Factors To Be Considered While Differentiating $40 and $400 Pressure Transmitters

Brian Craig

October 19, 2018

The pressure transmitters are used in the process industry for measuring several variables, such as temperature, pressure, flow, etc. With their importance slowly increasing, today, it is easy to find a wide variety of pressure transmitters in different specifications and prices ranging from $40 to $400. There are lots of factors that contribute to this price difference. Do you want to know how $40 pressure transmitters are different from $400 transmitter units? Read the post to know more.

Differentiating $40 and $400 Pressure Transmitters

Essential Factors To Be Considered While Purchasing a Pressure Transmitter

The following factors will help us to differentiate the cost of the pressure transmitters. So, let’s have a look at each one of them.

Materials: This is one of the important factors that play a key role in the pricing. The accuracy and quality result depends on the type of material used in the pressure transmitters. The high-quality pressure sensors are made from materials like various steel grades, which helps ensure their durability and long-term performance. However, small value transmitters are made from cheaper materials, which may not survive the abusive environments in the process industry. Hence, they may not assure accuracy and results as their expensive counterparts.
Configuration: It is very important to configure the pressure transmitter correctly, as the process outcomes are based on it. Making configurable sensors adds extensive cost, also increases inventory in terms of variety and volume. This process increases manufacturing complexity because you need to build the same product in various ways. Thus, $400 pressure transmitter offers a variety of options than a $40 pressure transmitter.
Accuracy and Precision: These two things are not the same, however, they are frequently related. The term accuracy is related to the ability of the pressure-sensing device to match the true value or expected value. However, the term precision depicts the capability of the sensor to detect slight changes in the readings. When it comes to expensive transmitters, the error margin is set to 0.25% across the full scale. For example, if your pressure transmitter is designed for 100 psi, the sensor can have an error margin of 0.25 psi. However, in the cheaper transmitters, this error margin is set to 1% across the full scale. Hence, the error band becomes 4 times larger than the expensive ones. Also, you might notice other accuracy issues. When it comes to $40 pressure transmitter, the error margin is set to 1% for full scale which is four-time larger.
Stability: Most pressure transmitters experience drift. This is caused by the bonded layers, which attach the sensors to the diaphragm. The output of the sensor may drift, once these layers start settling over the time. These drifts can be easily fixed during the calibration. $40 transmitter drifts more than $400 transmitter. Drifts can be reduced by using curing process, which involves pressuring of the sensors across the various temperature range.

Thus, smart transmitters are popular due to the sensor technology used in it. However, low-cost pressure transmitter has their own place. There are many applications which do not require higher accuracy as well as strict tolerances on drifts. If you are looking to buy an appropriate pressure transmitter then you should contact the reputed supplier like The Transmitter Shop. Over the thirty years, the company providing instrumentation needs.