can i change the rangeability of my pressure transmitter after it has been installed?
Yes, in most circumstances, you may adjust the range of your pressure transmitter even after it has been installed. This is especially true if you are using a smart pressure transmitter. These devices use modern microprocessor technology, which lets you easily change their settings and calibrate them in the field or from a distance using a HART communicator, handheld device, or suitable control system software.
This feature is extremely helpful when the system’s operating conditions or process needs change. You don’t have to replace the transmitter or add more instruments; you can just re-range it to fit the new working window. This process of re-ranging usually means changing the Lower Range Value (LRV) and Upper Range Value (URV) within the range of measurements that the transmitter can make.
But you should think about the transmitter’s turndown ratio (also called rangeability), which tells you how much the calibrated span can be shortened compared to the sensor’s maximum span. For instance, a transmitter with a 100:1 turndown ratio can change the measuring range to as low as 1% of its full scale without losing any accuracy.
That said, it’s important to check the correctness of the calibration and, if necessary, trim the sensor when re-ranging, especially when shortening the span, to keep the measurements accurate. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and execute validation checks after making changes.
In short, re-ranging is a useful function that lets you change things without spending a lot of money, as long as you stay within the sensor’s restrictions.