Basic Sensing Elements

A sensing element is the physical part of the transducer that is in direct contact with the quantity to be measured, that responds to a stimuli by producing a distinct measurable output. The Mechanical element that is the most integral part of converting sensed form of energy to another can be roughly divided into five depending on the underlying physical characteristics that brings about the response to the stimuli.

A.

Type - Contacting Spindle, pin or finger Operation - Displacement to displacement

B. Elastic Member

Type - Proving ring Operation - Force to displacement

Type - Bellows Operation - Pressure to displacement

Type - Bourdon Tube Operation - Pressure to displacement

Type - Diaphragm Operation - Pressure to displacement

Type - Spring Operation - Force to displacement

C. Mass

Type - Seismic mass Operation - Force to displacement

Type - Pendulum scale Operation - Force to displacement

Type - Manometer Operation - Pressure to displacement

D. Thermal

Type - Thermocouple Operation - Temperature to electrical current

Type - Bimaterial Operation - Temperature to displacement

Type - Temp-stik Operation - Temperature to phase

E. Hydro- pneumatic

  1. Static

Type - Float Operation - Fluid level to displacement

Type - Hydrometer Operation - Specific gravity to displacement

  1. Dynamic

Type - Orifice Operation - Velocity to pressure

Type - Venturi Operation - Velocity to pressure

Type - Pilot tube Operation - Velocity to pressure

Type - Vanes Operation - Velocity to force

Type - Turbines Operation - Linear to angular velocity