Common Pressure Transducer Problems — and How to Identify Them

If you have equipment that relies on a pressure transducer to deliver real-time readings about pressure exertion, you know how important these components are. For strain gauge transducers in particular, accurate readings are paramount — and ensuring accurate readings means recognizing faults and problems as they develop.

Whether you’re using a millivolt, voltage, or 4-20mA output transducer, problems typically manifest the same way. Here’s a look at common pressure transducer problems, how to identify them, and how to prevent them from recurring.

Most common pressure transducer problems

Transducers are delicate instruments that are prone to developing issues due to wear, age, and a number of environmental factors. Fortunately, many common transducer problems are easy to identify. Transducers often suffer interference from nearby unshielded electrical cables, which can affect calibration. Electrical components can also succumb to environmental factors, such as moisture penetration of the case. Here are some common issues to watch for:

  • Damaged wiring or short circuits
  • Inadequate or failing power supply
  • Reverse polarity or noise
  • Loose connections
  • Multiple grounds
  • Bad interface board

Signs of a bad pressure transducer

The signs of a bad transducer are typically easy to identify. Fluctuations in static characteristics or accuracy readings are major causes for concern. Significant changes could indicate problems with the sensor, and most experts recommend having sensors replaced rather than repaired. This could leave the transducer out of commission for a while. Here are some common signs of a sensor fault:

  • Pressure port leaks
  • Decaying output signal
  • Sudden signal changes
  • Complete loss of signal
  • Fixed output signal
  • Changes in reading accuracy

Preventing future transducer issues

Prevention is the best policy for transducer issues. Problems are often caused by electrical interference, so installing proper electrical shielding is a significant preventive action. Potential sources of interference  include nearby power lines, junctions, and lead lines.

Install any machinery that could cause interference away from transducers. The pressure transducer manufacturer can provide the best advice for preventing electrical overloads and other common problems. Other prevention methods include:

  • Avoiding excessive temperatures
  • Protecting against voltage spikes
  • Shielding against EMI/RFI noise
  • Safeguarding against shocks and vibration
  • Avoiding overpressure situations

Repair is often more effective than replacement

Some transducer issues may require the replacement of one or more components, but with the exception of faulty sensors, it’s usually more cost efficient and timely to opt for repair over replacement. It is also vital to keep up with maintenance. Checking  the transducer on a routine basis will make it easy to identify small issues — such as calibration irregularities — before they become large problems.

Transducer issues must be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to avoid a litany of potential problems for manufacturers, including defective products and damaged equipment. A properly working transducer is a key component of quality control.

Dealing with a faulty pressure transducer? You can always count on the professionals at Global Electronic Services. Contact us for all your industrial electronic, servo motor, AC and DC motor, hydraulic, and pneumatic needs — and don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook!
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