Differential Pressure is not measured with reference to a specific reference pressure (see Fg.4).

Unlike Gauge or Absolute pressure transmitters, Differential Pressure Transmitters do not attempt to fix the reference. Importantly
an increase in differential can be the result of increasing one of the pressures or decreasing the other.
An increase in differential pressure would occur if P1 became smaller OR if P2 became larger. In a similar way, a decrease in
differential pressure would occur if P1 became larger OR if P2 became smaller. The differential pressure measurement is not
concerned whether the lower of the two pressures is at a vacuum, atmospheric or some other pressure. It is only interested in the
difference between the two. Asshown in Fig4

The fundamental of differential pressure measurement is established.

Not all Differntial Pressure transmitters, gauges, sensors, and transducers that measure differential pressure actually measure the
difference between two pressure as shown in fig4. Some devices attempt to measure two gauge pressures and then mathematically
calculate the difference. This method in our opinion is flawed, as it contains the uncertainty of four pressure measurements. If you
would like to know more about this subject why not contact one of our technical team.

3. Where is Differential Pressure (DP) Measurement used?

Differential pressure measurement is largely used in domestic and industrial applications. It is often the basis of other
measurements such as flow, level, density, viscosity and even temperature. The most common being level and flow.
DP Flow rate measurement (Fig-5) is one of the most common applications for differential pressure transmitters. By measuring the
difference in fluid pressure while the fluid flows through a pipe it is possible to calculate the flow rate.
Differential pressure flow meters have a primary and a secondary element. Generally speaking , the primary element is designed to
produce a difference in pressure as the flow increases. There are many different types of primary element, the most common being
the orifice plate, venturi, flow nozzle and pitot tube.

The secondary element of the flow meter is the differential pressure transmitter. It is designed to measure the differential pressure
produced by the primary element as accurately as possible. In particular it is important that the differential pressure measurement
is not affected by changes in the fluid pressure, temperature or other properties such as ambient temperature.
A good dp transmitter will ensure that the differential pressure is measured accurately independent of other changing parameters
and will reliably transmit a signal to represent the differential pressure. In the case of a dp flow transmitter the output signal may
also include square root extraction. Although it is common these days for this function to be carried our in a flow computer of Dcs
system.
The output signal from and industrial DP transmitter is likely to be 4-20mA, but it may also include digital communications such as
HART, Profibusm Fieldbus, Modbus 485 RTU or one of many other communication protocols. The objective being to provide an
electrical signal for transmission to a remote process control instrument. See Fig-5.

Now we have discovered what differential pressue is and how it is used we can now focus our attention on the Differential Pressure
Transmitter itself

4. What is a Differential Pressure Transmitter?

The most common and useful industrial pressure measuring instrument is the differential pressure transmitter. This equipment will
sense the difference in pressure between two ports and produce an output signal with reference to a calibrated pressure range.

The industrial differential pressure transmitters are made of two housings (See Fig-6). Pressure sensing element is housed in the
bottom half, and the electronics are housed at the top half. It will have two pressure ports marked as High and Low. It is not
compulsory that the high port will be always at high pressure and the low port always at low pressure. This labeling has its relation
to the effect of the port on the output signal. This point is clarified in Fig -7 (Please see Fig 7).

Tip

You can see our range of Differential Pressure Transmitters here.

At this stage, we will try to explain the internal construction of the transmitter.

5. Differential pressure transmitter construction:

A differential pressure transmitter has three functional parts.
1) Direct Pressure sensing element (located in the lower housing).
The majority of industrial DP Transmitters are fitted with diaphragm as the pressure sensing element. This diaphragm is a
mechanical device. It is placed in between the two pressure inlet ports. The diaphragm will be deflected by the applied pressure.
This is clarified in Fig-7. This deflection is converted into an electrical signal. This is normally done by the sensors. The commonly
used sensors are (a) Strain Gauge (b) Differential Capacitance (c) Vibrating wire. The sensor output is proportional to the applied
pressure.

2) Electronic Unit: The electrical signal generated at the lower chamber by the sensor is in the range of milli-volt only.
This signal is to be amplified to 0-5V or 0-10V range or is to be converted to 4-20mA for onward transmission to a remote
instrument. This upper housing is the Transmitter portion of the DP Transmitter which houses the Electronic Unit. See Fig-7 for
further clarifications.
3) 2-Wire 4-20mA Current Transmitter:
A DC output current is generated which is directly proportional to the pressure range of the Differential Pressure Transmitter. The
lower range is 4mA, and the upper range is 20mA. This controlled current output is not affected by load impedance variation and
supply voltage fluctuations. This 4-20mA output is superimposed with digital communications of BRAIN or HART FSK protocol.

6. Industrial applications of Differential Pressure Transmitters:

There are unlimited industrial applications of Differential Pressure Transmitters.

Oil and Gas flow metering in onshore, offshore and subsea applications.

Water and effluent treatment plants. It is largely used to monitor filters in these plants.

It is used to monitor Sprinkler Systems.

Remote sensing of Heating Systems for Steam or Hot Water.

Pressure drops across valves can be monitored.

Pump control monitoring.