Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? My intuitive answer would be: Yes! The initial term describes a section and the second its border. On second glance, however, I must conclude that both words ultimately express the same thing in relation to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by a lower and upper value, for example 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines a difference. Why?
IEC 61987 speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard described is IEC 61987. This deals, among other activities, with the properties of fluid sensors, which likewise incorporate pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the standard designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, pressure gauge 10 bar describes the span where the instrument specifications must apply ? first of all, the accuracy. The temperature limit, on the other hand, indicates the min/max values between that your instrument could be operated without damage. With this, the instrument specifications do not have to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical viewpoint. This is often illustrated by the next example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. As well, the sensor should never suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it does not have to provide accurate measuring results, or even measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical at first, but is plausible on closer inspection. Pressure sensor elements, i.e. the actual measuring components, exhibit a comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the maker must compensate for the temperature to be able to bring the error right down to a satisfactory level. From an economic point of view, the limitation to a selected temperature range is practical, or is even absolutely necessary.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit pertains to both ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is useful for other specification characteristics, for instance overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there exists a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it makes technical sense. However, I doubt whether the normal user, without understanding of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in the question of whether there is a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the answer is outside my ?range?.
Note
Further information on our pressure sensors are available on the WIKA website. Do you wish to buy pressure sensors? You will discover some of our standard designs inside our WIKA online-shop. When you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our posts
What does temperature compensation or compensated temperature range for pressure sensors mean?
Active and passive temperature compensation of pressure sensors
Temperature coefficients (TC) of pressure sensors