranges will the device face?
• How accurate do you need the device to be?
• Will it be measuring in a vacuum?
• What is the temperature range of the system?
• What is the media?

^{Image Credit: downlopaz.com}

After that, the selection is about what works for you. Where are you going to mount it? How will it display? For example, I stink at reading analog clocks so I would choose a digital display.

Pressure gauges and sensors are available with features that make reading the pressure of a system easier, such as an adjustable pointer. Pressure switches will trip the system to go on or off if the pressure reaches a certain level, possibly preventing explosions or keeping your teapot from overflowing.

^{Image Credit: pneumaticchina.com}

Pressure Information

There is way more information to talk about, but before I bore you, check out GlobalSpec's How to Select Pressure Gauges, How to Select Pressure Sensors, and How to Select Pressure Switches Selection Guides. They lay out everything you need to know to finding a device to help you handle the pressure.