What is a process transmitter / pressure transmitter?

Process transmitters are differentiated from pressure sensors and pressure transmitters through their extensive functionality. With conventional pressure sensors, the measuring range is always fixed within a predefined pressure interval. With a process transmitter, on the other hand, the measuring range, the zero point and other parameters can be adjusted individually. This process is called turndown, scale-down or span adjustment. Process transmitters can be combined with various diaphragm seals. WIKA process transmitters offer high measurement accuracy, scalable measuring ranges and selection of case variants. WIKA differentiates between universal process transmitters (model UPT-20 and model UPT-21), industrial process transmitters (models IPT-20, IPT-21, CPT-20, CPT-21) and differential pressure transmitters (model DPT-20).

How is a process transmitter constructed?

A WIKA process transmitter basically consists of a digital display, a pressure connection, a pressure sensor, the instrument electronics and a case. With WIKA process transmitters, the case itself can be rotated through 330° and is available in plastic, aluminium and stainless steel. The mobility of the indicator heads makes mounting easier and ensures good readability. For applications with very high requirements, such as the food or pharmaceutical industries, the process transmitters are also available with electropolished stainless steel cases. The measured value can either be read directly on site or transferred remotely to a process control system.

Where are process transmitters used?

Process transmitters are used in many industrial measuring requirements. For example, when monitoring pumps, detecting levels in vessels or determining quantities during flow measurements in pipelines. Process transmitters are used when there are a variety of specific requirements for each individual measuring location of the application on site. For this reason, they are mainly employed in process engineering. But process transmitters are also used in machine building and plant construction, in the pharmaceutical industry and in the food and beverage industry.

Which process transmitter do I need for my application?

The universal process transmitters (models UPT-20, UPT-21) are suitable for hazardous areas due to their surface and stainless steel housing. In addition, these models are particularly protected against dust and liquids and are therefore suitable for outdoor use. The IPT industrial process transmitter and the CPT transmitter with ceramic measuring cell offer seven case variants, depending on requirements. The universal and industrial process transmitters are used for measurements of gauge and absolute pressure, whereas the differential pressure transmitter is used for differential pressure measurements. When you combine the WIKA model DPT-20 differential process transmitter with primary flow elements, it also enables the measurement of flow in pipelines.

What is a differential process transmitter?

A differential process transmitter is often used for pump and filter monitoring as well as level and flow measurements. When monitoring a closed vessel, the differential pressure transmitter determines the filling height by subtracting the superimposed gas phase from the hydrostatic pressure of the vessel contents. The transmitter can determine the volume of any tank shape and show it on the display.