Sensors for Compressor Applications

From factory floors to HVAC equipment to remote oil fields, compressors operate in a variety of environmental conditions.  Pressure sensors and transducers can be packaged to survive in these different applications with IP-ratings for outdoor use and high pressure washdown as well as hazardous location approvals for harsh environments and explosive environments.  Pressure transducers can be used to measure various pressure types including compound measurements for applications where the compressor operates in a vacuum range, differential pressure for filter and flow measurement applications, and gauge pressure for standard pressure.  TE pressure transducers are commonly packaged in OEM compressors to offer analog or digital outputs.

Vibration frequency changes is a leading indicator of maintenance of industrial equipment such as hydraulic and pneumatic compressors.  As the vibration increases, the need to service equipment becomes more urgent.  Vibration sensors can measure slight changes in vibration for predictive and preventive maintenance updates, keeping equipment operation up and running efficiently.  Sensors can be embedded within the controls and equipment with board mountable accelerometers or externally with IP rated packaged industrial accelerometers.  

Temperature measurement can be critical in various compressor applications.  The liquid or gas being compressed can be measured with NTC probe assemblies that measure within the pipe or through a clip-on NTC assembly.  Temperature sensors can also be used to monitor equipment to provide long-term operation.  Bolt-on discrete NTC thermistors simplify installation and apply the temperature sensor directly onto the surface requiring accurate, stable measurement.