Air Pressure Sensor Terms and Definitions – Application Note


Below is a list of Pressure Sensor Terms and their definitions:

1. Burst Pressure

Maximum pressure that may be applied to the sensor without rupture. No physical damage is allowed to the sensor, but it may need factory recalibration as it may strain the sensors internal mounting. BAPI’s ZPS burst pressure is 10psi. To date, no ZPS unit has required factory recalibration when subjected to these pressures.

2. Proof Pressure

Maximum pressure that may be applied without changing the transducer performance beyond specified tolerances. BAPI’s ZPS proof pressure is 5psi.

3. Bidirectional

Takes the specified range and turns it into plus or minus of that range. The output signal is at the center of the range at zero pressure. The procedure used to turn the ZPS into a bidirectional unit is in the ZPS Installation and Operation document 13086_ins_zps_display.pdf available through your friendly BAPI representative.

4. Auto Zero

Field calibration of the zero pressure output. The procedure used to auto zero the ZPS is in the ZPS Installation and Operation document 13086_ins_zps_display.pdf available through your friendly BAPI representative.

5. Range

Specified endpoint pressures

6. Span

Arithmetic difference between two pressure endpoints

7. Sensitivity

Ratio of output signal change to a corresponding input pressure change

8. Pressure

Force per unit area

9. Velocity

Displacement per unit time

10. Absolute Pressure

Pressure measured relative to a perfect vacuum

11. Differential Pressure

Pressure difference measured between two pressure sources

12. Gauge Pressure

Differential pressure between the local ambient pressure and another pressure source

13. Static Pressure

Pressure on the walls of a vessel at right angle to any flow. Static pressure is usually measured with a static pressure probe. ZPS/ACC07 or ZPS/ACC08

14. Velocity Pressure

Pressure caused by the momentum of moving air Velocity pressure is usually measured with a pitot tube assembly. ZPS/ACC11 or ZPS/ACC12

15. Total Pressure

Arithmetic sum of static pressure and velocity pressure. Total pressure is usually measured with a total pressure tube.

If you have additional questions, please contact your BAPI representative.


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