Pressure Measurement & Control


Keller sensors for static and ­dynamic pressures

September 2018 Pressure Measurement & Control

Keller’s M5 series, the sensor for static and highly dynamic measurements (up to 50 kHz), represents something unique when considering the operating temperature range (up to 180°C), measurement accuracy (0,1% FS), installation size (M5 connection) and the remote, precise signal conditioning (0-10 V).

Ingenious design brings multiple benefits

The key to measuring highly dynamic pressure variance is to achieve, as far as possible, a direct connection between sensor element and medium. Keller’s development team has come up with a micromechanical solution without media isolation diaphragm (with its damping effect), capillary tubing, sealants or adhesives. In the M5 series, the rear of the silicon sensor is soldered to a supporting element, designed for excellent fluid dynamics, which in turn is secured flush at the front of the pressure connection. This sophisticated design enables dynamic measurements with a bandwidth of 0 - 50 kHz and offers a number of additional benefits. These include excellent decoupling of mounting forces and structure-borne vibration, extensive media compatibility and the durability offered by the anti-oxidation coatings. Other impressive features of the M5 series are its overpressure protection of up to five times the measurement range and its pressure connection with an external thread of just 5 mm diameter for installation in space-limited locations.

Separation of sensor and signal converter

The pressure sensors in the M5 series are intended for operating temperatures between -40 and 180°C with a narrow total error band (i.e. including temperature errors) of 1%. Without the remote signal converter, they come with a typical output signal range of 80 mV (based on a 1 mA supply), and an individual calibration certificate. The 3 bar, 10 bar and 30 bar measurement ranges are available for absolute pressure measurements. Separating the pressure sensor and the signal converter enables measurements at close proximity, even in units installed in cramped conditions and exposed to high temperatures.

A top-class signal converter

To avoid any reduction in the piezoresistive pressure sensor’s broad dynamic range of 50 kHz, the development team at Keller has opted not to digitise the measurement signal. Instead, the purely analog signal path is adjusted in real-time via the compensation electronics, which are fully controlled by a microprocessor. This ensures the output signal, amplified to 0-10 V, retains the full dynamic range of the sensor signal. The measurement system, consisting of the pressure sensor and signal converter, undergoes an end-to-end calibration at the factory once the customer-specific parameters have been determined. In addition, the operating temperature range of -40 to 125°C for the remote electronics satisfies the exceptional demands required by engine test benches, for instance.

Ideal for measurements at close proximity on engine test benches and wind tunnels, the thermally ultra-robust pressure transducers in the Keller M5 series support high precision static and dynamic measurements up to a bandwidth of 50 kHz and at working temperatures of up to 200°C at the pressure sensor. With its M5 connection thread, the remote pressure sensor – which contains no oil and associated isolation diaphragm and no sealant or adhesive in contact with the media – is ideal for taking highly-dynamic measurements at close proximity. It can even do this at the very thin pipes used in engine test benches, in wind tunnels or during turbine blade tests.

For more information contact Instrotech, +27 10 595 1831, [email protected], www.instrotech.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Noncontact infrared temperature control in aluminium rolling process
Instrotech Temperature Measurement
The aluminium rolling process is critical to the aluminium manufacturing industry, where precise temperature measurement is essential for ensuring high-quality product output and protecting equipment. The Optris long-wavelength camera can accurately measure strip temperatures in cold rolling and coiling applications.

Read more...
Rotary atomisers for efficient paint spraying
Instrotech Sensors & Transducers
Painting the bodywork is an integral component of vehicle manufacturing. Keller supplied intrinsically safe pressure transmitters and intrinsically safe temperature sensors to a client producing paint robots for the car industry.

Read more...
Rapid, precise pressure control for industrial applications
WIKA Instruments Pressure Measurement & Control
The CPC3050 high-speed pressure controller delivers rapid, precise pressure control for industrial applications, achieving three-point verification in ten seconds.

Read more...
Quality process control instrumentation
Instrotech Temperature Measurement
Instrotech is a leading provider of high-quality process control instrumentation and industrial automation solutions that are designed to optimise efficiency, reliability and safety across industries.

Read more...
Differential pressure measurement in gas extraction and power generation project
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
Methane exploration and extraction in Lake Kivu in the East African Rift Valley has primarily focused on gas composition analysis. The VEGABAR 82 pressure transmitter was used for differential pressure measurement, the key to monitoring gas levels within the lake.

Read more...
Don’t buckle under pressure
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
In Africa, urban populations are increasing and infrastructure is expanding at an unprecedented pace. This makes sustainable water management and treatment more crucial than ever. By investing in VEGA pressure instrumentation, water utilities and municipalities are equipping themselves with pressure sensors that facilitate sustainable water management focused on efficiency, reliability and resilience.

Read more...
VEGA handles the pressures of water treatment systems
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
A water treatment system for a major metropolitan area in the Midwestern United States demands careful monitoring and management of processes across its sprawling network. Choosing VEGA for its process automation needs meant more than just obtaining precise and reliable pressure sensors.

Read more...
Monitoring the health of systems
SA Gauge Pressure Measurement & Control
Pressure and temperature gauges are vital instruments in various industries. However, they are susceptible to failures that can compromise their accuracy and reliability. When these gauges fail, the consequences can be severe.

Read more...
Enhancing beer brewing precision
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
Brewing beer is a complex process that requires utmost precision in every step. To ensure precision, it is crucial to measure and control the pressure and point levels in the wort kettle and hops dissolver. Using VEGA instrumentation can offer numerous benefits to breweries.

Read more...
Custom solutions for pressure measurement
Instrotech Sensors & Transducers
Wherever pressure sensors are needed, a solution can normally be found in the Keller product catalogue. However, there are often great benefits to optimising a product specifically for integration and use in complete existing systems.

Read more...