A pressure sensor is a device that measures the flow of liquids and gasses. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) describes a company that manufactures a component to fit into another company’s marketed device or product. OEM pressure sensors are devices created by a manufacturer to replace an original or end component from the company of origin. Pressure sensors are used in a wide array of industries to monitor or control any number of variables.
Industry Types and Uses
The measurement of variables such as gas, fluid, speed, altitude and water levels are common uses for pressure sensors. Other uses include simple binary switches called pressure switches, and the measurement of combustion pressure in engines and turbines. Depending on their use across industries they are often known by other names such as gauge, vacuum or differential pressure sensors. In meteorology, they are called sealed, and pressure sensors are used in the aerospace industry or laboratories to measure absolute vacuums.
How They Work
Applications vary, but the basic unit of measurement is noted as force per unit, and then algorithms are applied to the unit measurement. Algorithms differ according to use from industry to industry. Depth and altitude algorithms differ as do the formulas for flow and leak sensing. The math is yet again different in meteorology. In short, the mathematical formula applied to the units depends on the use and industry. The design also changes from use to use, but common types are tubes, shells and plates.
Calibration
Calibration is often elaborate to ensure the proper functioning and accuracy of the pressure sensor, and calibration methods vary according to the use of the sensor, for example, low or high-pressure measurement. Many of today’s high-performance units come with self-calibrating devices and are often less costly to monitor than traditional manual methods. Technology is ever changing, and it’s bringing improvements to calibration methods to the industry every day improving safety and lowering costs.
It’s estimated that pressure sensors are used in over 50 different technologies with over 300 companies across the globe manufacturing the units. OEM pressure sensors are often better quality and less expensive than a replacement part from the original manufacturer. In some industries, OEM items are sometimes called ‘after-market’ parts.