How to Choose a Pressure Controller? Things to Consider!

Choosing the best pressure controller for calibration lab or production testing necessitates careful study of controller features and specifications.

But what exactly is a pressure controller?

Pressure controllers are electronic controllers that provide pressure depending on a source pressure fast and automatically. With its excellent precision and control stability, pressure controllers are ideal for reference in manufacturing lines & labs for automatic testing & calibration of various sensors.

This blog will walk you through choosing the perfect precision pressure controller for your pressure calibrators.

Types of Pressure Controllers

There are many methods for controlling pressure. Let's take a quick look at various approaches.

1.     Pressure Reducing Regulators

Pressure-reducing regulators reduce the higher intake supply pressure to a controlled lower pressure at the exit. These devices are available in various forms, sizes & technologies. Any control valve is a pressure-reducing regulator since opening/shutting a valve allows for higher/lower output pressures. Some use cases include gas combination, leak testing, welding, fuel cell testing & automotive paint.

2.     Back Pressure Regulators 

Back pressure regulators restrict the output of a system to control pressures that accrue or release upstream of the device. When the gas pressure exceeds the setpoint, the back pressure regulator opens wider to release the excess pressure. These pressure controllers are used for compressor testing & control, chromatography analysis & many more.

3.     Closed Volume Pressure Controllers 

Back pressure and pressure reduction regulators are single-valve devices that manage pressure in flowing systems. When working on closed/dead-ended devices, pressure controllers with proportional knobs on the intake and a digital valve on the output are commonly used.

These pressure calibrators are used for micro-fluidic control, fluid dispensing & sensor testing.

What Factors To Consider Choosing The Right Pressure Controller?

Pressure controllers differ in performance criteria, control channels, signal for control outputs, and sensor excitation supply. But how to choose the right one?

Here are 5 things to consider.

1.     Media Type

Pick a controller compatible with the media you intend to use. Air and nitrogen are common pneumatic mediums for less than 10,000 psi. Higher ranges often use hydraulic media such as water or oil. It is based on the devices you intend to calibrate and the media utilized in their application.

2.     Pressure Range

Consider the pressure ranges you'll need to calibrate. The pressure controller(s) you select must be able to regulate and measure your predicted ranges. This aim can be met with a single-channel, two-channel, or many controllers. The complexity will be determined by the extent of ranges and pressure kinds, although dual channel controllers with various interchangeable internal transducers should be explored to save costs.

3.     Pressure Type

Choose the pressure type(s) that must be calibrated: gauge, absolute, bidirectional, or differential. The calibrator's sensors must match these types or be capable of simulating whatever pressure type of the devices being calibrated.

4.     Accuracy 

Assess each calibration range's accuracy and least allowable test uncertainty ratio (TUR). Choose a controller that can calibrate each range and meet the TUR criteria. It might become complicated when dealing with different ranges, accuracies, and pressure kinds. 

5.     Duty Cycle

 Consider the controller's duty cycle. It is especially significant in a production scenario when pressure cycling is necessary regularly. Many controllers have cycle-testing performance data available from the vendor upon request.

Choose The Right Pressure Controllers With Nagman!

When you are on the move for the right precision pressure controller, the best controller and sensor combination should be chosen based on the range and accuracy class of the calibrated devices, the needed duty cycle, speed, and stability.

Nagman offers a wide selection of precision pressure controllers, so if you're seeking high-quality, high-precision pressure calibrators, you've come to the correct spot. Nagman pressure controllers provide highly variable variants to meet your application and unrivaled performance reliability to assure long-term, uninterrupted operation.

Nagman has the perfect solution for you, so contact us anytime!

How to Calibrate Pressure Instruments?

Different applications need varying degrees of precision. Measuring the pressure in a residential water system does not have to be as precise as in a medical sterilizer application.

Measuring any parameter is only helpful if the user believes it is correct, yet even the best pressure gauge can lose accuracy with time. You must calibrate your gauge regularly to ensure maximum reliability, repeatability, and stability control.

When checking the calibration of pressure devices, several aspects must be considered. Today, we will go through these factors and discuss how monitoring the calibration of pressure instruments with pressure calibrators can guarantee that your application maintains its accuracy.

Why Calibrate Your Pressure Instruments?

If you need to know the pressure of a process or an environmental state, the precision pressure controller you're using should be calibrated to guarantee accurate pressure measurement. Within the tolerance, you consider acceptable. Otherwise, you cannot be assured that the pressure measurement accuracy is enough for your needs.

Calibration of pressure measuring equipment with pressure calibrators guarantees that it continues to deliver accurate measurements by taking into account the following factors:

Accuracy - The degree to which a particular set of measures (observations or readings) is near its real value. Pressure gauge accuracy is reported as a percentage of the full scale.

Tolerance - The greatest allowable deviation from a given value can be represented in measurement units. Tolerance of 1.0 psi at any position on the measurement scale for a gauge with a span of 100 psi and an accuracy of 1% of span.

Precision - Refers to how near or far apart the measurements are and their reproducibility.

How To Calibrate Pressure Instruments?

Understanding the process of pressure instrument calibration might be frightening, even if you have all the necessary equipment. The technique might differ based on the calibration environment, the accuracy of the item under test, and the calibration guidelines used.

So what does the process entail?

Comparing the DUT Reading to Standard

Calibration involves comparing the DUT reading to a standard reading and documenting the error. One or more calibration points must be reviewed, and an upscale and downscale procedure may be necessary, depending on the specific pressure calibration requirements of the quality standards.

The test points can be at zero and span or any combination. The standard has to be more precise than the DUT. The general guideline is that it should be four times more accurate, although specific requirements may differ.

Recording Pressure Readings

According to the pressure standard, the operation will require manual, semi-automated, or fully automatic pressure reading logging. The measured pressure is cycled upscale & downscale to match the pressure range & the standard and DUT pressure values are recorded.

These recordings are subsequently published in a calibration certificate to highlight the DUT's divergence from the standard.

Traceability

Upon completion of the pressure instrument calibration, customers receive a comprehensive and traceable calibration certificate for each item fixed or tested, which informs you of the complete calibration results, stability control & any adjustments or repairs conducted.

Factors to Consider During Calibration of Pressure Instruments

Pressure instrument calibration is done using precise pressure calibrators. However, several factors can impact the calibration process and should be considered:

Accuracy Class - The maximum permissible error margin.

Pressure Media - Using the same media the pressure instrument attaches to is preferable.

Contamination - Dirt, moisture, or grease that can damage the pressure instruments and the calibrators.

Leak Testing - To check pressure leakage in any pipe system.

Readability - Ensuring the indication pointer falls on a major scale reading instead of landing between them.

Environmental Condition - The change in temperature or other surrounding conditions.

Calibration Uncertainty - The possible difference in the calibrated value.

Finding the Right Partner for Pressure Calibration

Now that you understand the significance of monitoring the calibration of your pressure instruments regularly, you can help guarantee that they continue to function reliably in your process.

Need help with your pressure calibration? Nagman can help. It offers a wide selection of precision pressure controllers, so if you're seeking high-quality, high-precision pressure calibrators, you've come to the correct spot. Nagman has the perfect one for you whether you are calibrating pressure devices in the field or the lab!

Benefits of Process Calibrators for Industrial Precision | Nagman Instruments

Process calibrators play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of industrial measurement and control instruments. As a leading provider of precision calibration solutions, Nagman Instruments offers a wide range of process calibrators designed to optimize industrial processes and enhance productivity. In this article, we explore the key benefits of Nagman's process calibrators and how they contribute to the success of various industries.

Enhanced Accuracy and Reliability:

Nagman's process calibrators are meticulously engineered to provide precise and consistent calibration results. By calibrating instruments such as pressure gauges, temperature sensors, flow meters, and transmitters, these calibrators ensure that measurements are accurate, minimizing errors and reducing the risk of costly downtime or production issues.

Time and Cost Savings:

With Nagman's process calibrators, calibration tasks can be completed quickly and efficiently. The intuitive user interfaces and advanced features streamline the calibration process, reducing the time and effort required. By minimizing manual intervention and automating calibration procedures, businesses can optimize their resources and achieve significant cost savings.

Compliance with Standards and Regulations:

In many industries, adherence to stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements is essential. Nagman's process calibrators help organizations meet these requirements by providing traceable calibration results. This ensures that instruments are calibrated within the specified tolerances, promoting compliance and enabling businesses to maintain a high level of operational integrity.

Flexibility and Versatility:

Nagman offers a diverse range of process calibrators that cater to different industries and applications. From handheld portable calibrators to advanced multifunction calibrators, their product portfolio provides options for various calibration needs. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the most suitable calibrator based on their specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance across diverse industrial processes.

Simplified Calibration Management:

Nagman's process calibrators often come equipped with advanced software for calibration management. These software solutions enable efficient tracking, scheduling, and documentation of calibration activities. By centralizing calibration data and generating comprehensive reports, businesses can maintain better control over their calibration processes, enabling improved decision-making and enhanced quality assurance.

Conclusion:

Nagman Instruments' process calibrators offer a range of benefits to industries that rely on precise measurements and controls. From increased accuracy and time savings to compliance with standards and simplified calibration management, Nagman's calibrators contribute to improved productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced operational excellence. By choosing Nagman Instruments as a trusted calibration partner, businesses can unlock the full potential of their industrial processes and ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability in their measurements.