Hydraulic Pressure Sensors: 3200 and PS61 series
March 1, 2021
When working with Hydraulic oil under pressure, the entire hydraulic system must be extremely robust to withstand unexpected pressure spikes within the system. Pressure spikes occur when the system sees pressure above the expected levels due to impacts of heavy objects, a hydraulic press trying to shape a thick piece of steel, or even an operator observing a non-ideal situation and responds by hitting a brake, sending a high-pressure spike through the hydraulic system.
Hydraulic oil systems can also be exposed to a high number of pressure cycles if the operation they are driving is cyclic (like stamping or pressing) or even when the sensor is monitoring a pumping operation (like an Auto-Idle circuit on a piece of farm equipment). The sensors must be able to withstand and maintain their characteristics when subjected to a high number of cycles.
Challenge
Accurately provide pressure feedback even in over-pressure situations in a hydraulic application as well as over a high number of hydraulic cycles
Continuous pressure sensors are used in the controls for hydraulic applications to monitor the pressure in the system at any given moment. They send either a voltage or current signal to the controller, which helps make decisions like: Do I need to add more pressure? Do I need to reduce pressure?
Pressure switches provide the controller with a switch-on or switch-off output when the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold. For example, the pressure might be set at a low setting, indicating that the oil level in the system has dropped below an acceptable level and requires attention. Another scenario is a pressure switch set at a high setting, indicating that too high a pressure is present in the system, which suggests an overload situation. In both applications, the pressure switch sends a signal to the controller, which can either react automatically or turn on a warning light to indicate an issue.
Solution
3200 Series Pressure Sensors and PS61 Series Pressure Switch
The 3200 Series Pressure Sensors are designed to withstand up to three times their rated pressure range (up to 62,500 psi / 4,300 bar). This is also referred to as Proof Pressure. Combined with the 100 million cycle rating, the 3200 Series Pressure sensor is the perfect solution for high-pressure/high-cycle applications.
The PS61 Series Pressure switches are designed to withstand pressure spikes of up to 7,000 psi (483 bar), regardless of the pressure setting, even at as low as 500 psi (35 bar). The PS61’s are also designed and tested for over 2 million cycles.
Adding the 3200 Series Pressure Sensors and PS61 Pressure Switches to your hydraulic applications is a large asset to ensure your equipment will have a long life and low maintenance needs.