Setra Blog

What is the difference between Proof and Burst Pressure?

lish@setra.com (Tom Lish) — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:12:00 GMT

Typically there are many different pressure specifications indicated on a pressure transducer data sheet. Interestingly enough, two of the most important pressure specifications are often easily overlooked; proof and burst pressure. Selecting a pressure transducer without noticing these pressure ranges is one of the top reasons for transducer failure. Both pressure specifications are considered to act as an upper limit for the device’s operating range. So what exactly is the difference between proof and burst pressure?

How To Measure Velocity And Flow

brandon.rogers@setra.com (Brandon Rogers) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 09:48:00 GMT

In HVAC/R applications it is helpful to understand the methods used to determine air velocity. Air velocity (distance traveled per unit of time) is most often expressed in feet per minute (FPM). Multiplying air velocity by the area of a duct allows you to determine the air volume flowing past a point in the duct per unit of time. Volume flow is generally measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).

What is Absolute Pressure?

jason.davis@setra.com (Jason Davis) — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 10:07:00 GMT

Absolute pressure is measured relative to a full vacuum (0 PSIA = 14.7 PSIV). The electrical output of an absolute pressure transducer is 0 VDC at 0 PSIA and full scale output (typically 5 VDC) at full scale pressure (in PSIA). PSIA (pounds per square inch absolute) is a unit of pressure measured relative to a full vacuum. A vacuum can refer to any pressure between 0 PSIA and 14.7 PSIA.

4 Considerations For Low Pressure Measurements

lish@setra.com (Tom Lish) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 10:17:00 GMT

Low pressure measurements are required in various applications such as air flow, static duct and cleanroom pressures in HVAC and energy management systems (EMS). Other applications include use in medical instrumentation, environmental pollution control, boil combustion efficiency and a wide variety of research and development requirements. Although the focus will center mainly on air flow and pressure, the same principles

How do I pressurize an anteroom?

micheal.soper@setra.com (Mike Soper) — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 10:09:00 GMT

There are several techniques for managing safe and reliable pressurized rooms in healthcare and laboratory applications. When anterooms are present, such as those used for isolation rooms and pharmacies, it is not always clear how the anteroom should be pressurized in relation to the adjoining room and hallway.

Guide for Establishing Relative Humidity Levels in Operating Rooms

brandon.rogers@setra.com (Brandon Rogers) — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 08:30:00 GMT

Successful surgery depends not only on the performance of medical professionals, but also on the integrity of the environment. Relative humidity is a critical component in maintaining the safety and performance of an operating room (OR).

What Are The Different Types of Pressure Tests for Engine Test Stands?

Daniel Zainulbhai — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 10:15:00 GMT

Did you know that companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars on research and development for off-highway vehicle engines? A portion of the R&D goes into developing specialized engine test stands to ensure that the engines are functioning properly.

How Often Should I Calibrate A Pressure Transducer?

lish@setra.com (Tom Lish) — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 10:07:00 GMT

Transducers are used across many applications to provide accurate, real-time data of how a system is working. Calibration is critical to maintaining a pressure transducer’s accuracy and it is not a one-time process. All pressure transducers used in critical applications should be regularly calibrated to maintain high performance. If a transducer drifts out of its specified pressure range, it can lead to false pressure readings causing decreased equipment performance and possible safety concerns. Calibration allows the user to be completely confident that their transducers are correctly performing and measuring the required pressure range accurately.

So, how often should you calibrate a pressure transducer? It is a common question we get asked all the time. Pressure transducers should be calibrated as often as needed in order to, maintain the necessary accuracy for the application. The amount of calibration required by the transducer can vary based on factors, such as the application and the transducer’s stability

What Can Affect A Sensor’s Accuracy?

lish@setra.com (Tom Lish) — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 08:30:00 GMT

Selecting the correct accuracy for your sensing application is only half the challenge; being able to maintain that level of accuracy over time is equally important. To clarify on what we mean by the accuracy, we define it as the maximum difference between the actual value and the sensor’s output (in terms of %FS). Maintaining a sensor’s accuracy is difficult. Users face the issue of a sensor going out of tolerance and are unaware of the root causes. Depending on the level of accuracy required by the application, the consequences of imprecise accuracy can vary. For example, an isolation room requires a high level of accuracy to protect both the patients’ and medical professionals’ health and safety. If a room pressure monitor provided doctors and nurses with an incorrect sensor output, they can make incorrect judgments such as walking into a improperly labeled space. Based off of the inaccurate sensor output, doctors and nurses can also accidently release harmful contaminants into the rest of the hospital without a proper alarm notification.

What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

brandon.rogers@setra.com (Brandon Rogers) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:30:00 GMT

After understanding the basis of sick building syndrome, recognizing the root causes for the syndrome is the next step for prevention or treatment. By properly identifying the root causes, suitable countermeasures can be constructed. Causes for sick building syndrome can be classified into three categories:

What is the difference between energy consumption and demand?

brandon.rogers@setra.com (Brandon Rogers) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 09:02:00 GMT

In order to understand your electric bill, there are two main concepts you should understand; energy consumption and demand. These charges are regularly misunderstood, making it difficult to prioritize which energy savings measure will have the biggest impact. People are often overcharged by their energy provider or have failed to reduce their total energy cost due to a lack of understanding or improper calculations.

What are the Benefits of Field Replaceable Tips?

brandon.rogers@setra.com (Brandon Rogers) — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 10:04:00 GMT

When selecting a humidity sensor, we recommend choosing one with a field replaceable tip. Why are we recommending this? A field replaceable tip is easy to replace and allows the end-user to swap the sensor on-site without having to calibrate the unit or remove it from its mount. We recommend sensors with field replaceable tips for the following reasons:

What is Measurement Traceability?

lish@setra.com (Tom Lish) — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 10:00:00 GMT

Pressure sensors are used across a variety of industries to provide accurate, real-time data of how a process or system is operating in a given application. But how can you tell if your data is accurate? The most common method to ensure the accuracy of a sensor output is to calibrate your sensor against a higher accuracy pressure sensor (calibration standard). Now, how can you tell if your calibration standard is accurate? This is where measurement traceability plays into the calibration process.

Where should I Mount a Wall, Duct or Outside Air Relative Humidity Sensor?

brandon.rogers@setra.com (Brandon Rogers) — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 10:15:00 GMT

As we have talked about in our Importance of Measuring Humidity post, accurate humidity measurement is crucial. Building owners must be sure to maintain and monitor humidity levels for occupants' comfort and safety. Improper humidity measurement can put a building at risk for mold and other airborne pathogens which can lead to sick building syndrome.

There are three types of mounts for humidity sensors; wall mount, duct mount or outdoor air. In order to operate correctly with a long life expectancy, it is vital that the sensor is properly mounted and placed. Proper mounting requires careful consideration to ensure the sensor meets your needs. Here is a guide on how to place three types of humidity sensors:

Can A Room Pressure Monitor Help Me Save Energy?

micheal.soper@setra.com (Mike Soper) — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 09:13:00 GMT

Monitoring and controlling room pressure in laboratory and healthcare settings can do more than just ensure directional airflow (positive or negative pressure rooms). Proper room pressure also contributes to saving energy. Overpressure or under-pressure scenarios mean that airflow, or even temperature control, are not optimal.

What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell and How Does it Work?

lish@setra.com (Tom Lish) — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 09:45:00 GMT

Industry experts are calling hydrogen the fuel of the future. The main reason for that is because the value hydrogen provides in fuel cell applications. Fuel cells are becoming the fundamental piece driving many hydrogen energy applications today. Let’s start by understanding what a fuel cell is and how it works:

Why Do HVAC Systems Need Pressure Sensors?

brandon.rogers@setra.com (Brandon Rogers) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 10:00:00 GMT

With the growing requirements of building maintenance, HVAC systems are no longer able to meet demand operating alone. Whether it is a commercial, retail or industrial building, pressure sensors play a significant role in monitoring the building for occupants’ safety and comfort. When integrated with pressure technology, HVAC systems can operate at optimum levels as well as improve building maintenance. Three ways this can be done are:

What is a Vivarium?

micheal.soper@setra.com (Mike Soper) — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 09:55:00 GMT

A vivarium refers to an enclosed area designed to provide a stable environment for animals and plants for observation or scientific research. Often, vivariums contain a portion of an ecosystem for a particular species with controlled environmental conditions on a smaller scale. A vivarium contains racks of various sizes dependent on the species it contains.

What are the setbacks of an oil-filled sensor vs. non-oil filled?

lish@setra.com (Tom Lish) — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 09:00:00 GMT

In the pressure sensing industry there are many different sensor technologies, but all sensors can be broken down into two classifications; oil-filled, non-oil filled. An oil-filled sensor refers to a sensor that uses oil as a transfer medium between a diaphragm and the sensing element. Oil-filled sensors appeal to many manufacturing applications due to its material compatibility, low cost, and ease of implementation. Although these sensors are becoming a standard, there are several drawbacks to selecting an oil-filled sensor over a non-oil filled sensor.

How To Make Room In Your Budget For Energy Management

brandon.rogers@setra.com (Brandon Rogers) — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 08:30:00 GMT

Integrating energy management into your company’s budget is a challenging task. There are many reasons why companies today are not investing in energy management. Many owners view investments in as an expense rather than an investment. Energy costs often account for the largest portion of a company’s expenditures yet many don't realize that an energy management program can save money and provide an immediate ROI. We understand that budgets are tight, however by being creative with your budget there are several steps that can be taken to save money in order to invest in energy management.